This 2 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour crosses Morocco in two long road days, with one night in a private tent in the Erg Chebbi dunes between them. Our 2-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour is for travellers who have very little time but still want a night in the Sahara. You drive from Fes to the Erg Chebbi dunes on day 1, ride a camel to our camp and sleep in a private tent. On day 2 you drive across southern Morocco to Marrakech — about 550 km and roughly 10 hours of driving.
Your trip starts in one of Morocco’s great historic cities; if you have time before you leave, read about the Medina of Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We want to be clear before you book: this is a trip made of two long road days around one night in the desert. It works well if your plans are fixed and you value the dunes above everything else. If you can find one more day, the 3-day route is far more comfortable.
2 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour at a glance
| Duration | 2 days, 1 night |
| Start | Your accommodation in Fes, early morning |
| Finish | Your accommodation in Marrakech, late evening (approx.) [CONFIRM typical arrival time] |
| Style | Private — your group only |
| Transport | Air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus with English-speaking driver |
| Overnight | Private tent with en-suite bathroom at Mouhou Luxury Camp, Erg Chebbi |
| Meals | 1 dinner, 1 breakfast (lunch not included) |
| Main experiences | Camel trek, desert camp and campfire, sunrise on the dunes, Draa Valley drive, Tichka pass |
| Driving | Day 1: ~460 km / 7.5–8.5 h · Day 2: ~550 km / 9–10 h (before stops) |
| Price | €340 per person for 2 travellers (€680 in total) — less per person in larger groups |
The honest picture: what 2 days can and cannot do
What you get: – A real evening in the dunes, a camel ride, dinner at camp and the campfire. – Sunrise over Erg Chebbi. – A one-way journey, so you do not have to come back to Fes. – Views of two very different landscapes: the Middle Atlas on day 1 and the dry south on day 2.
What you give up: – Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley. Day 2 takes the southern road through the Draa Valley, which is faster to Marrakech but misses the gorges. – Real time at Aït Ben Haddou. You will see it only as a short photo stop, and only if the day is going well. – Rest. You will spend around 18–20 hours of the trip in the vehicle across both days.
Why the southern road on day 2? From Merzouga, the road via Alnif, N’Kob and Agdz is the most direct way to Ouarzazate and Marrakech. Going via Todra and Dades adds distance and time to a day that is already very long.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Fes → Ifrane → Azrou → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
Approx. driving: 460 km, 7.5–8.5 hours before stops.
We collect you in Fes in the morning [CONFIRM departure time]. The road climbs into the Middle Atlas, with a short photo stop in Ifrane and a break among the cedars near Azrou, where you may see Barbary macaques (please do not feed them). Lunch is in Midelt, at a local restaurant of your choice or one the driver suggests (not included). In the afternoon you pass Errachidia and stop above the palm groves of the Ziz Valley.
You arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Take a small overnight bag; the rest stays in the vehicle. Then you ride into the dunes by camel [CONFIRM camel ride duration], or by 4×4 if you prefer. At camp you have your own tent with shower and toilet, dinner, and a campfire with Berber drum music.
Overnight: Mouhou Luxury Camp · Meals: dinner
Day 2: Merzouga → Rissani → Alnif → N’Kob → Agdz → Ouarzazate → Tichka → Marrakech
Approx. driving: 550 km, 9–10 hours before stops. Expect 11–12 hours door to door.
The day starts before sunrise. Watch the light come up over the dunes, have breakfast, then return to Merzouga to meet your driver [CONFIRM departure time from Merzouga]. Because of the distance, there is no time for a slow morning.
- Rissani — pass through the old Tafilalt market town.
- Alnif — short stop if you wish. The area is known for its fossil shops.
- N’Kob — photo stop at this village of mud-brick kasbahs below the Jbel Saghro mountains. Lunch is usually around here or in Tazzarine, depending on timing (not included).
- Agdz and the Draa Valley — photo stop above the long palm groves of the Draa.
- Ouarzazate — pass through.
- Aït Ben Haddou — optional photo stop only if time allows. It is a short detour from the main road. On a 2-day tour there is no time to walk through the ksar.
- Tizi n’Tichka — short break at the pass (approx. 2,260 m), then the descent to Marrakech.
You reach Marrakech in the evening, often after dark [CONFIRM typical arrival time]. Your driver drops you at your accommodation or the nearest point a car can reach.
Meals: breakfast
Map note: visited, stopped, passed
- Visited (time on foot): Erg Chebbi dunes and camp.
