3 days desert tour from fes
About This Tour
This 3-day circuit offers an exploration of central and southern Morocco’s diverse geography, beginning and ending in the ancient imperial city of Fes. The journey takes travelers through the alpine environment of the Middle Atlas Mountains, past the vast palm oases of the Ziz Valley, and deep into the spectacular canyons of the Todra Gorge. The highlight is the stop at the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, where guests witness a Saharan sunrise. This loop is characterized by long, scenic drives designed to maximize the variety of landscapes seen in a short timeframe.
Customization Note: At DesertGateTours, we craft unforgettable Moroccan experiences. If our standard tours don’t match your vision, we’ll design one that does.
Contact us to share your dream trip, and we’ll create a custom itinerary tailored to your interests, pace, and budget. Your perfect Moroccan adventure awaits—we’re here to make it real.
Highlights:
- Traversing the mountains, including a stop in the “Moroccan Switzerland” town of Ifrane.
- Looking for the wild Barbary macaques in the ancient Azrou Cedar Forests.
- Stopping for a panoramic view of the vast ribbon of green palm groves contrasting with the arid landscape.
- Walking through the magnificent, towering canyon walls.
- Spending the night in the picturesque valley carved by the Dades River.
- Waking up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes (Merzouga).
- Optional visit to the traditional, bustling local market on specific market days.
Program Itinerary
Fes to the Sahara Dunes – Through the Middle Atlas Mountains
Your desert adventure begins with an early morning departure from your Fes hotel, heading south and ascending into the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is the unique city of Ifrane, often nicknamed “Morocco’s Switzerland” for its unexpected alpine-style architecture. Next, we continue to the famous cedar forests of Azrou. Here, you will have a chance to spot wild Barbary macaques in their natural habitat among the ancient trees. After enjoying lunch in Midelt, the route continues its descent toward the Sahara. You’ll travel through the stunning Ziz Valley, pausing to admire a panoramic view of the vast, lush palm oasis—a striking contrast to the arid surroundings. Finally, by late afternoon, you will arrive at the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, where you will check into your desert-edge hotel for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Merzouga to the Dades Valley – Canyons and Oases
An early start is richly rewarded with the breathtaking sight of a desert sunrise. Following breakfast and a shower at your hotel, you will meet your driver to continue the tour. First, if it coincides with a market day (Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday), we will make an optional visit to the bustling traditional market in Rissani for a glimpse into local commerce. The journey then continues through small Berber villages toward Tinghir. We will pause to admire the beautiful Todra Valley before reaching the magnificent Todra Gorge, a towering, dramatic canyon. You’ll take a short walk here to soak in the sheer scale of the rock walls. After lunch, we will travel through picturesque landscapes to the Dades Valley for dinner and your overnight stay at a local guesthouse.
Dades Valley to Fes – The Long Return Journey
After breakfast in the Dades Valley, you will begin your scenic, full-day return journey back to Fes. Your route retraces the path through the lush Ziz Valley, again providing expansive views of the palm groves. Following a stop for lunch in Midelt, the drive guides you back through the landscapes of the Middle Atlas, including the cedar forests of Azrou. Ultimately, you will arrive back in the imperial city of Fes by early evening, concluding your memorable desert tour.
Expedition Media Gallery
A visual glimpse of the spectacular landscapes awaiting you.
Inclusions & Trip Details
What's Included
- Transport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
- English/French-speaking driver/guide
- 2 nights of accommodation
- Meals: 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Camel trek in the desert
Not Included
- Lunches, drinks, and personal snacks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips for drivers and camp staff
- Travel insurance
Interactive Route Map
Explore your complete journey route on this interactive map. Select any destination marker to discover what awaits you on each day.
Route Milestones
Frequently Asked Questions
What luggage and clothing should I pack for this trip?
We recommend comfortable walking shoes for medina cobbles and dunes, loose breathable cotton layers for daytime exploration, and a warm fleece or jacket for crisp desert evenings and mountain passes. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are essential.
Can this itinerary and accommodation level be customized?
Yes, absolutely! Every Desert Gate Tours package is 100% private and customizable. We can adjust the pacing, departure city, hotel tiers (Standard Riads, Comfort Boutique, or 5-Star Luxury Glamping), and add unique stops to match your travel dreams.
Where does pickup and drop-off take place?
We provide seamless door-to-door pickup and drop-off directly from your hotel, riad, or airport in Fes. Your private English-speaking driver/guide will greet you warmly with personalized signage.
Are special dietary requirements catered for?
Yes, all partner riads and our Sahara desert luxury camp chefs cater happily to vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free dietary requirements. Simply let us know your preferences during booking.
How do reservations and deposits work?
After submitting your inquiry, our local travel specialists in Marrakech will confirm availability and send your official itinerary voucher. A modest deposit secures your dates via credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer, with the balance paid safely upon arrival.
