Our Marrakech to Fes desert tours cross the High Atlas and the Sahara in two to five days, ending at your accommodation in Fes. A Marrakech to Fes desert tour is a one-way journey across Morocco that takes in the Sahara on the way. Instead of the direct road north (about 530 km, 6.5–7 hours), you go south over the High Atlas, east through the kasbah valleys, sleep in the dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga, and then cross the Middle Atlas to Fes.
We run this route in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days, privately or in a small shared group. This page helps you choose the right length and style, and explains the practical side of a one-way trip: luggage, finishing in the Fes medina and travelling on afterwards.
Your journey ends at Fes el-Bali, the Medina of Fez listed by UNESCO, so plan at least one full day to explore its lanes.
We are Morocco Desert Excursions, a local company founded by Sahara natives from Merzouga — the desert half of this journey is our home.
Why go one way, from Marrakech to Fes?
If your trip includes both Marrakech and Fes, the desert sits almost perfectly between them. Going one way has clear advantages over a round trip from Marrakech:
- No road is repeated. You see the High Atlas and the southern valleys on the way in, and the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas cedar forests on the way out.
- You save a day of travel. A desert round trip from Marrakech, plus a separate train or drive to Fes, takes longer than simply ending your tour in Fes.
- Your Fes stay starts the moment you arrive. Your driver drops you at your accommodation, ready for the medina the next morning.
When does a round trip make more sense? If you fly home from Marrakech and are not visiting Fes at all, see our Marrakech desert tours to Merzouga. Starting in Fes? See Fes to Marrakech desert tours.
Compare our Marrakech to Fes desert tours
| Tour | Nights | Where you sleep | Longest drive | Time in the desert | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-day private | 1 | Desert camp | Day 1: about 10–12 h door to door [CONFIRM] | Sunset to morning | Only two days, adults who do not mind long drives |
| 3-day private | 2 | Dades Valley, desert camp | Day 3: 7.5–8.5 h driving + stops | One evening and sunrise | The classic crossing, own vehicle |
| 3-day shared | 2 | Dades Valley, desert camp (own room and tent) | Day 3: 7.5–8.5 h driving + stops | One evening and sunrise | Solo and budget travellers, fixed schedule |
| 4-day private | 3 | Dades, Merzouga hotel, desert camp | Day 4: 7.5–8.5 h driving + stops | A full day plus two nights | Meeting locals: Khamlia, Rissani, nomads |
| 5-day private | 4 | Ouarzazate, Dades, 2 nights in Merzouga | Day 5: 7.5–8.5 h driving + stops | A full day plus two nights | Families, older travellers, photographers |
Prices: from €340 per person (2 travellers), depending on duration, group size and style. See “How prices work” below.
How to choose a length in one minute
- Only two days? It is possible, but read the honest notes on the 2-day Marrakech to Fes tour first.
- Three days is the most popular balance of time and cost.
- Four days if the desert itself — its people and villages — is a highlight for you.
- Five days if you want shorter driving days and more time in each place.
Whatever you choose, the last day from Merzouga to Fes is about 460 km. That distance is the same on every tour.
The route: what you see on the way
Marrakech to the desert (Days 1–2 on most tours): the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (about 2,260 m); Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed earth-built ksar; Ouarzazate; the Skoura palm oasis and the Valley of Roses; the Dades and Todra gorges.
In the desert: the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, some around 150 m high; camel ride, camp and sunrise. On longer tours, Khamlia’s Gnawa music, the market town of Rissani and nomad families.
Desert to Fes (last day): Erfoud and the Ziz Valley palm groves, lunch in Midelt, the cedar forest near Azrou with wild Barbary macaques (please do not feed them), and Ifrane.
Private or shared?
- Private: your own vehicle and driver, any start date, extra stops when you want them. Price per person falls as your group grows.
- Shared: you share a minibus and a set timetable with other travellers. It is usually cheaper, especially for solo travellers. You still get your own room and your own tent with bathroom — never a shared tent.
Only the 3-day tour is offered as a shared departure on this route [CONFIRM]. For a full comparison, read private vs shared desert tours in Morocco.
Where you sleep, night by night
| Location | Used on | Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ouarzazate | 5-day | Riad | Riad Amlal or Dar Chamaa, or similar [CONFIRM] |
| Dades Valley | 3-, 4-, 5-day and shared | Hotel or riad, private room | Riad Gabsi or Ksar Sultan, or similar [CONFIRM] |
| Merzouga (hotel) | 4-day, optional on 5-day | Kasbah hotel near the dunes | Kasbah Le Berger or Riad Madu, or similar [CONFIRM] |
| Erg Chebbi (camp) | All tours | Private tent with own shower and toilet | Mouhou Luxury Camp |
We do not use basic desert camps with shared bathrooms. See what your night in our Merzouga desert camp looks like.
