Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: 3 or 4 Days via Merzouga

A Marrakech to Fes desert tour is one of the best ways to combine southern Morocco and the Sahara with a journey between two of Morocco’s most important cities.

Instead of traveling directly from Marrakech to Fes, you can cross the High Atlas Mountains, visit Ait Ben Haddou, spend time in the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge, continue to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes, and then travel north to Fes.

Depending on your schedule, you can arrange the journey as a 3-day or 4-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour.

Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: What Is the Route?

A typical desert route between Marrakech and Fes follows:

Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Middle Atlas Mountains → Fes

The exact route can vary depending on the number of days and the stops included.

The main advantage of taking this route is that the journey itself becomes part of your Morocco trip rather than simply being transportation between Marrakech and Fes.

You can experience several different landscapes, from the High Atlas Mountains to the Sahara and the Middle Atlas.

How Many Days Do You Need from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara?

Most travelers should consider 3 or 4 days for a Marrakech to Fes desert tour.

3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

A 3-day route is possible for travelers with limited time.

It normally follows:

Day 1: Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga

Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Middle Atlas → Fes

This option allows you to experience the Sahara while continuing directly to Fes.

However, the days involve considerable driving, particularly on the final day from Merzouga to Fes.

4-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

A 4-day itinerary allows more time for the route and can make the journey more comfortable.

A typical itinerary could be:

Day 1: Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga

Day 3: Merzouga and Erg Chebbi desert

Day 4: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Middle Atlas → Fes

The extra day can be used to spend more time around Merzouga rather than immediately leaving the desert after arriving.

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley

Your Marrakech to Fes desert tour begins with an early departure from Marrakech.

Cross the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka pass before continuing toward Ait Ben Haddou.

Ait Ben Haddou

Ait Ben Haddou is a historic fortified village and one of the most recognizable sites along the route.

After visiting the ksar, continue toward Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses.

The day ends in the Dades Valley, where you spend the night.

Highlights:

• High Atlas Mountains
• Tizi n’Tichka pass
• Ait Ben Haddou
• Ouarzazate
• Valley of Roses
• Dades Valley

Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga

After breakfast, continue toward the Sahara.

The route passes through Todra Gorge and the oasis landscapes around Tinghir before continuing toward Erfoud and Merzouga.

Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon.

Depending on the season and your chosen itinerary, you can take a camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes around sunset.

Spend the night at a Sahara desert camp.

Highlights:

• Todra Gorge
• Tinghir
• Erfoud
• Merzouga
• Erg Chebbi dunes
• Camel ride
• Sahara sunset
• Desert camp

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Experience or Merzouga to Fes

The third day depends on whether you choose a 3-day or 4-day itinerary.

On a 3-Day Tour

After sunrise and breakfast at the desert camp, leave Merzouga and begin the journey toward Fes.

The route passes through the Ziz Valley and continues toward the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Depending on the route and conditions, stops can include the cedar forests around Azrou and the surrounding mountain landscapes.

Continue to Fes for arrival later in the day.

On a 4-Day Tour

If you choose a 4-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour, you can spend more time around Merzouga before continuing north.

This gives you more opportunity to explore the desert area and enjoy the Sahara without immediately starting the long journey to Fes.

Possible activities include:

• Sunrise over the dunes
• 4×4 desert exploration
• Sandboarding
• Visit to a local desert village
• Gnawa cultural experience
• Time around the Erg Chebbi dunes

Overnight in or near Merzouga.

Day 4: Merzouga to Fes

On the final day, leave the Sahara after breakfast and travel toward Fes.

The route passes through the Ziz Valley before reaching the Middle Atlas.

Depending on the itinerary, there may be a stop in the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques can sometimes be seen.

Continue through the Middle Atlas toward Fes.

Your Marrakech to Fes desert tour ends in Fes, where you can check into your hotel and continue your Morocco trip.

What Is Included in a Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour?

Inclusions depend on whether you choose a private or shared tour, but a typical package can include:

Transportation

Private or shared transportation from Marrakech through the desert to Fes.

A private tour provides more flexibility with departure times, stops and the pace of the journey.

Accommodation

Accommodation is normally included in the Dades Valley and Merzouga.

