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!
Trip highlights
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs
- Explore Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed fortress and film location
- Visit Ouarzazate, Morocco’s Hollywood, with iconic movie sets
- Discover rose distilleries in Kelaa M’Gouna’s Rose Valley
- Hike through Boumalne Dades’ Monkey Fingers rock formations
- Walk or climb the dramatic cliffs of Todra Gorge
- Ride camels at sunset to a Sahara Desert camp in Merzouga
- Capture sunrise over Erg Chebbi’s golden sand dunes
- Drive through Ziz Valley’s lush palm groves and rocky bluffs
- Feed Barbary macaques in Azrou’s cedar forests
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.
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.
Tour Overview
- Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Boumalne Dades
- Day 2: Boumalne Dades – Todra Gorge – Merzouga
- Day 3: Merzouga –Ziz Valley – Azrou – Fes
Frequently asked questions
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal, with daytime temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F) and cooler nights. Summer can exceed 40°C (104°F), making desert treks uncomfortable, while winter nights may drop below freezing. These seasons also align with Kelaa M’Gouna’s Rose Festival in May, when the valley blooms with fragrant roses.
Daily breakfast and dinner are included, featuring Moroccan staples like tagine, couscous, and mint tea. Lunch is at your own expense, with stops at local cafes or restaurants (budget 70–120 MAD/$7–12 per meal). Vegetarian options are available, but notify your tour operator in advance for specific dietary needs.
Absolutely! The camel ride to the desert camp lasts 60–90 minutes, with guides helping you mount and dismount. Camels walk slowly, and saddles are padded for comfort. For those preferring not to ride, 4×4 vehicles can transport you directly to the camp. Children aged 5+ can usually join if accompanied by adults.
You’ll have 1–2 hours to explore the UNESCO site. This includes a guided walk through the ancient clay kasbahs, photo stops at panoramic viewpoints, and free time to visit artisan stalls. Guides often share stories about its role in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Essentials include:
Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime.
Warm layers (fleece/jacket) for chilly desert nights.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes for rocky terrain.
A scarf or bandana to protect against sand.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.
A headlamp for navigating the camp after dark.
Yes! Families appreciate the mix of adventure and cultural stops:
Camel rides are gentle and supervised.
Kids enjoy feeding Barbary macaques in Azrou’s cedar forests.
Monkey Fingers rock formations in Boumalne Dades spark imagination.
Desert camps often have communal activities like drumming under the stars.
Note: Toddlers may find long drives challenging, so plan accordingly.
- DepartureMarrakech
- IncludedOfficially-licensed and insured English-speaking private driverDaily private land transport in an insured vehicle, maintained according to Moroccan Tourism regulationsAirport transfers - arrival and departure (assumes entire party arrives and departs in the same flights)Fuel / Mileage / Parking / Tolls, as applicablePer diem for driver’s expenses (food & lodging)Taxes on services provided above
- Not IncludedAirfare or ferryAccommodations, based on double occupancyMealsBeveragesOther local city/site guides - see exceptions aboveEntrance fees for historical, cultural and religious sites - these typically range 20-70 dirhams per person per entrance.Optional activities such as cooking class or hammamTips / Gratuities
