2-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Zagora
Start Point: Marrakech
End Point: Fes
Transport: Private
Accommodation: Hotel
Age range: All
Language: English
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Summary of 3-Day Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes
On day one, we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Marrakesh at 8 AM and head towards the High Atlas Mountains, passing through the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Next, we’ll head south to Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, where you’ll have the chance to explore the famous Kasbah. Then, we’ll make our way to Ouarzazate to visit the impressive Kasbah Taourirt. After that, we’ll take the route through the Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley, where we’ll spend the night.
After breakfast on the second day, we’ll start with a visit to a key mountain observatory, which offers amazing views of the Dades Valley. From there, we’ll travel into the desert to reach the magnificent Merzouga dunes. In the vast sea of sand dunes (Erg Chebbi), you can enjoy a one-hour camel ride to a Bedouin camp, where we can watch the sunset before dinner.
On the third day, we’ll get up early to see the sunrise in the dunes. Then we’ll head north through the Tafilalet palm grove, the largest in the world. We’ll drive through cedar forests, where we might see monkeys if we’re lucky. We’ll stop in the town of Ifrane before arriving in Fez, where your hotel transfer marks the end of our services.
Places You’ll See
- High Atlas Mountains
- Ait Ben Haddou
- Ouarzazate
- Rose Valley
- Dades Valley
- Todra Gorges
- Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi Dunes)
- Ziz Valley
- Cedar Forests of Azrou
- Ifrane
HIGHLIGHTS OF 3 DAYS FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
- Journey through the majestic High Atlas Mountains with a stop at Tizi N’Tichka Pass.
- Visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a location used in famous films like Gladiator.
- Explore the cinematic city of Ouarzazate and the impressive Taourirt Kasbah.
- Discover the beauty of Rose Valley and the ancient kasbahs that dot the landscape.
- Take in the dramatic rock formations at Todra Gorges, a favorite for rock climbers.
- Enjoy a camel trek through the Merzouga Desert, watching the sunset over the dunes.
- Spend a night in a traditional Berber camp under the stars.
- Visit the lush Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s most picturesque palm groves.
- Experience the Cedar Forests of Azrou, with the chance to spot monkey troops.
- Explore the charming mountain city of Ifrane, with its European-style architecture.
Why Starting from Marrakech?
Starting your trip in Marrakech is a fantastic way to dive into the heart of Morocco. The city is full of energy, with its lively markets, stunning palaces, and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where street performers and food stalls create a vibrant atmosphere. Marrakech is also perfectly located for exploring other parts of the country, like the Atlas Mountains or the nearby desert and other more places.
Plus, it’s easy to get around from here, and there’s no shortage of places to stay, whether you’re looking for luxury or something more budget-friendly. It’s a perfect starting point to soak in Morocco’s rich culture and set off on an adventure.
Day by Day Itinerary
3-Day Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes full itinerary
Get ready to embark on an incredible 3-day desert tour from Marrakesh to Fes via Merzouga!
Planning a trip to Morocco is both thrilling and essential! With its rich blend of cultural identities, diverse landscapes, and deep history, it can feel overwhelming to fit everything into a short visit. But fear not—here’s how you can immerse yourself in Morocco’s wonders and get the most out of your 3-day journey!
Day 1: Marrakesh to Dades Valley via High Atlas, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and Ouarzazate
We’ll pick you up from your Marrakesh hotel at 8 a.m. and head to the High Atlas, a subrange of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. We’ll make a quick stop at the port of Tizi N’Tichka, where you can take in the panoramic views, and then continue on to the small villages of the Berber countryside, which are camouflaged among the mountains.
Then we head south to Ait Ben Haddou ksar, where we’ll visit the famous kasbah (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986). Many popular films have been shot there, including Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy, The Jewel of the Nile, and Sahara with Penélope Cruz, to name a few. There’s free lunch in the area.
Then we head to Ouarzazate, which in Berber means “noiseless” or “without disturbance,” also known as “The Desert Door.” Next up is the kasbah of Taourirt, which is one of Morocco’s most impressive ksars. Next on the list is the Rose Valley, which boasts over 700,000 palm trees and a number of kasbahs built in its vicinity.