The exact hotel and desert camp category depends on the package.

Desert Camp

A night in the Sahara is one of the main highlights of the route.

You can choose between standard, private or luxury camp options depending on your preferences.

Meals

Breakfast and dinner are commonly included during the desert portion of the journey.

Check the exact inclusions of your selected tour before booking.

Camel Ride

A camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes is commonly included on Marrakech to Merzouga desert tours.

The ride is usually arranged around sunset or another suitable time depending on the itinerary.

Private vs Shared Marrakech to Fes Desert Tours

You can generally choose between a private and shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour.

A private tour gives you your own vehicle and allows greater flexibility with stops, timing and the itinerary.

A shared tour normally follows a fixed route with other travelers and can be a more budget-conscious option.

For a detailed comparison, see our guide to private Morocco desert tours vs shared tours.

How Much Does a Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Cost?

The price depends on several factors:

• Number of travelers
• Private or shared transportation
• Number of days
• Hotel category
• Desert camp category
• Private or shared rooms
• Activities included
• Route customization

A 3-day itinerary and a 4-day itinerary will have different costs because the additional day usually requires another night of accommodation, meals and transportation.

For a broader explanation of pricing, see our guide to Morocco desert tour prices.

Is Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara Worth Doing as One Trip?

Combining Marrakech, the Sahara and Fes into one journey allows you to experience several different parts of Morocco without returning to Marrakech between destinations.

The route includes:

• High Atlas Mountains
• Ait Ben Haddou
• Ouarzazate
• Dades Valley
• Todra Gorge
• Merzouga
• Erg Chebbi
• Ziz Valley
• Middle Atlas Mountains
• Fes

The main consideration is the amount of driving involved.

If you have limited time, a 3-day route can connect Marrakech and Fes through the Sahara.

If you prefer more time in the desert and a less rushed itinerary, 4 days provides additional flexibility.

Is 3 Days Enough from Marrakech to Fes Through the Desert?

Three days is possible, but the itinerary is relatively fast.

The main advantage is that you can combine Marrakech, the Sahara and Fes without adding many extra days to your Morocco trip.

The main consideration is that the final journey from Merzouga to Fes is long.

Travelers who want more time around the Sahara may prefer a 4-day itinerary.

Is 4 Days Better for a Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour?

A 4-day itinerary gives you more time to enjoy the desert and reduces the need to combine too many stops into the same day.

It can be particularly useful for travelers who want:

• More time in Merzouga
• A second night in the desert area
• More flexibility for desert activities
• A slower pace
• More time for stops along the route

The right itinerary depends on how much time you have available and how much of the Sahara you want to experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Marrakech to Fes desert tour take?

A desert route between Marrakech and Fes normally takes around 3 or 4 days, depending on the itinerary and stops.

Can I travel from Marrakech to Fes through the Sahara?

Yes. A desert tour can connect Marrakech and Fes through Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley, Merzouga and the Middle Atlas.

Is there a 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour?

Yes. A 3-day itinerary can travel from Marrakech to Dades, then Merzouga, and finally continue to Fes.

Is there a 4-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour?

Yes. A 4-day itinerary allows additional time around Merzouga and the Sahara before continuing to Fes.

Does the Marrakech to Fes desert tour include Merzouga?

A typical Sahara route includes Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Can I take a camel ride on the Marrakech to Fes desert tour?

Many tours include a camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes, but inclusions vary between tour operators.

Is a private Marrakech to Fes desert tour available?

Yes. Private tours can be arranged for couples, families, friends and small groups.

Can I travel from Fes to Marrakech through the Sahara?

Yes. The route can also be arranged in the opposite direction, from Fes to Merzouga and then toward Marrakech.

Book a Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

A Marrakech to Fes desert tour allows you to combine two major Moroccan cities with the landscapes and experiences of southern Morocco.

Travel through the High Atlas Mountains, visit Ait Ben Haddou, explore the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge, spend time in the Sahara around Merzouga and continue through the Middle Atlas to Fes.

Choose a 3-day itinerary if your schedule is limited, or consider 4 days if you want more time around the Sahara.

Contact Marrakech Package to arrange your private Marrakech to Fes desert tour via Merzouga.