3 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga

After an early breakfast in Fes, begin your journey south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is in Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style houses and clean streets. Continue to Azrou’s cedar forest, where you can meet and feed the friendly Barbary macaques.

Drive through the mountains, passing beautiful landscapes, volcanic rocks, and nomadic Berber tents. Stop in Midelt for lunch before continuing through the Ziz Valley, famous for its lush palm groves and dramatic gorges.

Arrive in Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops, then continue to Merzouga, located at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Switch to camels for a scenic trek through the golden dunes during sunset. Arrive at your desert camp, enjoy traditional dinner, Berber music, and sleep under the stars in a nomadic-style tent.

Wake early to witness the magical sunrise over the Sahara dunes. After breakfast, ride camels back to Merzouga, then start your journey towards Dades Valley.

Stop at Rissani, the cradle of Morocco's ruling dynasty, and visit its bustling traditional market (if it's market day). Continue to Erfoud, then travel towards the spectacular Todra Gorges, with towering 300-meter-high rock walls, ideal for walking and photography.

After enjoying the gorges, drive towards Dades Valley, famous for its dramatic rock formations known as the “monkey fingers” and impressive kasbahs. Dinner and overnight at a charming hotel or kasbah in the heart of the valley.

After breakfast, depart from Dades and drive along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing the stunning Valley of Roses—especially beautiful in spring. Visit the Skoura Oasis, known for its lush palm groves and historical kasbahs.

Continue to Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Morocco, where you can stop to visit the Taourirt Kasbah. Then head to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its traditional mudbrick ksar and for featuring in films like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones.

After exploring the kasbah, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), offering stunning views of Berber villages and the mountain scenery. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening, where your tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel or riad.