Private Bestseller
Fes · Ifrane · Ziz Valley · The Sahara · Merzouga · Todra Gorge · Dades Valley · Ouarzazate · Ait Ben Haddou · Atlas Mountains · Marrakech

Private 3-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga

Journey privately from Fes through the Sahara to Marrakech

3 days · 2 nights 2–18 guests Easy
Overview

About this journey

Travel privately from Fes to Marrakech on a three-day journey across the Middle Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Explore the Ziz Valley, ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes, stay in a luxury desert camp, walk through Todra Gorge and visit Ait Ben Haddou before crossing the High Atlas to Marrakech.

  • Travel privately from Fes to Marrakech through the Sahara
  • Cross Ifrane, the Middle Atlas and the scenic Ziz Valley
  • Ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
  • Stay overnight at Merzouga Luxury Camp
  • Walk between the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge
  • Visit Ait Ben Haddou and cross the High Atlas Mountains
Gallery

A glimpse of the journey

The full story

About this tour in detail

Experience Morocco’s remarkable diversity on a private three-day journey from Fes to Marrakech via the Merzouga Desert. Rather than flying directly between the two cities, travel across the Middle Atlas, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, dramatic valleys and historic kasbahs in a private air-conditioned vehicle reserved exclusively for your group.

Begin in Fes and travel through Ifrane and the landscapes of the Middle Atlas. Continue toward Midelt and the Ziz Valley before reaching Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Ride a camel across the sand around sunset and spend the night at Merzouga Luxury Camp, with dinner and traditional music beneath the desert sky.

After sunrise and breakfast, continue through the towns and oases of southern Morocco. Walk through the towering Todra Gorge before reaching the Dades Valley, where you will spend the second night at Riad Dar Rihana Dades.

On the final day, travel through the Valley of Roses and Ouarzazate to Ait Ben Haddou. Explore the historic fortified village before crossing the High Atlas Mountains and arriving in Marrakech.

Because this is a private tour, the vehicle is reserved for your group and reasonable adjustments can be requested. Driving and arrival times remain approximate and depend on traffic, weather, road conditions and the duration of stops.

Day by day
Day 1 Fes → Ifrane → Middle Atlas → Ziz Valley → Merzouga

Your private desert journey begins with morning pickup from your accommodation in Fes. Travel through the Middle Atlas region, passing Ifrane and mountain landscapes before continuing toward Midelt. After an independent lunch stop, follow the scenic route through the Ziz Valley and southern Morocco to Merzouga. At the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, meet your camel caravan and ride across the sand around sunset. Arrive at Merzouga Luxury Camp for dinner, traditional music and your first night in the Sahara.

  1. Ifrane

    Pass through a clean mountain town known for its alpine-style architecture and cool climate.

  2. Middle Atlas

    Travel through mountain landscapes, cedar forest areas and traditional towns.

  3. Midelt

    Stop independently for lunch along the route between the Middle Atlas and the Sahara.

  4. Ziz Valley

    Admire a panoramic view over the palm-filled oasis and its surrounding landscapes.

  5. Merzouga

    Arrive at the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes and prepare for the desert experience.

  6. Erg Chebbi

    Ride a camel across the dunes and enjoy the changing colors around sunset.

  7. Merzouga Luxury Camp

    Enjoy dinner, traditional music and an overnight stay in a private luxury tent.

  • Accommodation Merzouga Luxury Camp — private luxury tent
  • Meals Dinner
  • Transport Private air-conditioned vehicle, followed by camel ride or 4×4 transfer
Day 2 Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley

Wake early if you wish to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, followed by breakfast at the camp. Leave Merzouga and continue through the desert region toward Rissani and the towns of southern Morocco. Travel past palm-filled oases before reaching Todra Gorge, where you can enjoy a walk between its impressive cliffs. Continue to the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay at Riad Dar Rihana Dades.

  1. Sahara Sunrise

    Wake early for the optional experience of watching the sun rise over Erg Chebbi.

  2. Rissani

    Pass through a historic desert town known for its traditional market and regional culture.

  3. Desert Towns and Oases

    Travel through changing landscapes, traditional settlements and palm-filled areas.

  4. Tinghir Oasis

    Stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking palm groves, villages and old kasbahs.

  5. Todra Gorge

    Enjoy a short walk between dramatic limestone cliffs shaped by the Todra River.

  6. Dades Valley

    Finish the day among rock formations, cultivated fields and historic kasbahs.

  7. Riad Dar Rihana Dades

    Check in and relax before enjoying dinner at the riad.

  • Accommodation Riad Dar Rihana Dades — private room
  • Meals Breakfast and dinner
  • Transport Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
Day 3 Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech

After breakfast at the riad, travel through the Valley of Roses and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs toward Ouarzazate. Continue to Ait Ben Haddou and explore the famous fortified ksar before crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Stop at panoramic viewpoints along the route and arrive in Marrakech in the evening, where the tour ends with drop-off near your accommodation.

  1. Dades Valley

    Begin the day surrounded by dramatic rock formations, kasbahs and green agricultural fields.

