Fes to Marrakech

Erg Chebbi Desert Tour

3 Days

Overview

On this 3-day desert adventure, travel through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, visit cedar forests and palm-filled valleys, and experience the magic of the Sahara with a sunset camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Spend a night under the stars in a luxury desert camp, explore dramatic gorges and ancient kasbahs, and cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains before arriving in Marrakech. This tour is ideal for travelers who want to connect with Morocco’s natural beauty, culture, and desert landscapes in a short time.

Highlights

  • Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the alpine town of Ifrane

  • Visit to the cedar forests of Azrou and encounter with wild Barbary macaques

  • Explore the dramatic Todra Gorges with its towering red cliffs

  • Stop at fossil workshops in Erfoud, known for its prehistoric treasures

  • Sunset camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes

  • Overnight in a luxury desert camp with dinner, Berber music, and stargazing

  • Early morning camel ride to witness the sunrise over the Sahara

  • Scenic journey through the lush Ziz Valley and its palm groves

  • Cross the High Atlas Mountains on the way to vibrant Marrakech

What's Included

  • Private transport in an air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan

  • Hotel or riad pick-up in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech

  • English-speaking driver/guide

  • One night in a hotel or guesthouse in the Dades Valley

  • One night in a luxury desert camp (private tent with en-suite)

  • Sunset and sunrise camel rides in the Erg Chebbi dunes

  • Dinner and breakfast at both accommodations

  • Berber music and campfire experience in the desert

  • Bottled water and traditional tea at the desert camp

  • Scenic stops and photo opportunities along the route

Not Included

  • Lunches

  • Local guides

  • Entrance fees

  • Tips

Itinerary

Day 1: Fes to Merzouga

Your desert adventure begins with an early departure from Fes, heading south toward the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, a charming town often referred to as “Switzerland of Morocco,” for a brief visit to its picturesque architecture and cool mountain air. Continue to Azrou, known for its cedar forests, where you can spot the famous Barbary macaques. Afterward, head to Midelt for lunch, then travel through the scenic Ziz Valley, known for its expansive palm groves and kasbahs. Arrive in Merzouga, where you’ll embark on a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Spend the night in a luxury desert camp, enjoying traditional Moroccan cuisine, Berber music, and stargazing.

Day 2: Merzouga to Dades Valley

Wake early to experience the sunrise over the dunes, followed by a hearty breakfast. Afterward, you’ll ride camels back to Merzouga and then continue your journey toward the Todra Gorges, a dramatic canyon with towering cliffs. You’ll have some time to explore the gorges and enjoy a short hike. From there, you’ll travel to Dades Valley, a beautiful area known for its scenic roads and stunning kasbahs. Spend the night in a local guesthouse or hotel in Dades Valley, with panoramic views of the valley.

Day 2: Dades Valley to Marrakech

On the final day, continue your journey through the Dades Valley, stopping at viewpoints along the way. You’ll pass through the famous Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, eventually arriving in Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Morocco," where you can visit Kasbah Taourirt or the Atlas Film Studios. From there, travel across the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying scenic vistas and several stops along the way. Finally, arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or riad.

* This 3-Day Fes to Marrakech Erg Chebbi Desert Tour can be customized to create a personalized experience.

 

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • This tour is private and customizable, meaning you'll travel with your own group and have a dedicated driver-guide throughout the journey.

  • We recommend packing comfortable walking shoes, a hat or scarf for sun protection, sunglasses, layers for cooler desert nights.

  • Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs can be accommodated just let us know in advance so we can prepare accordingly.

  • You’ll stay in comfortable, locally-owned riads or boutique hotels with traditional Moroccan charm, and spend one unforgettable night in a luxury desert camp with en-suite tents, hot showers, and a star-filled sky overhead.

  • The camel ride is optional. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can arrange a 4x4 transfer to the desert camp with no extra cost—just let us know your preference ahead of time.