3-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga

Your three-day journey from Fes to Marrakech begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel, riad or preferred meeting point in Fes. Leave the city and travel toward the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is Ifrane, a peaceful mountain town known for its clean streets, alpine-style architecture and cooler climate. Continue through the cedar forests near Azrou. Barbary macaques may sometimes be seen in this region, although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. The route continues through mountain landscapes and traditional towns before reaching Midelt, where a lunch stop can be arranged depending on the pace of the journey. After lunch, cross the Tizi n’Talghomt Pass and descend toward the Ziz Valley. Stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking extensive palm groves, traditional villages and oasis settlements. Continue through Errachidia and Erfoud, a desert town known for fossils, dates and its connection to historic caravan routes. Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. At the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, meet your camel caravan and begin the journey across the sand. Watch the dunes change colour as the sun sets over the Sahara. After reaching the camp, enjoy mint tea, settle into your tent and have dinner. The evening usually includes traditional Amazigh music around the fire, followed by a peaceful night beneath the desert sky. Approximate driving time: 7 to 8 hours, excluding visits, lunch stops and the camel ride

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast at the camp, return to Merzouga by camel or four-wheel-drive vehicle, where your driver will be waiting. Continue toward Rissani, a traditional market town that once played an important role in the caravan routes crossing southern Morocco. A short visit can be arranged depending on the day and available time. The journey then passes through desert towns, palm groves and changing rocky landscapes before reaching Tinghir and Todra Gorge. Walk beneath the high limestone cliffs of Todra Gorge and enjoy time near the river. The canyon is one of the most impressive natural landscapes in southern Morocco and a popular destination for walkers and climbers. After lunch in the area, continue toward the Dades Valley. The road passes traditional villages, kasbahs and dramatic rock formations. Several panoramic stops can be made before arriving at your hotel or riad in the Dades area. Dinner and overnight accommodation are provided in the Dades Valley. Approximate driving time: 4 to 5 hours, excluding visits and meal stops

After breakfast, leave the Dades Valley and continue through the landscapes of southern Morocco. Travel through Kalaat M’Gouna and the Valley of Roses, a region known for its villages, cultivated fields and rose products. Continue toward Ouarzazate, often described as the gateway to the desert. Depending on the schedule, a panoramic stop can be made near Taourirt Kasbah or the city’s film studios. The next major visit is Ait Ben Haddou, a historic fortified village known for its traditional earthen architecture. Walk through the ksar, explore its narrow passages and admire the surrounding landscape. After lunch in the area, begin the journey across the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The road offers wide views of mountain valleys, traditional villages and changing landscapes. Several stops can be made for photographs and short breaks. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel, riad or preferred location, marking the end of your three-day journey from Fes through the Sahara Desert. Approximate driving time: 6 to 7 hours, excluding visits and meal stops