3 days

Duration

English, german, french & arabic speaking tour guide

Languages

3 Day Desert Journey from Marrakech to Fez via Merzouga Dunes

Experience one of Morocco’s most spectacular journeys on this 3 Day Desert Journey from Marrakech to Fez via Merzouga Dunes.

This exciting overland adventure connects two of Morocco’s most fascinating cities while taking you through the dramatic landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, ancient Kasbahs, deep valleys, spectacular gorges and the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert.

Starting in Marrakech, travel across the High Atlas Mountains and visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue through Ouarzazate, the Valley of Roses and the impressive Dades Valley before reaching the spectacular Todra Gorge.

Your journey then continues toward Merzouga, gateway to the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes. Ride a camel through the Sahara at sunset and spend an unforgettable night in a desert camp surrounded by golden dunes.

On the final day, leave the desert and cross the beautiful Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas Mountains before reaching Fez, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital.

Unlike a round-trip Marrakech desert tour, this itinerary allows you to experience the Sahara while traveling onward to Fez, making it an excellent option for travelers who want to visit both destinations without returning to Marrakech.

Important: This is a fast-paced 3-day journey with long driving periods, especially on Days 1 and 3. It is ideal for travelers with limited time who want to combine the Sahara Desert with a transfer between Marrakech and Fez.

Tour Highlights

Cross the High Atlas Mountains.
Visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou.
Discover Ouarzazate.
Travel through the Valley of Roses.
Explore Dades Valley.
Visit spectacular Todra Gorge.
Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Watch the Sahara sunset.
Spend a night in a desert camp.
Enjoy traditional desert music.
Experience the Sahara night sky.
Watch the sunrise over the dunes.
Travel through the Ziz Valley.
Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Finish in historic Fez.
Private air-conditioned transportation.
Comfortable accommodation.
Optional local guides.

Included

Transport with driver.

Fuel & Air-condition.

Tourist Tax & parking fee.

Guide or professionnel driver.

Local guide & monument entrance fee.

Lodging in hotel or riad in BB.

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

Excluded

Drinks.

Tip.

Lunches and Dinner.

What to Bring

Comfortable Walking Shoes

You will walk through Ait Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge, desert areas and possibly the streets around your accommodation.

Warm Clothing

Bring a warm jacket or sweater for the Sahara night and early morning.

Lightweight Clothing

Comfortable, breathable clothing is recommended during the daytime.

Scarf or Shawl

A scarf is very useful in the desert to protect you from sun and wind.

Sunglasses

Recommended because of the strong sunlight and reflection from the sand.

Sunscreen

Protect your skin during sightseeing and desert activities.

Hat or Cap

Useful during daytime sightseeing and the camel trek.

Small Backpack

Keep essential items easily accessible during the desert excursion.

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated during the long driving days.

Camera or Smartphone

You will have excellent photography opportunities throughout the journey.

Power Bank

Recommended because the itinerary includes long travel days.

Personal Medication

Bring any regular medication and personal toiletries.

1. What to Know Before You Go

This Is a One-Way Desert Journey

Unlike a Marrakech-to-Marrakech desert tour, this itinerary starts in Marrakech and finishes in Fez.

This makes it especially convenient if Fez is your next destination.

Expect Long Driving Days

The itinerary covers a large distance in only three days.

Day 1 and Day 3 are particularly long travel days.

The journey includes regular stops for sightseeing, meals, photographs and rest.

The Sahara Experience Is the Highlight

The Merzouga portion includes the opportunity to experience the Erg Chebbi dunes, camel trekking, sunset, desert camp and sunrise.

Camel Trekking Is Optional

If you do not want to ride a camel, a 4×4 transfer to the desert camp can be arranged.

Desert Nights Can Be Cold

Even during warmer months, temperatures can drop after sunset.

Bring a warm layer.

Walking Is Required

Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge involve some walking, and the desert camp area may require walking on sand.

