Explore Morocco: 3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes

For many travelers searching for an adventure that combines culture, nature, and the magic of the Sahara, the 3 days tour from Marrakech to Fes is one of the most unforgettable journeys you can experience in Morocco.
I’m Hicham, and I’ve been guiding travelers on this route for years. I’ve crossed the High Atlas more times than I can count, slept under desert skies with guests from around the world, and listened to hundreds of stories around the campfire—stories of excitement, challenge, transformation, and joy.

This guide is not just another travel article.
It’s a full, practical, explanation of everything tourists want to know from real travel forums, my personal experience, and feedback from travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and Brazil who completed this trip with me.

Whether you want a 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes, the reverse 3 days tour from Fes to Marrakech, or the famous 3 days Sahara desert tour from Marrakech to Fes, this guide will help you make the smartest decisions.

⭐ Why This 3-Day Tour Is One of the Best Experiences in Morocco

Almost every tourist who finishes this tour tells me the same thing:

“Hicham, this is the real Morocco.”

And they’re right.

The journey takes you from the busy streets of Marrakech, across the towering High Atlas Mountains, through ancient kasbahs, deep gorges, palm valleys, and finally into the golden dunes of Merzouga—one of the most iconic edges of the Sahara Desert.

In just 3 days, travelers feel like they’ve seen multiple countries in one.

Here’s what many tourists mention on forums like TripAdvisor, Reddit, and Facebook groups:

• “The landscapes change every two hours—you never get bored.”
• “Riding a camel at sunset was the highlight of my whole Morocco trip.”
• “I didn’t know Morocco had such beautiful mountains.”
• “It’s a long drive, but totally worth it.”

These are exactly the types of comments I hear every week from my own groups.

⭐ What Travelers Usually Look For (Based on Travel Forum Searches)

From my observations on forums where travelers share their experiences, the most frequent questions revolve around::

✔ How long the driving takes
✔ Whether sunsets in the dunes are guaranteed
✔ If the camel ride is difficult
✔ How cold desert nights get
✔ What the lodges and camps look like
✔ Whether children can handle the tour
✔ If it’s better to start in Marrakech or Fes
✔ If this tour is safe
✔ What to pack
✔ How much time they spend at each stop

So throughout this guide, I’ll answer all these questions clearly.

⭐ Day-by-Day Itinerary (Authentic & Practical)

🟠 Day 1 — Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades

You start your morning early, leaving the busy energy of Marrakech behind. As soon as the vehicle climbs toward Tizi n’Tichka, travelers always get quiet—sometimes shocked—by the sudden change in scenery.

The High Atlas is powerful, green in spring, snowy in winter, dramatic in every season.

Your main stops:

• Tizi n’Tichka Mountain Pass
• Berber villages
• Women’s argan oil cooperatives
• Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO site used in Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Kingdom of Heaven)
• Ouarzazate (optional)
• Dades Valley

Traveler Story – Emily (USA)

Emily told me this was the moment she “finally understood why films choose Morocco.” The kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou made her feel like she stepped back in time.

You end the day in a hotel overlooking the red cliffs of the Dades Valley.

🟠 Day 2 — Dades → Tinghir → Todra Gorge → Sahara Desert (Merzouga)

This is the day everyone waits for.

After breakfast, you drive through the impressive Dades Valley, then visit:

• Tinghir Palm Oasis
• Todra Gorge – a 300-meter canyon
• Erfoud (date capital of Morocco)
• Merzouga desert

Then comes the highlight:
Your camel ride across the dunes at sunset.

⭐ Traveler Story – Oliver (UK)

Oliver shared with me that the camel ride felt much more than a simple journey — it was like stepping into an ancient story that has lasted for centuries.
When we arrived at the desert camp, we were welcomed with a warm meal while Amazigh musicians played soft, enchanting melodies under the vast, star-filled sky. Many travelers tell me this night is one of the most magical moments of their entire trip.

🟠 Day 3 — Sunrise in the Sahara → Ziz Oasis → Midelt → Cedar Forest → Ifrane → Arrival in Fes

The last day begins early, but the sunrise over the dunes makes it worthwhile. The golden light illuminating the Sahara is unforgettable.

From there, the journey continues through:

• The palm-lined Ziz Oasis
• The high plains near Midelt
• The cedar forest, home to playful Barbary macaques
• Ifrane, nicknamed Morocco’s “Swiss town”

You arrive in Fes in the late afternoon, tired but full of incredible memories.

⭐ Reverse Route: 3 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Some travelers prefer starting from Fes, especially if their flight departs from Marrakech.
Whether you choose the 3 days tour from Fes to Marrakech or the 3 day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, the journey is essentially the same — only the order differs:

• The Sahara is visited on Day 1
• The High Atlas mountains are crossed on Day 3

This option works perfectly for travelers who want the desert experience at the beginning of their adventure.

