PRIVATE TOUR — 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour
OVERVIEW
3 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES VIA MERZOUGA
Morocco tour of 3 days from Marrakech to Fes through the Sahara desert. In this 3 days / 2 nights tour you’ll visit so many fabulous sites in a short time, including the Atlas Mountains, the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, Ouarzazate city, and the Dades and Todra Gorges, in addition to the Merzouga Sahara desert and many Berber villages. Furthermore, you ride camels into the heart of the desert and witness the magical sunset and sunrise in the Sahara. Moreover, you visit the Rissani traditional market and Erfoud the fossils town, then the Switzerland of Morocco, Ifrane, and the cedar forest where the Barbary macaques live. Finally, the 3 day tour ends in Fes.
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Start: Marrakech
End: Fes
Tour style: Private
HIGHLIGHTS
– Crossing the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
– Visiting the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
– Exploring Ouarzazate, Morocco’s famous “Gateway to the Desert”
– Discovering the scenic Rose Valley and the palm groves of Skoura
– Exploring the dramatic Dades Valley and the spectacular Todra Gorges
– Riding camels through the golden dunes of the Merzouga Sahara Desert
– Watching a breathtaking sunset and sunrise over the Sahara dunes
– Spending the night in a luxury desert camp with a private bathroom beneath the stars
– Enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner and Berber drum music around the campfire
– Discovering the historic Rissani souk and Erfoud’s famous fossil workshops
– Admiring panoramic views of the Ziz Valley and exploring the cedar forest
– Visiting Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco”
– Experiencing a private and unforgettable journey from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara
DAY 1: MARRAKECH – HIGH ATLAS – AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH – ROSE VALLEY – DADES VALLEY (6 hours drive)
The 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour starts with an early pick-up from the airport or your accommodation in Marrakech. You then drive through the fascinating High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, with stops for panoramic views of the breathtaking landscapes.
After that, you continue to visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has appeared in many films including Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, and TV series including Game of Thrones. Then you head to “the Gate of the Desert,” Ouarzazate. Free time for lunch, then you continue to visit the Rose Valley, passing through the large palm grove of Skoura. Finally, you drive to Boumalne Dades, where you spend the night.
DAY 2: DADES VALLEY – TODRA GORGES – MERZOUGA DUNES – CAMEL TREKKING – OVERNIGHT IN A LUXURY CAMP (5 hours drive)
After breakfast, you drive through the Dades Valley and stop at a spot overlooking the valley to enjoy the spectacular landscape of the Dades gorges. Then you continue to the Todra Gorges, where the course of the Todra River has carved a grand canyon through the mountains, forming a high red cliff-sided canyon. Feel free to wander the gorge and take in the beauty of the landscape. After that, you drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. Free time for lunch on the way.
In the afternoon you reach the Sahara Desert of Merzouga, where you switch to camels and cross the sandy desert. A stop is made for you to enjoy the magical sunset atop a high dune. Then you continue to the luxury desert camp, where you can enjoy Berber drum music while dancing around the campfire beneath a vast open sky of stars. Dinner and overnight in the camp.
DAY 3: MERZOUGA DUNES – ERFOUD – MIDELT – CEDAR FOREST – IFRANE – FES (7 hours drive)
On the last day of your 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour, wake early to contemplate the beautiful sunrise in the middle of the desert. Free time for breakfast, then you return on camels to Merzouga, where the driver awaits. You then leave the desert to visit Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet and still a major trading centre in the region, with a large souk that’s lively on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After a stroll through the Rissani souk, you continue to Erfoud, where you visit one of the fossilised-marble workshops.
After that, you drive along the Ziz River and stop for a panoramic view of the Ziz Valley. Free time for lunch in Midelt. Then you continue to the cedar forest, home to the Barbary macaques; feel free to feed them as you wander among the trees. After that, you visit Ifrane, famous for its low temperatures, snow, and alpine-style houses — no wonder it’s called the Switzerland of Morocco. Finally, we drop you off at the airport or your accommodation in Fes. End of the 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour.
This tour ends in Fes. If you wish to travel back to Marrakech, you can consider: 3 Days From Marrakech to Merzouga.
The tour is available in reverse as well: Fes to Marrakech 3 Days Tour.
IMPORTANT!
Bear in mind that the private 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour is just a suggested itinerary. If it doesn’t match what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll organise a different itinerary based on your preferences and the length of your stay. We offer customised and tailor-made tours and trips all around Morocco.
THE PRICE varies according to the number of people: the more people joining the tour, the lower the price becomes. Since the transportation cost is fixed, the price is divided according to the number of people. The price also depends on the quality of the accommodation. Contact us for an exact price.
You can make the tour longer if you wish:
– 4 Days from Marrakech to Fes: 1 additional night in the desert
– 5 Days From Marrakech to Fes: 1 additional night in Ouarzazate
– 6 Days From Marrakech to Fes: 2 additional nights in Fes
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ: 3 DAYS FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
Is the 3 day from Marrakech to Fes tour private or shared?
The 3 day tour is a private experience, so only the travellers making the enquiry take part. No additional people join the tour. Our focus is on high-quality, personalised experiences, which is why we mainly offer private tours.
Is the tent private? Does it have a private shower?
The tent at the luxury camp is private and has private bathrooms with hot running water.
How long is the camel ride?
The camel ride lasts from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on which camp you’re staying in.
What is the alternative to camels?
If you’d rather not ride, the camp has a 4×4 that takes people and luggage in and out, which you’re welcome to use. Alternatively, ATVs can be arranged at an additional cost.
What happens to your luggage when you do the camel ride?