The Route Is Scenic

You will travel through several different Moroccan landscapes:

Marrakech → High Atlas → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Middle Atlas → Fez

Shopping Is Optional

There is no compulsory shopping.

Food and Dietary Requirements

Moroccan dishes you may encounter include:

Tagine
Couscous
Moroccan salads
Harira
Fresh bread
Mint tea

Please inform us in advance about allergies or special dietary requirements.

2. Why Book This Marrakech to Fez Desert Journey?

Travel from Marrakech to Fez Through the Sahara

This is one of the biggest advantages of the itinerary.

You can visit the Sahara while traveling between two of Morocco’s most important cities.

Experience the Erg Chebbi Dunes

Discover the spectacular golden sand dunes of Merzouga.

Ride Camels at Sunset

Enjoy a traditional camel trek across the Sahara and watch the sunset from the dunes.

Sleep in a Desert Camp

Spend the night surrounded by sand dunes and enjoy traditional food and desert music.

Explore Ait Ben Haddou

Visit one of Morocco’s most iconic historic Kasbahs.

Discover Todra Gorge

Experience the enormous cliffs and spectacular landscapes of southeastern Morocco.

Cross the Atlas Mountains

Travel through both the High Atlas and Middle Atlas regions.

Finish in Fez

Arrive directly in Fez, saving you the time and expense of returning to Marrakech.

Private and Flexible

A private tour allows greater flexibility with stops, photography and travel pace.

Perfect for Short Trips

This itinerary is particularly useful for travelers who have only a few days but want to experience the Sahara.

3. Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long is the tour?

The journey lasts 3 days and 2 nights.

2. Where does the tour start?

The tour starts in Marrakech.

3. Where does the tour finish?

The standard itinerary finishes in Fez.

4. Is the Sahara Desert included?

Yes. The itinerary includes Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes.

5. Is a camel ride included?

A camel trek can be included in the desert experience.

6. Can I avoid the camel ride?

Yes. You can request a 4×4 transfer to the desert camp.

7. Is the desert camp included?

Yes, accommodation at a Sahara desert camp can be arranged.

8. Is dinner included at the desert camp?

The desert camp package can include dinner and breakfast.

9. Can I choose a luxury camp?

Yes. Luxury desert camps can be arranged according to availability and your selected package.

10. Is Ait Ben Haddou included?

Yes.

11. Is Ouarzazate included?

Yes, as part of the route.

12. Is Dades Valley included?

Yes. The first night is normally spent in the Dades Valley area.

13. Is Todra Gorge included?

Yes.

14. Is Merzouga included?

Yes.

15. Is Fez included?

Yes. Fez is the final destination of the tour.

16. Is this a private tour?

Yes. Private transportation can be arranged for couples, families, friends and groups.

17. Is transportation included?

Yes. Private air-conditioned transportation can be included.

18. Are local guides included?

Local guides can be arranged according to your selected package.

19. Is accommodation included?

Yes. The package can include one night in the Dades Valley and one night in a Sahara desert camp.

20. Is breakfast included?

Breakfast can be included according to the selected accommodation package.

21. Is lunch included?

Lunch is generally flexible and can be arranged during the journey.

22. Is the tour suitable for families?

Yes, although the long driving hours should be considered when traveling with young children.

23. Is the tour suitable for seniors?

It can be, but there are long driving periods and some walking. Please inform us about mobility requirements before booking.

24. Can I add an extra night in Merzouga?

Yes. We recommend extending the tour if you want more time to enjoy the Sahara.

25. Can I add a night in Fez?

Yes.

26. Can I visit Chefchaouen after Fez?

Yes. You can extend your journey to Chefchaouen after the tour.

27. Can I continue to Tangier?

Yes. We can arrange an extended itinerary from Fez to Chefchaouen and Tangier.

28. Can I return to Marrakech instead of Fez?

Yes, but this would require modifying the itinerary. If you want to return to Marrakech, our 3-day Marrakech-to-Merzouga round-trip itinerary may be more suitable.

