3 Days trip from Fes to Marrakech: an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Moroccan desert
3 Days trip from Fes to Marrakech is not just a transfer between two iconic cities — it’s an emotional journey through the soul of Morocco, rich in contrast, color, and culture. From the moment you leave Fez, the scenery begins to shift dramatically, unveiling the majestic peaks of the Atlas Mountains and the cool cedar forests of Azrou, where wild Barbary macaques live freely among ancient trees. As you travel further, the winding roads lead you through fertile valleys dotted with Berber villages, until the horizon opens up to reveal the boundless golden dunes of Merzouga.
Each stage of this 3-day desert trip tells a different story — one of nature’s beauty, ancestral traditions, and heartfelt hospitality. Whether it’s the stillness of the Sahara at dusk, the warmth of a shared mint tea with nomads, or the ever-changing landscapes outside your window, this journey will awaken your senses and leave you with lasting memories of Morocco’s raw and timeless charm.
📌Highlights of the 3 Days trip from Fes to Marrakech :
- Admire the breathtaking panoramas of the Atlas Mountains
- Meet the monkeys of the Azrou cedar forest
- Cross the Ziz valley and its verdant oases
- Experience an unforgettable camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Watch a magical sunset and sunrise in the desert
- Experience an enchanting night beneath a starlit sky in a traditional Berber camp, immersed in the heart of the desert.
- Explore the impressive Todra Gorge
- Discover the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
3 Days trip from Fes to Marrakech: Itinéraire Détaillé
📌Jour 1 : Fès – Ifrane – Azrou – Vallée du Ziz – Erfoud – Merzouga
Your 3 Days trip from Fes to Marrakech begins with a scenic drive that gradually reveals the many faces of Morocco, starting with a morning departure from the imperial city of Fes toward the captivating south. The first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its surprising alpine charm, clean streets, and elegant European-style houses nestled among pine forests. The air is fresh, the atmosphere serene — a peaceful moment before the road leads deeper into the heart of the country.
Not far from there, the cedar forests of Azrou welcome you with their towering trees and playful Atlas monkeys leaping from branch to branch. The road then winds through traditional Berber villages, where time seems to slow down. Here, a delicious lunch awaits, prepared with ancestral recipes and offered with the warm hospitality of the locals.
In the afternoon, your journey continues into the dramatic Ziz Valley, where wide expanses of palm groves and ancient kasbahs create postcard-worthy panoramas. As the sun arcs across the sky, the desert landscape transforms—rocks glowing in hues of amber, gold, and fiery bronze, like a living canvas brushed by light. As you pass through Erfoud and Errachidia, the desert begins to call you louder — and by the time you reach Merzouga, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi stretch out like waves frozen in time.
You’ll leave your luggage in a charming hotel and set off on camelback across the soft sands, following in the footsteps of caravans from centuries past. As the sun sinks behind the dunes, the sky ignites with hues of crimson and rose, painting a breathtaking farewell that lingers in memory. At your Berber desert camp, a traditional dinner is served beneath a canopy of stars, with rhythmic drumming and laughter filling the night — the perfect end to a truly unforgettable day.
📌Jour 2 : Merzouga – Rissani – Gorges du Todra – Vallée du Dadès
The second day of your 3 Days trip from Fes to Marrakech begins in the soft silence of dawn, as the desert awakens with golden light. Rising early, you’ll witness the magic of a Sahara sunrise — a breathtaking moment where the dunes seem to glow with warmth and serenity. After a traditional breakfast served in the stillness of the desert camp, you’ll ride your camel back to Merzouga, where your driver awaits, ready to guide you through another day of extraordinary landscapes and cultural treasures.
Your first stop is Rissani, a historic town once a powerful center of trade in the region. Its bustling souk and ancient alleys speak of a rich past tied to the desert caravans. From there, the road winds through arid plateaus and lush valleys until you reach the awe-inspiring Todra Gorges. Sheer cliffs of rose-hued stone rise majestically on either side, carving a spectacular canyon that captivates both the adventurous spirit and the lens of every nature enthusiast.
As the sun dips lower, you continue on to the breathtaking Dades Valley — a region known for its winding roads, fertile orchards, and the surreal rock formations nicknamed “monkey fingers” for their strange, sculptural shapes. Here, surrounded by red cliffs and almond trees, you’ll settle into a charming guesthouse where the warmth of local hospitality and the peaceful ambiance of the mountains offer a perfect end to another unforgettable day.
📌Day 3: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
On the final day of your unforgettable 3 Days trip from Fes to Marrakech, the journey continues through some of Morocco’s most captivating landscapes. After breakfast, the road leads you to the Valley of the Roses, where the air is scented with floral notes in springtime, and traditional villages dot the hillsides. Then comes the lush palm grove of Skoura, a serene oasis where time seems to stand still under the shade of countless date palms.
Next, you reach the cinematic town of Ouarzazate — often called “the gateway to the desert” — where the legendary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou awaits. This ancient mudbrick fortress, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the backdrop for countless films and series, and walking its narrow alleys feels like stepping into a storybook from another era.
As afternoon unfolds, the journey ascends the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass, reaching heights of over 2,200 meters, where every bend reveals sweeping views across the rugged peaks and terraced hillsides of the High Atlas. The panoramic views of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains are nothing short of breathtaking, offering a final spectacle before your descent into the vibrant city of Marrakech. As the red walls of the medina come into view, the memories of this incredible adventure — from desert sands to mountain peaks — stay etched in your heart long after the journey ends.
📌Included and not included in the tour
Includes in the 3 Days trip from Fes to Marrakech :
✔️Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver/guide
✔️One night in a hotel or guesthouse (half-board)
✔️One night in a Berber bivouac in the desert (half board)
✔️Camel ride in the Merzouga dunes
✔️Sandboarding in the dunes (optional)
✔️Free time to explore and take photos
Not included in the 3 Days trip from Fes to Marrakech:
❌Drinks and personal expenses
❌Lunches and meals not mentioned
❌Entrance fees to sites and monuments
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about 3 Days trip from Fes to Marrakech:
📌What type of accommodation is provided?
The trip includes a standard hotel or riad and a bivouac in a traditional tent. Luxury accommodation is available at an additional cost.
📌When is the best time to do this tour?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are the best times to enjoy the pleasant desert temperatures.
📌How long is the journey from Fez to Merzouga?
The journey takes around 7 to 8 hours, with scenic and cultural stops along the way.
📌How do I book this excursion?
You can book directly on our website or contact us by email or WhatsApp. You may need to make a deposit to guarantee your reservation.
Ready to explore Morocco in a different way? Book your excursion now and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the desert and the Moroccan landscape!
