Marrakesh in 3 Days for Couples - Visit the UNESCO ksar of Aït Benhaddou
In Collaboration with Morocco Travel Shara. Updated on February 14, 2026.
Private 3-day road tour from Marrakech to Fes via Aït Benhaddou, Skoura, Dades Valley, Todra Gorges and the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga. Includes private driver/guide, 2 nights accommodation (hotel + desert camp), breakfast and dinner, camel ride into the dunes and private transfers from your Marrakech hotel to your Fes hotel.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Morocco Travel Shara, inspired by the tour 3-day Private Desert Tour From Marrakech To Fes. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Visit the UNESCO ksar of Aït Benhaddou
- Scenic drive over the High Atlas (Tizi n'Tichka)
- Dades Valley and Todra Gorges
- Camel trek and sunset in Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
- Cedar Forest visit to see wild Barbary macaques en route to Fes
Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech to Dades Valley via Aït Benhaddou and Skoura. Private pickup in Marrakech in the morning, scenic Atlas pass, guided visit to Aït Benhaddou, then continue to Dades Valley for overnight.
Morning briefing and route overview (Marrakech pickup)
Driver/guide meets you at your Marrakech hotel/riad for a quick 10-minute briefing before departure. Confirm luggage and any dietary requirements for tonight's dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your hotel/riad name and room number ready for faster pickup.
- Keep a light daypack with essentials (camera, sunscreen, water) for stops on the way.
- If you have motion-sickness concerns, request a seat near the front of the vehicle.
Private hotel/riad pickup in Marrakech
Your private driver collects you from your Marrakech hotel or riad and departs for the High Atlas. Time includes pickup and short transfer to the start of the mountain route.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your room cleared and luggage ready at the agreed pickup time to avoid delays.
- Keep passport/ID handy — some drivers may ask to confirm booking details.
- Carry a small amount of cash for incidental stops (toilets, snacks) en route.
Short stop at an Atlas foothill viewpoint / Berber village (photo stop)
A 20-minute stop to stretch, take photos and see a nearby Berber village from a viewpoint as you begin the climb into the High Atlas.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear closed shoes or trainers for short uneven paths at the viewpoint.
- Carry a sun hat and sunglasses — the sun can be strong even in cooler months.
- Ask your driver to point out the best photo angles for golden-hour light if timing allows.
Drive through the High Atlas to Aït Benhaddou
Scenic drive across the High Atlas mountains toward the UNESCO ksar of Aït Benhaddou. Time here accounts for mountain driving and short comfort stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Roads are winding; if you prefer, request frequent short breaks from the driver.
- Windows offer panoramic views — sit on the right side heading east for best mountain vistas.
- Use this time to charge devices; power is limited in remote stops.
Guided visit to Aït Benhaddou (approx. 2 hours)
Visit the fortified ksar of Aït Benhaddou with a local guide included. Walk the ksar, take photos of the mudbrick architecture and learn about its history and film connections.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes — cobbled paths and small steps are common inside the ksar.
- Carry a light scarf — it blocks dust and provides shade for photos.
- Respect private sections and local residents; ask before photographing people inside the village.
Drive along the Skoura palm oasis toward Dades Valley
Continue the route driving beside the Skoura oasis and its hidden kasbahs, then on to Boumalne Dades for evening arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want photos of palm groves and kasbahs, ask the driver for short pull-over stops.
- Carry tissues and hand sanitizer; rural stops may have limited facilities.
- Check backpacks for valuables before leaving each stop.
Check-in and Berber dinner in Dades Valley (hotel)
Arrive in Boumalne Dades, check in at a local 3-star hotel. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner accompanied by local music.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform your driver/guide of any dietary restrictions at pickup so the hotel can prepare accordingly.
- Evenings in the valley can get cool; bring a light layer for dinner outdoors.
- Hotels may not provide late-night dining; have a small snack if you arrive late.
Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Dades Valley
Overnight stay at a local hotel in Dades Valley. Evening free to relax after a long drive.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm wake-up time with reception if you prefer an earlier breakfast.
- Plug adapters may be limited; bring a universal adapter for charging multiple devices.
- Hotel rooms in the valley vary in amenities; keep essentials in your daypack for the next morning.
Day 2
Dades Valley to Merzouga via Todra Gorges and Erfoud. Morning breakfast in Dades, scenic drive through ksour and oasis, visit Todra Gorges, then continue to Merzouga for a camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes and overnight in a Berber camp.
Route overview (Dades → Todra → Merzouga)
Short morning briefing from the hotel before departing for Todra Gorges and Merzouga.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm camel-ride clothing preferences with your driver before arriving in Merzouga.
- Store valuables in the vehicle; overnight camp luggage handling will be arranged.
- Carry minimal cash for small purchases or tips during village stops.
Breakfast at the hotel (Dades Valley)
Breakfast at the hotel before departure — included. Typical spread includes breads, fruits, tea/coffee and local items.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have food allergies, remind hotel staff at check-in so they can adapt breakfast.
- Take a small packed snack if you prefer an earlier departure from the hotel.
- Drink bottled water; tap water in rural areas is not recommended for visitors.
Drive through ksour and oasis toward Tinghir (Todra Gorges)
Scenic drive passing ksour, palm groves and rocky plateaus. Arrival at Tinghir and the Todra Gorges area for a short visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry comfortable walking shoes for the Todra Gorges visit; paths can be uneven.