One-way logistics: what to know
Luggage
You travel with all your luggage in the vehicle, so there is no need to leave bags in Marrakech. On the camp night you take only a small overnight bag on the camel; your main suitcase stays [CONFIRM: locked in the vehicle / at our Merzouga base]. Soft bags are easier to fit than very large hard cases — tell us if your group has a lot of luggage so we choose the right vehicle.
Starting in Marrakech
We pick you up from your hotel or riad. If you are staying deep inside the Marrakech medina, where cars cannot go, we meet you at the nearest access point [CONFIRM]. Airport pick-ups are possible, but Day 1 is long, so an early flight or a night in Marrakech first is best [CONFIRM].
Ending in the Fes medina
Most visitors stay in riads inside Fes el-Bali, the old medina (UNESCO-listed since 1981). Vehicles cannot enter its narrow lanes. Your driver takes you to the closest gate or car park, and your riad usually sends someone to meet you and help with bags [CONFIRM whether we arrange this]. Please send us your riad’s name and phone number before the trip. Arrival is normally in the evening.
Travelling on from Fes
- By train: Fes railway station has services towards Meknes, Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier [CONFIRM current routes and timetables with the national rail operator].
- By air: Fes has an international airport. If you fly out the day after your tour, allow plenty of time; we do not recommend booking a flight on the evening of your last tour day.
- Onward to Chefchaouen: about 200 km, around 4 hours by road. Ask us about a transfer [CONFIRM].
- Back to Marrakech: the direct road is about 530 km, 6.5–7 hours, or you can take the train.
How prices work
There is no single price for a Marrakech to Fes desert tour. Your quote depends on: 1. Duration — more nights mean more accommodation and meals. 2. Private or shared — shared is priced per seat; private is shared across your party. 3. Group size — on private tours, the per-person price drops as your group grows. 4. Accommodation level and season [CONFIRM seasonal pricing].
| Tour | Private, per person (2 travellers) | Shared, per person |
|---|---|---|
| 2 days | €340 | — |
| 3 days | €380 | €170 |
| 4 days | €520 | — |
| 5 days | €660 | — |
Deposit, payment and cancellation: [CONFIRM DEPOSIT %], [CONFIRM PAYMENT METHODS], [CONFIRM CANCELLATION POLICY]. You always receive a written quote before you confirm; there is no online payment.
What all our Marrakech to Fes desert tours include
- Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
- Air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus, fuel and road taxes
- English-speaking driver
- Accommodation as listed, including a private tent with bathroom at Mouhou Luxury Camp
- Camel ride to camp (or a 4×4 transfer if you have back or knee problems)
- Breakfast and dinner each day; vegetarian or vegan on request
- Campfire with Berber drum music
Lunch is not included — your driver will recommend local restaurants. Bring cash in dirhams, and we recommend travel insurance.
When to go
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable. Summer days in Merzouga often pass 40 °C. From December to February, desert nights can approach freezing and the Tichka pass may have snow; in snow or heavy rain the route can change.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to go from Marrakech to Fes or from Fes to Marrakech?
Both work well and the route is very similar. Choose the direction that matches your flights. Starting in Fes? See our Fes to Marrakech desert tours.
How many days do I need for a Marrakech to Fes desert tour?
Three days is the minimum we recommend. Two is possible but tiring; four or five give you real time in the desert.
Can I add Chefchaouen to the end of the tour?
Yes, we can extend the trip or arrange a transfer from Fes [CONFIRM]. Ask when you request a quote.
Can I book a private tour if I am travelling alone?
Yes, but you pay for the whole vehicle. The shared 3-day tour is usually much better value for solo travellers.
Do all tours use the same desert camp?
Yes — Mouhou Luxury Camp in Erg Chebbi, with private tents and en-suite bathrooms on every tour, private or shared.
Can we customise the route?
On private tours, yes: extra nights, different stops, or a night on the way to Fes. Tell us what you have in mind.
Planning checklist before you ask for a quote
A few details help us plan the right trip. Our Marrakech to Fes desert tours are built around your dates and your onward travel, so the more we know, the better the itinerary fits.
- Arrival in Marrakech: your flight time or the name of your riad, so we can set a realistic pick-up time.
- Your stay in Fes: the riad or hotel name and phone number, which makes the medina drop-off simple.
- Who is travelling: children’s ages, anyone who prefers not to ride a camel, and any dietary needs.
- Luggage: how many large bags, so we send the right vehicle.
The last day, hour by hour
Every one of our Marrakech to Fes desert tours ends with the same drive north from the dunes, so it is worth knowing how that day usually runs. Times are approximate [CONFIRM].
- Around sunrise: watch the light from a dune near camp, then return by camel or 4×4.
- After breakfast: collect your main luggage and set off through Erfoud and the Ziz Valley.
