Experience some of Morocco‘s most striking landscapes on a 2-day, private trip from Marrakech to Fes. Spend a wonderful night in a luxurious desert camp. This brief, yet action-packed, journey will lead you over the mighty High Atlas Mountains, past the ancient Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and into the stunning Dades and Todgha Gorges. The further you go into the desert, the more you will see of Merzouga, where camel treks across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes take you to sleep under the stars in a Berber luxury camp. The next day you drive on to Fes, passing pretty towns, fertile Ziz Valley and stunning desert landscapes. Ideal for time-strapped travelers, this tour swaps a night in the Sahara Desert for a two-day Sahara Desert adventure linking Marrakech to another of Morocco’s must-see cities.
With this 2-day, 1-night private tour from Marrakech to Fes, you’ll spend the first day in the Dades Valley with a visit to a local village before heading to your accommodations for the night. When you take a private tour, you receive personalized attention, flexibility and the opportunity to stop at scenic spots, off-the-beaten-path vistas and local roadside cafes. Whether you’re pausing for tea high in the High Atlas Mountains or spending more time at the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, a private tour means the trip is tailored to you. Perfect for couples, families or small groups who are looking for a more personal and deeper connection with the Sahara, while being transported safely and comfortably between two of Morocco’s most famous cities.
Your Private desert trip will start at approximately 7:00 am, when you meet with your driver guide at your accommodation in Marrakech. You will travel between the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka pass (at 2,260 meters), a winding panoramic road with unspoiled views and the opportunity to take picturesque photographs of the nearby Berber Villages.
After around 3.5 hours (180 kilometers), you’ll reach the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its kasbahs made from earthen clay and for its film credits (Gladiator, Game of Thrones, The Mummy and More). You’ll wander the kasbah for around an hour, with time for photo ops and a local lunch.
After passing Ouarzazate and the Road of 1000 Kasbahs you begin crossing into the heart of the Draa Valley, and the vast Saharan plateaus. We will make some short halts en-route to photograph scenery and to witness some landmark cultural highlights.
After a long but visually stimulating drive you will arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon – approximately 560 km from Marrakech. Here, your camels are waiting to take you across the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset. The journey takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and the view on the way is beautiful and tranquil.
You will reach your luxury or traditional desert camp in the core of the dunes, where you’re welcomed by mint tea and Berber hospitality. Feast on a tasty Moroccan meal before traditional music around the campfire and an evening under the stars.
When the sun rises over the dunes wake early for this special moment, then have breakfast at the camp. Then mount camels or drive back to the edge of the desert on a 4×4 to find your driver.
From Merzouga the adventure climbs northwards to Fes through the dramatic Ziz Valley – also famous for its date palms and grand panoramas of the landscape. You’ll pause for photos and lunch in or near Midelt, a low-key town located between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas Mountains.
Further on down the lush cedar forests of Azrou, you may catch sight of wild Barbary macaques. You’ll also travel through Ifrane, frequently referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-inspired architecture and cool temperatures. In the early evening, you will reach Fes where you Marrakech to Fes Desert trip will end.
⇒ Important Note:
This 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes is a bespoke tour, so it can be tailored to meet your specific requirements and can be adjusted within your schedule and style of travel. If you’re looking for a more cultural emphasis, a bit more time, or some upgraded accommodations, we are delighted to be able to customize the trip for you to make it just what you’re looking for.
Note that prices can change according to the number of participants and the kind of accommodation you choose (standard or luxury). The larger the group that takes the tour, the cheaper it gets per person. But the cost of transportation remains the same since it is per vehicle and not per person. Feel free to contact our team for a custom quote or to customize your itinerary — it is available 24/7 to take your call!
Our 2-day tour from Marrakech to Fes with Private Moroccan Tour was absolutely incredible. The highlight was spending the night in the Merzouga desert riding camels at sunset, enjoying traditional Berber music by the campfire, and waking up to a beautiful desert sunrise. Hassan, our guide, was knowledgeable, kind, and made the whole journey smooth and enjoyable. The itinerary was well-paced, the vehicle was comfortable, and every stop felt meaningful. A perfect taste of Morocco in just two days highly recommend!
Our trip from Marrakech to Fes with Private Moroccan Tour was an unforgettable experience. The drive through the Atlas Mountains was breathtaking, and the night in the Merzouga desert was magical camel ride, stargazing, and delicious food by the fire. Hassan was an amazing guide friendly, organized, and always made sure we were comfortable. Everything ran smoothly and felt personalized. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see the best of Morocco in a short time!
Customization Available: All our tours can be personalized to match your itinerary, desires, and travel style. If you want to make modifications such as adding stops, upgrading the accommodations or taking it a bit slower feel free to ask, we take care of it all.
Tour costs depend on many factors:
To get a booking confirmation you will need to make a few small deposits. The balance can be paid on arrival.
What to Pack:
Travel INSURANCE: Travel insurance covering medical, trip cancellation, and lost luggage is recommended.
Local Guides & Drivers: Our guides and drivers are experienced and knowledgeable of the local ingredients, history and culture, speak English, French and other languages! They are not only drivers they are also storytellers, cultural ambassadors and confidants.
Luggage: A small daypack is recommended for overnight stays (especially desert camps). Your primary luggage will be locked in the vehicle.
Weather & Conditions: Morocco’s weather can be changeable hot days, cold nights especially in the mountains and desert. Make sure you consider the seasonal conditions before heading on the trip.
Responsible Travel: We promote respect for local traditions and culture. Our Tours are all about Sustainable and real Moroccan experience.
Private Moroccan Tours is available 24/7. So please do not hesitate to contact our team of experienced and friendly human beings who are always available to help you create your own Moroccan experience according to your area of interest and schedule. With great insight into the beautiful country of Morocco, its culture, nature and tourism we are dedicated to offering you a memorable experience. There is the small deposit needed to secure your Moroccan trip, please do keep in mind that!
