The 3 days Marrakech to Fes is one of the most popular Sahara Desert tours in Morocco. Many visitors who plan to travel north towards the Blue City (Chefchaouen), Meknes, or Tangier often book this tour as a scenic and enriching way to explore the south before heading north. Along the journey, travelers will cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and pass through traditional Berber towns. In addition, the route includes a visit to the famous film studios of Ouarzazate, stunning geological formations, fossil-rich zones, and the breathtaking dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Merzouga Desert. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and adventure, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to experience Morocco’s diverse landscapes while traveling from Marrakech to Fes.
On this 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes, expect a variety of landscapes and climates. In the summer, the desert can be extremely hot during the day but still pleasant at night, while in the winter, the High Atlas Mountains can be quite cold, especially in the early morning and evening. It’s important to pack layers to stay comfortable in both environments. The third day includes the longest drive of the trip, as you cross from the Sahara through the Middle Atlas Mountains to reach Fes, with several scenic stops along the way to break up the journey.
At 8:30 am we depart from Marrakech and cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying panoramic views and stops in traditional Berber towns. Visit the legendary Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and backdrop for many famous films. Continue through Ouarzazate, where you can stop briefly at the Atlas Film Studios. The road winds through the Skoura Oasis and Valley of Roses, arriving by sunset in the spectacular Dades Gorge. Overnight in a local hotel or kasbah in the Dades Valley.
After breakfast in your hotel, we leave Dades Valley and head to cliffs of Todra Gorge, a paradise for climbers and photographers. Next, pass through Alnif, a region renowned for its rich fossil beds and unique geological formations. Stop for a brief fossil discovery experience before continuing to Rissani, a historical trading center known for its traditional market. Arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon, where your camel trek begins. Ride through the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes, arriving at your desert camp just in time for a magical sunset, followed by dinner and music under the stars.
Today we recommend you to wake up early in order to see the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast and a quick freshen-up, start the journey north toward Fes. Travel through the amazing Ziz Valley, with its dramatic date palms, then head into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop for lunch in Midelt, and pass through Azrou’s cedar forest, home to wild Barbary macaques. Enjoy a short break in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” before reaching Fes by evening perfectly positioned for onward travel to Meknes, Chefchaouen, or Tangier.
We recently took a 3 days tour from Marrakech to Fes, and it was the highlight of our trip to Morocco. The itinerary was perfectly paced, allowing us to see so much in just a few days without feeling rushed.
From the start, our driver was welcoming, knowledgeable, and always made sure we were comfortable. The drive through the High Atlas Mountains offered breathtaking views, and visiting the historic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah felt like stepping back in time.