- Sun protection is useful in the gorge where sunlight can be intense between the walls.
- There are small cafés near the gorges for drinks and snacks if you need a break.
Visit Todra Gorges (approx. 45–60 min)
Short walk and photo time inside the Todra Gorges; enjoy the palm-fringed oasis and canyon walls.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths down into the gorge involve steps — take it slow and use handrails where provided.
- Local vendors may offer mint tea; try a small cup as a local refreshment.
- Avoid climbing the canyon walls — stick to marked walking areas for safety.
Drive via Erfoud to Merzouga
Continue across varied desert landscapes, passing Erfoud (known for fossils) before arriving in the Merzouga area.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect dusty roads near Erfoud; close windows briefly when passing open quarry/fossil areas.
- To visit fossil workshops in Erfoud, keep small notes ready; they typically prefer cash.
- Charging points are limited in rural areas — charge phones fully before departing Todra.
Camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes & sunset stop
Arrive in Merzouga and mount camels for a guided trek (~1 hour 30 minutes total) into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Stop to watch the desert sunset on the way to the camp.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear long trousers and closed shoes for the camel ride; bring a scarf to protect from sand.
- Hold on to the saddle handles and follow the camel guide's instructions when mounting/dismounting.
- Carry a small LED torch or headlamp for moving around the camp after sunset.
Dinner and evening with Berber music at the desert camp
Traditional dinner served at the desert camp, followed by local music and time under the stars.
Tips from local experts:
- Evening desert temperatures drop—bring a warm layer for the night.
- If you prefer a quieter experience, ask in advance for a more private spot in camp.
- Camps may have limited electricity; bring spare batteries or a power bank for cameras.
Overnight in a standard Berber camp (Merzouga)
Overnight in a private tent at the desert camp. Basic camp amenities; sleep under the stars with camp facilities provided.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper; desert nights can include animal sounds and wind.
- Confirm shower times with camp staff — facilities are shared and on a schedule.
- Store valuables in the locked vehicle or hand them to the driver if available.
Day 3
Early desert sunrise, return to Merzouga by camel, then transfer across the Ziz Valley, through Midelt and the Cedar Forest to arrive in Fes in the evening.
Pre-dawn sunrise in the dunes
Wake early to watch and photograph the desert sunrise from the dunes — a short guided walk or dune-top moment arranged by the camp.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a warm jacket — mornings in the desert can be chilly even in October.
- Use a camera with manual settings or a phone on HDR to capture high-contrast sunrise scenes.
- Ask camp staff the previous evening for the exact sunrise time to avoid missing it.
Breakfast in the camp (included)
Breakfast in the camp after sunrise — traditional items served before departure by camel back to the guesthouse for a shower.
Tips from local experts:
- If you prefer a hot shower before departing, confirm availability at booking or with the camp manager.
- Pack a fresh change of clothes the night before to make the morning transition easier.
- Keep small trash with you until you find a bin — camps manage waste centrally.
Return by camel to the guesthouse / shower and pack
Short camel ride back from camp to the nearby guesthouse to freshen up, collect luggage and begin the road transfer toward Fes.
Tips from local experts:
- Secure small valuables before boarding camels; use interior pockets or hand them to the guide.
- Allow time for a warm shower — it helps refresh after an overnight in the desert.
- Confirm departure time with your driver after you are ready to leave the camp area.
Drive through Ziz Valley and Errachidia toward Midelt
Departure from Merzouga via the scenic Ziz Valley. Route passes oases and desert towns toward Midelt for a midday stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry snacks and water for the long stretch between Merzouga and Midelt.
- Ask the driver for short photo stops at viewpoints over the Ziz Valley.
- Phone signal is intermittent; set meeting times with your driver if separated.
Stop in Midelt (short break)
Short stop in Midelt for rest, refreshments and to stretch before continuing into the Middle Atlas.
Tips from local experts:
- Midelt is a convenient spot to refill water and use facilities — keep small change for toilets.
- If you need medication or supplies, Midelt has small pharmacies and shops.
- Keep valuables with you rather than leaving them in the vehicle during short stops.
Visit Cedar Forest — see wild Barbary macaques
Drive into the Middle Atlas to visit the Cedar Forest (Forêt de Cèdres) area near Azrou where wild Barbary macaques can often be observed.
Tips from local experts:
- Do not feed or approach monkeys; keep a safe distance and secure loose items.
- Wear closed shoes; forest paths can be muddy or uneven.
- Bring a small snack and water, and dispose of litter responsibly — the forest is protected.
Drive through the Middle Atlas to Fes (evening arrival)
Final stretch across the Middle Atlas toward Fes. Arrive in Fes in the evening and be dropped at your Fes hotel or riad.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect arrival to be in the evening; notify your Fes accommodation of approximate arrival time.
- Keep your phone charged to coordinate final drop-off with the driver if needed.
- If you have onward travel on the following day, ask the driver for local suggestions for settling in.
Breakfast in the Berber tent (repeat note)
Included breakfast in the desert camp / tent before departure (this entry reiterates the included morning meal in the camp).
Tips from local experts:
- If you missed camp breakfast earlier, request a takeaway snack from the camp before departure.
- Keep a small bag for any food items you want to keep for the road.
- Inform staff on departure if you require an earlier packed breakfast on the final morning.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 9 |
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Total Activities | 15 |
| Total Places | 24 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor, Culture, Meal, Hotel, Attraction, Experience, Break |
