Best Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour | 3-Day Sahara Trip
3 Days
Desert Tours from Marrakech
From Marrakech
Ends in Fes
frensh, english
Overview
Our Marrakech to Fes desert tour is a 3-day one-way Sahara crossing. You cross the High Atlas to Aït Ben Haddou, ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, and continue north through Ifrane and the cedar forests to finish in Fes — no backtracking.
Our Marrakech to Fes desert tour is built for travellers moving north. Instead of returning to Marrakech, you end in Fes — perfect if you’re flying out of Fes or continuing your Morocco trip. Our team is based here, and we’ve shaped the route so the long crossing feels like a journey, not a slog.
What you’ll see on the Marrakech to Fes desert tour
Day one crosses the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Dades Valley. Day two threads the Todra Gorge and reaches Merzouga for a sunset camel trek and a night in the dunes. Day three heads north through Erfoud, Midelt and Ifrane — the “Switzerland of Morocco” — and its cedar forests before arriving in Fes by evening.
Why finish in Fes instead of returning?
Because a one-way Marrakech to Fes desert tour saves you a full day of backtracking and lets you see twice the country. You experience the Sahara and the Middle Atlas in one line across Morocco, and you arrive in Fes ready to explore its medina — rather than driving the same road home.
Can the tour run in reverse, from Fes?
Yes. The same route runs as a Fes to Marrakech desert tour if that suits your travel plans better. Either direction is private, fully arranged, and covers the same highlights — the dunes, the gorges, and the kasbahs — just in the order that fits your itinerary.
Highlight
- One-way Sahara crossing — start in Marrakech, finish in Fes
- Cross both the High Atlas and the Middle Atlas
- Explore Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage kasbah
- Walk beneath the cliffs of Todra Gorge
- Sunset camel trek and a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Ifrane and the cedar forests — spot Barbary macaques
- No backtracking — ideal if you’re flying out of Fes
Itinerary
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Marrakech Departure
Morning pickup from your riad or hotel, then climb into the High Atlas.
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Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m)
Cross Morocco’s highest road pass with panoramic views and photo stops.
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Aït Ben Haddou
Explore the UNESCO-listed earthen kasbah, famed from many films.
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Dades Valley
Continue through Ouarzazate and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Dades for the night.
Stay
Hotel or guesthouse in the Dades Valley
Meals
Dinner
Transportation
Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
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Todra Gorge
Walk beneath the towering rock walls of the Todra Gorge.
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Drive to Merzouga
Cross the desert plains to Merzouga and the great Erg Chebbi dunes.
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Sunset Camel Trek
Ride camels over the dunes at sunset to your Berber desert camp.
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Night in the Dunes
Dinner, drumming and a sky full of stars in the Sahara.
Stay
Berber desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Transportation
Private vehicle + sunset camel trek to camp
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Sunrise over Erg Chebbi
Wake for sunrise over the dunes, then ride camels back and breakfast at camp.
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Erfoud & Midelt
Head north through Erfoud’s fossil country and the apple town of Midelt.
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Ifrane & Cedar Forests
Pass through Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and its cedar forests — look for Barbary macaques.
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Arrival in Fes
Arrive in Fes by evening, with drop-off at your hotel or riad.
Meals
Breakfast
Transportation
Camel trek at sunrise; private vehicle to Fes
What's included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced local driver
- Accommodation: 1 night Dades Valley + 1 night desert camp
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- Sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi
- Hotel or riad pickup in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
Not Included
- Lunches (plenty of options at the stops)
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for your driver and guide
- Optional extras (quad biking, sandboarding)
- Travel insurance
Frequently asked questions
It ends in Fes. Our Marrakech to Fes desert tour is a one-way crossing, so you finish in Fes rather than returning to Marrakech — ideal if you’re flying out of Fes or continuing north through Morocco.
After the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, day three heads north through Erfoud’s fossil country, the mountain town of Midelt, and Ifrane with its cedar forests and Barbary macaques, before arriving in the imperial city of Fes.
This Marrakech to Fes desert tour includes private air-conditioned transport with a driver, two nights’ accommodation (Dades Valley and a desert camp), breakfast and dinner each day, the sunset camel trek, and pickup in Marrakech with drop-off in Fes. Lunches, drinks and tips aren’t included.
Yes. The same route runs as a Fes to Marrakech desert tour if that fits your plans better.
Both directions are private and cover the same dunes, gorges and kasbahs — just in the order that suits your itinerary.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) bring the kindest weather across the Atlas and desert.
Summer is hot but very doable with early starts, and winter offers pleasant days with cold desert nights and snow on the passes. Every season has its own character.
Yes — this tour runs private for you and your group, so the pace and stops are yours.
The per-person price drops as your group grows, and vehicles range from a comfortable 4×4 to a minivan for larger parties.
Booking & payment.
A Secure your tour online with a 30% deposit or full payment. Your booking is confirmed once you receive our confirmation email. Any balance is due [14] days before departure or in cash on arrival by prior arrangement. We accept PayPal and credit card.
Cancellations.
The deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel a confirmed booking :
Multi-day desert tours
- 30+ days before: balance refunded; deposit convertible to a 12-month credit.
- 15–29 days before: 50% of the total refunded.
- 7–14 days before: 25% of the total refunded.
- Under 7 days / no-show: no refund.
Day trips & activities
- Private day trips: free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup.
- Shared day trips & activities: free cancellation up to 24 hours before start.
- Inside those windows, or no-show: no refund.
If we cancel
Routes may be adjusted for weather, road or safety conditions. We’ll always discuss changes with you and keep the experience equivalent.
Rescheduling
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering the desert activities included in your tour.
Good to know
- Travellers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
- Quad biking is at your own risk and requires a signed waiver.
Full details are in our Terms & Conditions.
From €115.00 / Person
Available Options
- Instant confirmation
- Free cancellation up to 14 days
- Secure payment
- Questions? Message us on WhatsApp