The Rose Valley passes through the Skouras Palm Bay, where they grow roses for cosmetic use, like rose water. A big event in Moroccan culture is the Rose Festival, which is held every year in May. We’re going to spend the night in the valley of Dades.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga – Camel Trek and overnight in a Berber camp
After breakfast, we’ll head out for our second day, starting at an important mountain lookout with one of the most spectacular views of the Dades Valley. We’ll take in the abundance of kasbahs and the picturesque features from there. From Tinerhir to the gorge, there’s a really good asphalt path that takes you up into the mountains.
We’ll make a few stops on the way into the Todra Gorges. The scenery is incredible. The locals live in this area and you can see them in their adobe villages. The Todra Gorges are a popular destination for rock climbers thanks to the challenging rock faces. You’ll have some free time to have a picnic in Tinejdad or Touroug after a quick stroll along the Todra Gorges.
Then we’ll head out to the desert to see the amazing Merzouga dunes. We’ll spend an hour riding camels through the dunes (Erg Chebbi) before arriving at our nomad camp. We’ll watch the sunset from the top of the dune and then sleep under the stars.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 3: We’ll be heading out to the Merzouga Desert, then on to the Ziz Valley, before making our way to the cedars and monkey troops of Azrou. We’ll finish up in Fes.
We had the chance to see the sunrise early in the morning. If you’re up early enough to see the sunrise from the middle of a dune next to the camp, you’re in for a treat. We’ll then head back to Merzouga on camels, where we’ll enjoy a great breakfast.
On the last day, we’ll head north to the Tafilalet palm grove, which is the largest in the world. You can see thousands of palm trees along a 20 km stretch of road. This brings us to the Ziz Valley, which is fed by the High Atlas River. We’ll stop here to enjoy the view of the valley and the town of Aoufous from this elevated point.
We’ll make another stop in Midelt, right in the center of the Atlas Mountains, where you’ll have some time to have lunch and relax. In the afternoon, we’ll be making our way through the cedar forests, where we might even get to see some monkeys if we’re lucky. Next on our list is Ifrane, a city located at 1,630 meters above sea level on the northwest side of the Middle Atlas. The city has broad streets, a growing community, parks, green areas, and architecture that looks like it belongs in Switzerland.
In Morocco, Ifrane feels out of place. It’s called Moroccan Switzerland, and it’s also known as Michlifen. We arrive in Fez around 6 p.m. That’s where our hotel transfer and services end.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
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What makes the 3 Days from Marrakech to Fes an adventure?
Take an amazing three-day tour of the Moroccan desert, starting in Marrakesh and heading to the incredible Merzouga Desert. On day one, you’ll cross the stunning Tichka Pass, which is one of Morocco’s highest road points at 2,260 metres. Next, you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a stunning ancient ksar. Then, you’ll travel through Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” and pass through the scenic Rose Valley along the famous Road of 1,000 Kasbahs.
On the second day, you’ll head deeper into the Sahara Desert, driving between the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountains. You’ll also get to explore the impressive Todgha Gorges, a natural wonder with towering cliffs. Then it’s on to the Merzouga Desert, where you’ll enjoy a traditional camel ride across the sand dunes to a Berber camp. At the camp, you can enjoy a delicious dinner, listen to live music around a campfire, and gaze at the stars in the clear desert sky.
On the last day of your desert safari, you’ll get up early to see the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, you’ll take another camel trek back to Merzouga before heading back to Marrakesh. This 3-day tour of Morocco offers a great mix of culture, adventure, and natural beauty, making it a fantastic experience for travelers.
This 3-day tour from Marrakesh takes you on a journey through some of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes and historic sites. From the High Atlas Mountains and the ancient kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate to the lush Rose and Ziz Valleys, you’ll experience the natural beauty and rich culture of the region. Enjoy a camel trek across the majestic Merzouga dunes, spend a night in a traditional Berber camp under the stars, and explore the breathtaking Todra Gorges. On the final day, the tour continues through the cedar forests of Azrou, home to playful monkey troops, before ending in the charming city of Fes. With stunning views, cultural insights, and unforgettable experiences, this tour offers a perfect introduction to Morocco’s diverse landscapes.
