Looking for a quick Sahara experience in Morocco? This 2 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes is the perfect option for travelers with limited time who still want to explore the magic of the desert. The journey takes you across the stunning High Atlas Mountains, past historic landmarks like Ait Ben Haddou, and into the Sahara at Erg Chebbi near Merzouga.
Highlights of the 2 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
- Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Quick photo stop at the famous Ait Ben Haddou
- Drive through Ouarzazate, the Valley of Roses, and desert landscapes
- Experience a camel trek in the dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Watch a magical sunset and sunrise in the Sahara Desert
- Spend one night in a desert camp near Merzouga
- Travel through the scenic Ziz Valley on the way north
- Pass through the Middle Atlas Mountains and cedar forests
- Stop in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco”
- Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon, ending the journey
Itinerary 2 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
Day 1: From Marrakech to the Sahara Desert in Merzouga
Your 2 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes begins early in the morning as you leave the city behind and travel through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Along the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of mountain peaks, winding roads, and traditional Berber villages. A short photo stop is made at the famous Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic ksars, known for its historic earthen architecture. The journey continues through Ouarzazate, the Valley of Roses, and desert landscapes toward Erfoud and finally Merzouga.
As you arrive at the edge of the Sahara, the scenery transforms into vast golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Here, you will begin a camel trek across the dunes to enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the desert. In the evening, you will reach your desert camp, where you can relax, enjoy traditional Moroccan dinner, listen to Berber music, and spend the night under a sky full of stars. This long driving day covers approximately 580 km and takes around 11 hours, offering a full introduction to Morocco’s changing landscapes.
Day 2: From Merzouga to Fes via Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas
On the second day, you will wake up early to witness a magical sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, one of the highlights of the Sahara experience. After breakfast at the desert camp, you will begin your journey north toward Fes. The route passes through the beautiful Ziz Valley, known for its endless palm groves and dramatic canyon scenery, offering several photo opportunities along the way.
Continuing through Erfoud and Midelt, the landscape gradually changes from desert to mountain terrain as you enter the Middle Atlas region. A stop in Ifrane, allows for a short break and photos in its clean, alpine-style surroundings. You may also pass cedar forests near Azrou, where wild monkeys can sometimes be seen. The journey continues through scenic mountain roads before arriving in Fes in the late afternoon, marking the end of your desert adventure. This second driving day covers approximately 480 km and takes around 7 hours, completing a fast but unforgettable Sahara experience from Marrakech to Fes.
Included
- Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
- Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle (4×4 or minibus)
- Professional English/French-speaking driver/guide
- 1 night in a desert camp in Merzouga
- Camel trekking experience in Erg Chebbi (sunset & sunrise)
- Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
- Scenic stops along the route (Atlas Mountains, valleys, viewpoints)
Not Included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments (e.g., Ait Ben Haddou if you enter with a local guide)
- Personal expenses and tips
- Optional activities (quad biking, sandboarding, local guides in villages)