- Short stops / photo stops: Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt (lunch), Ziz Valley, N’Kob, Draa Valley viewpoint, Tichka pass; Aït Ben Haddou only if time allows.
- Passed through: Errachidia, Rissani, Alnif, Tazzarine, Agdz, Ouarzazate.
- Not on this route: Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Skoura.
The route may change in snow or heavy rain, especially on the Tichka pass in winter.
[INSERT ROUTE MAP — Fes to Merzouga via Midelt; Merzouga to Marrakech via N’Kob, Agdz and Ouarzazate]
Where you sleep
You spend your one night at Mouhou Luxury Camp in Erg Chebbi. Your tent is private, with a bed and its own shower and toilet; we do not use camps with shared bathrooms. See what a night at our Merzouga desert camp looks like.
Price and how it is calculated
Every quote is made for your group. The price depends on: – Number of travellers — one vehicle and driver are shared by your group, so larger groups pay less per person. – Season — [CONFIRM peak periods]. – Tent level — standard or upgraded tent [CONFIRM upgrade options]. – Distance — this tour covers more than 1,000 km in two days, which is reflected in fuel and driver costs.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 travellers | €340 |
| 3–4 travellers | €190–€240 |
| 5–6 travellers | €140–€160 |
| 7+ travellers | On request |
| Solo traveller | €640 |
Children: [CONFIRM child pricing]. Deposit and payment: [CONFIRM deposit % and payment methods]. Cancellation: [CONFIRM cancellation policy] — see booking terms and conditions.
Included
- Pick-up in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech
- Private air-conditioned vehicle, fuel and road taxes
- English-speaking driver
- Camel trek (or 4×4 transfer) to and from camp
- 1 night in a private en-suite tent at Mouhou Luxury Camp
- Dinner and breakfast
- Campfire with Berber drum music
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees and local guides [CONFIRM]
- Tips
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Who should book the 2 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour?
Book it if: – You have exactly two days between Fes and Marrakech, for example before a flight from Marrakech. – The desert night is your main goal. – Everyone in your group is comfortable sitting in a vehicle for long hours.
Choose another tour if: – You want to see Todra Gorge or walk through Aït Ben Haddou — take the 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour. – You are on a budget or travelling alone — look at the shared 3-day Fes to Marrakech tour. – You do not need to end in Marrakech — the 2-day Fes to Merzouga desert tour returns to Fes on a shorter road. – You are travelling with young children, older relatives, or anyone who suffers from car sickness on mountain roads.
Tips for a long two-day trip
- Do not book an evening flight from Marrakech on day 2. Arrival times can slip with traffic, roadworks or weather. Leave the flight for the next day.
- Sleep well the night before. Day 1 starts early and is long.
- Keep snacks and water in the vehicle. There are long stretches between towns on day 2.
- Motion sickness: the Tichka pass has many curves. Bring tablets if you need them.
- Weather: in summer, Merzouga can pass 40 °C; in winter (December–February) desert nights can be near freezing and Tichka can see snow. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
- Cash: bring dirhams for two lunches, drinks and tips.
FAQs
Is a 2-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech worth it?
It is worth it if you have no other option and the desert is your priority. You get a full evening, night and sunrise in the dunes. But you spend most of both days driving, and you skip the gorges. With a third day, the trip becomes much more relaxed.
Why does day 2 not go through Todra Gorge?
Time. The southern road through N’Kob and Agdz is the more direct way from Merzouga to Marrakech. Adding Todra and Dades would make an already 10-hour driving day even longer.
Will we stop at Aït Ben Haddou?
Only for a short photo stop, and only if you are on schedule. If walking through the ksar is important, choose the 3-day tour, which includes a proper visit.
What time do we leave the camp on day 2?
Early, right after sunrise and breakfast [CONFIRM departure time from Merzouga]. In winter this is later than in summer because the sun rises later.
Can we finish in Ouarzazate instead of Marrakech?
Please ask. A finish in Ouarzazate would shorten day 2 by about four hours. We can quote it as a custom private trip [CONFIRM availability and price].
Can we break up the long drive with rest stops?
Yes. It is a private tour, so you can ask the driver to stop for coffee, toilets or a stretch whenever you need. Just remember that each stop adds to the arrival time.
Related tours
- Fes to Marrakech desert tours via Merzouga — compare 2 to 5 days
- 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour (private)
- Shared 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour (small group)
- 2-day Fes to Merzouga desert tour (return to Fes)
- Our Merzouga desert camp
How the two days feel, hour by hour
The timings below are rough guides to help you plan your 2 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour. Your driver confirms the real times, which change with the season, the sunset and the roads [CONFIRM typical timings].
