Three days links Fes and Marrakech by way of the desert, taking in a run of attractions in a short time: Ifrane, the cedar forest, the Ziz Valley, the Merzouga Sahara, Rissani, Erfoud, the Todra and Dades gorges, and Ait Ben Haddou.
You start in Fes and cross the Middle Atlas by way of Ifrane, the cedar forest, Midelt and the Ziz Valley to the Sahara at Merzouga, with a camel trek to the camp for the sunset. The second day runs through Rissani and Erfoud to the Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley. The last day tracks west through the Roses Valley, Skoura, Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou, and over the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Marrakech.
The tour starts with an early pick-up from your accommodation in Fes. You drive south through Imouzzer to Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, then continue to the cedar forest of the Barbary macaques. You reach Midelt for lunch, then head to the desert through the Tizi n’Tilghmt pass and along the Ziz river.
You then reach the Sahara at Merzouga and switch to camels to cross the sand, pausing on a high dune for the sunset. You continue to the desert camp for Berber drum music and dancing under a wide sky of stars. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Approx. 7 hours driving · Overnight: Desert camp, Merzouga
An early start lets you watch the sunrise over the desert. You return by camel to Merzouga, then leave for Rissani, with a large souk (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays).
After the souk you continue to Erfoud for a fossilised-marble workshop, then through the Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves to the Todra Gorge. Free time for lunch. You continue to the Dades Valley through Boumalne Dades, with stops at the “monkey fingers” rock formations and a viewpoint over the valley. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Approx. 5 hours driving · Overnight: Hotel in the Dades Valley
After breakfast you continue to Kalaat M’Gouna to visit the Roses Valley, then through the Skoura palm grove to Ouarzazate, where you visit the film studios.
You then set off to visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You then continue to Marrakech across the Tizi n’Tichka pass and the High Atlas, with stops for lunch and photos. On reaching Marrakech you are dropped off at the airport or your accommodation. To end back in Fes, consider the 3-day Fes to Merzouga round trip.
Approx. 6 hours driving
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It is a private experience: only the travellers who make the enquiry take part, with no one else joining. Our focus is on high-quality, personalised trips, which is why we mainly run private tours.
The camel ride runs from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on which camp you stay in. If you’d rather not ride, the camp has a 4×4 that carries people and luggage in and out. ATVs can also be arranged at extra cost.
The tent at the luxury camp is private and has a private bathroom with hot running water.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best, with mild, pleasant weather across most regions. Winter is good too, especially in the south and the desert.
Either an SUV (4×4) or a minivan, both air-conditioned. The 4×4 is a Land Cruiser Prado (up to 4 passengers); minivans are a Mercedes Vito Tourer, Ford Tourneo, or similar (up to 8 passengers). For groups larger than 8, a minibus for up to 18 can be provided.
