Marrakech to Merzouga and onward to Fez - 3 days

A three-day Marrakech-to-Fez desert route via Tinghir and Merzouga, with the final day through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas.

Route highlights

This route follows the published itinerary in order. It combines mountain and valley travel with a Merzouga desert-camp night, then continues to the final destination shown above. Each stop is included here because it helps travelers understand the route's pacing rather than because it promises a fixed timetable.

High Atlas crossing and guided Ait Benhaddou visit
Rose Valley and Tinghir
Merzouga desert-camp evening
Ziz Valley, Middle Atlas, and cedar forest macaques

Day-by-day itinerary

Depart from Marrakech and cross the High Atlas Mountains. Continue to the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou for a visit with a local guide. After the guided visit, stop for lunch and continue through Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco because of its various filming locations. Travel along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and stop in the Rose Valley to learn why the area is known by that name and about its distinctive roses. Continue to Tinghir for the overnight stay.

Camp options

Standard Camp

For bookings of two or more travelers, Standard Camp provides a private tent for the booking, with tent capacity matching the booking size. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Standard Camp is separate from the Luxury Camp.

Luxury Camp

Luxury Camp provides a private tent for the booking, subject to the solo-traveler arrangement. Each tent has a private bathroom and shower inside, air conditioning, and heating. Luxury Camp is separate from the Standard Camp.

Solo-traveler arrangements

Solo travelers are normally paired with another traveler in a twin room and twin tent. A private room and private tent are not included automatically. A solo traveler may request a solo upgrade, which requires an additional payment; no upgrade price is published.

Travel and pacing

The road journey is an important part of this three-day route. Stops, guided visits, camp activities, and onward travel follow the sequence published above. Where the itinerary uses approximate or intended timing, it is presented as guidance rather than a guarantee.

The itinerary includes long road journeys. Where stated, comfort and travel breaks are made approximately every one and a half to two hours.
Camp activities follow the sequence described in the itinerary: luggage transfer by 4x4, camel travel, sandboarding and sunset time, then dinner, a musical soirée, and stargazing time.

What is described as included

Transport for the itinerary described on this page.
The local-guide visits explicitly described in the itinerary.
Desert-camp dinner and the stated evening activities.

What is not included

Lunch stops mentioned in the itinerary.
Any solo upgrade requested by a solo traveler.

Frequently asked questions

Which camp options are available?

Every desert tour offers Standard Camp and Luxury Camp. Their accommodation details are listed with the selected tour.

How are solo travelers accommodated?

How is luggage handled at the dunes?

At the edge of the dunes, the 4x4 team transfers luggage to the campsite while travelers continue by camel.

What happens at the desert camp?

The published sequence includes camel travel, time for sandboarding and sunset, then dinner, a musical soirée, and time for stargazing.

Are arrival times guaranteed?

No. The routes use approximate or intended arrival language where stated. Plan onward travel with flexibility rather than relying on a fixed-time guarantee.

Related routes

Compare these approved alternatives when a different final destination or travel direction better fits your plans.

For practical planning questions, visit the MGT travel guide or contact MGT.