Day 1 in practice
- Early morning: pick-up in Fes and the climb into the Middle Atlas. Keep a jacket handy; Ifrane and Azrou are often much cooler than Fes.
- Late morning: the cedar forest near Azrou, then the high plateau towards Midelt.
- Lunch: Midelt. Order something quick if you would like more time later.
- Afternoon: the Ziz Valley viewpoints and the long road south past Errachidia and Erfoud.
- Late afternoon: Merzouga, a quick repack into your small bag, and the camel ride to camp.
- Evening: dinner, campfire and stars. Go to bed early, because day 2 starts before sunrise.
On a 2 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour the first day is the easier of the two, so enjoy the stops.
Day 2 in practice
- Before sunrise: climb a dune near camp and watch the first light.
- Morning: ride back to Merzouga, have breakfast and set off with your driver.
- Midday: the dark plains around Alnif and N’Kob, with lunch on the way.
- Afternoon: the Draa Valley, Agdz and Ouarzazate.
- Evening: the Tichka pass and the descent to Marrakech, often after dark.
The second day of a 2 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour is about the journey itself: watch the landscape change from dunes to palm groves to mountains.
Preparing for the long drives
Comfort in the vehicle
Most of a 2 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour is spent on the road, so small comforts matter. Bring a neck pillow, a refillable water bottle and headphones. On a private tour you can ask for the air conditioning to be adjusted, and for music or quiet.
Food on the road
Lunches are not included. Roadside restaurants usually serve tagines, grilled meat, salads and omelettes, and most can make a vegetarian dish. If you prefer to eat lightly, buy fruit, nuts and bread in Fes before you leave.
Car sickness
Sit facing forward, look at the horizon on winding sections and avoid reading on the Tichka pass. Ask your driver to stop if you feel unwell; it is your trip and your pace.
What to pack for a 2 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour
Your main bag stays in the vehicle at Merzouga [CONFIRM], so pack a small backpack for the night:
- A warm layer and a hat for the evening and the early morning
- A headscarf, sunglasses and sun cream
- Toiletries and a change of clothes
- A torch or phone light and a charged power bank [CONFIRM charging at camp]
- Your passport and any medicines you need
Choosing your season
Spring and autumn
The most comfortable months for a 2 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour are usually March to May and September to November, with mild days and cool nights in the dunes.
Summer
Long daylight helps on the long drives, but the afternoon heat in Merzouga and along the Draa Valley is intense. Drink often and keep a scarf to cover your neck.
Winter
Short days mean much of the drive on day 2 is in the dark, and the Tichka pass can see snow. From December to February a 2 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour leaves little spare time if a road closes, so think about adding a day.
Getting the most from a short trip
- Agree your priorities early. Tell your driver on day 1 whether a quick photo at Aït Ben Haddou matters more to you than a long lunch on day 2.
- Look up after dinner. Walk a short way from the camp lights to see the stars properly.
- Charge everything in the vehicle on day 1, so your phone and camera are ready for sunrise.
- Keep the next day free. After a 2 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour you arrive tired, so plan a slow morning in Marrakech before any sightseeing.
More questions
Can we do the same crossing in the other direction?
Yes. If you are starting in Marrakech, see our 2-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour, which crosses the country from the other side.
Is the 2 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour a good choice for solo travellers?
It can be, but on a private tour one person pays for the whole vehicle [CONFIRM solo pricing]. If budget matters, compare it with the shared 3-day route listed above.
Will there be cash machines on the way?
Yes, in towns such as Errachidia, Erfoud and Ouarzazate, but not at the camp. Take out enough dirhams in Fes to cover lunch, drinks and tips for both days.
What happens if a road is closed?
If snow or flooding closes a road, your driver takes another route where one is available, and safety always comes first. Arrival in Marrakech may then be later.
Can we book at short notice?
Sometimes. A 2 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour depends on vehicle, driver and tent availability, so send us your date as soon as you know it [CONFIRM minimum notice].
Still deciding?
Tell us your dates and what matters most to you. If a 2 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour is too tight for your plans, we will say so and suggest a better fit.
Check availability & get a quote
Send us your date, the number of travellers and your hotel in Fes. We reply with a custom plan and a clear price, and we are happy to tell you honestly if a longer tour would suit you better.
- WhatsApp or phone: +212 667 850 421 (8:30–20:00 Morocco time) — Ask on WhatsApp
- Contact form: Check availability & get a quote
- Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]
We are a local team founded by Sahara natives from Merzouga.
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