Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour: The Route Stage by Stage
A Fes to Marrakech desert tour crosses Morocco one way in three days, covering roughly 1,000 km: Fes to Merzouga (about 470 km) on day one with a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga to the Dades Valley via the Todra Gorge on day two, and the Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou and the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) on day three. Because there is no backtracking, it is the most efficient way to add the Sahara to a Morocco itinerary that includes both cities.
Why take the desert route between Fes and Marrakech?
Fes and Marrakech are about 530 km apart by the direct motorway via Rabat and Casablanca, or a train journey of around seven hours. Travelling via the desert adds distance but turns the transfer into the highlight of the trip. You see the Middle Atlas, the Sahara, the gorges of the south and the High Atlas in one continuous journey, instead of driving to Merzouga from Marrakech and then driving all the way back.
Day 1: Fes to Merzouga (about 470 km, 8 to 9 hours with stops)
Ifrane
About an hour south of Fes, Ifrane sits at roughly 1,650 m in the Middle Atlas. Its pitched roofs and tidy parks earned it the nickname "the Switzerland of Morocco", and it is often covered in snow in winter.
The Azrou cedar forest
Just beyond, the road passes through forests of Atlas cedar where Barbary macaques, an endangered species found only in Morocco and Algeria (with a small introduced population in Gibraltar), are often seen near the road. Please do not feed them; it harms their health and behaviour.
Midelt and the Tizi n'Talghemt
Midelt, at around 1,500 m, is a common lunch stop with views of Jbel Ayachi (3,737 m). South of town the road crosses the Tizi n'Talghemt pass at about 1,900 m before descending towards the desert.
Ziz Gorges and Ziz Valley
The descent through the Ziz Gorges opens onto one of Morocco's most striking palm valleys, a long green strip of date palms and earthen villages below barren cliffs. The road continues via Errachidia and Erfoud to Merzouga, arriving in time for a sunset camel trek of about 1 to 1.5 hours to camp.
Night in the Erg Chebbi dunes
The camp night is the heart of the trip: dinner, drumming around the fire, a sky full of stars and an early start for sunrise. For the full picture of the dunes and the villages around them, read our guide to the Erg Chebbi dunes. If you want more comfort, many travellers upgrade to a camp with en-suite tents; our article on luxury desert camps in Merzouga explains what that involves.
Day 2: Merzouga to the Dades Valley (about 300 km, 6 to 7 hours with stops)
- Sunrise and breakfast: camel ride back to the village, a shower and breakfast.
- Rissani and Erfoud: opportunities to see the traditional souk (busiest on market days) and fossil workshops.
- Tinejdad and Tinghir: oasis towns surrounded by palm groves and kasbahs.
- Todra Gorge: limestone cliffs up to roughly 300 m high close in around the river; you can walk through the narrowest section.
- Dades Valley: red-rock formations and a night in a guesthouse or hotel.
Day 3: Dades Valley to Marrakech (about 310 km, 8 to 9 hours with stops)
- Road of a Thousand Kasbahs: through Kelaat M'Gouna, known for its roses (a rose festival is traditionally held in May), and the Skoura palm grove.
- Ouarzazate: the regional capital, home to film studios and the Taourirt Kasbah.
- Ait Benhaddou: the fortified ksar, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, which you can explore on foot.
- Tizi n'Tichka: the High Atlas pass at 2,260 m, with sweeping views and hairpin descents.
- Marrakech: arrival in the early evening.
Route at a glance
| Day | From – To | Approx. distance | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fes – Merzouga | 470 km | Desert camp, Erg Chebbi |
| 2 | Merzouga – Dades Valley | 300 km | Guesthouse or hotel |
| 3 | Dades Valley – Marrakech | 310 km | End of tour |
Is three days enough?
Three days is enough to see the highlights, but the first and last days are long. If you have more time, a fourth day lets you add a full day in Merzouga or split the final stage with a night in Ouarzazate or Ait Benhaddou. Travellers starting in Marrakech who want a round trip should read our guide to planning a Sahara desert tour from Marrakech.
Can you do the route in reverse?
Yes. Marrakech to Fes via the desert follows the same roads in the opposite order. The choice usually depends on where your flights land and leave. Starting in Fes means the dunes come on the very first evening, which some travellers love.
Practical tips
- Luggage: your main bags stay in the vehicle on the desert night; bring a small overnight bag.
- Cash: ATMs are available in Midelt, Errachidia, Erfoud, Tinghir and Ouarzazate, but not in the camps.
- Weather: the Middle Atlas can be cold and occasionally snowy in winter, while the south can exceed 40°C in summer. Pack layers.
- Motion sickness: the Ziz Gorges, Dades and Tichka roads are winding; take precautions if you are sensitive.
- Before you leave Fes: make the most of the medina; our Fes destination guide covers the essentials.
How much does it cost?
With us, the shared 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech starts from €165 per person, including transport, one night in a desert camp, one night in the Dades Valley, two dinners, two breakfasts and the camel trek. Lunches, drinks, optional local guides and tips are extra. Private versions are also possible on request. See all our routes on the Morocco desert tours page.
Book the crossing with a local operator
Ouirgane Marrakech Guide operates its own desert departures from Fes and Marrakech. Reserve the Fes to Marrakech tour via the Sahara now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 7 days before departure. For private departures or a fourth day, message us on WhatsApp at +212 606 957 514 or email contact@moroccotrekking.sbs.
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