- Midday: lunch in Midelt, at your own cost.
- Afternoon: the cedar forest near Azrou and a short stop in Ifrane, where the mountain air feels cool after the desert.
- Evening: arrival in Fes and drop-off at your accommodation or the nearest medina gate.
Plan a quiet first evening in Fes. After about 460 km, most travellers want a simple dinner at their riad and an early night before exploring the medina.
What to pack for a one-way crossing
You carry all your luggage from start to finish, so packing well makes the trip easier. On Marrakech to Fes desert tours the weather changes within a single journey: warm in the valleys, windy on the dunes and cool in the mountains.
- A small overnight bag for the camp night, separate from your suitcase
- A warm layer for the campfire and sunrise, in every season
- A scarf or buff against sun and blowing sand
- Sunglasses, sun cream, a hat and comfortable walking shoes
- A power bank and a refillable water bottle
- Cash in dirhams for lunches, drinks and tips
Travelling with children or older relatives
Families often choose the longer Marrakech to Fes desert tours because the driving is split into shorter stages. With four or five days there is time to rest in the afternoon and arrive at each stop fresh.
On private Marrakech to Fes desert tours your driver can add extra breaks for snacks, toilets or a quick walk. Tell us your children’s ages when you enquire so we can discuss car seats [CONFIRM availability]. If anyone has back or knee problems, a 4×4 transfer to camp replaces the camel ride.
Seasonal highlights along the route
Beyond the temperatures, each season gives Marrakech to Fes desert tours a slightly different character.
- Late winter and spring: almond blossom in the valleys, green fields in the Dades, and the rose season around Kalaat M’Gouna in May.
- Summer: start early each day; the camel ride and sunrise are the most comfortable moments.
- Autumn: the date harvest in the Ziz Valley and around Erfoud, and clear desert skies.
- Winter: quieter roads and crisp light for photos, but pack properly warm clothes for camp.
How to compare quotes
When you look at Marrakech to Fes desert tours from different companies, compare what is included rather than only the headline price.
- Camp: is your tent private, with its own shower and toilet, or a basic tent with shared bathrooms?
- Meals: are dinner and breakfast included every night?
- Vehicle: is it private all the way, or will you change to a shared bus?
- Drop-off: does the tour end at your accommodation in Fes or at a bus station?
- Extras: are guides, entrance fees and optional activities listed clearly?
Our written quotes answer each of these points, so you can compare like with like.
Building the rest of your Morocco trip
Many travellers plan their whole holiday around one of our Marrakech to Fes desert tours: a few nights in Marrakech first, then the crossing, then time in Fes. Two full days in Fes is a comfortable minimum for the medina.
When to book
For spring, autumn and the Christmas and Easter holidays, we suggest asking about Marrakech to Fes desert tours a few weeks ahead, because camp tents and riads in Fes fill up [CONFIRM]. In quieter months, a few days’ notice is often enough.
Travelling responsibly in the desert
We are from Merzouga, and we want the region to stay beautiful. A few simple habits help on all Marrakech to Fes desert tours.
- Refill a bottle from larger containers where possible, rather than buying many small plastic ones.
- Take your litter back to the vehicle; the wind carries rubbish far across the dunes.
- Do not feed the Barbary macaques near Azrou.
- Buy crafts and food from local families and cooperatives along the way.
More questions about Marrakech to Fes desert tours
Will I feel car sick on Marrakech to Fes desert tours?
The Tizi n’Tichka pass and the Middle Atlas have long bends. If you get travel sick, sit in the front, take your usual medication before setting off and ask your driver for short breaks. Roads in the desert regions are mostly straight.
Is there mobile signal on Marrakech to Fes desert tours?
In towns and most valleys, yes. Signal can be weak in parts of the High Atlas and among the dunes [CONFIRM signal at camp]. A local SIM card or eSIM is useful.
Are Marrakech to Fes desert tours possible with limited mobility?
The vehicle part is usually manageable with help, but the camp is on sand and the lanes of the Fes medina are steep and narrow. Please contact us before booking so we can discuss your needs honestly [CONFIRM].
Can we book at short notice?
Often, yes, especially on private tours. Send your dates on WhatsApp and we check availability with the camp and the hotels the same day [CONFIRM].
Do drivers on Marrakech to Fes desert tours speak other languages?
[CONFIRM languages offered]. Tell us your preferred language when you enquire.
Ready to plan?
Tell us your dates, how many travellers, which tour length interests you and where you are staying in Marrakech and Fes. We reply with an itinerary and quote.
- Ask on WhatsApp: +212 667 850 421 (8:30–20:00 Morocco time)
- Contact form: Check availability & get a quote
- Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]
How it works: 1) tell us your plans, 2) get a custom itinerary and quote, 3) confirm, 4) travel.
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