3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
If you’re heading to Morocco, a 3 day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes should be at the top of your list—and this tour from Marrakech to Fes was honestly one of the most unforgettable parts of my trip.
You can book the exact tour I did here—it takes you through the High Atlas Mountains, into historic Berber villages, and drops you into the golden magic of the Erg Chebbi dunes before wrapping up in Fes.
From camel rides to quad biking at sunrise, and the internal debate over luxury vs. standard camps, here’s what you can expect from this luxury desert tour from Marrakech.
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Day 1: From Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains and Ait Ben Haddou
We kicked off bright and early from Marrakech, winding our way through the High Atlas Mountains. This isn’t just a transit day — it’s packed with jaw-dropping views and cultural stops. We passed through Berber villages, crossed the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, and explored the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, which you might recognize from movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
By sunset, we made it to hotel in the Dades Valley. The day is long, but trust me — the scenery and stops make it absolutely worth it. All the stops really keep the drive from feeling too long. This is the perfect way to begin your 3 day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes, setting the tone for a truly immersive experience.
Day 2: Todra Gorge, Camel Trek, and a Night in the Sahara
We started day two driving through the dramatic Todra Gorge before making our way to the edge of the Sahara. This is where the real magic happens.
We met our camels and began the trek through the dunes to camp. I was SO relieved to see how well taken care of the camels were — I’ve seen some really sad situations in other countries, but this wasn’t one of them. That made the ride feel really special.
Deluxe Camp vs. Standard Camp
I upgraded to the deluxe camp for the night, which gave me a private tent and bathroom. It felt luxurious and serene — and in such a magical setting, I loved having the space to myself.
But here’s the thing: all but one of the people on my tour were in the standard camp. I almost regretted my choice because I truly connected with this group, and sharing the night in the desert with them would have added a whole other level of bonding. If you’re a solo traveler, keep that in mind when booking — the deluxe option is amazing, but the communal experience might be more fun if you’re feeling social.
If you’re booking a luxury desert tour from Marrakech, this is where it shines. The deluxe camp is fully equipped with comfortable bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and even electricity to charge your devices.
Day 3: Sunrise Quads & the Journey to Fes
DO NOT miss the chance to ride a quad bike across the dunes at sunrise. It’s not included in the base price, but it’s hands-down a core memory for me. Floating over the dunes in the soft golden light? Unreal. Bring extra money and just do it — trust me.
You can choose to ride camels back or take the 4x4s. The camel ride takes a while and isn’t exactly comfy after a while, so I’d recommend the 4×4 or quad option.
From there, we began the long drive to Fes, arriving in the evening. It’s a big day of travel, but after two nights of incredible adventure, it’s a chance to soak in everything you just experienced. The scenic route also gives you one last glimpse of Morocco’s diverse landscapes on your 3 day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.
Packing List for Your Sahara Desert Tour
Here’s everything I was glad I brought — and a few things I wish I had:
Must-Haves:
- Warm layers for night (the desert gets COLD at night, even in summer!)
- Sunglasses and a scarf for sand + sun protection
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash (for tips, quad bikes, snacks, etc.): Options for this get limited once you’re at the desert, make sure you have enough before!
- Travel towel (if you’re staying in the standard camp)
- Camera or phone with plenty of storage — you’ll take a million photos
Nice-to-Haves:
- Power bank (charging options can be limited with the car rides)
- Snacks for the long drives
- Flashlight or headlamp for navigating the camp at night
- Lightweight flip flops or sandals for walking around the camp (much better than sand stuck inside your socks and shoes)
Final Thoughts
This 3 day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes was the perfect blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and luxury. Whether you go deluxe or not, it’s an unforgettable way to experience Morocco’s magic — and the people you meet along the way will absolutely make it.
If you’re considering a luxury desert tour from Marrakech, I highly recommend this tour.
Just remember to bring some cash for quad biking and tips. The memories you’ll make on this trip will become core ones!
