Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour:
3 Days
Travel from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga with your own vehicle and driver-guide. Cross the High Atlas, explore Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge, and spend your second evening at the Erg Chebbi dunes. Your private three-day tour includes a Dades Valley room and a desert camp tent, both with private en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, AC and heating.
Your Journey with Our Travelers
From the Ait Ben Haddou riverbank to the dunes of Erg Chebbi, these photographs show travelers at stops along the route. Select an image to enlarge it on this page.
Select a photo to enlarge it here. Use the viewer arrows or swipe between the photos.
Private Marrakech to Fes Tour through the Sahara
This Marrakech to Fes desert tour follows a southern route through the High Atlas and Merzouga before turning north toward Fes, also spelled Fez. It suits travelers who want a Sahara stay between their two city visits, with the vehicle, driver-guide and overnight arrangements booked together. Your first night is in the Dades Valley; the second is in a private tent beside Erg Chebbi.
The route gives each day a different focus. Day 1 combines the mountain crossing with Ait Ben Haddou and the southern valleys. Day 2 brings a walk in Todra Gorge before your camel trek planned around sunset and desert camp stay. Day 3 follows Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas to Fes. Prefer a vehicle transfer into camp? An included 4x4 transfer can replace the camel ride.
Book your Sahara desert tour from Marrakech with the Complete Morocco team and choose Standard Comfort, Mid-Range or Premium accommodation. Every room and tent has a private en-suite bathroom, hot shower, air conditioning and heating. Tell us your dates, party size and bed preferences; we will confirm the properties, pickup and final price before you pay a deposit.
- DAY 01 · CROSS THE HIGH ATLASAit Ben Haddou & DadesTizi n’Tichka · kasbah visit · valley stay
- DAY 02 · REACH THE DUNESTodra Gorge & MerzougaCanyon walk · camel trek or 4x4 transfer
- NIGHT 02 · YOUR SAHARA STAYPrivate desert camp tentEn-suite bathroom · hot shower · AC/heating
- DAY 03 · CONTINUE TO FESZiz Valley & Middle AtlasMidelt · Azrou cedar forest · Ifrane
3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes: Itinerary
The planned route covers approximately 1,095 km, divided into 350 km to Dades, 275 km to Merzouga and 470 km to Fes. Distances vary with your accommodation and agreed stops. Driving times below are time on the road; allow extra for meals, sightseeing and camp transfers.
Day 1: Marrakech ⇢ High Atlas ⇢ Ait Ben Haddou ⇢ Ouarzazate ⇢ Dades Valley
Meet your driver-guide at your hotel or riad in Marrakech, or at an agreed nearby point if the street is not accessible by vehicle. The road climbs into the High Atlas Mountains and crosses the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Take in the villages, terraced slopes and changing views during agreed photo and comfort stops, with time for a lunch break as you travel into southern Morocco.
At Ait Ben Haddou, explore the earthen lanes of the UNESCO-listed ksar on foot. The fortified village has featured in films including Gladiator, Babel and Lawrence of Arabia, but its courtyards and hillside setting are worth seeing beyond the screen. Continue to Ouarzazate; an optional Atlas Film Studios visit can be arranged at additional cost, time permitting.
The afternoon route passes Skoura and the Valley of Roses around Kelaat M’Gouna before entering the Dades Valley. Here, cultivated plots and villages sit below the rock slopes. Ask about a viewpoint stop at the Monkey Fingers formations if your hotel approach and timing allow. Your first overnight stay breaks the journey to Merzouga, with dinner at your hotel or riad and time to settle into your private room.
Night 1: Dades Valley hotel or riad. Private en-suite room, hot shower, AC and heating; dinner and breakfast included.
Approx. distance: 350 km
Approx. driving time: 6–7 hours, excluding sightseeing, meals, comfort breaks and camp transfers
Day 2: Dades Valley ⇢ Tinghir ⇢ Todra Gorge ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Merzouga
After breakfast, leave Dades for Tinghir and its palm groves. At Todra Gorge, step out of the vehicle for a walk beside the river between the limestone walls. This is a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the canyon before the landscape opens out on the road east. Your driver-guide plans the lunch and sightseeing stops around the onward journey to the dunes.
