2-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour
A fast-paced Saharan adventure: cross the High Atlas, ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes and wake up in the desert before heading north to Fes.
- Duration2 days, 1 night
- RouteMarrakech to Fes, door to door
- Travel style100% private, just your group
- VehiclePrivate 4×4 or minivan
The Sahara on your way from Marrakech to Fes
Our 2-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour is a fast, private way to add the Sahara to your journey between the two cities: over the High Atlas to a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes, then north through the Middle Atlas to Fes.
- Atlas crossingA spectacular drive over the High Atlas on the Tizi n’Tichka pass.
- Aït Ben HaddouExplore the UNESCO-listed earthen citadel, then pass through Ouarzazate, Morocco’s film capital.
- Erg ChebbiA sunset camel trek and a night in a luxury desert camp.
- Ziz ValleyOne of Morocco’s largest palm groves, with deep gorges, on the way into the Middle Atlas.
- Cedar forests of AzrouMeet the wild Barbary macaques in the forests of the Middle Atlas.
- Fes drop-offA direct private transfer to your riad in the historic Fes medina.
Your 2-day desert crossing, day by day
Every stop can be adjusted. Linger longer, skip a visit or add a walk: your driver adapts the plan on the day.
- Marrakech
- Tizi n’Tichka
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Ouarzazate
- Valley of the Roses
- Tinghir
- MerzougaNight 1
- Ziz Valley
- Midelt
- Azrou
- Ifrane
- Fes
Day 1
Marrakech to Merzouga, via the High Atlas and Aït Ben Haddou
Your 2-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour begins with an early pick-up from your riad and an immediate climb into the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Our first major highlight is the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou, where we explore the ancient earthen citadel.
We then pass through Ouarzazate and the Skoura palm groves, and drive through the Valley of the Roses, the Dades Valley and Tinghir on the long road east. By late afternoon we reach the golden dunes of Merzouga, where you mount your camel and trek into the heart of Erg Chebbi for a breathtaking Saharan sunset, before dinner and a night under the stars at your luxury desert camp.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast
Day 2
Merzouga to Fes, via the Ziz Valley, Midelt and the cedar forests
After the sunrise over the dunes and breakfast at camp, we head north through the Ziz Valley, known for its deep gorges and vast palm oases, then climb into the Middle Atlas for lunch in Midelt.
We continue through the cedar forests of Azrou, with a stop to see the wild Barbary macaques, and through Ifrane, the “Little Switzerland of Morocco”, before descending to Fes. Your driver drops you at your accommodation in the medina, concluding your 2-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour.
Clear from the start
Here is exactly what your quote covers, and what it doesn’t.
Included
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
- All fuel and transportation costs
- Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
- 1 night in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga
- Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Breakfast and dinner at the desert camp
- Bottled water in the vehicle every day
- Flexible photo stops
- All local taxes
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Personal expenses and tips
Before you go
The questions travelers ask most about this trip.
Is the drive long?
Yes. This is a fast-paced tour covering a long distance, with full driving days. For a more relaxed pace, our 4-day Sahara and Fes trip follows the same direction with more time in the desert.
Is this tour private?
Yes. All our tours are private, just for you and your group.
What is the desert camp like?
We use luxury camps with private bathrooms, showers and comfortable beds.
Can we stop wherever we like?
Yes. The itinerary is fully flexible, and your driver can adjust any stop to suit you, within the time the long drives allow.
What should I pack?
Layers for the desert, as temperatures vary a lot between day and night.
Can I take photos of people?
Morocco is incredibly photogenic, but always ask permission before photographing locals.
Can we travel from Fes to Marrakech instead?
Yes. See our 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour, or ask us to run this route in reverse.
When is the best time to go?
October to April is the most comfortable season. Summer days in the desert are very hot and winter nights can be cold, so we’ll help you plan around the weather.
Request this trip, or make it yours
If this trip doesn’t quite fit your schedule, we can tailor every detail, from extra nights in the Sahara to specific mountain treks. Tell me what you have in mind and I’ll design a private journey around your interests.
- Camps and riads we’ve checked personally
- No forced shopping stops, ever
- 100% Berber-owned: what you pay stays in Morocco
Request this tour
Share your dates and group size, and I’ll reply with a tailored quote for this trip.
Free and with no obligation. Nothing is booked until you confirm.
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Every tour is private and can be tailored to your pace and interests.