Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Moroccan Sahara desert as you embark on an unforgettable journey, connecting two imperial cities through a captivating adventure on our shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour. This extraordinary desert safari spans at least three days to ensure an immersive and delightful experience. Covering a distance of 530 km between Marrakech and Fes, you will be treated to a scenic drive that takes you past ancient Kasbahs, charming Berber villages, and an encounter with the hospitable nomads.
Throughout this group tour, you can look forward to spending two nights in the heart of the desert at the Merzouga desert camp. The best part is that you’ll have your own private room and tent, ensuring a comfortable and personal space during your stay. The tour emphasizes the essence of shared transportation from Marrakech to Fes, fostering camaraderie and new connections as you traverse the captivating landscapes of Morocco. Prepare yourself for a truly mesmerizing adventure filled with unforgettable memories.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech - Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - Boumalne Dades | Boumalne Dades |
| Day 2 | Boumalne Dades - Tinghir - Merzouga - Erg Chebbi | Erg Chebbi |
| Day 3 | Merzouga - Midelt - Ifrane - Fes |
Your shared Marrakech to Fez desert tour will kick off in the morning with a convenient pick-up either from your hotel or a nearby accessible point to your riad. As we depart Marrakech, you’ll be treated to the charming sights of its suburbs, filled with quaint towns and diverse farms. Our journey takes us uphill, crossing the awe-inspiring High Atlas Mountains, with a brief stop for coffee and restroom breaks before reaching the renowned Tizi Ntichka pass, standing tall at 2260 meters above sea level.
Throughout the drive, we’ll make numerous stops, allowing you to capture stunning photographs and stretch your legs. As we approach Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, you’ll witness a dramatic shift in the landscape. This UNESCO-classified village holds significant historical importance and is a popular destination, having served as a backdrop for various Hollywood blockbusters like Game of Thrones, Kingdom of Heaven, and Gladiator.
If you’re interested, you have the option to hire a local guide to explore the village with the rest of the group before selecting a charming local cafe for a delightful lunch.
Continuing our journey in the afternoon, we pass through Dades Valley, with scenic stops at Ouarzazate, Skoura Oasis, and Klaa Mgouna, which is renowned for its exquisite Damascus rose plantations and distillation. The road between Ouarzazate and Dades is famously known as “The road of 1001 Kasbahs.”
Upon reaching Boumalne Dades, we’ll take a minor road, offering picturesque views of Dades River and the backdrop of fortified Berber villages. Arriving at your Dades Hotel just before dusk, you’ll have time to settle in and savor a delicious dinner.
Prepare for an incredible journey after a hearty breakfast at your hotel. The adventure begins with a visit to Tinghir oasis, where you can stroll alongside the stream, shaded by lush palm and olive trees, and witness local Berbers tending to their crops and herding cattle.
The walk will lead you to the awe-inspiring cliffs of Todgha Gorges, where you can capture breathtaking photos and relish the tranquility of the surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the charming local cafes before continuing your journey to Rissani, passing through quaint small towns, oases, and fortified villages (Ksours). As you proceed, you’ll catch sight of the alluring pink dunes on the horizon.
Upon arriving in Merzouga, it’s time to meet your camel caravan for an unforgettable one-hour camel ride across the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi sand dunes, providing an unparalleled view of the sunset. The experience is simply breathtaking.
Following the camel trek, you’ll reach your Sahara desert camp. Tonight, you’ll savor a delicious Moroccan dinner at your Bedouin camp, and your hospitable nomad hosts will entertain you with traditional drum performances around the campfire beneath the enchanting, crystal-clear sky.
You’ll spend the night at your extraordinary Merzouga desert camp, creating memories to last a lifetime.
After a memorable sunrise camel ride over Erg Chebbi dunes, head to the camp operator’s lodge in Merzouga for a fulfilling breakfast, a refreshing shower, and perhaps a quick swim to start your day right. Meet your new driver, who will accompany you on the journey to Fes. As you travel, you’ll traverse the picturesque Ziz Valley, adorned with thousands of date palm trees, offering splendid views of Morocco’s magnificent oases.
Continuing your trip, you’ll cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, arriving at Midelt, a charming small town situated midway to Fez. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to stop for a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, drive through cedar forests where you might even catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, including wild monkeys, also known as Barbary apes. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the quaint town of Ifran, renowned as a popular winter resort for Moroccans.
Your estimated arrival time in Fes is 17:00. This marks the conclusion of your shared 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the nearest accessible point to your Riad, bringing an end to an enriching and unforgettable adventure.