⭐ What My Travelers Say About This Tour (Real Feedback)

Lucas from Canada commented:
“What impressed me most was how many different environments we crossed — towering peaks, carved canyons, and finally the peaceful, open Sahara. Hicham explained everything clearly and made the long drive enjoyable.”

Anna & Mark, a couple from Germany, shared:
“The desert camp exceeded our expectations — clean beds, cozy blankets, and excellent food. We felt completely safe throughout the trip.”

Bruna from Brazil added:
“This tour was full of surprises. Morocco’s landscapes are even more amazing in person.”

Listening to these first-hand experiences gives future travelers a clear picture of the journey, far more than any brochure or ad could provide.

⭐ Practical Advice You Won’t Find on Most Websites

1. Start the tour rested
   The first day covers a lot of distance, so make sure to sleep well the night before.
2. Bring snacks
   Stops in the mountains can be limited, so having small snacks is helpful.
3. Don’t expect strong Wi-Fi
   The Sahara is a digital detox — connectivity is minimal.
4. Wear comfortable shoes
   You’ll walk through kasbahs, gorges, and sand dunes.
5. Carry cash
   Small shops and roadside cafés rarely accept cards.
6. Pack layers
   Desert nights can be surprisingly chilly, even in summer.
7. Choose a quality camp
   Many complaints come from travelers who booked the cheapest available option.

⭐ Common Mistakes Travelers Should Avoid

❌ Pitfall #1: Selecting a tour solely based on price
Booking only the cheapest option often leads to older vehicles, limited stops, and basic accommodations.

❌ Mistake #2: Bringing large suitcases on the camel
Big bags make the ride awkward and unstable. Keep your main luggage in the vehicle and take only a light backpack for the desert experience.

❌ Mistake #3: Expecting luxury everywhere
This tour focuses on natural and cultural experiences — some roads are rough, and luxury is limited.

❌ Mistake #4: Forgetting to drink enough water
The desert’s dry air can quickly dehydrate even seasoned travelers.

❌ Mistake #5: Wearing white shoes
The sand will naturally stain them orange.

⭐ Packing List for a 3 Days Sahara Desert Tour

Essentials:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm jacket (for desert nights)
• Hat or scarf
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Power bank
• Reusable water bottle
• Cash (small notes)
• Light backpack
• Camera or phone with extra storage

Optional but useful:

• Motion-sickness tablets
• Lip balm
• Wet wipes

⭐ Know Before You Go

Best seasons:

• March–June → Ideal weather
• September–November → Perfect sunsets
• December–February → Cold nights but fewer tourists
• July–August → Very hot daytime temperatures

Safety:
This route is one of the safest and most popular tours in Morocco, suitable for families.

Children:
Yes, kids can enjoy it. Families from the USA and Germany take this tour regularly.

Tiring?
The days are long, but the scenery and cultural experiences make it highly rewarding.

⭐ Price Expectations (General, No Exact Numbers)

Costs depend on:

• Camp type (standard / superior / luxury)
• Private or shared tour
• Season
• Number of travelers
• Vehicle type

Generally:

Higher prices include:

• Comfortable camps
• Modern vehicles
• More stops
• High-quality meals

Lower prices often mean:

• Basic camps
• Older vehicles
• Fewer stops

Always confirm what’s included before booking.

⭐ Itinerary Overview

Day	Highlights	Sleep
Day 1	Marrakech → High Atlas → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley	Dades Valley
Day 2	Tinghir Oasis → Todra Gorge → Camel Ride → Sahara	Merzouga Desert Camp
Day 3	Sahara Sunrise → Ziz Oasis → Ifrane → Fes	Arrival in Fes

⭐ Why This Tour Is Special (Guide’s Perspective)

Having guided travelers from more than 40 countries, I can confidently say:

• This tour shows the authentic Morocco beyond typical tourist areas
• Travelers connect with Berber culture in a genuine way
• Memories of the Sahara and High Atlas remain vivid for years
• The route is scenic, historically rich, and safe
• Even long distances are worth it for the unforgettable journey

It’s the perfect combination of culture, nature, and adventure.

⭐ About the Author – Hicham

 

My name is Hicham, and I have spent many years guiding travelers across Morocco, from the towering peaks of the High Atlas to the endless golden dunes of Merzouga.
I’ve accompanied solo travelers, couples, and families from the USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Brazil.

My goal is simple:
to craft Moroccan journeys that feel genuine, memorable, and inspiring for every traveler — and if anyone wishes to contact me about Morocco tours or travel experiences, they are always welcome to reach out.