Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour via the Sahara
Cross Morocco from Marrakech to Fes through the High Atlas, the kasbahs of the south and the Merzouga dunes, in 3 or 4 days with your own driver.
The road from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara is the most rewarding journey in Morocco. Instead of a 7-hour train ride between the two cities, you spend three or four days crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass, visiting Ait Ben Haddou, sleeping in the Dades Valley, walking in the Todra Gorge, riding a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes and driving north through the Ziz Valley and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas.
All our Marrakech to Fes desert tours are private, with pick-up at your riad in Marrakech and drop-off at your riad in Fes.
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Marrakech to Fes (and Fes to Marrakech) desert tours
3 Days3 Days Sahara Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga
A private 3-day desert crossing from Marrakech to Fes: Ait Ben Haddou, Dades, the Todra Gorges, a sunset camel ride and luxury camp in Merzouga, then the Ziz Valley and Ifrane.
4 Days4 Days Sahara Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga
A private 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes with two nights in Merzouga: Ait Ben Haddou, Dades, the Todra Gorges, a camel ride, and a full day exploring Erg Chebbi by 4WD.
3 Days3 Days Sahara Desert Tour: Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga
A private 3-day desert crossing from Fes to Marrakech: Ifrane and the Ziz Valley, a camel ride and luxury camp in Merzouga, the Todra Gorges, Dades, Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou.
Compare at a glance
| 3 days | 4 days | |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Marrakech → Dades → Merzouga → Fes | Marrakech → Dades → Merzouga (2 nights) → Fes |
| Nights in the desert | 1 (luxury camp) | 2 (luxury camp) |
| Full day in Erg Chebbi by 4x4 | No | Yes: Khamlia, nomads, Rissani |
| Driving per day | About 5 h, 4 h, 7 h | About 5 h, 4 h, short, 7 h |
| Tour page | 3 day tour | 4 day tour |
3 or 4 days from Marrakech to Fes?
Choose 3 days if you have limited time: you see the whole route and sleep one night in the dunes. Choose 4 days if you want the desert to be more than a stopover — two sunsets on the dunes, a full 4x4 day and shorter drives. Going the other way? The Fes to Marrakech desert tour mirrors the route.
The route, day by day
- Day 1 – Marrakech to Dades: Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m), Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Road of 1000 Kasbahs.
- Day 2 – Dades to Merzouga: Tinghir palm grove, Todra Gorge, then a sunset camel ride to your camp in Erg Chebbi.
- (4-day tour) Day 3 – Sahara exploration: 4x4 tour of the dunes, Khamlia, a nomad family, Merzouga lake and Rissani souk.
- Last day – Merzouga to Fes: Ziz Valley, lunch in Zaida, Barbary macaques near Michlifen, Ifrane and arrival in Fes.
Marrakech or Fes first?
Both directions work. Starting in Marrakech gives a gentler first day; starting in Fes reaches the dunes on day 1. Read Marrakech vs Fes: which first? and our Fes medina guide for the end of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel guides for this trip
- Fes to Merzouga: Distance, Route and the Best Way to Reach the Sahara
- Marrakech to Fes: Train, Road, Flight or Through the Sahara
- Ifrane and the Middle Atlas: Cedar Forests, Barbary Macaques and the Road to the Sahara
- Marrakech vs Fes: Which Imperial City Should You Visit First?
- Merzouga: One Night or Two in the Desert?
- Inside a Merzouga Desert Camp: Tents, Bathrooms, Food and What to Bring