Your private driver will pick you up in Marrakech from your hotel/riad or Marrakech Menara Airport, then we begin the journey south across the High Atlas Mountains on the way to the Sahara.
2 Days 1 nightStart: MarrakechEnd: FesPrivate tour
Overview
Your private driver will pick you up in Marrakech from your hotel/riad or Marrakech Menara Airport, then we begin the journey south across the High Atlas Mountains on the way to the Sahara. This is a 2 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes, designed for travelers with limited time who still want one real night in the dunes. It’s an express route, which means the driving time is long and the breaks are brief. The experience is clear and focused: reach Merzouga, enjoy a camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset, sleep in a desert camp, then continue to Fes the following day. On Day 1 (Marrakech → Merzouga), we cover the distance to the desert so you can arrive in the afternoon. You’ll meet the camel team and ride across the sand to your camp, arriving in time to watch the sunset from the dunes. On Day 2 (Merzouga → Fes), we start early for sunrise and morning views in the dunes. After breakfast, you return to the village and we drive north through the palm groves of the Ziz Valley, pass Midelt, and cross the forests and mountain scenery of the Middle Atlas, reaching Fes in the evening. If you prefer a slower pace with more time for landmark visits—such as Ait Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge, and the Dades Valley—our 3 Days Marrakech to Fes desert tour is the better match.
Highlights
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka road
Enjoy photo stops for panoramic views and Berber villages
Reach the Sahara dunes of Merzouga and Erg Chebbi in just 2 days
Experience a sunset camel ride into the dunes
Spend the night in a desert camp under the stars
Traditional dinner and music around the campfire
Early morning sunrise over the dunes
Travel through Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas on the way to Fes
Drop‑off at your accommodation in Fes
Itinerary
01
Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
Your 2 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes begins early in the morning with pickup from your riad/hotel or Marrakech Menara Airport. You drive into the High Atlas Mountains along the winding Tizi n’Tichka pass, with short stops for photos, coffee, and lunch. The focus today is reaching Merzouga in time for the desert experience, so road time is long and visits on the way are brief. By late afternoon you arrive in Merzouga, where you meet your camel caravan. You ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi towards your desert camp, enjoying the changing colors of the sand at sunset. In the evening, savor a traditional Moroccan dinner at the camp, followed by music and a relaxed desert atmosphere under a sky full of stars.
≈ 560 km · 9–10 h driving
Overnight: Desert camp in Merzouga (standard or luxury, depending on your choice)
02
Day 2: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes
Your day begins early with sunrise over the dunes, one of the most beautiful moments of the entire tour. After breakfast at the camp, you return to the village by camel or 4×4, depending on your preference, where you meet your driver and begin the journey toward Fes. The road north takes you through the wide palm groves and canyon views of the Ziz Valley before climbing toward the mountain town of Midelt, an area known for its cool air and impressive landscapes. As you continue, the scenery changes once more as you enter the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, passing near Azrou and its green mountain slopes. The drive then takes you through Ifrane, a clean, alpine‑style town often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” before descending toward the city of Fes. Arrival in Fes is usually in the late afternoon or early evening, with drop‑off at your riad or hotel.
≈ 470 km · 8 h driving
Accommodation
Overnight stops or accommodation types listed for this itinerary: Desert camp in Merzouga (standard or luxury, depending on your choice). Exact properties and room or camp options are confirmed in your proposal.
Included
Pick‑up in Marrakech and drop‑off in Fes
Private, modern vehicle with air‑conditioning
Experienced English/French‑speaking driver
Fuel, tolls, and all road expenses
1 night in a desert camp in Merzouga (standard or luxury)
Dinner and breakfast at the camp
Sunset camel ride to the camp and morning camel ride back (or 4×4 transfer on request)
Short photo and coffee stops along the route
Not included
Lunches and drinks during the tour
Entrance fees to attractions (if you decide to enter any sites)
Local guides (optional)
Tips for the driver and camp staff (optional)
Quad biking or dune buggy in Merzouga (optional add-on)
Personal expenses and travel insurance
Important note about driving times
Some days on this tour are long drives: Day 1 (≈ 560 km, 9–10 h), Day 2 (≈ 470 km, 8 h). These are approximate. Real times can change with traffic, weather, road conditions, sightseeing stops, meals and breaks — your driver stops whenever you need, so plan for a full day on the road.
This is an express two-day route with long travel periods and brief scenic stops. The itinerary has one night in a Merzouga desert camp and reaches Fes on Day 2. Extended visits to Ait Ben Haddou or Todra Gorge need a longer itinerary.
The distance is around 560 km (route may vary). On this 2‑day tour, expect around 9–10 hours of driving on the first day, with short breaks.
How far is Fes from Merzouga?+−
Merzouga to Fes is about 470–500 km, usually 7–8 hours of driving with stops for lunch, restrooms, and photos.
What time is pickup in Marrakech?+−
Pickup is usually between 06:30 and 07:30. We confirm the exact time the day before and can pick you up from your riad/hotel in Marrakech or from Marrakech Menara Airport.
Where is drop‑off in Fes?+−
We drop you off at your hotel or riad in Fes. If your riad is in the medina, drop‑off is at the closest accessible point by car.
Can we visit Ait Ben Haddou or Todra Gorges on this 2‑day tour?+−
Because the itinerary is short and driving hours are long, there isn’t enough time for long visits. Stops are mainly panoramic. For proper visits to Ait Ben Haddou, Todra Gorges, and Dades Valley, consider a 3‑day tour.
Do we get a private tent in the desert camp?+−
Yes, your group will have a private tent (standard or luxury). The difference is comfort and facilities, not privacy.
Can we choose 4×4 instead of camels?+−
Yes. If you prefer not to ride camels, we can arrange 4×4 transfer to and from the camp so you still enjoy the dunes at sunset and sunrise.
Is the camel ride safe?+−
Camel rides are done at a slow, relaxed pace and are suitable for most travelers. If anyone is uncomfortable, we can adjust or use the 4×4 option.
What should we pack for the desert night?+−
We recommend: * Warm layers (especially in autumn/winter) * Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat or scarf * Comfortable shoes * A small backpack with essentials for the night in camp
Is this a private tour?+−
The listed inclusions specify a private vehicle and driver. Ask us to confirm the arrangement for your dates in your proposal.
How many nights are spent in Merzouga?+−
One night is spent in a Merzouga desert camp before the drive to Fes on Day 2.
This 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour takes you across the High Atlas Mountains, through historic kasbahs, palm valleys, canyons, and small Berber villages.
2 Days 1 night
3 Days / 2 Nights
3 Days 2 nights