Our 3 day tour from Marrakech to Fes is a one-way private journey through the Sahara, so you see the desert without returning to Marrakech. This private 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour takes you one way across Morocco: over the High Atlas, through the kasbah country of the south, into the Sahara dunes at Merzouga, and out again through the Middle Atlas to Fes. You travel in your own air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver, sleep one night in the Dades Valley and one night in a private tent with its own bathroom, and finish at your accommodation in Fes.
It suits couples, families and small groups of friends who are flying into Marrakech, flying out of Fes (or continuing north), and want to see the desert on the way.
Your trip ends in one of the great historic cities of the Arab world: the Medina of Fez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The trip is run by Morocco Desert Excursions, a local company founded by Sahara natives from Merzouga. The camp you sleep in is in our home dunes.
3 day tour from Marrakech to Fes at a glance
| Duration | 3 days, 2 nights |
| Start | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech (or Marrakech airport on request [CONFIRM]) |
| Finish | Your hotel or riad in Fes |
| Style | Private — only your party in the vehicle. Prefer to share and pay less? See the shared 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour. |
| Transport | Modern air-conditioned 4×4 or comfortable minibus, depending on group size; fuel and road taxes included |
| Overnights | Night 1: hotel or riad in the Dades Valley · Night 2: private tent at Mouhou Luxury Camp, Erg Chebbi |
| Meals | 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners (lunch not included) |
| Main experiences | Aït Ben Haddou walk, Todra Gorge walk, sunset camel ride into the dunes, campfire with Berber drums, sunrise over Erg Chebbi, cedar forest of the Middle Atlas |
| Pick-up / drop-off | Door to door in Marrakech and Fes (in the Fes medina, the nearest point a vehicle can reach — see FAQ) |
| Price | €380 per person for 2 travellers (€760 in total) — less per person in larger groups |
Why this 3 day tour from Marrakech to Fes works
Most people who visit Morocco want to see both Marrakech and Fes. Going from one to the other through the desert means you never drive the same road twice and you do not have to come back to Marrakech. You simply arrive in Fes ready to explore its medina.
Three days is the shortest version that does not feel like a race. The night in the Dades Valley splits the long southern drive in two, so you reach Merzouga on Day 2 with time for a walk in Todra Gorge and the sunset camel ride, instead of arriving tired after dark. Two honest warnings: the first and last days are long driving days, and you get one night in the desert, not two. If you want more time in the dunes, look at the 4-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour with a full day in the Sahara.
Highlights of the route
- Tizi n’Tichka pass (about 2,260 m) — the mountain road across the High Atlas, with photo stops at viewpoints.
- Aït Ben Haddou — a UNESCO World Heritage earth-built ksar (inscribed 1987), known from many films. You walk up through the old village.
- Skoura and the Valley of Roses — palm oasis and rose-growing country around Kalaat M’Gouna (the rose festival is held in May).
- Dades Valley — rock formations often called “Monkey Fingers” and a famous hairpin road at Tissadrine.
- Todra Gorge — a short walk between rock walls roughly 300 m high.
- Erg Chebbi — the big dunes near Merzouga, some reaching around 150 m. Sunset camel ride, night in camp, sunrise.
- Middle Atlas — Ziz Valley palm groves, Midelt, the cedar forest near Azrou with wild Barbary macaques, and the alpine-style town of Ifrane.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dades Valley
Approx. driving: 320–350 km, 6–7 hours of driving before stops. With stops, expect a full day on the road.
Your driver collects you from your Marrakech accommodation at around [CONFIRM PICK-UP TIME]. The road climbs into the High Atlas through Berber villages and walnut trees. You stop at viewpoints near the Tizi n’Tichka pass for photos and a short break.
After the descent you reach Aït Ben Haddou (visit). Here you cross the river and walk up through the lanes of the ksar to the granary at the top, where the view stretches over the valley. A local guide is optional and paid locally [CONFIRM]. Lunch is at a restaurant your driver recommends near Aït Ben Haddou or in Ouarzazate (not included).
In the afternoon you pass through Ouarzazate (photo stop by the Taourirt Kasbah or Atlas Studios from the outside — a full visit is not part of this itinerary). The road follows the palms of Skoura (pass through / photo stop) and the rose-growing towns around Kalaat M’Gouna (pass through). You arrive in the Dades Valley in the early evening.
Overnight: hotel or riad in the Dades Valley, such as Riad Gabsi or Ksar Sultan, or similar [CONFIRM]. Meals: dinner.
Day 2: Dades Gorge – Tinghir – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga (camel ride to camp)
Approx. driving: about 280 km, around 5 hours of driving before stops.
After breakfast, drive a little way up the Dades Gorge (photo stops) to see the folded rock and the hairpin bends. Then head east to Tinghir, with its long palm grove, and into Todra Gorge (visit). You walk for about [CONFIRM WALK LENGTH, e.g. 20–30 minutes] along the river between the high walls. Lunch is in the Todra area (not included).