Continue through southeastern Morocco toward Rissani, a historic trading town in the Tafilalet region. A short market visit may fit on a Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday, subject to your arrival time and the camp schedule. Farther along the route, Merzouga brings your first close views of Erg Chebbi. There is no full desert exploration day on this itinerary; the afternoon is arranged around reaching your overnight camp.
Meet the camp team for your camel trek planned around sunset. The outward ride is approximately one hour, depending on the camp location and dune conditions. An included 4x4 transfer is available instead, and your luggage is transferred to and from the desert camp. Refresh with a hot shower in your private en-suite tent, then enjoy dinner and the evening at camp. Arrival, weather and seasonal daylight affect the exact trek timing.
Night 2: Merzouga desert camp. Private en-suite tent, hot shower, AC and heating; dinner and breakfast included.
Approx. distance: 275 km
Approx. driving time: 4–5 hours, excluding sightseeing, meals, comfort breaks and camp transfers
Day 3: Merzouga ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Midelt ⇢ Azrou ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Fes
Watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes before breakfast at camp, then meet your driver-guide for the northbound journey. The return camp transfer is coordinated before departure, with your luggage brought back to the vehicle. The Ziz Valley offers a different view of the desert region: date palms and villages follow the valley floor below dry, rocky slopes. A viewpoint stop lets you see the oasis before the road climbs toward Midelt.
Allow for lunch along the route and regular comfort breaks during this longest driving stage. Beyond Midelt, the scenery changes as you cross the Middle Atlas toward the cedar forest near Azrou. Barbary macaques may be seen; sightings are not guaranteed. Watch from a distance and do not feed them. Continue through Ifrane, with its mountain setting and alpine-style buildings, before the final stretch to Fes.
Your tour ends in Fes with drop-off at your accommodation or the nearest vehicle-accessible point to it. Arrival is normally in the evening and varies with traffic, road conditions and stops. Plan to stay in Fes that night, then explore the medina the following day at your own pace or with a separately arranged guide. A city tour of Fes and accommodation after drop-off are not included in this three-day package.
End of service: Fes hotel or riad drop-off, or an agreed nearby vehicle-accessible point. No Fes overnight stay is included.
Approx. distance: 470 km
Approx. driving time: 7–8 hours, excluding sightseeing, meals, comfort breaks and camp transfers
View the Marrakech to Fes route map
Dades Valley and Merzouga Desert Camp Accommodation
Your first night is in the Dades Valley in a private hotel or riad room. Your second night is at a Merzouga desert camp in a private tent. All accommodations, including the desert camp, have private en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, air conditioning and heating. Dinner and breakfast are included at both stays.
Choose Standard Comfort, Mid-Range or Premium to suit your budget and preferred setting. For a Marrakech to Fes luxury desert tour, ask our team to quote the higher accommodation tiers. The properties below show the options used for this route; your written quote confirms the available properties, category and room or tent arrangements for your dates.
Standard Comfort
Night 1 · Dades Valley
Riad Luxury Dades
Night 2 · Merzouga desert
Dihya Desert Luxury Camp
Mid-Range
Night 1 · Dades Valley
Ksar Sultan Dades
Night 2 · Merzouga desert
Tawada Luxury Desert Camp
Premium
Night 1 · Dades Valley
Eden Boutique Hotel & Spa
Night 2 · Merzouga desert
Tiziri Camp
Your comfort, confirmed before booking
Tell us whether you prefer a double or twin room, need a family arrangement or have accessibility requirements. Your vehicle is private to your booking; hotels and camps may host other guests. The published group-size rates are indicative and are not separate prices for every accommodation tier.
What Your Private 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Tour Includes
Included in Your Tour
- Private transport matched to group size: 4x4, minivan or minibus
- English-speaking driver-guide throughout the 3 days (other driver-guide languages upon request and subject to availability)
- Pickup from your Marrakech hotel or riad, or an agreed nearby vehicle-accessible point, on day one
- 1 night in the Dades Valley in a private en-suite room with a hot shower, air conditioning and heating
- Dinner and breakfast at your Dades Valley accommodation
- 1 night at a Merzouga desert camp in a private en-suite tent with a hot shower, air conditioning and heating
- Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
- Camel trek planned around sunset across Erg Chebbi, subject to arrival time and conditions
- 4x4 transfer to the desert camp when arranged instead of camel riding
- Luggage transfer to and from the desert camp
- Sandboards available at camp
- Drop-off in Fes at your hotel, riad or the nearest vehicle-accessible point to your accommodation
Not Included
- Lunches during the three days
- Additional beverages
- Entrance fees where applicable
- Local guides at monuments unless arranged separately
- Optional quad biking or dune buggy activities in Merzouga
- Tips for your driver-guide
- Travel insurance
Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Prices
For two travelers, the indicative rate is €464 per person, or €928 for your private party. This covers three days with your own vehicle and driver-guide, two overnight stays, two dinners and two breakfasts. Use the selector to compare prices for your party, then request your exact quote with the accommodation tier and travel dates you prefer.
