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

Private 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

Cross the Atlas Mountains and Sahara on a private journey to Fes

3 days · 2 nights 2–7 guests
Overview

About this journey

Travel privately from Marrakech to Fes on a scenic three-day journey through the High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Visit Ait Ben Haddou, explore the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge, ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, and spend an unforgettable night in a desert camp before continuing through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas to Fes.

  • Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains in a private vehicle
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
  • Discover the Dades Valley and walk through Todra Gorge
  • Ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
  • Spend an unforgettable night in a Sahara desert camp
  • Travel one way from Marrakech to Fes through southern Morocco
Gallery

A glimpse of the journey

The full story

About this tour in detail

Turn the journey between Marrakech and Fes into one of the most memorable experiences of your Moroccan holiday. This private three-day tour takes you across the High Atlas Mountains, through ancient villages and dramatic valleys, and into the golden dunes of the Sahara.

Travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with your own driver, allowing your group greater comfort and flexibility throughout the journey. Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and visit the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou before continuing through Ouarzazate, the Valley of Roses and the impressive landscapes of Dades.

On the second day, explore the Todra Gorge and travel through southern Morocco to Merzouga. Here, you will ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes as the colors of the desert change at sunset. Arrive at your camp for dinner, traditional music and a peaceful night beneath the Sahara sky.

After sunrise and breakfast, leave Merzouga for Fes through the Ziz Valley, mountain landscapes and the Middle Atlas. The tour ends with drop-off at your accommodation in Fes.

This is a private tour, so the vehicle is reserved exclusively for your group. Stops can be adjusted when reasonably possible, although arrival times depend on traffic, weather and the length of each visit.

Day by day
Day 1 Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley

Your private journey begins with morning pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech. Travel across the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping at viewpoints and mountain villages along the way. Visit Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s famous fortified ksar, before continuing through Ouarzazate, the Valley of Roses and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Arrive in the Dades Valley in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

  1. High Atlas Mountains

    Cross winding mountain roads and stop at panoramic viewpoints along the Tizi nu2019Tichka Pass.

  2. Ait Ben Haddou

    Explore the historic fortified ksar, known for its earthen architecture and international film productions.

  3. Ouarzazate

    Pass through Moroccou2019s renowned cinema gateway, with a short stop when time permits.

  4. Valley of Roses

    Travel through a fertile valley known for its rose cultivation and traditional villages.

  5. Dades Valley

    Finish the day among dramatic rock formations, kasbahs and winding valley roads.

  • Accommodation Private room in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley
  • Meals Dinner
  • Transport Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
Day 2 Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, continue through the landscapes of southern Morocco toward Tinghir and the Todra Gorge. Enjoy time to walk between the towering canyon walls before traveling through desert towns and palm-filled oases toward Merzouga. At the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, meet your camel caravan and ride across the sand at sunset. Arrive at the desert camp for dinner, traditional music and a night beneath the stars.

  1. Dades Valley Viewpoint

    Admire the valleyu2019s kasbahs, rock formations and green agricultural fields.

  2. Tinghir Oasis

    Stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking palm groves and traditional villages.

  3. Todra Gorge

    Walk through the impressive canyon surrounded by high limestone cliffs.

  4. Merzouga

    Reach the gateway to Erg Chebbi and prepare for the desert experience.

  5. Erg Chebbi Dunes

    Ride a camel across the dunes and watch the colors change around sunset.

  6. Desert Camp

    Enjoy dinner, traditional music and an overnight stay in the Sahara.

  • Accommodation Private tent in a desert camp in Merzouga
  • Meals Breakfast & dinner
  • Transport Private air-conditioned vehicle, followed by camel ride or 4×4 camp transfer
Day 3 Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Middle Atlas Mountains → Fes

Wake early if you wish to watch the sunrise over the dunes, then enjoy breakfast at the camp. Leave Merzouga and travel north through the Ziz Valley, known for its palm-filled oasis and dramatic viewpoints. Continue across changing landscapes toward Midelt and the Middle Atlas Mountains. Depending on timing and conditions, stop near the cedar forests and pass through Ifrane before reaching Fes. Your private tour ends with drop-off at your accommodation.

