- Free cancellationFor a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Duration 3 daysCheck availability to see starting times
- Live tour guideEN, FR, ES
- Pickup includedPickup available from all hotels and riads in Fez. If accommodation not accessible by…
- Small groupGroup size
- Starts in FesFes → Ifrane → Azrou → Midelt → Erfoud → Merzouga →…
This fes to marrakech via merzouga tour is a 3-day desert crossing linking Morocco’s two imperial cities through the Middle Atlas and Sahara. It suits travellers wanting a varied route — cedar forests, Erg Chebbi dunes, Todra Gorges, Ait Ben Haddou — with two nights included (desert camp and guest house) and pickup from Fes riads. Expect long driving days (up to 9 hours) and a max group of 30.
Highlights
- Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains via Ifrane and Azrou cedar forest with Barbary macaques.
- Camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and overnight in a nomadic desert camp.
- Guided walk through Todra Gorges and drive the Road of Kasbahs through Dades Valley.
- Explore UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a film-famous fortified village.
- Traverse the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) to reach Marrakech.
- Two nights’ accommodation: desert camp and boutique guest house in Dades Valley or Ouarzazate.
About this tour
The tour covers Fes to Marrakech over three days, crossing the Middle Atlas via Ifrane and the Azrou cedar forest, lunch in Midelt, and the Ziz Valley palm oasis to reach Merzouga. Day one ends with a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset and an overnight in a nomadic desert camp. Day two starts early with a camel return, then a guided walk in the Todra Gorges before driving the Dades Valley and Road of the Kasbahs to the Valley of Roses for a second night in a boutique guest house. Day three adds the Skoura oasis, the UNESCO ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) into Marrakech.
Pace is brisk: day one involves roughly nine hours of driving split by stops, day two and three are shorter but still full. Standout moments are the sunset camel ride, sleeping under desert stars, the sheer cliffs of Todra Gorges, and exploring Ait Ben Haddou’s film-famous alleyways. The group caps at 30 people in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-, French- or Spanish-speaking driver.
The trade-off is compression: you see a lot but spend significant time on the road, and some stops (rose cooperative, Ait Ben Haddou guide) are brief or optional extras. The desert camp is nomadic-style with shared facilities; the guest house standard varies by availability. Lunches and drinks are not included, and a local guide at Ait Ben Haddou costs extra. This works well if you have only three days; if you prefer slower travel, consider a longer itinerary.
Itinerary
Fes to Merzouga via Middle Atlas
Full day drive, camel trek, overnight desert camp
Depart Fes around 8 am, crossing the Middle Atlas via Ifrane and the Azrou cedar forest where Barbary macaques are often visible. Lunch in Midelt, then follow the Ziz Valley’s date-palm oasis to Merzouga. In the late afternoon, ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset before settling into a nomadic desert camp for dinner and the night.
Merzouga to Dades Valley via Todra Gorges
Early camel return, guided gorge walk, overnight guest house
Rise early for a camel ride back to the camp lodge for breakfast, then drive to the Todra Gorges for a guided walk among the 300 m limestone cliffs. The route continues through the Dades Valley with a photo stop at Boumalne Dades, then along the Road of the Kasbahs to the Valley of Roses. Dinner and overnight in a boutique guest house in Kelaat Mgouna or Ouarzazate.
Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou
Valley of Roses, kasbah visit, Tizi n'Tichka Pass, late afternoon arrival
After breakfast, travel through the Valley of Roses to Kalaa Mgouna with an optional rosewater cooperative visit. Drive on to Ouarzazate via the Skoura oasis, then lunch at Ait Ben Haddou where you can explore the UNESCO-listed ksar. The final leg crosses the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 m, winding through Berber villages before a late-afternoon drop-off at your Marrakech riad or hotel.
For reference — the operator may change the order of stops.
Includes
- Camel trekking (one camel per person)
- Dinner (two nights)
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Breakfast (two mornings)
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah guide (€2 per person)
Meeting point
Pickup: Pickup available from all hotels and riads in Fez. If accommodation is not accessible by car, a nearby pickup point will be arranged. For riads in the medina, pickup is at the nearest accessible location.
Meeting point: In front of Pharmacie Oued; In front of Blue gate; In front of gate Bab Ziat; In front of Cafe Rsif; In front of El-Jamai Palace; In front of Batha
Ends at: Marrakech
Important information
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options available nearby
- Specialized infant seats available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Our take
Is the Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga tour worth it?
The short answer: yes, if you want the desert experience without backtracking to Fes. You cover the Middle Atlas, the Ziz Valley, Erg Chebbi, Todra Gorges, Dades Valley and Ait Ben Haddou in one linear route, finishing in <a href=
What you pay extra: meals, guides, tips and upgrades
The quoted price for the fes to marrakech 3 day desert tour covers transport, two dinners, two breakfasts, the camel trek and your night in the desert camp. It does not cover lunches, drinks, the optional local guide at Ait Ben Haddou (€2 per person) or gratuities.
- Three lunches — expect 80–150 MAD each at roadside restaurants in Midelt, Todra Gorges and near Ait Ben Haddou
- Water, soft drinks, tea or coffee outside the included breakfasts and dinners
- Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah local guide — €2 (about 22 MAD) per person if you join the group visit
- Tips for the driver (customary 50–100 MAD per day per vehicle) and camp staff (20–50 MAD per night)
The tour price itself is not published in the details provided; check the booking page for the current rate and whether any upgrades (private tent, luxury camp, single supplement) are offered.
Frequently asked questions
01How long is the drive from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga?
The total driving time across three days is about 10–11 hours split over the route: Day 1 ~7 hours to Merzouga, Day 2 ~4 hours to Dades Valley, Day 3 ~5 hours to Marrakech including stops.
02Is the Fes to Marrakech 3-day desert tour safe?
Yes. The tour uses licensed drivers, air-conditioned vehicles and established camps. The route is a major tourist corridor with regular police checkpoints. Standard travel precautions apply.
03What accommodation is included on the Fes to Marrakech desert tour?
Night 1: nomadic desert camp at Erg Chebbi (shared or private tents depending on option). Night 2: boutique guest house in Kelaat Mgouna (Dades Valley) or Ouarzazate. Both include dinner and breakfast.
04Are lunches included in the 3-day Fes to Marrakech tour price?
No. Lunches are not included. Stops are made at local restaurants in Midelt, Todra Gorges or Ait Ben Haddou where you can buy meals (typically 80–150 MAD).
05Can I do this tour as a private group instead of small group?
The listed tour runs as a small group (max 30). Many operators offer a private version for a higher price — check the booking page for a ‘private tour’ option or contact the provider.
06What should I pack for the Merzouga desert camp overnight?
Warm layers for cold nights (Nov–Mar), sun hat, scarf for sand, closed shoes for camel trek, headlamp, power bank, toiletries and any medication. The camp provides blankets and basic bedding.
07Does the tour include a guide at Ait Ben Haddou?
A local guide at Ait Ben Haddou is optional and costs about €2 per person, paid on site. The driver provides general commentary en route but is not a licensed site guide.
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