Select your group size to see the indicative rate.
For 2 travelers · private tour
Book with a registered local operator: your price includes private transport and a driver-guide, a Dades room and desert camp tent with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, AC and heating, plus a camel trek or alternative 4x4 camp transfer. A full Merzouga 4x4 exploration day requires a longer itinerary.
| Participants | 1 | 2 | 3–4 | 5–7 | 8–10 | 11+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price / person | €865 | €464 | €399 | €339 | €289 | €239 |
The €239 rate applies to groups of 11 or more travelers. These group-size bands refer to your own booking, not a shared departure. For very large groups or specific family room arrangements, request a tailored quote.
Before you pay a deposit, your quote will identify the accommodation category, properties, room arrangements, final price and payment details.
Marrakech to Fes: 3 Days or 4?
The three-day tour suits travelers who want a Dades overnight and a Sahara camp night while moving from Marrakech to Fes. The four-day route adds a Merzouga hotel or riad night and a dedicated desert exploration day by 4x4. The main transfer distances stay the same.
| Your experience | 4 days | 3 days · this tour |
|---|---|---|
| Overnight stays | Dades, Merzouga hotel or riad, desert camp | Dades and desert camp |
| Time around Merzouga | An additional day before the camp night | Camp arrival on Day 2; departure on Day 3 |
| Private desert exploration by 4x4 | Included, with the agreed stops confirmed in your quote | No dedicated exploration day |
| Camel trek and camp transfer alternative | Included | Included |
| Best fit | More time around the dunes | A three-day one-way crossing |
Compare the 4-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour for an extra Sahara day, or the 5-day Marrakech to Fes tour for more time through Skoura and the southern valleys. The 2-day crossing involves a much longer first driving day.
Planning Your 3-Day Desert Trip from Marrakech
Stay in Marrakech the night before departure. Day 1 starts in the morning and crosses the High Atlas before your Dades overnight. Share your hotel or riad address so our team can agree a practical pickup point.
Allow a full final day for Merzouga to Fes. The last leg covers about 470 km and takes 7–8 hours of driving, plus lunch, sightseeing and breaks. The normal finish is in the evening.
Pack for mountains and dunes. Bring comfortable walking shoes, loose clothing, sun protection and a warm layer. Winter nights can be cold; summer afternoons in the Sahara can be very hot.
Camel riding is optional. Allow approximately one hour each way when traveling between the meeting point and camp by camel; camp location and dune conditions affect the duration. A 4x4 camp transfer is available instead. The outward trek is planned around sunset, with timing subject to arrival and conditions.
Your luggage travels to and from the desert camp. Transfer is included. Keep your medication, water, camera and an extra layer in a small day bag during the camel trek.
Both overnight stays have private facilities. Your Dades room and Merzouga camp tent each have an en-suite bathroom, hot shower, air conditioning and heating.
Plan for lunches and personal spending. Two dinners and two breakfasts are included. Carry Moroccan dirhams for lunches, additional drinks, entrance fees and small purchases. Tell us about dietary requirements when you request your quote.
Book your onward travel from Fes with time to spare
Plan to stay in Fes after the tour and travel onward the following day. Mountain roads, sightseeing stops and traffic can affect arrival, so a flight or train on the final evening may leave too little time. Your Fes hotel and any guided city visit are separate from this three-day tour.
Reviews from Travelers Who Toured with Our Team
Our driver and our guide are very professional and friendly. Always looking after the group.
As always, a wonderful experience. Thank you, Hassan and Youssef, for always treating us with such kindness, professionalism and warmth. Going back to Morocco with you is always a pleasure. We will definitely travel with them again. Thank you for making every trip an unforgettable memory!