The afternoon road crosses open, stony desert through Tinjdad and Erfoud (both pass through). The dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon as you approach Merzouga.
In the late afternoon you leave your main luggage [CONFIRM: in the vehicle or at our base in Merzouga] and take a small overnight bag. You ride a camel into the dunes with a camel guide for about [CONFIRM camel ride duration], timed to watch the sunset. If you have back or knee problems, a 4×4 transfer to the camp replaces the camel ride.
At Mouhou Luxury Camp you have your own private tent with its own shower and toilet. Dinner is served at camp, followed by a campfire with Berber drum music and, on a clear night, a sky full of stars.
Overnight: Mouhou Luxury Camp, Erg Chebbi (private tent with en-suite bathroom). Meals: breakfast, dinner.
Day 3: Merzouga – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou cedar forest – Ifrane – Fes
Approx. driving: about 460 km, 7.5–8.5 hours of driving before stops. With breaks, plan for around 9–10 hours and arrival in Fes in the evening.
Wake early to climb a dune for sunrise. Return to the edge of the dunes by camel (or 4×4), have breakfast [CONFIRM: at camp or at our base], shower if you wish, and join your driver.
The route runs north past Erfoud and through the Ziz Valley, where a long ribbon of palm groves follows the river below the road (photo stops). Lunch is in Midelt, a market town known for its apples, at the foot of the Atlas (not included).
In the afternoon you cross the Middle Atlas. In the cedar forest near Azrou you can stop to see Barbary macaques. They are an endangered species, so please watch from a distance and do not feed them. A short stop in Ifrane, with its sloping roofs and parks, often surprises people — it looks more like a mountain town in Europe than Morocco.
You reach Fes in the evening and your driver drops you at your riad or hotel.
Meals: breakfast.
Route note: what you visit and what you pass
- Walking visits: Aït Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge, the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
- Photo stops: Tizi n’Tichka viewpoints, Ouarzazate, Dades Gorge, Ziz Valley, cedar forest, Ifrane.
- Pass through: Skoura, Kalaat M’Gouna, Tinjdad, Erfoud, Midelt (lunch stop).
- Optional on request: a longer stop in Ouarzazate (for example Atlas Studios, entrance not included), extra time in a village or a café. Because the tour is private, you can ask your driver for extra stops. Each stop adds time to an already long day, so your driver will tell you what is realistic.
- Weather: in snow or heavy rain the route can change. The Tichka pass sometimes sees snow in winter.
Where you sleep
| Night | Place | Type | Example accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dades Valley | Hotel or riad, private room with bathroom | Riad Gabsi or Ksar Sultan, or similar [CONFIRM] |
| 2 | Erg Chebbi, Merzouga | Desert camp, private tent with own shower and toilet | Mouhou Luxury Camp |
We do not use basic desert camps with shared bathrooms. Read more about what your night in our Merzouga desert camp looks like, including tent layout and what to bring. Heating, air-conditioning and electricity in the tents: [CONFIRM CAMP FACILITIES].
Private or shared?
This page is the private tour. Only your party travels in the vehicle, you choose your start date, and you can ask for extra stops.
Prefer to share? On the shared 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour you share the minibus and the fixed schedule with other travellers, but you still get your own private room and your own private tent. It usually costs less per person, especially for solo travellers and couples.
Not sure? Our guide to private vs shared desert tours in Morocco explains the trade-offs.
Price and how it is calculated
We do not use one fixed price, because the cost of a private tour depends on a few clear things:
- Group size. The vehicle and driver cost the same for 2 or 4 people, so the price per person goes down as your group grows.
- Vehicle. Small groups travel in a 4×4; larger groups in a minibus.
- Accommodation level. Standard hotel options, or upgraded rooms where available.
- Season. Prices can be higher at busy times such as spring, autumn and holidays [CONFIRM].
| Group size | Private tour, price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 travellers | €380 |
| 3–4 travellers | €230–€280 |
| 5–6 travellers | €180–€200 |
| 7+ travellers | On request |
| Child price | [CONFIRM CHILD PRICING] |
| Single room / tent supplement | [CONFIRM SINGLE SUPPLEMENT] |
Deposit: [CONFIRM DEPOSIT %]. Payment methods: [CONFIRM PAYMENT METHODS]. Cancellation: see our [CONFIRM CANCELLATION POLICY]. We send you a written quote before you confirm anything — there is no online payment.
What is included
- Pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech and drop-off at your accommodation in Fes
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus, fuel and road taxes
- English-speaking driver for the whole trip
- 1 night in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley (private room)
- 1 night at Mouhou Luxury Camp in a private tent with its own shower and toilet
- Camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes and back (or 4×4 transfer if you prefer)
- Breakfast and dinner each day (2 breakfasts, 2 dinners)
- Campfire with Berber drum music
- Vegetarian or vegan meals on request
What is not included
- Lunches (your driver recommends local restaurants; budget about [CONFIRM TYPICAL LUNCH COST] per person)
- Drinks
- Local guides at Aït Ben Haddou or in Todra (optional) and any entrance fees
- Tips for driver and camel guides (optional)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Flights and anything not listed above
Is this tour right for you?
