3 days Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes

Your journey begins in Marrakech, where you will meet your driver and set off towards the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Traveling through the winding roads of the Tizi N’Tichka Pass (2,260m), you will be captivated by breathtaking views of rugged landscapes, deep valleys, and traditional Berber villages perched on the hillsides. Our first stop is the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the largest and most famous fortified village (ksar) in Morocco. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a backdrop for numerous Hollywood films, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones. You will explore its maze-like alleys and ancient earthen structures, which still house some members of the Glaoui family, the former rulers of southern Morocco. After lunch with a view of the Kasbah, we continue to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its thriving film industry and renowned film studios. We then embark on the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” passing through stunning desert landscapes dotted with ancient fortresses. Along the way, we stop at Kalaat M’Gouna, also known as the “City of Roses,” famous for its fragrant Damask rose products and the annual Rose Festival in May. Our journey concludes in Dades Gorge, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a charming hotel overlooking the Dades Valley.

After breakfast, we take a scenic drive through the Dades Valley, stopping to admire the unique “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and the well-preserved Ait Yul Kasbah, which dates back to the 19th century. We then continue toward Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering 300-meter-high red cliffs that attract rock climbers and nature lovers alike. A leisurely walk through the gorge allows you to appreciate the stunning geological formations and the picturesque river that runs through it. Our journey proceeds toward the Sahara Desert, passing through the historic towns of Erfoud and Rissani, known for their fossils, date markets, and ancient trading routes. After a delightful lunch in Rissani, we arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. In the afternoon, you will embark on a camel trek, led by an experienced Berber guide, into the golden dunes of the Sahara. As the sun begins to set, casting mesmerizing shadows over the vast desert, you will reach your Berber camp, where you will spend a magical night. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, followed by live Berber music around the campfire. You can choose to sleep in a cozy nomadic tent or under the starlit desert sky for a truly unforgettable experience.

Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, a truly mesmerizing experience. After breakfast and a refreshing shower at the auberge, we begin our journey toward Fes. Our first stop is Errachidia, followed by a drive through the lush Ziz Valley, known for its vast palm groves and fortified villages. We then continue through Midelt, a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, where we stop for lunch. As we drive through the Cedar Forests of Azrou, keep an eye out for the Barbary macaques (Berber apes), which are native to this region. We then pass through Ifrane, a charming town known as “Little Switzerland” due to its European-style architecture and alpine climate. By late afternoon, we arrive in Fes, where your tour concludes. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel, riad, or any preferred location in the city.