3-Day Fez to Marrakech Desert Tour

Day 1

Fez – Ifrane – cedar forest – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi

At the confirmed time, our Spanish-speaking driver collects you from the airport, your hotel or the exact agreed Fez location. Travel is in a comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle suited to the group size. Viajes Almoravid assistance is available throughout the route.

We head south and make the first important stop in Ifrane, a town at more than 1,700 metres known for its mountain architecture. The journey continues through the Middle Atlas cedar forest. When conditions allow, there may be time to observe Barbary macaques without feeding or disturbing them.

Beyond the mountains we descend towards the Ziz Valley, passing viewpoints, palm groves and increasingly arid landscapes. The route continues to Erfoud, known for fossils and stone workshops. Lunch is at your own expense, and workshop visits are optional.

In the afternoon we arrive in Merzouga at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes. We exchange the vehicle for camels, normally one per traveller, to enjoy sunset and reach camp. Guests who prefer not to ride may request a 4x4 transfer in advance, subject to the confirmed package.

Berber tea welcomes you at camp. Dinner, traditional music when scheduled and a night beneath the Sahara sky complete the day. The tent category and availability of a private bathroom and shower will be clearly stated in the quotation. This is a long travelling day and arrival time depends on stops and road conditions.

Day 2

Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

Guests who wish may rise early to watch sunrise over Erg Chebbi. After breakfast and time to freshen up, we return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4 according to the booked service and rejoin the private vehicle.

The first stop is Rissani, the former capital of Tafilalet. When the market is open and timing allows, there may be time to experience its traditional atmosphere. We then continue through desert landscapes, small villages and palm groves towards Todra Gorge. Lunch is at your own expense.

At Todra Gorge there is time to walk beneath its high rock walls and experience the canyon shaped by the river. We then follow Dades Valley and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs among adobe fortresses, farmland and mountain scenery.

In the late afternoon we arrive at a selected Dades Valley riad or hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3

Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast we follow Rose Valley and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate. According to timing, there may be an interior visit or exterior view of Taourirt Kasbah. Interior admission is optional and paid directly.

The next stop is the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, an impressive fortified adobe settlement. There is time to explore, learn about its history and enjoy the panoramic views. Paid entrances and lunch are at your own expense.

In the afternoon we cross the High Atlas through the Tizi n’Tichka pass at more than 2,200 metres, stopping at viewpoints and near Amazigh villages before descending towards Marrakech.

Arrival is expected in the late afternoon or early evening, although traffic, weather and stops may affect the time. The driver drops you at Marrakech airport, your accommodation or the exact agreed location. We do not recommend booking a flight based on an early arrival without prior confirmation. This transfer completes the three-day journey from Fez through the desert to Marrakech.