Morocco Desert Tour

3-Day Fez to Merzouga and Marrakech Tour

Fez Merzouga, Dades Valley, Marrakech
Duration 3 days / 2 nights
Departure Fez
Transport Private
Travel Style Private Tour

Discover Morocco on a private 3-day journey from Fez to Marrakech, crossing the Atlas Mountains, the palm groves of the Ziz Valley, the Sahara dunes and the landscapes of southern Morocco. This itinerary is designed for travellers with limited time who want to combine nature, culture and the desert in one trip.

The tour includes one night in Merzouga and another in the Dades Valley. You will travel in a private vehicle with a driver, with stops along the way. Please note that this is an intensive itinerary with long driving days, especially on days two and three.

3-Day Fez to Marrakech Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Fez, Ifrane, Midelt, Ziz Valley and Merzouga

We leave Fez in the morning and travel towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, known for its alpine-style buildings, gardens and peaceful atmosphere. We continue along mountain roads through scenery that includes cedar forests, small towns and wide plateaus.

We then travel to Midelt, where we can take a break and have lunch at our own expense. The route continues through the Ziz Valley, known for its palm groves, traditional villages and panoramic views across the oasis. As we head south, the landscape becomes increasingly arid, signalling our approach to the Sahara region.

In the afternoon, we reach Merzouga near the Erg Chebbi dunes. If our arrival time and booked services allow, you may choose an optional camel ride at sunset. We then settle into the accommodation arranged for the night. Overnight in Merzouga.

Day 2: Merzouga, Erfoud, Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley

After breakfast, we leave Merzouga and continue towards Erfoud and the landscapes of the pre-Saharan region. Along the way, we pass traditional villages, rocky terrain and cultivated areas supported by rivers and local irrigation systems.

Our next stop is Todra Gorge, famous for its towering rock walls and the narrow passage carved by the river. There will be time to walk around and take photographs. The length of the visit depends on the available schedule, as we must continue towards the Dades Valley in the afternoon.

We travel through an area of mountains, kasbahs and villages built with traditional earthen materials. On reaching the Dades Valley, we can admire its distinctive rock formations and scenery. After a full day on the road, we arrive at our accommodation for dinner and rest. Overnight in the Dades Valley.

Day 3: Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakech

After breakfast, we set off towards Ouarzazate, crossing valleys and mountain landscapes dotted with palm trees and traditional buildings. Depending on the schedule, we may make scenic stops to enjoy the views and learn more about the architecture of southern Morocco.

We continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a historic earthen settlement recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can walk through its narrow lanes and admire the traditional adobe buildings from different viewpoints. The time available for this visit depends on traffic and the journey time to Marrakech.

Finally, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass and descend towards Marrakech. Arrival is expected in the afternoon or evening, depending on road conditions and stops. The tour ends in Marrakech.

Included

  • Private transportation throughout the tour.
  • Driver and fuel.
  • Pick-up in Fez and drop-off in Marrakech.
  • Two nights of accommodation according to the selected booking option.

Not included

  • Meals and drinks unless specified in the booking.
  • Monument entrance fees and optional visits.
  • Camel ride and desert camp unless expressly booked.
  • Tips and personal expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nights are included?

The tour includes two nights: one in Merzouga and one in the Dades Valley, according to the accommodation booked.

Is transportation private?

Yes. Transportation is arranged for your group, with pick-up in Fez and drop-off in Marrakech.

Is a camel ride included?

A camel ride is optional and should be confirmed when booking, together with the type of desert accommodation.

Does the tour involve long drives?

Yes. This is an express itinerary with long driving days, especially on days two and three. Please consider this before booking.