4-Day Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara
This private 4-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour is the classic crossing of Morocco by way of the Sahara. Your private driver-guide takes you over the High Atlas, through kasbah country and the great gorges, gives you a full day in the dunes of Merzouga, then climbs through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas to the imperial city of Fes.
Highlights
- Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou
- Dadès and Todra gorges
- Two nights in the Merzouga desert
- 4×4 tour around Erg Chebbi
- Ziz Valley palm groves
- Cedar forests and Ifrane
Itinerary
Marrakech – Aït Benhaddou – Dadès Gorges
Morning pick-up in Marrakech, the Tizi n’Tichka pass, Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses. Night in the Dadès Gorges.
Todra Gorge – Merzouga
Morning in the Todra Gorge, then on to Merzouga. Sunset camel ride into the dunes and first night in a luxury desert camp.
A full day in the Sahara
4×4 tour around Erg Chebbi: the Gnawa musicians of Khamlia, nomad families and the lake of Merzouga. Free time in the dunes, second night at camp.
Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Ifrane – Fes
Drive north through the Ziz Valley and Midelt, then the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas and Ifrane. Drop-off at your riad in Fes in the evening.
Included
- Private 4×4 with A/C and driver-guide
- Pick-up in Marrakech, drop-off in Fes
- 3 nights: hotel + 2 nights luxury camp
- 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts
- Camel ride and 4×4 desert tour
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Local guides at monuments (optional)
- Tips
Driving times
Day 3 is spent in the desert with only short 4×4 trips. Times below are driving only. Stops for photos, visits and meals come on top.
| Day | Route | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech to the Dadès Gorges | about 320 km | about 6 hours |
| Day 2 | Dadès Gorges to Merzouga, via the Todra Gorge | about 270 km | about 5 hours |
| Day 4 | Merzouga to Fes | about 470 km | about 8 hours |
Best time to go
The best months for this desert tour are March to May and September to November, when days are warm and nights at the camp are cool. In summer (June to August) midday in the Sahara is very hot, so camel rides are planned for sunset and sunrise. In winter (December to February) days are sunny and mild, but desert nights are cold, so bring a warm jacket.
Your Marrakech to Fes desert tour route
- Marrakech
- Aït Benhaddou
- Boumalne Dades
- Tinghir
- Merzouga
- Ifrane
- Fes
What our travellers say about their trip
★★★★★ 5.0 on Tripadvisor · 41 reviews
It was absolutely incredible
“This trip to Morocco was an absolute dream!!! I’m never going back to planning my own trips again…”
Amazing experience
“Beautiful country, beautiful landscapes, nice people. Best trip ever. A place you must visit.”
Love it!!
“One of the best holidays in my life, the place is so beautiful…”
Great place to visit!
“A great place to visit! Beautiful country with amazing views and Hamid is an amazing guide!”
Best experience ever!
“Had an absolutely incredible time! I will 100 percent book this experience again…”
Enjoyed everything!
“Hamid is a great, kind person, the best to work with.”
Marrakech to Fes desert tour FAQ
Can I do this tour in the other direction, from Fes to Marrakech?
Yes. We run the same route starting in Fes and ending in Marrakech. Choose “Custom trip” on the booking form or tell us on WhatsApp.
Why two nights in the desert?
The extra night gives you a full, unhurried day in Erg Chebbi: the nomad families, the Gnawa village of Khamlia and the dunes at sunrise and sunset, instead of arriving late and leaving early.
Where do you drop us off in Fes?
At your riad or hotel in Fes, or the closest point a car can reach in the medina.
How long is the drive each day?
The longest driving day is day 4, Merzouga to Fes: about 470 km, about 8 hours of driving. The other days are shorter. There are stops for photos, visits and meals along the way, and the driving times table on this page shows every day.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. Because the tour is private, we can adjust the pace and add extra stops for children. Tell us their ages when you book so we can plan the day around your family.