  2. Valley of Roses

    Travel through an agricultural valley known for rose cultivation and traditional villages.

  3. Ouarzazate

    Pass through Moroccou2019s renowned gateway to the desert and film-production region.

  4. Ait Ben Haddou

    Explore the historic earthen ksar and learn about its architecture and cinematic history.

  5. Tizi nu2019Tichka Pass

    Cross the High Atlas Mountains and stop at panoramic viewpoints when conditions permit.

  6. Marrakech

    Arrive in Marrakech and receive drop-off at an accessible point near your accommodation.

  • Accommodation Not included — end of tour in Marrakech
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Transport Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
The route

Trace your journey

Good to know

  • Meeting point Fes → Marrakech
  • Languages English, French, Spanish

This journey is 100% carbon neutral. We plant a tree for every traveller who explores Morocco with us.

Inclusions

What's included

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
  • Pickup from your hotel or riad in Fes
  • Drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
  • English- or French-speaking driver
  • One night at Merzouga Luxury Camp
  • One night at Riad Dar Rihana Dades
  • Private room and private luxury desert tent
  • Two breakfasts
  • Two dinners
  • Sunset camel ride in Erg Chebbi
  • 4×4 camp transfer for travelers who prefer not to ride a camel
  • Sandboarding, subject to availability
  • Luggage transportation to the desert camp
  • Fuel and transportation expenses
  • Flexible stops when reasonably possible

Not included

  • Lunches
  • Drinks
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Local guide at Ait Ben Haddou
  • Entrance fees where applicable
  • Quad bike and buggy activities
  • Travel insurance
  • Activities not listed in the inclusions
Before you travel

Good to know before you go

Important information

  • This is a private tour, and the vehicle is reserved exclusively for your group.
  • The itinerary covers a long distance and includes several hours of driving each day.
  • Driving and arrival times are approximate and may change due to traffic, weather and road conditions.
  • The camel ride can be replaced by a 4×4 transfer when requested in advance.
  • Please inform us before departure about allergies, dietary requirements or mobility needs.
  • The driver provides transportation and general assistance; licensed local guides are included only when specifically stated.
  • Stops may be adjusted to protect the overall itinerary and arrival time.

What to bring

  • Passport or valid identification
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
  • Warm clothing for the desert evening and early morning
  • Light clothing for warmer daytime temperatures
  • Personal medication
  • Small backpack for the desert camp
  • Camera or fully charged phone
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Cash for lunches, drinks, tips and optional activities

Know before you go

  • Suitcases and backpacks are accepted on this private tour.
  • Luggage is transported to the desert camp by 4×4 when required.
  • Vegetarian meals can be arranged when requested in advance.
  • Wi-Fi and mobile coverage may be limited in the desert and mountain areas.
  • Desert temperatures can change considerably between day and night.
  • Sunrise and sunset times vary throughout the year.
  • Quad bikes and buggies are optional and not included.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Child seats must be requested before departure.
  • Exact pickup details will be confirmed by email or WhatsApp.
Questions

Frequently asked questions

1. Is this tour completely private?
Yes. The vehicle and driver are reserved exclusively for your group throughout the three-day journey.
2. Where does the tour begin and end?
The tour begins with pickup in Fes and ends with drop-off in Marrakech. It is a one-way journey and does not return to Fes.
3. How much driving is involved?
Expect approximately 7–8 hours of driving on Day 1, 4–5 hours on Day 2 and 6–7 hours on Day 3. These times exclude visits, meals and photo stops.
4. Can I bring a suitcase?
Yes. Suitcases and backpacks are accepted. Your luggage remains with the vehicle and is transported to the desert camp by 4×4 when necessary.
5. Does the desert tent have a private bathroom?
The luxury tent at Merzouga Luxury Camp includes a private bathroom. Final room and tent arrangements are confirmed according to your booking.
6. Is the camel ride mandatory?
No. A 4×4 transfer to the camp can be arranged for travelers who prefer not to ride a camel. Please request this before arrival in Merzouga.
7. Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes. Vegetarian meals can be arranged. Please provide dietary requirements and allergy information when booking.
8. Are lunches included?
No. Lunches and drinks are not included. Your driver will allow time for lunch during each day.
9. Is a guide included at Ait Ben Haddou?
A local guide is not included unless specifically added to the booking. You may explore independently or hire a local guide on site.
10. What time will we arrive in Marrakech?
Arrival is generally expected in the evening. The exact time depends on traffic, weather, road conditions and the duration of stops.
11. Can the tour be customized?
Reasonable adjustments can be requested because this is a private tour. Major changes to the itinerary or accommodation may affect the final price.
12. Is the tour suitable for children?
Children can join when accompanied by an adult. Families should consider the long driving periods and request child seats in advance.
13. Is Wi-Fi available?
The accommodations may provide Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or unavailable in the desert and remote mountain areas.
14. Which vehicle is used?
Transportation is provided by a private air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan, depending on the size of your group.
15. Can I take a quad bike in Merzouga?
Quad bikes and buggies are optional and are not included in the standard price. They should be requested and paid for separately.
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