Sahara Desert
3-Day Fez to Sahara Desert Tour
From the imperial city of Fez through cedar forests and the Middle Atlas to the dunes of Erg Chebbi, ending in Marrakech.
- Duration
- 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Start
- Fez
- End
- Marrakech
- Style
- Private available
Overview
This route connects the north and south of Morocco in three days. Leaving Fez, you pass through Ifrane — the “Switzerland of Morocco” — and the Azrou cedar forest, home to Barbary macaques, before descending into the Ziz Valley and its endless palm groves.
After a night in the Sahara, you travel west through the Todra and Dades gorges to Marrakech, completing one of the most rewarding journeys in the country.
- Multi-Day
- Sahara
- Private
Highlights
- Ifrane and the Azrou cedar forest
- Barbary macaques in the wild
- Ziz Valley palm groves
- Camel trek and desert camp
- Todra Gorge and Dades Valley
Itinerary
- Day1
Fez to Merzouga
Fez → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
Morning departure from Fez through the Middle Atlas. Stop in Ifrane and the cedar forest near Azrou to see the macaques, then lunch in Midelt.
The afternoon drive through the Ziz Valley offers spectacular views over palm oases. Arrive in Merzouga for a sunset camel trek and night at the desert camp.
- Ifrane
- Cedar forest
- Ziz Valley
- Desert camp
- Meals
- Dinner
- Stay
- Sahara desert camp
- Driving
- Approx. 8 hours with stops
- Day2
Merzouga to the Dades Valley
Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
Sunrise over the dunes, then breakfast and a camel ride back. Drive via Rissani to the Todra Gorge for a walk between its towering walls, and on to the Dades Valley for the night.
- Sunrise
- Todra Gorge
- Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
- Stay
- Hotel in the Dades Valley
- Driving
- Approx. 5 hours with stops
- Day3
Dades Valley to Marrakech
Dades → Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech
Through the Valley of Roses to Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou, then over the High Atlas to Marrakech, arriving in the evening.
- Valley of Roses
- Aït Ben Haddou
- High Atlas
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Driving
- Approx. 7 hours with stops
Included / Not included
Included
- Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off
- Private air-conditioned transport with fuel
- Experienced local driver
- Accommodation as described in the itinerary
- Breakfast and dinner on overnight stays
- Camel trek to the desert camp
- Night in a Sahara desert camp
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and kasbahs
- Local guides in cities (available on request)
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Accommodation
One night in a desert camp and one night in a hotel in the Dades Valley. Can also end back in Fez on request.
Transportation
Private, air-conditioned vehicle (4x4, minivan or car depending on group size) with an experienced English- or Spanish-speaking driver. Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off are included.
Route map
Drag, zoom and tap the markers to explore every stop on this route.
Stops on this route
Tour questions
Yes. We can arrange a round trip from Fez, returning through the Middle Atlas on the final day.
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