During the camel ride you take only what you need for the ride itself. The rest of your luggage is transported in the camp’s 4×4, and you’ll find it waiting for you at the camp.
What type of vehicles are used?
The vehicle will be either an SUV (4×4) or a minivan, both with A/C.
Vehicle details:
– 4×4: Land Cruiser Prado (up to 4 pax)
– Minivans: Mercedes Vito Tourer, Ford Tourneo Van, or similar (up to 8 pax)
For groups larger than 8, a minibus seating up to 18 pax can be provided.
Dietary preferences
Please share any dietary preferences you have, and we’ll make sure your needs are met. Kindly let us know in advance so we can arrange lunch stops accordingly and notify the riad/camp, as dinners are included in the package.
Tour age suitability
This tour is suitable for all ages. Please note, though, that it involves roughly 5 to 7 hours of driving each day. Our vehicles are new and comfortable and we make regular stops, but if you’re not used to this level of travel you may prefer a longer tour, such as our 5 Days From Marrakech to Fes, to reduce the amount of daily driving.
Pick-up and drop-off details
The meeting point for the 3 day tour is at 8:30 a.m. at any location within Marrakech. If your riad is accessible by car, we pick you up directly from there; if not, we pick you up from the nearest accessible road point, arranged on confirmation of your booking. At the end of the tour, we drop you off at your hotel or riad in Fes, or the closest available parking area. The tour usually finishes between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in Fes, though the exact timing can vary depending on how long is spent at each stop.
Expenses
Currency exchange: Euros or USD can be exchanged for Moroccan dirham (MAD) at many locations across Morocco, including banks and exchange bureaus, and ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals. While credit cards and foreign currencies (euros/USD) are generally accepted, it’s wise to carry local currency (MAD) for convenience.
Meal costs: Meals typically range from €5 to €20 per person, though prices vary by establishment.
Haggling / price negotiation: Haggling is an accepted and expected practice in Morocco; even locals take part in it.
BOOKING PROCESS:
1. Get in touch with us through the contact forms, email, WhatsApp, or our social networks, and tell us the number of travellers, the type of accommodation (excellent, luxury, etc.), your tour date (if available), and your chosen tour or some details so we can plan a new itinerary for you.
2. Booking: We ask for a small deposit to confirm the booking (preferably via our PayPal account). The rest is paid in cash to your driver/guide once you arrive, or through PayPal, which carries a 5% transaction fee. If you don’t have PayPal, we can send an online invoice you can pay by card. A bank/wire transfer is another option; it takes up to 12 days to appear in our system, and we can confirm the tour with a transaction receipt until the payment arrives.
WHY PRIVATE MOROCCO TOURS?
A private tour is an itinerary run exclusively according to your preferences. On a private trip you travel only with the people you choose. Private tours are more flexible when it comes to group size, travel dates, and what your trip includes. On top of that, you’ll have your own tour guide and driver at your disposal.
1. Booking, Pricing & Payment
Q: How does the pricing work for Morocco tours?
A: Pricing is dynamic and depends on two main factors:
Group Size: Because private vehicle and driver costs are fixed, per-person rates decrease significantly as your group size increases.
Accommodation Tier: Tours can be quoted with standard, mid-range, or 5-star luxury Riads and desert camps.
Q: What is the booking and payment process?
A: Select an itinerary or request a custom route via WhatsApp, email, or contact form.
Pay a small confirmation deposit via PayPal, credit card online invoice, or international bank transfer.
Pay the remaining balance upon arrival in cash (EUR, USD, or MAD) directly to your driver/guide, or via PayPal (which carries a standard 5% processing fee).
2. Tour Types & Customization
Q: What is the difference between small shared group tours and private tours?
A: Small Shared Group Tours: Limited to a maximum of 10 travelers (featured on Morocco Fabulous Travel), offering a cost-effective, social experience on fixed routes (e.g., 3-day Marrakech to Fes).
Private Tours: Fully customizable itineraries where only your party travels in a dedicated 4WD or minivan with your personal driver/guide, allowing you to choose stops, pace, and departure dates.
Q: Can we customize our itinerary or start from any city?
A: Yes. Both agencies allow full customization. Tours can depart from and end in any major Moroccan gateway, including Casablanca (CMN airport), Marrakech, Fes, Tangier, Ouarzazate, or Errachidia.
3. Desert Experience & Camp Life
Q: What does a Sahara Desert tour include?
A: Most standard 3- to 5-day desert packages include:
Private air-conditioned transportation with fuel.
Professional multilingual local Berber driver/guide.
Scenic mountain crossings (Tizi n’Tichka / High Atlas) and stops (Aït Benhaddou, Dades/Todra Gorges).
Sunset camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga.
Overnight stay at a Berber desert camp (Standard or Luxury) with private tent, dinner, breakfast, and traditional campfire music.
Q: What is the difference between a Standard and a Luxury Desert Camp?
A: Standard Camps: Comfortable Berber nomad tents with shared or basic bathroom facilities outside the tent.
Luxury Camps: Spacious private tent suites featuring proper beds, private en-suite bathrooms with hot-water showers, electricity, and premium bedding.
4. Practical Logistics & On-Trip Details
Q: Are meals and entrance fees included?
A: Included: Daily breakfast and dinners in the desert and mountain gorges (Dades/Todra).
Excluded: Lunches, drinks/beverages, personal expenses, tips, and entry fees to historical monuments (unless bundled into a luxury custom quote).
Q: Which languages do the drivers and local guides speak?
A: The dedicated local drivers/guides speak English, French, Spanish, and Arabic/Berber. For deep-dive historical city tours (such as the medinas of Fes or Marrakech), licensed local city guides are hired.