I traveled with Hassan and Youssef for a second time and, once again, it was an incredible experience. From the first moment they make you feel at home, with a kind and very professional manner. I would travel with them again and again. If you are thinking of taking a trip, I recommend them 100%.
Their warmth, their kindness and the way they showed us Morocco made us enjoy every moment. An experience we will always remember. We would definitely travel with them again.
Reviews translated from Spanish. Read the originals on Google.
Questions about Your 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Tour
How much is the 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour?
The indicative price is €464 per person for two travelers, or €928 for your private party. A solo booking is €865. Rates decrease with the size of your own group, reaching €239 per person for 11 or more travelers. These are private-party rates, not prices for joining a shared departure. Your travel dates, accommodation category and availability determine the final written quote.
Is this a private or shared Marrakech to Fes tour?
This is a private tour: your vehicle and driver-guide are reserved for your booking. You can discuss comfort breaks and sightseeing priorities along the agreed route without joining a bus of separate bookings. Your room and tent are private; the hotels and desert camp may also host other guests.
Where do we stay, and does the desert camp have AC and heating?
Night 1 is in a Dades Valley hotel or riad; Night 2 is in a private tent at a Merzouga desert camp. All accommodations, including the camp tent, have private en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, air conditioning and heating. Choose Standard Comfort, Mid-Range or Premium, and our team will confirm the available properties and bed arrangements in your quote.
How far is the route, and how long are the driving days?
The itinerary covers about 1,095 km. Day 1, Marrakech to Dades, is about 350 km and 6–7 hours of driving. Day 2, Dades to Merzouga, is about 275 km and 4–5 hours. Day 3, Merzouga to Fes, is about 470 km and 7–8 hours. Those times exclude sightseeing, lunch, breaks and camp transfers, so allow three full days.
Where is pickup in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes?
We arrange morning pickup from your Marrakech hotel or riad, or the nearest agreed vehicle-accessible meeting point. Stay in Marrakech the night before departure and send us your accommodation details. The tour ends in the evening at your Fes hotel, riad or the nearest vehicle-accessible point to your accommodation; the exact timing depends on the day’s journey.
Will we travel in a 4x4 or a minivan?
Vehicle allocation depends on your party size and availability. For 2–3 travelers, we generally use a 4x4 such as a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TX. For 4–8, a Mercedes Vito or Ford Tourneo minivan is typical; larger parties use a minibus. A 4x4 camp transfer is also available instead of camel riding. This three-day itinerary does not include a full Merzouga 4x4 exploration day.
Can I book as a solo traveler?
Yes. The indicative solo rate is €865 for a private three-day booking with your own vehicle and driver-guide. You do not need to find other travelers to make up a group. Send your dates and preferred accommodation category so we can confirm availability and your total.
How long is the camel trek, and can I skip it?
The camel trek takes approximately one hour each way when both camp transfers are by camel, depending on camp location and dune conditions. The outward trek is planned around sunset, subject to arrival time and conditions. You can choose the included 4x4 camp transfer instead. Tell us your preference before departure; luggage transfer to and from the desert camp is included either way.
What is the best season for a Marrakech to Fes Sahara tour?
Spring and autumn generally offer a comfortable balance for mountain stops and time in the dunes. Summer brings hot Sahara afternoons, while winter can bring cold evenings and changing mountain-road conditions. The tour can run throughout the year when roads and conditions allow. Bring layers even though both overnight stays have AC and heating.
What should I wear for the desert and mountain stops?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and closed walking shoes with grip for the ksar paths and canyon stops. Long trousers are practical for the camel trek, and a hat, sunglasses and a light scarf help with sun and dust. Bring a warm outer layer for evenings and winter travel. Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is a considerate choice in villages and towns.
What should I pack, and what happens to my luggage?
Bring sun protection, a reusable water bottle, medication, toiletries, a phone charger or power bank and clothing for both warm days and cool evenings. A small bag keeps essentials handy during the camel trek. Your main luggage is transferred to and from the desert camp. Share the number and size of your bags in advance if you are traveling with bulky luggage.
Is this tour suitable for families and travelers with mobility needs?
