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ITINERARY
DAY 1: FES → IFRANE → ZIZ VALLEY → MERZOUGA DESERT
Your Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour begins right after breakfast at your hotel or riad. We head south, destination: Merzouga. The first landmark is Ifrane, a picture-perfect mountain town often called the Switzerland of Morocco for its clean streets, red-roofed chalets, and mountain air.
Continuing south, we cross the Middle Atlas and pause in a cedar forest where Barbary macaques — a fascinating primate found only here and on the Rock of Gibraltar — scramble through the branches at close range. Lunch is taken at a well-chosen restaurant along the route, at whichever time suits you best. We press on, tracing the edge of the Ziz Valley — a spectacular oasis corridor of date palms — before reaching the outskirts of Merzouga by late afternoon.
Here your camel guide is waiting. Each traveller mounts a camel and the caravan winds into the heart of Erg Chebbi, stopping on a high dune crest to absorb a breathtaking sunset. The remaining ride delivers you to your luxury camp, where tea awaits. The evening unfolds with a delicious dinner, stories around a fire, rhythmic Berber drumming, and a sky so vast and clear it feels like sleeping inside the Milky Way.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp, Merzouga.
DAY 2: MERZOUGA DESERT → RISSANI → TODRA GORGE → DADES VALLEY
An early start is well rewarded — the desert dawn is something few people ever witness and even fewer forget. After breakfast at camp, choose your preferred return to Merzouga town: another camel leg or a comfortable 4×4 ride.
From Merzouga we head west through Rissani, Erfoud, and on to the Todra Gorges. Rissani is one of Morocco’s most historically significant towns — ancestral seat of the Alaoui dynasty and a hub on ancient trans-Saharan trade routes. If your visit coincides with a Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, the lively weekly souk is well worth a browse. At Tinghir, we walk the floor of the Todra River valley between its towering 300-metre cliff walls — a narrow, dramatic natural cathedral of stone.
We reach Boumalne Dades by afternoon. Before checking in, we take a short scenic drive up the valley to admire the extraordinary geological formations locally nicknamed “monkey fingers” — columns of eroded rock rising from the canyon floor. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Overnight in a hotel in Dades Valley.
DAY 3: DADES VALLEY → AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → MARRAKECH
Today marks the final leg of your 3 Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour. After breakfast, we drive toward Ait Ben Haddou through the Rose Valley and Ouarzazate, passing a succession of picturesque Berber villages along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.
In Ouarzazate — known globally as the Hollywood of Africa — you have the option to step inside Atlas Studios, one of the world’s largest film production facilities. Just fifteen kilometres further on lies the legendary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the backdrop for iconic productions including Gladiator, Game of Thrones (where it played the slave city of Yunkai), The Mummy, and many others. Spend time wandering its earthen towers and alleyways.
After lunch, we begin the climb into the High Atlas Mountains on the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka road — Morocco’s highest paved pass at 2,260 metres above sea level. The views at every curve are extraordinary. We reach Marrakech in the late afternoon, completing your tour with a drop-off at your hotel or riad.
Your 3 Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour includes two nights of accommodation — one in the Merzouga desert and one in the beautiful Dades Valley. We work exclusively with luxury desert camps that offer private tents with individual en-suite bathrooms and showers. No shared facilities, no compromises on comfort.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the ideal times to visit. The weather is comfortably warm, making it perfect for exploring the Imperial Cities, trekking in the mountains, or experiencing the desert. Summer can be extremely hot in the south, while winter brings chilly nights, particularly in the Sahara and the High Atlas.
Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries do not need a visa to enter Morocco for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days. You only need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Always check with your local Moroccan consulate for the most up-to-date requirements.
The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While large hotels, modern restaurants, and bigger shops in cities accept Visa and Mastercard, Morocco is still largely a cash-based society. You will need cash for the medinas, local markets, tipping, and travel in remote areas like the desert or mountains. ATMs are widely available in all major towns.
Yes, Morocco is widely considered one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. Violent crime is rare. However, like in any major tourist destination, you should practice common sense. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded souks to avoid pickpockets, and use registered guides for medina tours and remote treks.
