2 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga

(925 Reviews)

Our 2 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes is made for travelers who want a real Sahara experience in a short time. It’s a long but rewarding route, and it’s the fastest way to reach Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes while still arriving in Fes on day two. By the afternoon, you’ll be in the desert, where you ride a camel into the dunes for sunset and spend the night in a camp under the stars. Because this is a private tour, your driver picks you up from your accommodation in Marrakech, and you can pause for photos, coffee, or breaks whenever you need. After sunrise in the dunes, we continue north through the palm-filled Ziz Valley, cross Midelt, and follow the Middle Atlas Mountains before dropping you off in Fes.

  • 2 Days 1 night
  • Starts: Marrakech
  • Ends: Fes
  • Tour type: Private / Small group
  • Activity Level: Easy
  • Day 1 ~560 km / 9–10 hrs, Day 2 ~470–500 km / 7–8 hrs

2 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert 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 of the 2‑Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

  • 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

2‑Day Itinerary: Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga

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.

  • Distance: about 560 km
  • Driving time: about 9–10 hours + stops
  • Overnight: Desert camp in Merzouga (standard or luxury, depending on your choice)

  • Meals included: Dinner and breakfast 

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.

  • Distance: about 470–500 km
  • Driving time: about 7–8 hours + stops
  • Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation in Merzouga Desert

You will spend the night in a desert camp located in the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga.

Standard camp includes a private tent, comfortable bedding, and shared bathroom facilities.
Luxury camp option is available on request and includes a private tent with an ensuite bathroom.

Please note that desert camps are not owned by us. We carefully select reliable camps based on comfort, cleanliness, and guest feedback.

Included in the Tour

  • 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

What to Expect on the 2‑Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

This is an express itinerary designed to connect Marrakech, Merzouga, and Fes in just 2 days. You will spend many hours driving each day, with relatively short stops for meals, restrooms, and photos.

The main focus of the tour is the Sahara experience:

  • Camel ride in Erg Chebbi

  • Sunset and sunrise over the dunes

  • Night in a desert camp

If you prefer slower travel, more free time, and longer visits to places like Ait Ben Haddou, Todra Gorges, or Dades Valley, we recommend extending to a 3‑day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.

Standard vs luxury camp

  • Standard camp:

    • Clean, comfortable private tents

    • Shared or basic private bathrooms (depending on camp)

    • Traditional desert atmosphere, ideal for travelers on a budget

  • Luxury camp:

    • Spacious private tents with higher‑quality bedding

    • Ensuite bathrooms and extra amenities

    • More privacy and comfort – ideal for couples, honeymooners, and families

Let us know your preference when you inquire so we can quote the correct option.

Price of the 2‑Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

This is a private tour, so the final price depends on:

  • Number of travelers

  • Travel dates (season)

  • Standard or luxury camp option

👉 For an exact quote, please contact us with your travel date and group size.

Know Before You Go

  • This tour includes long driving distances on both days
  • Comfortable clothing and closed shoes are recommended
  • Desert temperatures can be hot during the day and cool at night, especially in winter
  • You can pay in euros; if paying in dirhams, we use the current exchange rate
  • Flights to/from Morocco are not included

What Our Guests Say

  • Sarah M
    San Francisco

    Our 2-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour was well organized and very smooth. The driver was polite, punctual, and made the long drive comfortable. The camel ride at sunset in Erg Chebbi was the highlight, and the desert camp experience was unforgettable.

  • John K
    Traveler

    We traveled as a family and felt safe the whole time. Communication was easy, pickup was on time, and the itinerary was exactly as described. Sunrise in the dunes was beautiful, and the camp dinner and music made the night special.

  • Emma (UK)

    Great value for a private desert tour. The vehicle was clean and comfortable, and the driver shared helpful tips during the trip. Merzouga was amazing, and sleeping in the Sahara camp under the stars was something we will always remember.

  • David R
    Guest from Italy

    Everything was organized and clear from the start. The pickup in Marrakech was on time, the drive was comfortable with good breaks, and the desert part was amazing. The camel ride at sunset and the night in the Merzouga camp were the best moments of our Morocco trip.

Tour Map

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Merzouga from Marrakech?

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 tour private or small group?

You can book it as a private tour (recommended for couples, families, and friends) or join a small group, depending on availability on your travel date.

Ready to travel from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara?

This 2‑day Marrakech to Fes desert tour is the fastest way to enjoy Erg Chebbi and continue your journey in Fes. Long drives, short stops, and unforgettable moments: camel ride, desert camp, and sunrise over the dunes.
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    Why Book With Us

    Local Morocco Experts
    Our team knows the desert routes, scenic stops, road timing, and local villages from real experience.

    Private & Flexible Tours
    Enjoy photo stops, coffee breaks, viewpoints, and restrooms whenever you need.

    No Forced Shopping Stops
    Your journey is focused on landscapes, culture, and authentic experiences — not sales detours.

    Comfortable A/C Vehicles
    Clean and comfortable transport with an experienced driver throughout your Morocco tour.

    Personal Support
    Fast replies before your tour and clear support during your trip for a smooth experience.

    Pickup Confirmed Before Travel
    We confirm the pickup time and meeting point before the tour so everything starts smoothly.

    Moroccan Desert Tours > Tours From Marrakech > 2 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga
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