DAY 1: FES → IFRANE → ZIZ VALLEY → MERZOUGA DESERT

Your tour begins after breakfast at your riad in Fes. The first stop is Ifrane — the “Switzerland of Morocco” — before the drive continues across the Middle Atlas Mountains with a stop in the cedar forest, where Barbary macaques are often seen. Lunch is served at a restaurant along the way.

As the road approaches Merzouga, a panoramic viewpoint takes in the long palm-filled Ziz Valley. You’ll arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in the afternoon. Your camels will be waiting to take you across the sand to your luxury camp, with a pause on a high dune for a spectacular sunset. The evening unfolds around a campfire with drumming, Berber stories, and a long night under the stars.

Approximate driving distance: 500 km
Approximate driving time: 7 hours 30 minutes

DAY 2: MERZOUGA DESERT → RISSANI → TODRA GORGE → DADES VALLEY

An early wake-up is worth it for the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, you’ll return to Merzouga either by camel or 4×4. The scenic drive heads toward Boumalne Dades via Rissani, Erfoud, and the Todra Gorge. If your trip falls on a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday), you can explore the traditional souk in Rissani.

The route continues to the Todra Gorge, where you’ll walk beneath its towering cliffs and along the river. You’ll arrive in Boumalne Dades in the afternoon. Before checking in, a scenic drive takes you into the Dades Valley for a panoramic view of the dramatic rock formations known as “monkey fingers”. The evening is spent at your hotel in the Dades Valley.

Approximate driving distance: 310 km
Approximate driving time: 5 hours

DAY 3: DADES VALLEY → AIT BEN HADDOU → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → MARRAKECH

After breakfast, the drive heads west through the Valley of Roses and on to Ouarzazate via a string of Berber villages. In Ouarzazate you can optionally visit the Atlas Studios or simply take photos from outside.

Just 15 km further is the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a striking example of earth architecture and a backdrop for many internationally famous productions. After exploring the kasbah and having lunch, the drive continues to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), with photo stops at the best viewpoints. You’ll arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon.

Approximate driving distance: 353 km
Approximate driving time: 6 hours 30 minutes

IMPORTANT NOTES

– Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated — please mention this when booking.
– For a deeper desert experience with a full day in Merzouga, see the 4 Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour.
– For more time off the beaten path, see the 5 Day Fes to Marrakech Tour.
– The tour can also be run in reverse — see the Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour.
– If you’re really short on time, see the 2 Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour (involves significant driving).
– Prefer not to ride a camel? A 4×4 will take you to the camp at no extra cost.
– All our luxury camps feature private tents with en-suite bathrooms.