3-Day Desert Tour
from Marrakech to Fes
A Sahara desert tour by Affordable Morocco Tours
Tour Overview
Tour Length:
3 Days / 2 Nights
Start City:
Marrakech
End City:
Fes
Price Range:
€TBD
Destinations Included:
Ait Benhaddou, Dades Valley, Todgha Gorges, Erfoud, Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou, Ifrane
3-Day Desert Tour
from Marrakech to Fes
A Sahara desert tour by Tarhanine Morocco Tours
Tour Overview
Tour Length:
3 Days / 2 Nights
Start City:
Marrakech
End City:
Fes
Price Range:
€TBD
Destinations Included:
Ait Benhaddou, Dades Valley, Todgha Gorges, Erfoud, Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou, Ifrane
3 days
All Destinations
Luxury or Standard
About this Tour
Travel from Marrakech to Fes on a three-day overland route that passes historic kasbahs, mountain scenery, gorges, and the Sahara dunes.
The itinerary includes a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, a night in a desert camp under the stars, and a scenic drive to Fes through the Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou, and Ifrane.
Highlights
Your 3-Day Desert Route:
At a Glance
Best for:
Travelers who want a Sahara crossing between Marrakech and Fes in a short timeframe
Tour length:
3 Days / 2 Nights
Start city:
Marrakech
Route:
Marrakech → Tizi n’Tichka Pass → Ait Benhaddou → Dades Valley → Todgha Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes
Signature moments:
Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO) • Todgha Gorges walk • Erg Chebbi camel trek • Desert camp night • Ziz Valley drive to Fes
Overnight
1 riad in Dades • 1 desert camp in Merzouga
Itinerary Route
Sahara Exploration: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Ait Benhaddou → Dades Valley → Todgha Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes) →
Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane
Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Ait Benhaddou – Dades Valley
Depart from Marrakech and travel through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping at the highest point for photos. Continue to Ait Benhaddou, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. This ksar (fortified village) served as a strategic stop for camel caravans traveling trans-Saharan trade routes.
After visiting Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, enjoy lunch and continue toward the Dades Valley. The scenery of the Dades gorges and valleys is a key part of the route.
Overnight and dinner: in a charming riad in Dades.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todgha Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes)
After breakfast, travel to the Todgha Gorges. Over the final stretch where the Todgha and Dades rivers carve through the mountains, the landscape becomes steep and dramatic. Stop for a short walk in the gorges, then continue to Tinghir for lunch.
Next, travel to Erfoud, known for palm groves and fossil quarries. Erfoud is also known as a filming location for movies such as The Mummy and Prince of Persia.
Arrive in Merzouga, where the dunes rise from the horizon. Take a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, then continue to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay under the stars.
Overnight and dinner: desert camp in Merzouga.
Day 3: Merzouga – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes
Wake up early to see sunrise over the dunes and capture photos. Return to the camp for breakfast, then begin the scenic journey to Fes, traveling via Erfoud, the Ziz Palm Valley, Midelt, and the cedar forests.
Continue through Azrou, known for macaque monkeys, and then Ifrane, before arriving in Fes. Drop-off is at your hotel or the airport.
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Journeys Crafted for You
At Affordable Morocco Tours, every journey begins with you. Whether you are planning a short getaway or traveling with family, we design tours that reflect your interests, pace, and travel style.
The sample itineraries on our website are based on real guest favorites, but they are a starting point. Once we know your travel dates and preferences, we customize the route to support a smooth journey from arrival to departure.
Our mission is to make your Morocco experience seamless, authentic, and truly memorable.
frequently asked questions
3-Day Desert Tour
Marrakech to Fes – FAQs
Didn't see your questions?
Q1: How long is the Marrakech to Fes desert tour?
This tour is 3 days / 2 nights, starting in Marrakech and ending in Fes.
Q2: Which places are included on the route?
The itinerary includes Ait Benhaddou, Dades Valley, Todgha Gorges, Erfoud, Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou, and Ifrane.
Q3: Do we do a camel trek in the Sahara?
Yes. Day 2 includes a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga.
Q4: Do we sleep in the desert?
Yes. Day 2 includes dinner and an overnight stay in a desert camp in Merzouga.
Q5: Is sunrise in the dunes included?
On Day 3, waking up early for sunrise is part of the experience before departing Merzouga.
Q6: Where does the tour end in Fes?
The tour ends in Fes with drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
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