Families can book privately, but the route includes long drives, uneven paths at Ait Ben Haddou and sand around the camp. Tell us children’s ages and any mobility, seating or room requirements before booking. We can check appropriate arrangements and a 4x4 transfer instead of a camel trek. An en-suite room or tent does not by itself mean step-free access, so essential accessibility needs must be confirmed for the proposed properties.
Which meals are included, and can you accommodate dietary needs?
Dinner and breakfast are included at the Dades accommodation and at the Merzouga desert camp: two dinners and two breakfasts in total. Lunches and additional beverages are not included. Tell our team about vegetarian or other dietary requirements when you enquire so we can check arrangements with both properties. Mention allergies before confirming your booking.
Should I choose three or four days from Marrakech to Fes?
Choose three days for a Dades overnight, one Sahara camp night and the onward journey to Fes. The four-day itinerary adds a Merzouga hotel or riad night and a private 4x4 exploration day. That is the option to discuss if you want visits around Khamlia, Dayet Srji and Mifis; dedicated visits to those places are not included in this three-day tour. The extra day does not shorten the main driving legs.
Is this a day trip or a return tour to Marrakech?
Neither: this is a three-day, two-night one-way tour ending in Fes. It suits a Morocco itinerary that continues north after the Sahara. If you need to return to Marrakech, choose the 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga round trip. The Fes to Marrakech desert tour follows the reverse direction.
Can I fly from Fes on the final evening?
We recommend staying in Fes that night and taking an onward flight the next day. Day 3 includes about 470 km of travel, and weather, road conditions, lunch and sightseeing affect the evening arrival. Share any fixed flight or train plans before booking so the team can explain whether your connection is practical.
Does the tour include a guided visit of Fes or Marrakech?
The three days cover the journey between the cities and the stops in the itinerary. They do not include a full guided city tour or a hotel night in either Marrakech or Fes. Plan Marrakech sightseeing before departure and allow a separate day in Fes afterward. If you want these visits and extra nights arranged, tell our team when requesting your private quote.
How do I book, pay and check the cancellation policy?
Send your dates, number of travelers, accommodation category and pickup details through the form or WhatsApp. Our team will check availability and send the itinerary, properties, room arrangements, total price and payment terms. A deposit secures the booking once you approve those details. Before paying, review our cancellation policy and ask us about anything that needs clarification.
Book Your Private 3-Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes
Get a personal quote from the Complete Morocco team for your three-day Sahara crossing. Send your travel date, exact party size, preferred accommodation tier and Marrakech pickup address. Add children’s ages, double or twin room preferences and any accessibility or dietary requirements. We will check your Dades stay, Merzouga camp and transport, then confirm the itinerary and total before you pay a deposit.
Include your dates, travelers and any preferences.
Confirm the route, accommodation and final price.
Pay the agreed deposit after confirming the details.
Prefer a conversation? WhatsApp +212 680-062039 or email info@completemorocco.com. Payments can be arranged by PayPal, bank transfer or Wise. Please review our cancellation policy before booking.
Your local operator
Complete Morocco is operated by Pro Morocco Tours SARL, a registered Moroccan tour operator and tourist transport company based near Merzouga. Founder and lead guide Hassan Mezane works with our reservations team and driver-guides to plan and operate your journey. You book directly with the local team arranging your transport and overnight stays.
Trade register no. 20253 (Errachidia)
Contact Complete Morocco
More Private Desert Tours from Marrakech and Fes
Marrakech to Fes · 4 days
Add a Merzouga hotel or riad night and a private 4x4 exploration day before your desert camp stay.
Marrakech to Fes · 5 days
Include Skoura and more time through the southern valleys, followed by a full day around Merzouga.
Fes to Marrakech · 3 days
Take the reverse route if your Morocco holiday starts in Fes and continues to Marrakech.
Returning to your starting city? Compare the 3-day Marrakech desert round trip. With only two days available, review the 2-day Marrakech to Fes tour and its longer first driving day before deciding.
Explore all Marrakech desert tours, browse the Fes desert tours collection, or compare departure cities across our Morocco desert tours. Our team can also help you plan a longer Morocco itinerary around your flights.
Make the Sahara part of your journey.
Send your dates and party size for a quote with your private transport, Dades room, en-suite Sahara tent and Fes drop-off confirmed.
Get my private tour quote →