The official languages are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). French is the second, widely spoken language used in business and tourism. English is increasingly common in major tourist hubs, hotels, and among younger generations, but learning a few basic Arabic or French phrases is always highly appreciated by locals.
Morocco is a conservative, predominantly Muslim country, and dressing modestly shows respect for the local culture. Both men and women should aim to cover their shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight clothing is ideal for staying cool while remaining respectful. In more modern cities like Marrakech, dress codes are relaxed, but modesty is strictly advised in rural villages and the medinas.
With a few exceptions, non-Muslims are generally not permitted to enter active mosques in Morocco. The most notable exception is the spectacular Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which offers guided tours to all visitors.
Yes, tipping (baksheesh) is an established part of Moroccan culture and is highly appreciated for good service. A general rule is to leave 10% to 15% in restaurants. For drivers and tour guides, tipping around 50 to 100 MAD per person, per day is a standard guideline depending on your satisfaction.
Haggling is an expected and enjoyable part of shopping in Moroccan souks. When you ask for a price, expect the vendor’s first offer to be high. Counter with about a third or half of that price, and negotiate until you meet in the middle. Always negotiate with a smile and a friendly attitude.
While Morocco is an Islamic country, alcohol is legal and available. You can purchase it in licensed bars, hotels, large supermarkets, and tourist-focused restaurants. Drinking in public spaces outside of these licensed venues is not permitted.
To truly enjoy the experience without spending your entire trip in a vehicle, a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights is recommended for a desert tour starting from Marrakech to the Merzouga dunes (Erg Chebbi). If you have more time, a 4-day trip allows for a more relaxed pace to explore the Kasbahs, gorges, and valleys along the way.
Bring comfortable, breathable clothing for daytime camel trekking and a warm fleece or jacket for the night, as desert temperatures drop significantly after sunset. Essential items include sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, closed-toe walking shoes, and a small daypack for your overnight items.
Erg Chebbi (near Merzouga) features the highest, most iconic dunes and is easily accessible by paved roads, making it a popular choice. Erg Chigaga (near Zagora/M’Hamid) offers a wilder, more remote experience that requires off-road 4×4 driving to reach, appealing to those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
We offer trekking experiences for all levels. Gentle day hikes through Berber villages require only basic fitness and a good pair of walking shoes. Multi-day ascents, such as climbing Mount Toubkal, require a good level of physical stamina and proper hiking gear, though no technical climbing skills are needed in the warmer months.
Absolutely. Moroccans love children, and family travel is highly welcomed. Desert camps, camel rides, and short walks in the Atlas Mountains are fantastic experiences for kids. We can customize the pace of the itinerary, limit driving times, and ensure family-friendly accommodations for your comfort.
For maximum flexibility and comfort, hiring a private driver is the most highly recommended way to travel. It allows you to stop at scenic viewpoints, hidden Kasbahs, and local cooperatives at your own pace. For budget travelers, Morocco’s rail network (including the high-speed Al Boraq train) efficiently connects major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Fes.
While tap water in major cities is treated, it has different mineral contents that can upset a traveler’s stomach. It is highly recommended to stick to sealed bottled water or use a filtered water bottle for drinking and brushing your teeth.
Morocco operates on a 220V supply voltage and uses standard European two-pin round plugs (Type C and Type E). If you are traveling from the US, UK, or Australia, you will need a universal travel adapter.
Wi-Fi is widely available for free in most hotels, riads, and cafes across the country. If you want continuous access on the road, you can easily purchase an inexpensive local prepaid SIM card (from providers like Maroc Telecom, Orange, or Inwi) at the airport upon arrival.
Moroccan cuisine is world-renowned. Must-try dishes include Tagine (a slow-cooked savory stew made with meat, poultry, or fish), Couscous (traditionally served on Fridays), Pastilla (a sweet and savory meat pie), and Harira (a rich tomato and lentil soup). Meals are almost always accompanied by the famous Moroccan sweet mint tea.
