3-Day Tour from Essaouira to Fes via Merzouga Desert

Experience the Ultimate Moroccan Road Trip — From the Atlantic Coast to the Golden Sahara Dunes

3‑Day Essaouira → Fes Desert Tour: Tour Overview:

Embark on a 3-day journey from the coastal charm of Essaouira to the cultural heart of Fes, passing through Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes and ancient kasbahs. Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes, sleep under the stars in a desert camp, and explore the majestic High Atlas Mountains and UNESCO sites along the way.

Tour Itinerary: Best Essaouira to Fes Tour – 3 Days

Day 1: Essaouira – Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

We begin our journey from Essaouira at 8:00 AM, passing through Marrakech and heading toward Ouarzazate via the stunning landscapes of the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass. Along the way, we stop for lunch near the Kasbah of Telouet, a historic fortress tucked into the High Atlas Mountains.

In the afternoon, we visit the legendary Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This iconic ksar and the nearby city of Ouarzazate have served as filming locations for movies such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and many others.

🛏️ Overnight stay in Ouarzazate (Dinner and breakfast included)

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Day 2: Ouarzazate – Rose Valley – Todgha Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, we depart Ouarzazate and make a short visit to the Kasbah of Taourirt, then continue through the scenic Rose Valley and Dades Valley. We’ll pause at the breathtaking Todgha Gorges, where we’ll enjoy a walk through the narrow canyon and stop for lunch.

In the afternoon, we pass through Tinjdad and arrive in Erfoud, a town known for its fossil-rich landscapes. By sunset, we reach Merzouga, where the Erg Chebbi dunes await. Here, we trade our car for camels and trek across the golden dunes, stopping to admire the sunset from a high ridge.

We then arrive at our desert camp, where a traditional dinner and Berber music around the campfire offer a truly unforgettable night under the stars.

🛏️ Overnight in a desert camp (Dinner and breakfast included)

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Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes

After breakfast, we leave the Sahara behind and begin our journey through the Tafilalt region and into the Middle Atlas Mountains. We travel along the scenic Ziz Valley, then stop for lunch in Midelt, known as Morocco’s “apple capital.”

In the afternoon, we visit the cedar forest near Azrou, where you may spot wild Barbary macaque monkeys. We then stop briefly in the Alpine-style town of Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco.”

We arrive in Fes by late afternoon. Drop-off will be at your accommodation in the old medina.

Tour Photo Gallery:

3-Day Tour from Essaouira to the Sahara Desert – Map Overview: