3-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

Fes – Ifrane – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga

The adventure begins in the historical city of Fes, where we depart after breakfast, setting out toward the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we make our first stop in Ifrane, a charming town known as “Little Switzerland” for its European-style architecture and alpine atmosphere. As we leave Ifrane, we drive through cedar forests and pass Berber villages, offering a glimpse into rural Moroccan life.

The road continues to the Ziz Valley, one of the most picturesque spots in Morocco. This lush valley, dotted with palm groves and kasbahs, is renowned for its dates. We stop for panoramic views of the valley and take some time to appreciate its natural beauty. Continuing our journey, we arrive in Erfoud, a small desert town famous for its fossil industry. Here, you can visit local fossil workshops to see the prehistoric treasures unearthed in the region.

Finally, we arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. After a brief rest, we prepare for a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun sets over the dunes, the landscape transforms, offering breathtaking views of the golden sand. At the desert camp, you’ll enjoy a delicious traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by a peaceful night in the desert.

Overnight: Desert Camp in Merzouga.

Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

After an early breakfast, we rise to witness the stunning desert sunrise over the towering Erg Chebbi dunes. This is a magical moment as the desert sands shift with the changing light. After soaking in the sunrise, we embark on a camel ride back to Merzouga.

Next, we head toward the town of Rissani, where we explore its lively market, known for its traditional products, spices, and livestock. Rissani is also historically significant as it was once the center of the Alaouite dynasty, which still rules Morocco today. You’ll have some free time to shop for souvenirs or simply soak up the local atmosphere.

From Rissani, we continue our journey toward Todra Gorge, one of the most dramatic landscapes in Morocco. This narrow canyon, carved by the Todra River, features towering rock walls that rise up to 300 meters high. You can take a short walk through the gorge and admire its stunning beauty. It’s a great spot for photography and appreciating nature’s raw power.

In the afternoon, we arrive in the Dades Valley, a place of incredible beauty with its winding roads and unique rock formations. The valley is known for its kasbahs, which date back to the 17th century. Here, you’ll check into your accommodation and relax after a day of exploration.

Overnight: Dades Valley.

Dades Valley – Skoura Oasis – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

On the final day of the tour, we continue our journey through the Dades Valley, passing through ancient kasbahs and lush palm groves. Our first stop is the Skoura Oasis, a peaceful retreat filled with palm trees and historic kasbahs. This is an ideal spot for taking photographs and experiencing the tranquility of rural Morocco.

We then arrive in Ouarzazate, a city known as the “Hollywood of Morocco” due to its role as the backdrop for many famous films. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a stunning fortress that once belonged to a powerful Berber family. Ouarzazate is also home to the Atlas Film Studios, where major movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed. You may wish to take a guided tour of the studios before continuing your journey.

Our drive through the High Atlas Mountains offers some of the most spectacular views of the day. We pass through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, a mountain road that provides stunning panoramic vistas of the valleys and peaks. This is the perfect place for a photo stop before descending into Marrakech, where the tour concludes in the late afternoon.