3-Day Moroccan Desert Tour from Marrakech
- Duration: 3 days
- From: Marrakech
- Arrival: Fez
Even with limited time, you can still experience three of Morocco’s top highlights: the Sahara dunes and the imperial cities of central Morocco. This three-day tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert ends in Fez and also includes a portion of the renowned “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs.” That’s why it’s one of the most complete and dynamic options for travelers looking to make the absolute most of a short trip.
Services included
- Pick-up in Marrakech, at your hotel or at the agreed location
- 4x4 route, with a Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Assistance and accompaniment throughout the excursion
- Camel ride to the tent camp
- Dinner at the tent camp
- Accommodation in a Berber tent
- Assistance at destination
Services not included
- Arrival and return flights
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Tickets to monuments
- Tips
- Schedule
Day 1
This tour kicks off in Marrakech, with pick-up available from the airport, your hotel, or any other location you choose. Our English-speaking driver/guide will accompany you as we set out toward the High Atlas Mountains an impressive natural barrier that must be crossed to reach the Sahara, and ultimately, the Merzouga Desert. We’ll drive through the Tizi N’tichka Pass, the highest in the range, offering breathtaking views of the landscape and nearby Berber villages.
Near Ouarzazate, we’ll make our first stop: the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a traditional Berber fortress made of adobe. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has also served as a backdrop for major films and series like Game of Thrones. From there, we’ll continue along the renowned “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” named for the numerous fortresses scattered along the way, and pass through both the Valley of the Roses and the scenic Dades Valley.
Our day concludes in Boumalne Dades, a quaint town uniquely set among dramatic rocky cliffs that create a landscape straight out of a sci-fi movie. You’ll spend the night in one of its cozy riads, where a delicious dinner is also included.
Summary of the day
- Pick-up in Marrakech and departure by vehicle with a Spanish-speaking driver
- High Atlas Pass through the Tizi N’tichka Pass
- Visit to Ait Ben Haddou
- Driving route along the road of a thousand kasbahs, the Valley of the Roses and the Dades Valley
- Dinner and overnight stay in a charming riad in Boumalne Dades
Day 2
After enjoying a filling breakfast at our riad in Boumalne Dades, we’ll set off once again. Our first stop will be close by, in Tinerhir (also spelled Tinghir), which means “mountain city” in Tamazight, a dialect of the Berber language. The view here where rugged rocks blend with lush palm groves offers a perfect photo opportunity.
Next, we’ll head to the impressive Todra Gorges, where towering rock walls reaching up to 200 meters make the previous day’s landscapes pale in comparison. We’ll take in these natural wonders both from the winding road that passes through them and on foot along selected stretches.
Our journey continues to Rissani, a lively town with a charming medina full of surprises including its famous donkey parking area, a truly unique sight.
Soon after, we’ll reach the highlight of our trip: the Merzouga Desert and its iconic Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, we’ll switch to camels (or, if you prefer, 4×4 vehicles) to cross this remarkable landscape. In the heart of the dunes lies our desert camp, where we’ll be welcomed with traditional tea, enjoy a delicious dinner, and rest comfortably in Berber-style tents. The stillness of the desert and a canopy of stars will make this night truly unforgettable.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast in a charming riad
- Visit en route to Tinerhir
- Visit en route to Rissani
- Arrival in the Merzouga desert on camel
- Dinner and overnight stay in a Berber tent camp
Day 3
If the previous night was unforgettable, the sunrise on the third day will be just as magical. As the sun casts its golden light over the dunes of the Merzouga Desert, we’ll ride our dromedaries back to the town of Merzouga.
Without delay, we’ll continue our journey. Our first stop will be Erfoud, a town renowned in the paleontology world for its abundance of valuable fossils, including those of dinosaurs. Its scenic oasis has also served as a filming location for movies such as The Mummy. From here, we’ll follow the Ziz River as it carves a picturesque valley heading north.
Along the way, we’ll reach Midelt, a sizeable town nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains, where we’ll pause for lunch and a well-earned rest. The journey then continues to Ifrane, a charming city often dubbed the “Moroccan Switzerland” thanks to its high elevation, frequent rainfall (including snow), and Alpine-style architecture.
Finally, we’ll arrive in Fez. Our services will conclude at the airport or another agreed-upon location, where we’ll part ways with warm wishes and the hope of meeting again in the future.
Summary of the day
- Sunrise and breakfast at the tent camp
- Shower (at camp or hotel in Merzouga, depending on the package purchased)
- Road trip through the Ziz Valley
- Route visits to Rissani, Midelt and Ifrane
- Arrival in Fez and farewell
- Photos
- Map
- FAQ
Morocco Turism offers an extensive selection of tours, from explorations of the imperial cities to thrilling journeys through the Sahara Desert. For more information, check out our tours page.
Tour durations vary, ranging from quick weekend escapes to extended trips of over a week. You can select the option that best fits your schedule and interests.
The cities you’ll visit depend on the tour you select, but options often include Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and more. Each tour features a detailed itinerary available on our website.
Definitely. Your safety is our highest priority. We partner with professional guides and skilled drivers to provide you with a secure and unforgettable travel experience.
Our tours feature a variety of accommodations, including boutique hotels and traditional riads. Each option is thoughtfully chosen to provide both comfort and an authentic Moroccan experience.
Yes, at Morocco Turism, we recognize that every traveler is different. Reach out to us to tailor your tour according to your preferences and specific interests.
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