If you are looking for a tour that takes you through the Sahara Desert, look no further than this 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert trip. This is a great way to see many fabulous sites in a short period of time. It will take you to Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley and Todra Gorge as well as the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in Merzouga.
The first day
Taking the train from Marrakech to Fes is a great way to travel around Morocco. The train is very scenic and allows you to enjoy the countryside of Morocco. However, it is a long trip so be prepared for the journey. It can take anywhere from 6.5 to 7 hours.
On the first day of your 3 days and 2 nights Marrakech to Fes desert tour you will travel through the High Atlas Mountains, passing adobe Berber villages and Kasbahs. You will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, known as the Hollywood of Africa and the backdrop for many blockbuster films. You will also see Ouarzazate city, Dades Valley and the Todra gorge.
Next you will drive to Rissani, where the founder of the actual dynasty that rules Morocco is buried. From there you will head to Merzouga where you can sleep in a desert camp and witness the magical sunset in the Sahara.
The second day
Having breakfast at your hotel you will leave to the oases of Tinghir and Merzouga. You will then discover the magnificent Todgha Gorges, a natural formation of high limestone cliffs. The tour will continue to explore within the golden sand sea of Merzouga. Afterwards you will ride camels guided by an experienced guide to spend the night in a desert camp. You will witness the sunset over the dunes and the colors that evolve during this spectacle.
The day after you will travel towards Fez passing through the luxuriant Ziz Valley with its magnificent kasbahs and the Middle Atlas Mountains. You will also visit Erfoud, the fossils town and Rissani the traditional market before reaching Midelt where you will see the fascinating Tizi n’tichka pass. You will then stop at the cedar forest where you can see Barbary monkeys and finally reach Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco.
The Marrakech to Fes desert tour is one of the best Morocco tours because it connects two imperial cities with a variety of ancient villages and Sahara desert sites. This is a must-do for every Morocco traveler.
The third day
On day three of the 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour, you’ll depart from your hotel or riad at 08h00 AM. You’ll then drive through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi N’Tichka pass, where you’ll see beautiful mud-brick Berber villages and old Kasbahs. You’ll also explore the Toudgha Gorge, Skoura Oasis, and Rose Valley, which is famous for its scented Damascene roses.
After the day’s adventures, you will make your way to Ouarzazate. This town is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou. You’ll then visit the stunning Todra & Dades gorges, and the Valley of the Roses, which is a great place to buy some local cosmetic products.
From there, you’ll head to Midelt – known as the “apple capital of Morocco.” Here, you can take a break in the Cedar forest where you might spot Barbary apes. You’ll then continue to the Ziz Valley, where thousands of date palms supply Morocco with fruit.
The fourth day
The next day, head to Tinghir, where you’ll explore one of Morocco’s most stunning natural wonders, the Todgha Gorges. This canyon is made up of naturally shaped high limestone cliffs that have been hollowed out over millennia.
Then, visit the UNESCO-Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient Kasbah in the Atlas Mountains that has become a popular location for Hollywood movies like Lawrence of Arabia and Indiana Jones. You’ll also see the arid Dades Valley, where you can enjoy some camel riding.
After that, continue on to Ouarzazate and take a scenic drive through the Rose Valley. Finally, you’ll reach the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi and experience a sunset camel ride before settling in your desert camp for the night. You’ll have an opportunity to try traditional Moroccan cuisine and watch the stars as they shine above you. It’s a great way to end your Marrakech to Fes desert tour in 3 days.