3 Days Sahara Desert Tour From Fez to Marrakech

Morocco Travel » Morocco Desert Tours » 3 Days Sahara Desert Tour From Fez to Marrakech

The Sahara may feel impossibly far away, but reaching it in just three days—from Fez to Marrakech—is not only possible, it’s unforgettable.
With Morocco Travels, you’ll journey deep into Morocco’s south to experience the country’s most spectacular stretch of the Sahara, just beyond Erfoud near Merzouga. This is where golden dunes rise endlessly and the desert feels truly alive.
This 3-day, 2-night adventure departs from Fez, crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the legendary Route of 1,000 Kasbahs, and ends in Marrakech—combining dramatic landscapes, ancient history, and authentic desert life.

Your journey begins with pickup from your hotel, riad, or the airport in Fez. Travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests and mountain landscapes. Stop in Ifrane, a charming alpine-style town, and in Azrou, known for its cedar woodcraft. Along the way, you may encounter Barbary apes roaming freely in the forests.
After crossing the Zad Pass (2,178 m / 7,146 ft), arrive in Midelt for lunch. In the afternoon, descend through the lush Ziz Valley, dotted with palm groves and traditional ksour, before continuing toward Erfoud and Rissani.
From Merzouga, switch to a 4WD vehicle for an off-road drive into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. After tea and refreshments at the desert camp, begin a camel trek—one person per camel—across a sea of golden dunes. Watch the sun set over the Sahara, then enjoy dinner, live drum music by the campfire, and a night in a private Bedouin-style tent beneath a vast, star-filled sky.

Wake early to watch the sunrise from the top of the dunes as shifting light transforms the desert landscape. After breakfast at the camp, depart for Rissani, a historic town where many residents still live within 18th-century ksour.
Nearby are the ruins of Sijilmassa, once a vital hub of the trans-Saharan caravan trade. Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, founder of Morocco’s ruling Alaouite dynasty, and stroll through the local donkey market.
Continue west toward Tinejdad and along the Route of 1,000 Kasbahs into the Dades region. Stop in Tinghir before exploring the dramatic Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs narrow around a refreshing river. After time to walk and relax in the gorge, drive on to Boumalne Dades for dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional kasbah.

After breakfast, travel through the Dades Valley to Kelaat M’Gouna, famous for its rose fields and rosewater production. Continue to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s renowned film hub, often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” Visit the Kasbah of Taourirt and, if desired, tour Atlas Studios to see where many international films were shot.
Next, explore the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village that once guarded caravan routes between the Sahara and Marrakech. Wander its narrow alleys and climb to the old granary for sweeping views of the valley.
After lunch, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping to admire panoramic views of Berber villages and rugged peaks. As you descend toward Marrakech, notice the landscape shift from arid desert to greener terrain.
Upon arrival in Marrakech, the Morocco Travels team will drop you off at your hotel, riad, or Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK).