3 Day Marrakech Desert Tour from Fez via Merzouga

3 days

Duration

English, german, french & arabic speaking tour guide

Languages

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day adventure from Fez to Marrakech via the majestic Sahara Desert of Merzouga, one of Morocco’s most captivating travel routes. This tour offers a perfect combination of culture, history, and natural beauty — taking you from the medieval medina of Fez through the rolling dunes of Erg Chebbi to the red walls of magical Marrakech.

Your journey begins in Fez, where you’ll cross the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to playful Barbary macaques. Continue through the Ziz Valley, surrounded by palm groves and ancient kasbahs, before arriving in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, a camel ride awaits you — leading you across golden dunes to your luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under a star-studded sky and the rhythms of Berber drums around the campfire.

The second day takes you through Rissani and Tinghir, where you’ll marvel at the dramatic Todgha Gorges, famous for their towering red cliffs and picturesque oasis. Then continue toward the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” where mud-brick fortresses dot the landscape. You’ll spend the night in a charming riad or hotel overlooking the valley.

On the final day, journey through the cinematic landscapes of Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” and visit the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, an architectural masterpiece that has appeared in many famous films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Finally, cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass before descending into the bustling city of Marrakech, where your unforgettable desert adventure comes to an end.

This 3-day Fez to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga is ideal for travelers seeking a real Moroccan experience — blending desert adventure, Berber culture, and breathtaking scenery into one magical journey.

Highlights:

Camel trek and overnight in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga
Sunrise and sunset over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
Visit of Todgha Gorges, Dades Valley, and Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
Crossing the Atlas Mountains and authentic Berber villages
Private transportation with a professional English-speaking driver

Included

transport with driver.

Fuel & parking fee.

Guide or professionnel driver.

Tourist Tax and air-condition.

Lodging in hotel or riad in BB.

Ride camel & lodging in standard or luxury camp desert in Merzouga in HB.

Transfer pickup and drop-off.

Monument Entrance fees and local guide.

Excluded

Quad ride and Sandboarding.

Tip

Lunches and Dinner in 2nd night.

Day 1: Fez - Merzouga

Your journey begins early in the morning as you depart from Fez toward the magical Merzouga Desert, traveling through some of Morocco’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes. After leaving the imperial city, you’ll ascend into the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through the charming town of Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco for its clean streets and alpine architecture.

Next, you’ll stop in the cedar forests of Azrou, home to playful Barbary monkeys — a perfect place for photos and a short walk in nature. Continuing south, enjoy a scenic drive through the Ziz Valley, with its vast palm groves and fortified kasbahs scattered across the desert plain. Along the way, you’ll pass through Midelt, known for its apple orchards and breathtaking mountain views, where you can pause for lunch.

As you approach the desert, the scenery changes dramatically — from green valleys to arid plains and finally the golden dunes of Merzouga. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, you’ll be greeted with Moroccan mint tea before embarking on a camel trek into the heart of the Sahara. Witness an unforgettable sunset over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, then continue to your luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under a canopy of stars, followed by live Berber music around the campfire.

An extraordinary first day ends with peaceful rest in your Luxury private desert tent, surrounded by the silence and magic of the Sahara.

Day 2: Merzouga - Boumalne

Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, a moment that captures the true magic of the Sahara. After breakfast at your desert camp, return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4, meeting your driver to begin the next leg of your journey through Morocco’s desert landscapes.

Your first stop will be the historic town of Rissani, once the ancient capital of the Tafilalet region and a major caravan trading post between Africa and Morocco. Wander through its traditional souk, famous for spices, dates, and handmade crafts, and discover the atmosphere of old Saharan commerce that still lives on today.

Continue your journey along the scenic road to Tinghir, passing through oases lined with palm trees and Berber villages built from sun-dried mud bricks. Arriving at the Todgha Gorges, you’ll be amazed by the towering red cliffs that rise up to 300 meters on both sides, forming one of Morocco’s most dramatic natural wonders. Enjoy some free time for walking, photography, or even a refreshing drink by the river that winds through the canyon.

After lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the gorge, you’ll travel deeper into the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” This breathtaking region is filled with ancient fortresses, lush gardens, and dramatic rock formations, including the famous Monkey Fingers. As the sun sets, you’ll arrive in Boumalne Dades, where you’ll check in to your charming riad or kasbah-style hotel overlooking the valley.

Enjoy a delicious dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by the tranquility of Morocco’s mountain landscapes.

Day 3: Boumalne - Marrakech

After breakfast at your riad in Boumalne Dades, depart for an inspiring journey through some of Morocco’s most cinematic and historical landscapes. Your adventure begins as you drive along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, where countless fortified villages and ancient dwellings line the valley, telling stories of Berber history and desert life. Along the way, you’ll pass through Kalaat M’Gouna, known as the “Valley of Roses,” where locals produce rose water and essential oils. During springtime, the valley bursts into color and fragrance, celebrating the famous Rose Festival.

Continue toward Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Africa, where international films such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones were filmed. Here, you may visit the Atlas Film Studios or explore the Kasbah Taourirt, a remarkable example of traditional southern Moroccan architecture.

The highlight of the day awaits at Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks. This centuries-old fortified ksar is an outstanding example of earthen clay architecture and once served as a key stop for caravans traveling between Marrakech and the Sahara. Take time to explore its narrow alleys, admire the panoramic views from the top, and capture beautiful photos of this timeless village.

In the afternoon, you’ll begin your scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters above sea level). The winding roads reveal magnificent landscapes of valleys, mountain peaks, and traditional Berber villages built into the slopes.

By early evening, you’ll descend into the vibrant city of Marrakech, the “Red City,” where your unforgettable 3-Day Desert Tour from Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga comes to an end.