This 3-day journey takes you from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara Desert. It is a classic one-way route designed for travelers with limited time. You will cross the High Atlas Mountains and visit the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. The tour continues through the Dades Valley towards the Erg Chebbi dunes. A camel trek at sunset leads to a night in a desert camp. The final day traverses the Middle Atlas Mountains, with stops in cedar forests and the alpine town of Ifrane before arriving in Fes.
Your 3-day desert journey from Marrakech to Fes begins around 8:00 AM. The route crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. You will enjoy sweeping mountain views and see traditional Berber villages along the way.
The first major stop is the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This striking fortified village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have time to walk through its ancient mud-brick buildings and explore the Ksour. Lunch can be taken in Ait Ben Haddou or nearby Ouarzazate. Afterwards, the journey continues to the Dades Valley. You will spend the night in a hotel or Kasbah with a stunning view overlooking the valley.
After breakfast, you depart the Dades Valley and head towards the Sahara Desert. The drive passes through Berber villages and the towns of Tinjdad and Erfoud. Here, the Saharan atmosphere begins to take hold with its arid landscapes and palm groves.
You arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. After a short rest, you will meet your camels for a desert trek. The ride lasts just over an hour. You will stop on a high dune to watch the sunset and take photos. You then continue to a private desert camp for the night. Evenings in the camp feature drumming, music, and a campfire under the stars.
Wake early to witness the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After these beautiful moments, you will enjoy breakfast and a shower at the camp. The return journey begins towards Errachidia, passing through Erfoud, Aoufous, and the scenic Ziz Valley. A stop offers a panoramic view of the Aoufous oasis in the Tafilalet region.
The route continues to Midelt via the Tizi N’talghamt pass, where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, you drive towards Fes. The path crosses the Middle Atlas Mountains and passes through the cedar forest near Azrou. Here, you may spot wild Barbary apes along the roadside. A brief stop may also be made in Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco. You will arrive in Fes in the evening and be dropped off at your Riad or hotel. This marks the end of your 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.
