Private tour · Marrakech to Fes, one way
3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour via Merzouga and Erg Chebbi
The 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour is a private one-way journey: you leave Marrakech on day one and sleep in the Dadès Valley, spend night two in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, and arrive in Fes on day three.
Private Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour in 3 Days
This private Marrakech to Fes desert tour crosses southern Morocco in three long days, with one night in the Dadès Valley and one in a desert camp near Erg Chebbi.
It connects two imperial cities by way of the Sahara: over the High Atlas to Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, through the Dadès Valley and Todra Gorge to Merzouga, and north through the Middle Atlas to Fes. Because it is one way, it turns what would otherwise be a long transfer between Marrakech and Fes into a desert journey, which suits travellers continuing their trip in Fes.
Marrakech to Fes Desert Itinerary: Jump to a Day
The three days run Marrakech to Dadès, Dadès to Merzouga, and Merzouga to Fes.
Book a 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
To book, send us your travel dates and group size through the form, and we'll reply with a private quote and itinerary.
To check Marrakech to Fes desert tour availability for your dates, please include:
- Your travel dates
- Number of travellers, and the ages of any children
- Where to collect you in Marrakech and drop you off in Fes
- Your accommodation preferences
- Any changes you'd like to the itinerary
You can also email culture.moroccotours@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp +212 662 178 227.
Send your trip details
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Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga: Day-by-Day Itinerary
The itinerary crosses the High Atlas to the Dadès Valley on day one, reaches the Erg Chebbi dunes on day two, and crosses the Middle Atlas to Fes on day three.
Marrakech to the Dadès Valley via Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate
Day 1 is the drive from Marrakech over the High Atlas to Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate and Skoura, ending in the Dadès Valley.
After Aït Ourir the road climbs to the Tizi n'Tichka pass, then descends past Berber villages such as Tighremt and Irhem n'Ougdal. You visit the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site that UNESCO calls
"a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco."— UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
You then pass through Ouarzazate and the Skoura palm grove along a road lined with kasbahs and oases (see the Moroccan National Tourist Office's road to the kasbahs), arriving in the Dadès Valley for dinner.
Dadès Valley to Merzouga via the Todra Gorge and Erfoud
Day 2 is the drive from the Dadès Valley through the Todra Gorge and Erfoud to Merzouga, followed by a camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset and a night at camp.
After breakfast you stop at the Todra Gorge, then continue east through Erfoud to Merzouga, which the Moroccan National Tourist Office describes as
"one of the gates of the Sahara"— Moroccan National Tourist Office (Visit Morocco), Errachidia-Midelt-Merzouga
Camels take you into the dunes to watch the sunset, and you spend the night in a desert camp under the stars. Wake early for sunrise over the dunes.
Merzouga to Fes via the Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou and Ifrane
Day 3 is the long drive north from Merzouga to Fes, through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas towns of Midelt, Azrou and Ifrane.
After breakfast you leave the desert via Erfoud and Errachidia, follow the Ziz Valley and climb into the Middle Atlas via Midelt, Azrou, Ifrane and Imouzzer Kandar. The tour ends when you reach Fes, whose medina UNESCO says has kept its role as
"the country's cultural and spiritual centre."— UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Medina of Fez
Dadès Hotel and Erg Chebbi Desert Camp Overnights
You spend night one in a hotel in the Dadès Valley and night two in a desert camp (khaima, a traditional tent) in the Erg Chebbi dunes, with dinner and breakfast both nights.
The exact hotel and camp for your dates are confirmed with your quote; tell us your accommodation preferences when you enquire. More about camps on our Merzouga desert page.
Private Marrakech to Fes Tour: What's Included
The tour includes pickup in Marrakech, a private air-conditioned Toyota 4×4 with a Spanish-speaking driver and fuel, two nights with dinner and breakfast, and the camel ride; lunches, drinks and monument entrance fees are not included.
Included
- Pickup at Marrakech airport or another point you indicate
- Private Toyota 4×4 with air conditioning, and fuel
- Driver who speaks Spanish
- Night 1: hotel in the Dadès Valley
- Night 2: desert camp (khaima) in Erg Chebbi
- Dinner and breakfast both nights
- Camel ride in Merzouga
Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
Why Choose This Sahara Tour from Marrakech to Fes
This one-way Sahara tour from Marrakech to Fes suits travellers who need to get between the two cities anyway and want to see the desert on the way.
A transfer that becomes a journey
Instead of travelling directly, you reach Fes by way of the Atlas, the valleys and the dunes.
Two imperial cities, one Sahara
Start in Marrakech, finish in Fes, with Merzouga in between.
An overnight near Erg Chebbi
Sunset and sunrise in the dunes, with a night at camp.
Aït Ben Haddou and Merzouga
A World Heritage kasbah and the Sahara on one route.
Dadès Valley and Todra Gorge
Scenic stops between Marrakech and Fes.
Private and adjustable
Only your group in the vehicle; ask to customise your Marrakech to Fes tour.
Marrakech to Fes Desert Trip: Driving and Planning
This is a substantial road journey: all three days involve long drives, and day three from Merzouga to Fes is the longest.
How long are the driving days?
Each day is a long drive with stops at the main sights; exact times depend on roads, weather and how often you stop. If you'd like a slower pace, ask about adding a day.
Where do you stay each night?
Night one is in a Dadès Valley hotel and night two in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi.
What should you pack?
A small overnight bag for the camp, a warm layer for the desert night, and sun protection.
Can you change the route?
Yes, the route can be changed: request a custom Marrakech to Fes itinerary and we'll adapt it where the route allows.
Sources and further reading
Heritage and destination facts on this page are supported by UNESCO and the Moroccan National Tourist Office, neither of which endorses any tour operator.
- Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou — UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- Medina of Fez — UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- Errachidia-Midelt-Merzouga, between Atlas and desert — Moroccan National Tourist Office
- The road to the kasbahs — Moroccan National Tourist Office
3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour FAQs
This tour is private, runs one way from Marrakech to Fes, and includes one hotel night and one desert-camp night.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private tour. Only your group travels in the 4×4, with your own driver.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts in Marrakech and ends in Fes. You're collected at Marrakech airport or another point you indicate, and dropped off in Fes on day three.
How long is the drive each day?
Each day is a long drive, and day three is the longest. Exact times vary with roads, weather and stops.
Where do you sleep on this tour?
In a hotel in the Dadès Valley on night one and a desert camp in Erg Chebbi on night two.
Is the camel ride included?
Yes, a camel ride in Merzouga is included. If you'd rather not ride, tell us when you enquire and we'll explain the options.
What language does the driver speak?
The tour is listed with a Spanish-speaking driver. Tell us your preferred language when you request a quote.
Which meals are included?
Dinner and breakfast on both nights. Lunches and drinks are paid locally.
How do I book the tour?
You book by sending the form with your dates and group size. You can also email or WhatsApp us; we'll reply with a quote for your travel dates.
More Private Desert Tours from Marrakech and Fes
If you're returning to Marrakech or want more time in the desert, choose one of these tours instead.
Plan Your Private Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Send your travel dates, number of travellers, accommodation preferences and any itinerary changes, and we'll send a quote for your private Marrakech pickup and Fes drop-off.