29. Is shopping compulsory?

No. Shopping is completely optional.

30. Can I start from Marrakech Airport?

Yes.

31. Can I be picked up from my Marrakech hotel or riad?

Yes.

32. Can I be dropped off at my Fez hotel?

Yes. Hotel or riad drop-off can be arranged.

33. What is the best time for this tour?

Spring and autumn are particularly comfortable. Winter is also a good time, although Sahara nights can be cold.

34. Can this tour operate in summer?

Yes, although summer temperatures in the desert can be very high.

35. How far in advance should I book?

Early booking is recommended, especially for luxury desert camps and high-season travel.

4. Book Your 3-Day Marrakech to Fez Desert Journey

Ready for an unforgettable journey through the Moroccan Sahara Desert?

Our 3-Day Desert Journey from Marrakech to Fez via Merzouga Dunes combines the best of southern Morocco with a convenient one-way journey to Fez.

Travel through the High Atlas Mountains, explore Ait Ben Haddou, discover the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge, ride camels through the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, spend a night at a Sahara desert camp, and continue through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas Mountains to historic Fez.

Your journey can include:

High Atlas Mountains
Ait Ben Haddou
Ouarzazate
Valley of Roses
Dades Valley
Todra Gorge
Merzouga
Camel Trek
Erg Chebbi Dunes
Sahara Sunset
Sahara Sunrise
Desert Camp
Traditional Desert Music
Ziz Valley
Middle Atlas Mountains
Fez

Perfect For

Couples • Families • Friends • Private Groups • First-Time Visitors • Adventure Travelers • Desert Lovers • Photography Enthusiasts • Travelers Moving from Marrakech to Fez

Plan Your Marrakech–Fez Desert Adventure

Send us your travel dates, number of travelers, preferred accommodation category, desert camp preference and any special requirements, and Face Tours can prepare a personalized itinerary and quotation.

Book your 3-Day Desert Journey from Marrakech to Fez via Merzouga Dunes and experience the mountains, Kasbahs, gorges and Sahara Desert on the way to Morocco’s cultural capital.

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Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

Your unforgettable journey begins with an early departure from Marrakech , heading east through the towering High Atlas Mountains . As you wind through the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoy breathtaking views and photo stops at panoramic points . Arrive at the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah , a fortified village of earthen clay that’s been featured in Hollywood films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After exploring the kasbah’s narrow paths and historic granaries, enjoy a delicious lunch 🍽️ before continuing to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” . From there, journey through the Valley of the Roses and the stunning Dades Valley, home to unique rock formations and kasbah-dotted cliffs. Overnight in a traditional guesthouse in Dades Gorge, with dinner and views of red mountains as the sun sets.

2: Dades Valley – Todgha Gorges – Merzouga Desert (Camel Trek & Luxury Camp)

After breakfast , travel through the rugged canyons of the Dades Valley toward the dramatic Todgha Gorges . Walk beneath the towering cliffs and enjoy the cool, shaded river below before continuing your desert journey. Cross through Berber towns like Tinjdad and Erfoud, known for fossil workshops and date palms. By afternoon, arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, where a camel caravan awaits you. Ride across the golden sands just in time to catch a spectacular Sahara sunset . Arrive at your luxury desert camp , where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and traditional music . Enjoy dinner by the campfire and sleep in a beautifully decorated tent under a sky filled with stars — an experience that will stay with you forever.

Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Fez

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes — a peaceful, almost spiritual moment. After breakfast and a return camel ride , begin your journey north through the vast landscapes of southern Morocco. Pass through the Ziz Valley , filled with thousands of date palms, and stop for photos along the way . Continue through the city of Errachidia and the mountain town of Midelt, known for its apple orchards . Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through the cedar forest of Azrou, where you may spot Barbary macaques in the wild. Arrive in Fez by late afternoon, where your desert-to-north cultural crossing ends in Morocco’s oldest imperial city — a perfect finale to an epic 3-day journey through contrasting landscapes, ancient towns, and timeless traditions.