Marrakech to Fes 3-Day Desert Tour

Detailed Day Wise Itinerary

• Day 1: Marrakech » Ait Benhaddou Kasbah » Ouarzazate » Dades Valley[330Km]

  On the first day of the 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour, your journey commences with a morning pick-up from your Marrakech accommodation, be it a hotel or riad, at 8 o'clock. We set out towards the High Atlas, a subrange of the Moroccan Atlas mountains, embarking on a scenic route through the Tizi N'Tichka pass. Along the way, we make stops for panoramic views, providing the perfect opportunity to capture the charm of Berber villages seamlessly nestled in the landscape.

  Our adventure continues southward, leading us to the fortified village or ksar of Ait Benhaddou, renowned for its iconic Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. This dramatic setting has served as the backdrop for numerous blockbuster films, including Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy, The Jewel of the Nile, and Sahara featuring Penélope Cruz, to name a few. We allocate free time for lunch in the town.

  From Ait Benhaddou, we proceed to Ouarzazate, also known as "The Gate of the Desert", where "noiseless or without confusion" aptly characterizes this Berber-influenced locale. Here, we explore the impressive Taourirt Kasbah, one of Morocco's most spectacular ksars.

  Our next destination is the enchanting Rose Valley, passing through the expansive Skoura palm grove, home to over 700,000 palm trees and numerous kasbahs that dot the landscape. This valley is renowned for the cultivation of damascene roses, which are used for the production of highly valued rosewater. An annual highlight in May is the Rose Festival, a significant cultural event in Moroccan tradition.

  Finally, our journey leads us to the Dades Valley, where we'll spend the first night of this 3 days tour from Marrakech to Fes, promising a captivating start to your desert adventure.

• Day 2: Dades Valley » Todra Gorges » Merzouga » Camel Trek[326Km]

  Following breakfast, our day begins with a captivating visit to a strategically positioned mountain viewpoint that affords one of the most breathtaking panoramas of the Dades Valley. From this vantage point, a multitude of kasbahs and their unique scenic features come into view, showcasing the distinctive charm of each one. A well-maintained asphalt road guides us along the valley, starting from Tineghir, meandering through the gorge, and eventually leading us to the expansive Sahara desert.

  Our journey encompasses several captivating stops along the way, culminating in our arrival at the Todra Gorges. Here, the scenery takes on a truly spectacular aspect, and local inhabitants can be observed in their adobe villages, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the region. The unique rock formations, with their uneven surfaces, have made these gorges a sought-after destination for rock climbers.

  A brief stroll through the Todra Gorges precedes a well-deserved lunch break in either Tinejdad or Touroug. Our voyage continues as we make our way to the magnificent Merzouga desert in Morocco, home to the remarkable dunes of Erg Chebbi. Here, we embark on a one-hour camel ride to reach our nomad camp nestled in close proximity to the dunes. As the day draws to a close, we witness the mesmerizing desert sunset from the summit of the dunes, before retiring to our tents for a night under the captivating, star-studded desert sky.

• Day 3: Merzouga Desert » Ziz Valley » Midelt » Azrou » Ifrane » Fes[488Km]

  The day begins with an early morning rendezvous with the sunrise in the heart of the Sahara desert. In this serene setting, awakening early is a must to behold the most breathtaking sunrise imaginable, perched atop a dune adjacent to our camp. Following this awe-inspiring spectacle, we return to Merzouga on camelback, where a delectable breakfast awaits us. Once rejuvenated, we commence our final day's journey northward, passing through the expansive Tafilalet palm grove, recognized as the largest of its kind worldwide. Along this 20-kilometer stretch, you'll be captivated by the sight of thousands of towering palm trees. Our route leads us to the Ziz Valley, sourced by the High Atlas and sustaining the palm grove. Here, we pause at an elevated viewpoint, relishing a splendid panorama of the valley and the town of Aoufous.

  Continuing our expedition, we make another stop in Midelt, nestled in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, where you'll have the opportunity for lunch and a brief respite. In the afternoon, our journey guides us through the Cedar Woods in Azrou, where, if fortune smiles upon us, we may catch sight of the indigenous monkeys. Our next destination is the charming city of Ifrane, positioned on the northwestern slope of the Middle Atlas at an elevation of 1630 meters. The city's broad avenues, meticulous urban planning, lush gardens, green spaces, and architectural finesse lend it the appearance of a Swiss town, earning it the moniker of "Moroccan Switzerland". If that weren't enough, Ifrane boasts a notable ski resort, Michlifen.

  Around 6 PM, our odyssey concludes as we arrive in Fez. You'll be transferred to your hotel, marking the end of our Marrakech to Fes 3-day desert trip, filled with remarkable experiences and captivating landscapes.