A Fes to Marrakech desert tour is the most efficient way to connect Morocco’s two imperial cities while spending a night in the Sahara. Instead of taking the train back and forth, you cross the Middle Atlas, sleep in the Merzouga dunes and reach Marrakech through the gorges and kasbahs of the south, never driving the same road twice.
The route in brief
Fes – Ifrane – Azrou cedar forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakech. The total distance is roughly 900 km, spread over three or four days.
3 days or 4 days?
| 3 days | 4 days | |
|---|---|---|
| Nights | Desert camp + Dades Valley | Desert camp + Dades + Aït Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate |
| Driving per day | 7–9 hours | 5–7 hours |
| Best for | Travellers short on time | A relaxed pace and more visits |
Both options are available as private trips: the 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech and the more relaxed 4-day version.
Day by day (3-day version)
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Merzouga
Leave Fes in the morning and stop in Ifrane, nicknamed “Morocco’s Switzerland”, then in the Azrou cedar forest where Barbary macaques live. After lunch in Midelt, descend through the Ziz Valley and its palm groves to reach Merzouga in time for a sunset camel ride and a night in a desert camp.
Day 2: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, breakfast, then drive west to the Todra Gorges and on to the Dades Valley, famous for its winding road and rock formations.
Day 3: Dades – Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Continue through the “Valley of Roses” and Ouarzazate, visit the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, then cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Marrakech.
Why start in Fes?
Fes is closer to Merzouga than Marrakech is, so the first day is shorter and you arrive in the desert on the first evening. It is also ideal if you land in Fes and fly home from Marrakech, or if you arrived by train from Tangier or Chefchaouen. If you start further north, have a look at our 6-day Chefchaouen and desert tour.
What is included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and English- or French-speaking driver.
- Hotel pick-up in Fes and drop-off at your riad in Marrakech.
- Accommodation with breakfasts and dinners.
- Camel ride and night in a desert camp.
Local guides in the gorges or Aït Ben Haddou, lunches and drinks are usually extra.
Tips for a smooth trip
- Leave your large luggage in the car and pack a small bag for the camp.
- Ask your driver to stop at the Ziz Valley viewpoint in the afternoon light.
- Keep some cash: ATMs are rare between Midelt and Ouarzazate.
Key takeaways
- Fes–Merzouga–Marrakech avoids backtracking.
- 3 days is doable, 4 days is more comfortable.
- You see the Middle Atlas, the Sahara and the High Atlas in one trip.
Compare all our Morocco desert tours or ask for a custom itinerary starting from Fes.
FAQ: fes to marrakech desert tour
How long is the drive from Fes to Merzouga?
About 7 to 8 hours including stops in Ifrane, the Azrou cedar forest and Midelt, which is why you arrive in the desert in the late afternoon of the first day.
Is 3 days enough to go from Fes to Marrakech via the desert?
Yes, 3 days is enough to see the main highlights, but the driving days are long. Choose 4 days for a more relaxed pace.
Can I start the tour in Marrakech and finish in Fes?
Yes, the same route works in the other direction, starting in Marrakech and ending in Fes.
Will I see monkeys on the way?
Barbary macaques often gather along the road in the Azrou cedar forest. Please do not feed them.