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3-Day Desert Tour from Ouarzazate To Fes
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Tour Details
Join us on a 3-Day Desert Tour from Ouarzazate To Fes—traversing the iconic film sets of Aït Benhaddou, the towering cliffs of the Todgha Gorges, and the rolling golden dunes of the Sahara, before ascending the lush peaks of the Middle Atlas. This journey is perfectly designed for those seeking a grand traverse of Morocco’s diverse interior.
Why choose this tour? Because it provides a seamless transition from the rugged cinematic history of the south to the imperial, spiritual heart of the north. You will experience the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” the silence of the deep desert, and the refreshing mountain air of Ifrane, all while being guided by our expert team.
With private, comfortable transport and carefully curated stops, this is the ultimate way to cross Morocco’s most breathtaking landscapes in just three days.
Highlights of the Tour
- Cinematic Landscapes – Explore the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou ksar, the famous Atlas Film Studios, and the historic Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate.
- Deep Sahara Immersion – Experience the rhythm of the desert with an evening camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes and a night under the stars.
- Dramatic Canyons – Hike beneath the 300-meter vertical limestone walls of the Todgha Gorges, a natural wonder of southern Morocco.
- Lush Oasis Valleys – Journey through the fragrant Rose Valley, the palm-fringed Skoura oasis, and the expansive river-fed Ziz Valley.
- Middle Atlas Wonders – Witness wild Barbary macaques in the ancient cedar forests of Azrou and discover the alpine elegance of Ifrane, the “Little Switzerland” of Morocco.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ouarzazate – Aït Benhaddou – Roses Valley – Dades Valley – Tinghir
Your desert expedition begins with a pickup from your Ouarzazate hotel. The first highlight is Aït Benhaddou. This is a striking mud-brick ksar, a fortified village. It once thrived along ancient trade routes. Famous for its appearances in films like Gladiator, this UNESCO site offers a glimpse into Morocco’s past.
After exploring, we head back to Ouarzazate. We visit Atlas Studios and Kasbah Taourirte. The journey continues through Skoura’s palm groves. Then we pass through the fragrant Roses Valley. After that, we enter the rugged Dades Valley. Your first day concludes in Tinghir. You will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay there.
Day 2: Tinghir – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Rissani – Erg Chebbi – Camel Trek
After breakfast, we visit the breathtaking Todra Gorges. Here, 300-metre-high cliffs create a paradise for rock climbers. The drive then takes us through Tinghir’s palm-filled oasis. After that, we head onward to the Sahara. We pass through Berber villages like Erfoud and Rissani. Erfoud is famous for its fossils and annual date festival. Then we reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes.
A camel trek awaits us there. We ride into the heart of the golden sands. We stop to watch a magical sunset from atop a high dune. After that, we arrive at a desert camp nestled among the dunes. Enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars. Berber music fills the night air. We sleep beneath a canopy of desert stars. Overnight in the desert camp.
Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes
Wake early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the dunes. The first light paints the sand in soft pink and gold. After breakfast, we camel-trek back to Merzouga. Then we begin driving toward Fes. En route, we pass through Ziz Valley’s sprawling oasis. We cross the Tizi N’talghoumte Pass. After that, we stop in Midelt for lunch.
The journey continues through the Cedar Forest. This area is home to playful Barbary macaques. We see them in their natural habitat. Then we make a brief visit to Ifrane. This town is known for its alpine-style architecture. It is often called “Little Switzerland.” By evening, we arrive in Fes. Your driver drops you at your accommodation. Your unforgettable 3-day desert tour concludes here. End of services.
Tour Map:
- ✅ Hotel or riad pickup in Ouarzazate and drop-off in fes
- ✅ Air-conditioned transportation (minibus, minivan, or 4×4)
- ✅ Multilingual driver-guide (English, Spanish)
- ✅ 1 night in a traditional Berber desert camp.
- ✅ Sunset and sunrise camel trekking in the Merzouga Desert
- ✅ Dinners
- ✅ Breakfasts
- ✅ Sandboarding experience in the Sahara
- ✅ Berber drumming and campfire music entertainment
- ✅ Secure luggage storage and handling
- ❌ Lunches and beverages
- ❌ Monument entrance fees
- ❌ Tips and gratuities
- ❌ Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is starting in Ouarzazate and ending in Fes a great desert route?
Ouarzazate (“The Gateway to the Sahara”) is located much closer to the Erg Chebbi dunes than Marrakech. Starting here reduces early driving time, allows you to thoroughly explore the Dades and Todra gorges, and provides a seamless one-way transit north to Fes without retracing your steps.
What is the total driving distance from Ouarzazate to Fes via Merzouga?
The total distance is approximately 750 kilometers (465 miles) over 3 days. Day 1 covers about 360 km (5–6 hours with stops), Day 2 involves short local desert driving, and Day 3 covers about 470 km (7–8 hours with mountain and forest stops).
Is a camel ride included in the Erg Chebbi desert?
Yes. On Day 2, you embark on a 1- to 1.5-hour sunset camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes to reach your luxury camp. An early morning sunrise camel ride back to the base facility is also included on Day 3.
Can I ride in a 4x4 to the desert camp instead of taking a camel?
Yes. If you prefer not to ride a camel or have physical limitations, private 4×4 transfers directly to and from the luxury tented camp are available at no extra charge.
Will we see wild monkeys on the drive from Merzouga to Fes?
Yes. On Day 3, your route passes through the Middle Atlas region near Azrou. The tour includes a stop in the ancient Cedar Forest to observe and photograph the resident Barbary macaques roaming freely in their natural habitat.
What is included in the private 3-day tour package?
Packages include private 4×4 or minivan transportation with fuel, an English-speaking driver-guide, 2 nights of accommodation (hotel/riad + luxury camp), 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 4×4 desert excursion, camel trekking, and sandboarding.
Is this tour suitable for families with children or older travelers?
Yes. Starting in Ouarzazate breaks up the heavy Atlas Mountain driving that non-stop Marrakech trips require. The itinerary offers a balanced mix of scenic driving, short walks, and comfortable private transport adaptable to any age group.
What should I pack for a 3-day trip from Ouarzazate to Fes?
Pack lightweight layers for warm desert days, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection, and a warm jacket or fleece for cool desert and mountain evenings (especially from October through April).
Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals available along the route?
Yes. Both your hotel/riad and the luxury desert camp cater to special dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal) with prior notice.




