Camel Ride Trips3-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour
The fastest way to travel from Fes to Marrakech through the Sahara. Cross the Middle Atlas to the Erg Chebbi dunes for a sunset camel ride and a night in a desert camp, continue through the Todra Gorge to the Dades Valley, then visit Ait Ben Haddou and cross the High Atlas to Marrakech.
What is the best way to go from Fes to Marrakech?
Through the Sahara. Instead of a direct drive, this tour takes you south to the Merzouga dunes and west through the gorges and kasbahs, so the journey becomes the trip. With more time, the 5-day Fes to Marrakech tour adds a second desert night and shorter driving days.
- 1 night Sahara desert camp
- 1 night Dades Valley
How much driving is there on the 3-day Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara tour?
The whole route covers about 1,050 km by road. Times below are approximate and include short stops for photos, lunch and visits.
| Day | Route | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga | about 470 km | 7–8 hours with stops |
| Day 2 | Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley | about 260 km | 4–5 hours with stops |
| Day 3 | Dades Valley → Valley of Roses → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech | about 330 km | 5–6 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 Fes to Marrakech Itinerary
- Day 1
Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
Pickup at 8 am at your riad or hotel in Fes. Cross the Middle Atlas through Ifrane and the cedar forests near Azrou, stop for lunch in Midelt and follow the Ziz Valley to Merzouga.
Ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Dinner and traditional music at a desert camp.
Overnight: Desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, dinner included
- Day 2
Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
Watch the sunrise over the Sahara and ride back by camel for breakfast. Pass Rissani and the fossil workshops of Erfoud, then walk in the Todra Gorge near Tinghir before reaching the Dades Valley.
Overnight: Hotel in the Dades Valley, dinner included
- Day 3
Dades Valley → Valley of Roses → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
Drive through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura oasis to Ouarzazate. Visit Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed ksar, then cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech.
Tour ends at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
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
- Night in a desert camp and a hotel in the Dades Valley
- Camel ride in Merzouga
- 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Pickup in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech
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 Fes to Marrakech Tour
Is 3 days enough from Fes to Marrakech via the desert?
Yes, but the driving days are long. For a slower trip with two desert nights, choose the 5-day tour.
Where do we sleep?
A desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes and a hotel in the Dades Valley.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner on both nights. Lunches and drinks are not included.
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 Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara tour?
The whole route covers about 1,050 km by road. The longest day is Day 1, Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga: about 470 km, 7–8 hours with stops. All times are approximate and include short stops.
How much does the 3-Day Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara tour cost?
The 3-Day Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara tour starts from €520 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.
Other tours from Fes: 2-day Fes to Merzouga, 4-day Fes to Marrakech and 5-day Fes to Marrakech.
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.