Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour 2 Days
Two days, one desert night, two great cities.
A desert immersion, not a drive-by.
TourShort on time but determined to see the Sahara? This 2-day tour from Marrakech to Fes threads the most spectacular scenery in Morocco into a single overnight journey — High Atlas passes, a UNESCO kasbah, golden Erg Chebbi dunes, a luxury desert camp, the Ziz Valley, Barbary apes in the cedar forests near Ifrane, and Fes by late afternoon on day two. There is a serious amount of driving involved. If you have an extra day available, the 3-day Marrakech to Fes route gives you more time to breathe.
What you'll remember.
Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi-n-Tichka Pass
Sweeping views over the High Atlas Mountains during the drive south from Marrakech
A stop at the iconic Aït Ben Haddou kasbah — UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Babel
Camel trekking across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga at sunset
Watching the sun sink below the dunes from a high ridge — the classic Saharan sunset
A peaceful night in a luxury desert camp with a private tent and en-suite bathroom
An evening of Berber drumming, campfire music, and stargazing deep in the dunes
Travelling north through the magnificent Ziz Valley palm oasis on day two
Crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains on the return leg toward Fes
Spotting Barbary macaques in the cedar forest near Ifrane — an unexpected Moroccan highlight
Your full itinerary, hour by hour.
Fully customisable. If you'd like to stay longer somewhere, add an activity, or shift the pace — just tell us.
Marrakech → High Atlas → Aït Ben Haddou → Merzouga Desert
Your driver picks you up from your Marrakech riad or hotel early in the morning — an early start is essential to reach the dunes in time for the camel ride and sunset. Heading south, the road climbs through the dramatic High Atlas Mountains, passing Berber villages and rocky peaks before descending into the vast desert plains beyond. We make a panoramic stop at the legendary Aït Ben Haddou kasbah — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and the backdrop for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Babel. Lunch follows at a local restaurant along the route, then we push on to Merzouga, arriving in the early afternoon. Your camel is ready and waiting at the edge of the dunes. You ride out into the heart of Erg Chebbi as the sun drops low, pausing on a high ridge to take in the full Saharan sunset. The camp is a short ride further — your private luxury tent, a hot shower, and a warm welcome with mint tea. After dinner, the evening belongs to a campfire, Berber drumming, and the most extraordinary night sky you have ever seen.
Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Middle Atlas → Ifrane → Fes
Rise before dawn to climb the nearest dune and watch the Saharan sunrise — one of the great quiet moments of any Morocco trip. After breakfast at camp, the 4x4 is loaded and the long drive north to Fes begins. The route heads through the Ziz Valley — a ribbon of palm oases threading through arid gorges — with a stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the palmeraie below. Further north, the road enters the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas near Ifrane, where Barbary macaques roam freely among the trees. A brief stop to watch them, then we continue through the mountains, arriving in Fes by late afternoon. Your driver drops you at your riad in the Medina.
No hidden costs. No surprises.
What's included
- Pick-up from your Marrakech accommodation and drop-off at your Fes riad or hotel
- Private air-conditioned 4x4, van, or minibus based on group size
- English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- 1 night at a luxury Berber desert camp
- 1 dinner and 1 breakfast
- Camel trekking across Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
- Sandboarding on the dunes
- 24/7 support from Across Morocco Travel team
Not included
- Lunches
- Beverages
- Entrance fees where applicable
- Tips (optional)
What it actually looks like.
Where this journey takes you.
Why travellers choose this one.
Everything handled for you
From the moment we pick you up in Marrakech to the drop-off at your Fes riad, every detail is taken care of. Nothing to organise, nothing to worry about.
Air-conditioned comfort throughout
With two long driving days involved, a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle is not optional — it is essential. Our fleet is private, modern, and maintained in-house.
Best camps in Erg Chebbi
We only book luxury camps with private tents, en-suite bathrooms, and proper showers. No basic shared facilities — even in the middle of the Sahara.
Two iconic cities, one desert, two days
Start in Marrakech, sleep in the Sahara, arrive in Fes. Three of Morocco's greatest destinations woven into two extraordinary days.
Guides who know every stop
Our drivers grew up in these landscapes. They know the best viewpoints, the hidden oasis stops along the Ziz Valley, and exactly where the Barbary apes gather near Ifrane.
Fully flexible itinerary
Want to linger at Aït Ben Haddou or add a stop in Ouarzazate? The itinerary is fully adjustable to your pace and interests — just let us know.
Three options — pick your comfort.
Mix-and-match is encouraged. Want option 2 on night one and option 3 on night two? Done.
Standard
Luxury Berber desert camp at the base of Erg Chebbi dunes — private tent with en-suite bathroom and shower, Moroccan dinner and breakfast included.
Included in base price
Premium
Premium luxury desert camp with larger private tents, upgraded furnishings, and a more exclusive setting deeper in the dunes. Perfect for couples and special occasions.
Small supplement applies
Luxury
Exclusive private dune-view camp featuring decorated en-suite tents, premium bedding, à la carte dinner, and a dedicated camp host. Ideal for honeymoons and anniversary trips.
Contact us for pricing
5/5 · 1115 verified reviews.
"Two days felt almost too short for everything this tour packs in — the High Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou, the Sahara, the Ziz Valley, the cedar forests, and finally Fes. Our guide was fantastic throughout, sharing stories and local knowledge that brought every stop to life. The luxury desert camp was the highlight — private tent, proper bathroom, and a campfire evening with Berber music I will never forget. Perfectly organised from first pickup to final drop-off."
"This was the best way to get from Marrakech to Fes — and genuinely one of the best travel experiences I have ever had. The attention to detail was impressive: the air-conditioned 4x4 made the long drives comfortable, the luxury camp was a real surprise, and the stops at Aït Ben Haddou and the Ziz Valley added so much richness to what could have been just a transfer. Our guide was knowledgeable and warm. Highly recommend."
"We used this tour to travel between Marrakech and Fes and it turned a simple transfer into the highlight of our Morocco trip. The sunrise over Erg Chebbi was breathtaking. The stop near Ifrane to see the Barbary apes was an unexpected bonus we still talk about. The team was professional and genuinely passionate about Morocco. If you are moving between these two cities anyway, do yourself a favour and do it this way."
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Questions, answered.
How long does it take to drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?
Merzouga is around 560 kilometres from Marrakech — a drive of approximately 9 hours including stops. The route crosses the High Atlas Mountains and passes through some of Morocco's most dramatic scenery, making the journey itself part of the experience.
How long is the drive from the desert to Fes on day two?
The drive from Merzouga north to Fes covers around 500 kilometres and takes approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, with stops at the Ziz Valley and the cedar forests near Ifrane along the way.
What type of vehicle will we travel in?
Smaller groups travel in a Toyota Land Cruiser or similar 4x4. Larger groups use a Ford Tourneo Custom or Mercedes Sprinter minibus. All vehicles are private, air-conditioned, and chosen specifically for comfort on long driving days.
How far in advance should I reserve this tour?
We recommend booking at least 2–3 weeks ahead to secure your preferred dates and accommodation. During peak season (March–May and September–November), booking earlier is always better.
How does payment work?
A small deposit confirms your booking, payable via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The remaining balance is settled in cash on the first day of the tour — in euros, US dollars, or Moroccan dirhams.
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