Good fit if you: – Are travelling from Marrakech to Fes anyway and want the desert on the way – Have three days and want one night in the dunes – Prefer your own vehicle and the freedom to stop for photos – Want a private bathroom in the desert
Probably not for you if you: – Dislike long car journeys — Days 1 and 3 are long, even with breaks – Want a full day exploring the desert — choose the 4-day tour – Only have two days — the 2-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour exists, but read its honest notes first – Are starting in Fes — book the 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour instead
Practical tips
- Best seasons: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). In summer, Merzouga often goes above 40 °C during the day. From December to February, desert nights can come close to freezing, so bring a warm layer.
- Small overnight bag: pack what you need for the camp night (toothbrush, warm layer, phone charger, medication) in a small bag. Your main suitcase does not go on the camel.
- Cash: bring Moroccan dirhams for lunches, drinks, tips and small purchases. Card machines are rare on the road.
- Clothes: a scarf or hat for sun and sand, comfortable shoes for the gorge and dune walks, and modest clothing for villages.
- Children: children are welcome. Let us know their ages so we can plan breaks and the camel ride. [CONFIRM MINIMUM AGE FOR CAMEL RIDE, IF ANY]
- Car sickness: the Tichka road has many bends. Take medication before Day 1 if you need it.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drop us inside the Fes medina?
Cars cannot drive into the narrow lanes of the Fes old town. Your driver takes you to the closest gate or car park to your riad. Many riads send someone to meet you there and help with bags [CONFIRM whether we arrange a porter]. Tell us your riad’s name when you book so we can plan this.
How long is the drive on the last day?
Merzouga to Fes is about 460 km. That is around 7.5–8.5 hours of driving, plus lunch and photo stops, so you usually reach Fes in the evening. It is the longest day of the tour.
Why do you stop in the Dades Valley and not in Ouarzazate?
Sleeping in Dades puts you further east, so Day 2 is short enough to walk in Todra Gorge and still reach the dunes for sunset. If you prefer a night in Ouarzazate and a slower pace, see the 5-day version via our Marrakech to Fes desert tours page.
I have back problems. Do I have to ride a camel?
No. A 4×4 transfer to the camp can replace the camel ride. Tell us when you book.
Can we start at Marrakech airport?
Usually yes, but a same-day start depends on your landing time, because Day 1 is long. [CONFIRM airport pick-up policy and latest arrival time]
Is the private tour the same route as the shared one?
The route is the same. The differences are the vehicle (yours alone), the start date (your choice) and flexibility to stop. Compare them on the shared Marrakech to Fes tour page.
Where is our main luggage during the camp night?
[CONFIRM: in the locked vehicle / at our Merzouga base]. You only carry a small overnight bag to the camp.
Related tours
- Shared 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour (Small Group)
- 4-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour with a Full Day in the Sahara
- 2-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour via Merzouga
- 3-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour (Private) — the same journey in reverse
- All Marrakech to Fes desert tours via Merzouga
Day 3, hour by hour
The last day of the 3 day tour from Marrakech to Fes is the longest, so here is a typical timeline. Times are approximate [CONFIRM].
- Early morning: sunrise on the dunes, then back to the edge of the erg.
- After breakfast: a shower if you wish, and you meet your driver.
- Late morning: Erfoud and the Ziz Valley viewpoints.
- Lunch: in Midelt, at your own cost.
- Afternoon: the cedar forest near Azrou and a short stop in Ifrane.
- Evening: arrival at your riad or hotel in Fes.
Three planning tips
Choose a Fes riad near a gate. You arrive in the evening at the end of the 3 day tour from Marrakech to Fes, so a short walk from the car to your riad makes a real difference.
Plan your Fes days. After a 3 day tour from Marrakech to Fes, most travellers want at least two nights in Fes, so they can see the medina at an easy pace rather than straight after a long drive.
Keep the next morning easy. Book your guided Fes visit for the afternoon after arrival day, or for the day after, rather than early the next morning.
Travelling in winter? Snow can affect the Tichka and Middle Atlas roads. If you plan a 3 day tour from Marrakech to Fes between December and February, leave a spare day before any onward flight.
Check availability and get a quote
Send us your travel dates, number of travellers and the names of your Marrakech and Fes accommodation. We reply with a custom itinerary and price. Nothing is charged until you confirm.
- Ask on WhatsApp: +212 667 850 421 (8:30–20:00 Morocco time)
- Contact form: Check availability & get a quote
- Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]
How booking works: 1) tell us your plans, 2) receive your itinerary and quote, 3) confirm your booking, 4) travel.
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