3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
Overview
Experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Morocco on a 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes. This journey will take you across the majestic Atlas Mountains, through ancient kasbahs, and into the heart of the Sahara Desert. Discover the contrast between Marrakech’s vibrant city life and the tranquility of the desert as you trek on camels through the Erg Chebbi dunes, stay in a traditional Berber camp, and visit iconic historical sites before arriving in the imperial city of Fes.
Highlights of the 3-Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes
- Tizi n’Tichka Pass: Stunning views as you cross the High Atlas Mountains.
- Ait Ben Haddou: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical significance and cinematic backdrop.
- Ouarzazate: Explore the gateway to the desert and its famous kasbahs and film studios.
- Dades Valley and Todra Gorge: Experience the beauty of Morocco’s rocky gorges and canyons.
- Merzouga and Erg Chebbi Dunes: Camel trek in the Sahara and enjoy a night in a desert camp.
- Ziz Valley: Travel through palm groves and stunning landscapes before reaching Fes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Your tour from Marrakech to Fes begins with an early morning departure from your Marrakech hotel. You’ll journey through the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, where you can stop for photos and admire the traditional Berber villages. Continue on to the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular filming location for movies like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.
After visiting Ait Ben Haddou, you’ll head to Ouarzazate, also known as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Explore the Taourirt Kasbah and, if time permits, visit the Atlas Film Studios. In the afternoon, travel through the Dades Valley, known for its dramatic landscapes, lush palm groves, and rock formations, before reaching your accommodation for the night in Dades Gorge.
- Overnight: Dades Valley
- Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Dunes
After breakfast, your journey continues to the impressive Todra Gorge, where you’ll have the chance to walk between the towering canyon walls, rising up to 300 meters in height. Following a short hike in the gorge, drive towards the desert town of Merzouga, passing through the oasis town of Erfoud, famous for its fossils and date palms.
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you will embark on an exciting camel trekking adventure across the golden sands of the Sahara Desert, reaching your Berber desert camp just in time to witness a mesmerizing sunset over the dunes. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and relax under the starry night sky.
- Overnight: Desert Camp in Erg Chebbi
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Fes
Rise early to witness the sunrise over the Sahara, a magical experience that will leave you speechless. After breakfast, you’ll ride your camel back to Merzouga, where your driver will be waiting to begin the journey to Fes. The drive takes you through the scenic Ziz Valley, known for its extensive palm groves and fortified villages.
Along the way, you’ll pass through Midelt, a small town nestled between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountains, where you’ll stop for lunch. Continue through the Cedar Forests of Azrou, home to Barbary macaque monkeys, before arriving in the historic city of Fes in the late afternoon. This marks the end of your 3-day desert adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
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