3-day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

This Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes is for travellers who have a short amount of time for an overnight in a Sahara Desert camp when travelling between Marrakech and Fes!

3-day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Boumalne Dades

Cross the High Atlas Mountains as you follow the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs. Not to be missed: Ait Ben Haddou, a traditional ksar listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and still inhabited today. It’s a fantastic example of a fortified village and has also been the location for such films as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.

Arrive in Ouarzazate, founded by the French and used as an outpost for the French Foreign Legion. It is home to the Taourirt Kasbah, former property of the ruling Glaoui tribe before Morocco took independence from the French. Ouarzazate is also known as Morocco’s Hollywood.

Many international movies have featured its surroundings as sets and backdrops, such as Kudun, Kingdom of Heaven and most recently, Games of Thrones.  These movie sets are open to the public. Visit a women’s embroidery co-operative to see firsthand the intricate craft. Breathe in the scent of Kelaa M’Gouna, as you pass through the Rose Valley toward Dades Valley. Though the name means “fortress”, this village is best known for its rose agriculture and distillation.

Ait Benhaddou

Day 2: Boumalne Dades – Todra Gorge – Merzouga 

Boumalne Dades is famous for its interesting rock formations, which are known locally as Monkey Fingers. Appreciate the winding road out of Boumalne Dades when you arrive at the top and gaze upon the serpentine route. Continue through Todra Gorge.

Dramatic steep cliffs border the road, and this is a natural starting point for the area’s hiking trips and rock-climbing expeditions. Close-by is Tinghir, a bustling yet charming town.  Finally, arrive in Merzouga in time for a sunset camel trek in Morocco or 4×4 ride to your Sahara Desert camp.

Day 3: Merzouga –Ziz Valley – Azrou – Fes

Wake up early for any sunrise photo opportunities amidst the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, then meet up with your private driver. Traverse the Ziz Valley, where fertile green date palm tree groves marry brown bluffs. Midelt, known for mining and agriculture, is the mid-way point for today’s drive, where you may stop for lunch.

En route is Azrou, aptly named in Berber for the volcanic rocks on which it is built. Azrou also hosts the area’s largest weekly souk or market. Feed the Barbary macaques on your way through the area’s cedar forest—evening arrival in Fes.