Camel Ride Trips3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
The fastest way to travel from Marrakech to Fes through the desert. Cross the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou, sleep in the Dades Valley, walk into the Todra Gorge, ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for a night in a desert camp, then cross the Middle Atlas cedar forests to Fes.
What is the best way to go from Marrakech to Fes?
Through the Sahara. Instead of the direct highway, this tour turns the journey into the trip: Ait Ben Haddou, the gorges, a night in the Merzouga dunes and the Middle Atlas forests. The driving days are long; for an easier pace with two desert nights, choose the 4-day Marrakech to Fes tour or the 5-day tour.
- 1 night Dades Valley
- 1 night Sahara desert camp
How much driving is there on the 3-day Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara tour?
The whole route covers about 1,100 km by road. Times below are approximate and include short stops for photos, lunch and visits.
| Day | Route | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley | about 340 km | 5–6 hours with stops |
| Day 2 | Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Rissani → Merzouga | about 260 km | 4–5 hours with stops |
| Day 3 | Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes | about 470 km | 7–8 hours with stops |
Local desert team
We are based in Rissani, next to Merzouga, so the camels and camp are run by our own people.
Private vehicle
Air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan with your own English-speaking driver-guide.
Your pace
Stop for photos, tea and short walks whenever you like.
Three comfort levels
Basic, Mid-Range or Luxury hotels and desert tents.
3-Day Marrakech to Fes Itinerary
- Day 1
Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley
Pickup at your riad or hotel. Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass and visit Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed ksar. Stop in Ouarzazate, known for its film studios, then drive through the Valley of Roses and Skoura to the Dades Valley.
Overnight: Hotel in the Dades Valley, dinner included
- Day 2
Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Rissani → Merzouga
Follow the Dades Valley to Tinghir and walk into the Todra Gorge. Continue past the palm groves of Erfoud and Rissani to Merzouga.
Ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, then enjoy dinner and traditional music at a desert camp.
Overnight: Desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, dinner included
- Day 3
Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes
Ride back at sunrise and have breakfast. Drive along the Ziz Valley palm groves to Errachidia, cross the Middle Atlas via Midelt, pass the cedar forests of Azrou and the alpine town of Ifrane, and arrive in Fes.
Tour ends at your hotel or riad in Fes
Choose Your Comfort Level
Choose the level that suits you. The route and guides stay the same; only the hotels, riads and desert camp change.
Basic
- Clean 2–3 star hotels and guesthouses
- Simple traditional riads
- Standard tent in a desert camp
- Private rooms, breakfast included
Mid-Range
- Selected 3–4 star hotels
- Traditional riads with character
- Comfort desert tent with private bathroom
- Private rooms, breakfast included
Luxury
- Premium 4–5 star hotels and boutique riads
- Suites available on request
- Luxury desert tent with en-suite bathroom
- Breakfast included, selected dinners
Included & Not Included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Hotel in the Dades Valley
- Night in a desert camp
- Camel ride in Merzouga
- 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Pickup in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Activities not listed in the itinerary
Questions About the 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Tour
Is 3 days enough from Marrakech to Fes via the desert?
Yes, but the driving days are long. The 4 and 5-day tours are more relaxed.
Where do we sleep?
A hotel in the Dades Valley and a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner on both nights. Lunches and drinks are not included.
Can I do the same tour from Fes?
Yes. See the 3-day Fes to Marrakech tour, the same crossing in the other direction.
Can I choose a different hotel level?
Yes. This tour is available in Basic, Mid-Range and Luxury. The route, driver-guide and local guides stay the same; only the hotels, riads and desert camp change, along with the price.
How much driving is there on the 3-day Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara tour?
The whole route covers about 1,100 km by road. The longest day is Day 3, Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes: about 470 km, 7–8 hours with stops. All times are approximate and include short stops.
How much does the 3-Day Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara tour cost?
The 3-Day Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara tour starts from €370 per person at Mid-Range level, based on 2 travelers sharing. The price depends on your group size and comfort level (Basic, Mid-Range or Luxury). Message us on WhatsApp at +212 669 576 091 for an exact quote.
How do I pay for this tour?
Send a 20% deposit by PayPal, Payoneer or international bank transfer (SWIFT) and your tour is confirmed automatically. Pay the remaining 80% on the first day of the tour, in cash (EUR, USD or MAD) or online. Cancel 11 days or more before the tour for a full refund of your deposit. See our booking terms.
Related tours: 4-day Marrakech to Fes, 3-day Fes to Marrakech and 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga.
Your Journey, Your Pace, Your Morocco
Tell us your dates and we'll prepare this private tour around you, with clear pricing and no obligation.