What's Included
The 3 day trip from Marrakech to Fes include:
- Pick up from your accommodation and drop-off
- Car + Fuel
- Camel Trek (Camel per person)
- Dinner & Breakfast
What's not Included
The 3 day trip from Marrakech to Fes does not include:
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Flights Tickets
- Entrance to monuments
- All accommodations are subject to change
Road map of 3-Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes
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3-Day trip Marrakech to Fes Sightseeings
- High Atlas Mountains: The High Atlas Mountains are Morocco’s largest mountain range, stretching over 700 kilometers. They form a natural barrier between the coastal regions and the Sahara Desert. Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views, traditional Berber villages nestled among the peaks, and the iconic Tizi N’Tichka Pass, which offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains. The Atlas Mountains are also home to Jebel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak.
- Ait Ben Haddou: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ait Ben Haddou is a ksar (fortified village) made of clay and mudbrick, situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh. It is famous for its traditional Moroccan architecture and its use as a filming location for movies like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones. Walking through the narrow alleys and admiring the ancient buildings, visitors step back in time to experience the architectural beauty of Morocco’s past.
- Ouarzazate: Known as the “Door of the Desert”, Ouarzazate is a gateway city to the Sahara. It’s also Morocco’s filmmaking capital, where several Hollywood blockbusters have been shot at Atlas Film Studios, the largest film studio in the world. Visitors can explore the Kasbah Taourirt, a historical structure that once housed the powerful Glaoui family, and learn about the region’s Berber culture and traditions.
- Rose Valley: is a lush oasis known for its abundant rose fields and the annual Rose Festival, celebrated in May. The valley, which stretches from Kelaa M’Gouna to the Dadès Valley, is lined with kasbahs and palm groves, creating a picturesque landscape. Roses are grown here to produce rose water and other cosmetics, making this area a center for Morocco’s rose industry. Visitors during the festival can experience local music, dance, and a celebration of the rose harvest.
- Dades Valley: is known for its dramatic red rock formations, ancient kasbahs, and terraced fields. Often referred to as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs”, this region is dotted with impressive fortresses built by Berber tribes. The Dades River carves its way through the valley, creating a beautiful landscape that contrasts with the arid surroundings. Visitors can hike through the valley and visit local Berber villages.
- Todra Gorges: are a series of limestone river canyons located in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains. Towering rock walls reach heights of up to 400 meters, making the gorges a popular destination for rock climbers. The narrow gorge is lined with a river that creates a cool, serene atmosphere. Visitors can walk along the canyon floor and observe the traditional Berber villages built into the rocky cliffs.
- Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi Dunes): Located on the edge of the Sahara Desert, the Merzouga Desert is home to the stunning Erg Chebbi Dunes, some of the highest sand dunes in Morocco, reaching up to 150 meters. A camel trek through the dunes offers travelers a quintessential desert experience. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking sunsets, ride camels through the golden sands, and spend a night in a Berber camp, enjoying traditional food and music under a sky full of stars.
- Ziz Valley: is a fertile region fed by the Ziz River, which originates in the High Atlas Mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions - 2 days from Marrakech to Zagora
What is the best time of year to take this tour?
The tour can be enjoyed year-round, but spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the best weather, with cooler temperatures and blooming flowers in the valleys.
What should I pack for the trip?
Comfortable walking shoes, light layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a warm jacket for the desert night. Don’t forget a camera for the stunning landscapes!
Is the camel trek safe?
Yes, the camel trek is safe and led by experienced guides. Camels are accustomed to the route and the terrain, making it a peaceful journey through the desert.
Can I participate in the tour if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes, most dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) can be accommodated. Be sure to inform us in advance.
How long is the camel ride in the desert?
The camel trek usually lasts around one hour, taking you through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to your Berber camp.
Are accommodations included?
Yes, the tour includes overnight accommodations in the Dades Valley and a traditional Berber camp in the Merzouga desert.
What is the group size for the tour?
Group sizes vary, but tours generally have small groups for a more personalized experience.