From Fez to Marrakech in 3 Days via the Desert

Day 1

Fez – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi

At the confirmed time, our driver who speaks your language will pick you up at the airport, your hotel or the agreed meeting point in Fez. The tour will be operated in a private, comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle adapted to the size of the group. From that moment, you will have our assistance throughout the entire route.

We will head south and make our first important stop in Ifrane, a mountain town located at more than 1,700 metres above sea level and known for its mountain architecture. We will then continue through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas. When conditions allow, we may observe Barbary macaques without feeding or disturbing them.

After crossing the mountains, we will descend towards the Ziz Valley, passing viewpoints, palm groves and increasingly arid landscapes. The route will continue to Erfoud, known for its fossils and stone workshops. Lunch will be at your own expense during the journey, and visits to workshops will be optional.

In the afternoon, we will arrive in Merzouga, at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes. We will leave the vehicle and begin the camel ride, normally one camel per person, to enjoy the sunset and reach the desert camp. Guests who prefer not to ride can request a 4×4 transfer in advance, subject to the confirmed package.

At the camp, you will be welcomed with Berber tea. You will enjoy dinner, traditional music when scheduled, and a night under the Sahara sky. The tent category and the availability of a private bathroom and shower will be clearly specified in the quotation. This is a long day on the road, and arrival time will depend on stops and road conditions.

Day 2

Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Those who wish may wake up early to watch the sunrise over Erg Chebbi. After breakfast and time to freshen up, we will return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4, depending on the booked service, and continue with our private vehicle.

Our first stop will be Rissani, the former capital of Tafilalet. When it coincides with a market day and the schedule allows, we may experience its traditional atmosphere. We will then continue through desert landscapes, small villages and palm groves towards the Todra Gorges. Lunch will be at your own expense during the journey.

At the Todra Gorges, we will stop to walk between the impressive rocky walls and admire the canyon carved by the river. Afterwards, we will continue through the Dades Valley and the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing adobe fortresses, cultivated areas and mountain scenery.

At the end of the afternoon, we will arrive at a selected riad or hotel in the Dades Valley, where dinner will be served and you will spend the night.

Day 3

Dades Valley – Valley of the Roses – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, we will continue through the Valley of the Roses and the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs towards Ouarzazate. Depending on the schedule, we may visit the Kasbah of Taourirt or admire it from the outside. Entrance to the interior is optional and paid directly.

Our next stop will be the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, an impressive fortified adobe village declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have time to walk through its narrow streets, learn about its history and enjoy its panoramic views. Entrance fees to paid areas and lunch are at your own expense.

In the afternoon, we will cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, located at more than 2,200 metres above sea level, with stops at viewpoints and near Amazigh villages when conditions allow. We will then begin the descent towards Marrakech.

Arrival is expected in the late afternoon or early evening, although this may vary depending on traffic, weather and stops. Our driver will drop you off at Marrakech airport, your accommodation or the exact agreed point. We do not recommend booking a flight based on an early arrival time without prior confirmation. This transfer marks the end of the three-day tour from Fez through the desert to Marrakech.