This three-day tour travels from the red city of Marrakech to the Athens of Africa, Fes, revealing the charms of southeast Morocco through some of the country’s most striking settings: the High Atlas Mountains, the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Boumalne Dades, the Valley of Roses, the Tinghir oasis and Todgha Gorge, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes around Merzouga, the Ziz Valley, the Middle Atlas cedar forest, and Ifrane. You drive through the dramatic landscapes of the High Atlas, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, visit the Hollywood of Africa, spend a night in a beautiful valley in Boumalne Dades, ride a camel in the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, and spend an unforgettable night among the dunes in a luxury desert camp under billions of stars, accompanied by traditional Berber hospitality.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DAY 1: MARRAKECH -> HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> AIT BEN HADDOU -> OUARZAZATE -> DADES VALLEY
Your tour commences with a prompt 8:00 AM hotel/riad pick-up within Marrakech. Departing the city, your journey takes you southeastward, traversing the awe-inspiring High Atlas Mountains that offer picturesque vistas of traditional Berber villages. En route, we make scenic stops for capturing memorable photographs.
Lunch is served in the charming village of Ait Ben Haddou, where you’ll also explore the ancient and iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. This “fortified village” has garnered UNESCO World Heritage status since 1987 and served as a backdrop for numerous acclaimed movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, Babel, and Gladiator.
Continuing your excursion, a brief halt in Ouarzazate grants you the opportunity to view Africa’s largest film studio (optional inside tour). The journey proceeds through Boumalne, with a scenic drive through the Valley of Roses. Optionally, you may choose to visit the distinctive rock formations known as “monkey fingers” in the Dades Valley before proceeding to your accommodation, or explore them the following day.
Approximate driving distance/time: 353 km / 6 hours 30 minutes
DAY 2: DADES VALLEY -> TINGHIR OASIS -> TODGHA CANYON -> MERZOUGA DESERT
Following a delicious breakfast, our journey takes us to Tinghir, where we pause at a picturesque viewpoint overlooking a lush oasis adorned with palm trees and historic kasbahs. Here you’ll have the opportunity to explore the dramatic Todgha Canyon, carved by the winding Todgha River, with depths plunging to 300 meters.
On the way to the Merzouga desert, your guide will recommend a visit to a Berber shop. Here you’ll have the opportunity to try on a traditional Berber outfit and capture memorable photographs, all at no cost. Should you wish to make a purchase, please be aware that it’s entirely optional. Feel free to communicate your lack of interest to your guide, and this stop will be bypassed.
Upon arrival in Merzouga, your luggage will be transported to the camp via a 4×4 vehicle, allowing you to embark on a captivating camel trek. As the sun sets in vibrant shades of red and orange over the Erg Chebbi dunes, you’ll witness a truly mesmerizing spectacle. Spend an unforgettable night immersed in the Sahara Desert’s local culture, with drumming sessions, storytelling, and the chance to marvel at the starry night sky.
Approximate driving distance/time: 310 km / 5 hours
DAY 3: MERZOUGA DESERT -> ZIZ VALLEY -> MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> IFRANE -> FES
Begin your day early and be treated to a serene and captivating sunrise. Following a satisfying camp breakfast, you can opt to return to the town of Merzouga by either camel trek or a comfortable 4×4 vehicle. Depart from Merzouga, heading towards Fes. En route, we pause at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the picturesque Ziz Valley, characterized by lush palm groves and charming villages. While journeying through the cedar forest of the Middle Atlas, keep an eye out for Barbary Apes, a unique species adapted to colder climates. A brief stop in Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” provides an opportunity to refresh and enjoy a coffee break.
This tour concludes upon your arrival in Fes, with drop-off at your accommodation in the late afternoon.
Approximate driving distance/time: 500 km / 7 hours 30 minutes
IMPORTANT NOTES
THE PRICE
The price varies depending on the number of travelers. The more people join the tour, the lower the price per person can be. Transportation costs are fixed and shared between the travelers. The final price also depends on the accommodation category you choose, such as standard, superior, or luxury. Contact us for an exact quotation based on your group size, travel dates, and preferences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the tour private or shared?
This tour is available as a completely private experience, and also as a shared small-group departure limited to 10 participants. On the private option you travel exclusively with the members of your own group, with greater flexibility over the schedule, stops, pace, and overall experience.
How long is the camel ride? What is the alternative to camels?
The camel ride usually takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours to reach the desert camp, depending on the camp location and conditions. If you prefer not to ride a camel, you can be transferred to the camp by 4×4 vehicle at no additional cost. Quad biking and buggy excursions are also available at an extra cost.
Is the desert tent private? Does it have a private bathroom and shower?
Yes. Our luxury desert camp offers private tents equipped with private en-suite bathrooms, including a shower and hot running water.
What happens to our luggage during the camel ride?
During the camel ride, you only need to carry a small backpack with the essentials you need for the night. Your main luggage will be transported by the camp’s 4×4 vehicle and will be waiting for you at your tent when you arrive.
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best times to visit Morocco are generally spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, when temperatures are usually pleasant across much of the country. Winter can also be an excellent time to travel, especially for exploring the southern desert regions.
What type of vehicles are used?
We use modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles:
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes. We can accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific requests. Please let us know when booking so we can arrange the included meals and stops along the route accordingly.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is suitable for travelers of different ages. Please note that some days involve several hours of driving to cover the distances between different regions of Morocco. Our vehicles are comfortable, and regular stops can be made during the journey.
Where does the tour start and finish?
Pick-up is available directly from Marrakech Menara Airport or your accommodation in Marrakech on the first day. The tour ends in Fes, with a drop-off at your accommodation on the final day. If preferred, the itinerary can also be run in reverse from Fes to Marrakech upon request.
Expenses and additional costs
Currency exchange: Euros and US Dollars can be exchanged for Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) at banks, airports, and exchange offices. ATMs are also widely available throughout Morocco.
Cost of meals: Lunches are not included in the tour price and generally cost around 5–20 EUR per person, depending on the restaurant and location.
Bargaining: Negotiating prices in souks and traditional markets is a normal part of shopping culture in Morocco.
BOOKING PROCESS
1. Contact us
Contact us through our contact form, email, or WhatsApp and provide the number of travelers, your approximate travel date, and your preferred accommodation category.
2. Confirm your booking
A small deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Payment can be made through PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer.
The remaining balance can be paid in cash in EUR, USD, or MAD directly to the driver upon arrival.
WHY CHOOSE A PRIVATE MOROCCO TOUR?
A private tour allows you to travel at your own pace, with greater flexibility over departure times, sightseeing stops, breaks, activities, and accommodation choices.
You will have an experienced private driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group, giving you more freedom and comfort throughout the journey. Whether you are traveling as a couple, family, group of friends, or a small private group, the itinerary can be adapted around your interests and travel preferences.
I nostri figli non dimenticheranno il tramonto sulle dune e la notte berbera nel deserto. Tour di 3 giorni perfetto anche per le famiglie.
Everything perfectly organized. Crossing the High Atlas and reaching the Erg Chebbi dunes was thrilling. Punctual, professional driver.
Tres días inolvidables juntos. Cruzar el Alto Atlas y dormir en el desierto es una experiencia que los niños aún recuerdan.
Ottima esperienza per chi viaggia da solo. La notte berbera nel deserto con tamburi e stelle è stata il momento clou del tour.
Un increíble tour de 3 días de Marrakech a Fez. La noche en el campamento de lujo en las dunas de Erg Chebbi, con tambores bereberes bajo las estrellas, fue pura magia.
