3 days from Marrakech to Fez via the desert

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Departure from Marrakech
The adventure begins early in the morning from Marrakech, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters above sea level. Along the way, we are surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and Berber villages that reflect the authenticity of rural Morocco.

Visit to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
Our first stop is at the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortified ksar, built from adobe, has been featured in films and series such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time.

Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses
We continue towards Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert”, where travelers can visit the famous film studios and the historic Taourirt Kasbah. The journey then passes through the Valley of Roses, famous for its distilleries and rose water products.

Overnight in the Dades Valley
At sunset, we reach the Dades Valley, where we enjoy dinner and spend the night in a traditional riad or kasbah, surrounded by mountains and spectacular gorges.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga Desert

Todra Gorges
After breakfast, we head to the breathtaking Todra Gorges, a natural canyon with cliffs rising up to 300 meters. This dramatic landscape is a paradise for hikers and climbers alike.

On the way to Merzouga
The journey continues through Erfoud, famous for its fossils, and Rissani, a historic town known for its traditional markets and as the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty. As we travel further south, the scenery transforms until we reach the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga.

Camel trek and night in desert tents
At sunset, we embark on a camel trek across the dunes, enjoying the silence of the desert and an unforgettable sunset. In the evening, a Berber camp awaits us in the Sahara, where we enjoy a traditional dinner to the rhythm of drums around the campfire before spending the night in desert tents under a starry sky.

Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Fez

Sunrise in the Desert
We wake up early to witness the sunrise over the desert, when the first rays of light paint the dunes in golden and reddish tones. After breakfast, we return by camel or 4×4 to continue our journey towards Fez.

Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas
We cross the spectacular Ziz Valley, an oasis filled with palm groves and kasbahs. The route continues through the Middle Atlas, passing Berber villages and the town of Midelt, known for its apple production.

Cedars Forest and Monkeys in Azrou
Along the way, we stop at the cedar forests of Azrou, home to the Barbary macaques (also known as Gibraltar monkeys). This stop offers a close encounter with nature before continuing north.

Arrival in Fez
In the late afternoon, we arrive in Fez, considered Morocco’s spiritual capital and one of its most fascinating imperial cities, where our journey comes to an end.

What Makes the Marrakech to Fez Desert Tour Special

• Diverse landscapes: In just three days, travel from snow-capped mountains to green valleys, historic kasbahs, dramatic gorges, and endless dunes.

• Desert experience: Camel trek, traditional dinner, and overnight stay in desert tents under a star-filled sky.

• Cultural connection: Explore historic towns, traditional markets, and Berber villages.

• Unique final destination: Arriving in Fez after crossing Morocco from south to north allows travelers to discover two of its most important imperial cities—Marrakech and Fez.

👉 The 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fez via the desert is one of the best ways to experience Morocco in a short time. It combines nature, culture, and history, allowing you to enjoy the magic of the Sahara and the contrasts between two very different imperial cities. An experience every traveler will remember forever.