3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

✔ UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou & cinematic Ouarzazate
✔ Dramatic Todgha Gorge & lush Dades Valley
✔ Sunset camel trek & luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi
✔ Scenic Ziz Valley & cedar forests of Azrou

Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley

Morning: Depart Marrakech at 7:00 AM, winding through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Stop at an argan oil cooperative to see Berber women crafting this liquid gold.

Afternoon: Explore the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified village) famed for films like Gladiator. Enjoy lunch in town before driving through the “Hollywood of Africa” (Ouarzazate).

Evening: Arrive in the Dades Valley, where wind-sculpted rock formations nicknamed “Monkey Fingers” glow at sunset. Dinner and overnight in a cozy guesthouse with valley views.

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todgha Gorge → Merzouga Desert

Morning: After breakfast, head to the Todgha Gorge, a 300m-deep canyon with sheer cliffs ideal for photos and short hikes. Visit a local Berber family for mint tea to learn about their traditions.

Afternoon: Continue to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Swap your vehicle for camels and trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun sets.

Night: Arrive at your luxury desert camp nestled in the dunes. Savor a traditional tagine dinner, then gather around the fire for Berber drum music and stargazing.

Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Cedar Forest → Fes

Sunrise: Wake early to climb the dunes for a breathtaking dawn or take a sunrise camel ride.

Morning: Depart for Fes via the Ziz Valley, a sprawling oasis of palm groves. Stop in Midelt for lunch (try the local apples!).

Afternoon: Pass through the Cedar Forests of Azrou, where wild monkeys roam, and the alpine-style town of Ifrane (“Morocco’s Switzerland”).

Evening: Arrive in Fes by 6:00 PM, where your tour concludes.