  1. Sahara Sunrise

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

  2. Ziz Valley

    Stop at a panoramic viewpoint over one of southern Moroccou2019s most remarkable palm oases.

  3. Midelt

    Stop for lunch independently during the journey through the Middle Atlas region.

  4. Cedar Forest Area

    Enjoy a short stop when timing and local conditions permit.

  5. Ifrane

    Pass through the mountain town known for its alpine-style architecture.

  6. Fes

    Arrive in Fes and receive drop-off at an accessible location near your accommodation.

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

Trace your journey

Good to know

  • Meeting point Marrakech → Fes
  • 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
  • Hotel or riad pickup in Marrakech
  • Drop-off at your accommodation in Fes
  • English- or French-speaking driver
  • One night in a private room in the Dades Valley
  • One night in a private desert tent in Merzouga
  • Two breakfasts
  • Two dinners
  • Sunset camel ride in Erg Chebbi
  • 4×4 transfer to the camp if you prefer not to ride a camel
  • Sandboarding, subject to availability
  • Luggage transportation to the desert camp
  • Fuel and transportation expenses

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 mentioned 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 includes long driving periods because Marrakech, Merzouga and Fes are separated by considerable distances.
  • Driving and arrival times are approximate and may change due to traffic, weather and stop duration.
  • The camel ride can be replaced by a 4×4 transfer when requested in advance.
  • Accommodation depends on the option selected and confirmed at booking.
  • Please inform us in advance about allergies, dietary requirements or mobility needs.
  • The driver provides transportation and general assistance; licensed local guides are only included when specifically stated.

What to bring

  • Passport or valid identification
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
  • Warm clothing for cold desert mornings and evenings
  • Light clothing for warm 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

  • Your suitcase can remain with the vehicle and will be transported to the camp by 4×4 when required.
  • Vegetarian meals are available when requested before departure.
  • Desert temperatures can be hot during the day and cold after sunset.
  • Wi-Fi and mobile coverage may be limited in remote areas.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • The tour is not recommended for travelers who cannot comfortably manage long road journeys.
  • Sunrise and sunset times vary according to the season.
  • Quad bikes and buggies are optional and are not included unless stated in your selected package.
  • Exact pickup information will be confirmed before departure.
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 Marrakech and ends with drop-off in Fes. It is a one-way journey, so you do not return to Marrakech.
3. How much driving is involved?
This itinerary covers a long distance. Expect approximately 6–7 hours of driving on Day 1, 4–5 hours on Day 2 and 7–8 hours on Day 3, excluding stops, meals and visits.
4. Can I bring my 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. Do the accommodations have private bathrooms?
Bathroom arrangements depend on the option selected. Luxury and premium options include a private bathroom, while some standard camp options may use shared facilities. Check your selected option before booking.
6. Is the camel ride mandatory?
No. If you prefer not to ride a camel, a 4×4 transfer to and from the desert camp can be arranged when requested in advance.
7. Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes. Vegetarian meals can be arranged. Please provide all dietary requirements and allergies when booking.
8. Are lunches included?
No. Lunches and drinks are not included. Your driver will allow time for lunch during each travel day.
9. What time will we arrive in Fes?
Arrival is generally expected in the early evening. The exact time depends on traffic, weather, road conditions and the duration of stops.
10. Is a guide included at Ait Ben Haddou?
A local guide at Ait Ben Haddou is not included unless specifically added to your booking. You may visit independently or hire a local guide on site.
11. Can the itinerary be customized?
As this is a private tour, reasonable adjustments can be requested. Major route or accommodation changes may affect the final price and must be confirmed before departure.
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 there Wi-Fi in the desert?
Some camps offer Wi-Fi, but coverage can be slow or unavailable. Mobile service is also limited in remote areas.
14. What vehicle is used?
Depending on group size, transportation is provided by a private air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan.
15. What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel up to 7 days before departure for a full refund. Cancellations made later may be subject to charges based on confirmed accommodation and transportation costs.
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