Sahara dunes at Merzouga on the Marrakech to Fes desert tour

3 days / 2 nights · From Marrakech (hotel/riad pickup)

Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: 3 Days via Merzouga

A one-way Marrakech to Fes desert tour via Merzouga: Aït Benhaddou, Todra Gorge, a night in the Sahara, then the Ziz Valley, Midelt and the cedar forests of Ifrane on the way to Fes.

  • Duration Duration3 days / 2 nights
  • Departure Start / endMarrakech (hotel/riad pickup) → Fes
  • Tour type Tour typePrivate or shared
  • Departures DeparturesDaily
Camel guide leading travellers into the Merzouga dunesTravellers walking in the Todra Gorge between red limestone wallsDesert camp tents and palm trees at night in the Sahara near MerzougaGroup of friends at a cloudy High Atlas mountain passCamel caravan crossing the Erg Chebbi dunes on a desert tour from Marrakech

This Marrakech to Fes desert tour is for travellers continuing north who want to see the Sahara on the way: three days, one way, with Aït Benhaddou, the Dades Valley, a camel ride and camp night in Merzouga, then the Ziz Valley, Midelt and Ifrane's cedar forests before Fes. From MAD 1,800 per person.

A one-way route that saves you a day of driving

Most desert trips return to Marrakech. This one does not: after the Sahara we carry on north to Fes, so you avoid driving the same road twice and arrive ready to explore the medina. If you are flying home from Marrakech, our 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour is the better fit.

Day 1 and 2: Atlas, kasbahs and the Sahara

The first two days follow the classic southern route: over the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Aït Benhaddou, through Ouarzazate to the Dades Valley for the night, then Todra Gorge and on to Merzouga. In the late afternoon you ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night in a Berber desert camp.

Camel trek in Merzouga on the Marrakech to Fes desert tour
Sunset camel ride into the dunes of Erg Chebbi

Day 3: Ziz Valley, Middle Atlas and Fes

After sunrise in the dunes, the road north follows the Ziz Valley and its long ribbon of palm groves, then climbs to Midelt and into the Middle Atlas. Near Ifrane the landscape turns green with cedar forests, where Barbary macaques are often seen near the road. We arrive in Fes in the evening, ready to explore its UNESCO-listed medina, with its maze of souks, tanneries and madrasas, the next morning.

Why book this desert tour with us

  • Local team: Pure Morocco Experience is based in Marrakech and led by Walid, born and raised in Morocco.
  • Trusted: rated 4.9/5 on Tripadvisor and 5.0/5 on Google. Read our guest reviews.
  • Comfortable transport: air-conditioned vehicle, experienced driver and regular stops.
  • Direct contact: you plan everything with us on WhatsApp.

Practical information

  • Start: hotel or riad pickup in Marrakech, early morning.
  • End: drop-off at your accommodation in Fes (or the nearest point a vehicle can reach in the medina).
  • Driving: Merzouga to Fes is a long day of roughly 7–8 hours with stops.
  • Luggage: bring your full luggage; it stays in the vehicle while you sleep at camp with a small overnight bag.

Not sure which desert to choose or what the drive is like? Our Marrakech to Merzouga guide and Merzouga vs Zagora comparison answer the most common questions.

Who this tour suits

It is ideal for travellers doing a Marrakech–Sahara–Fes loop of Morocco, flying out of Fes, or continuing to Chefchaouen and the north. If you would prefer a slower pace with an extra day in the dunes, see the 4-day Sahara tour.

Message us on WhatsApp at +212 611-965381 with your dates to book.

Tour highlights

  • One-way route: no backtracking to Marrakech
  • Aït Benhaddou and the Dades Valley
  • Todra Gorge walk
  • Sunset camel ride and night in a Merzouga desert camp
  • Ziz Valley palm groves and Midelt
  • Cedar forests of Ifrane and Barbary macaques

Itinerary day by day

Day 1 – Marrakech to Dades Valley

Pickup in Marrakech and drive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Visit Aït Benhaddou, continue through Ouarzazate and arrive in the Dades Valley for dinner and overnight at a hotel.

Day 2 – Todra Gorge to Merzouga desert camp

Walk through Todra Gorge, then drive to Merzouga. Ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and spend the night at a Berber desert camp with dinner.

Day 3 – Merzouga to Fes via Midelt and Ifrane

Sunrise over the dunes and breakfast, then north through the Ziz Valley to Midelt and the Middle Atlas. Stop in the cedar forest near Ifrane, then continue to Fes for evening drop-off.

What's included

Included

  • Hotel/riad pickup in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
  • Air-conditioned vehicle with driver
  • 1 night in a Dades Valley hotel
  • 1 night in a standard Berber desert camp
  • 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts
  • Camel trek

Not included

  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees and local guides
  • Quad bike ride (optional extra)
  • Tips
  • Travel insurance

Questions about this tour

How much is the Marrakech to Fes desert tour?
It starts from MAD 1,800 per person (about €165). Private departures cost more; ask us on WhatsApp at +212 611-965381 for a quote.
Where does the tour end in Fes?
We drop you at your hotel or riad in Fes, or at the nearest point a vehicle can reach in the medina, usually in the evening of day three.
Can I do the tour in reverse, from Fes to Marrakech?
Often yes. Send us your dates and we will check whether a Fes to Marrakech departure is possible for you.
Will we see monkeys near Ifrane?
Barbary macaques live in the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas and are often seen near the road, but they are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Read before you go

You may also like

Free Morocco travel guide

Get our insider Sahara & Marrakech tips

Join travellers who receive our free planning guide, seasonal tips and private-tour offers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

WhatsApp