Shared Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

Group 3-Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Take the scenic drive through Morocco Sahara desert to connect the two imperial cities on a shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour. This desert safari requires three days and two nights to enjoy it the most. The distance between Marrakech and Fes is 530 Km. First, you will drive past ancient Kasbahs and Berber villages. Then, meet nomads in the Merzouga desert, and spend the night in a Sahara desert camp tucked between Erg Chebbi dunes.

Shared Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Highlights:

Drive across the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi N'tichka pass
Witness the majesty of the UNESCO world heritage Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
Admire the scenery of the Valley of the roses to Dades Canyons
Walk along the stream in Tinghir oasis to the massive cliffs of Todra Canyons
Ride your camel for a dramatic sunset view over Erg Chebbi dunes
Spend the night at your Sahara desert camp in Merzouga
Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains to Fes past cedar woods and watch Barbary Apes

Group 3 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Marrakech - Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - Boumalne Dades
(7 Hours Drive)
Your shared desert tour to Fes from Marrakech will start in the morning with pick up from your hotel or the nearest accessible point to your riad. After driving past Marrakech suburbs, full of small towns and different farms, we start driving uphill to cross the High Atlas Mountains. You will make a quick stop for coffee and a toilet before you reach the famous Tizi Ntichka pass (2260 m high).
Numerous stops will be made to take photos and stretch your legs before the landscape dramatically changes upon approaching Kasbah Air Ben Hadou. This UNESCO classified village is one of the most visited landmarks in Morocco. It is famous for having been -and still is- used for different Hollywood epics (Game of Thrones, Kingdom of Heaven, Gladiator)
If you wish, you can hire a local guide with the rest of the group ( optional ) to visit the village before choosing a local cafe for lunch.
In the afternoon, we continue to Dades Valley past Ouarzazate, Skoura Oasis, and Klaa Mgouna; the latter is famous for its Damascus rose plantation and distillation. The journey between Ouarzazate and Dades is "The road of 1001 Kasbahs." Upon arrival at Boumalne Dades, deviate to a minor road driving past amazing scenery of Dades River, with different fortified Berber villages in the backdrop.
Arrive at your Dads Hotel just before it gets dark, and enjoy your dinner.
Accomodation Details:
- Hotel le chateau
Day 2: Boumalne Dades - Tinghir - Merzouga - Erg Chebbi
(5 Hours Drive)
After breakfast at your hotel, get ready for an amazing journey. First, you will arrive at Tinghir oasis, where you will have the chance to walk along the stream under the shade of palm and olive trees, witnessing local Berbers taking care of their crops or herding their cattle.
The walk will lead you to the majestic cliffs of Todgha Gorges, where you will have the opportunity to take some photos and enjoy the silence.
After lunch at leisure at one of the local cafes, you will continue to Rissani past various small towns, oases, and Ksours (fortified villages). You can spot the pink dunes approaching over the horizon.
Upon arrival in Merzouga, meet your camel caravan, and start an hour-long camel ride over Erg Chebbi sand dunes, marveling at one of the best sunset views.
Continue your camel trek to your Sahara desert camp. A delicious Moroccan dinner will be served tonight at your Bedouin camp, and your nomad hosts will be entertaining you around the campfire with their drums under the crystal clear sky.
Overnight at your Merzouga desert camp.
Accomodation Details:
- Comfortable Camp
- OR
- Deluxe Camp
Day 3: Merzouga - Midelt - Ifran - Fes
(8 Hours Drive)
After an early sunrise camel ride crossing Erg Chebbi dunes, arrive at the camp operator's lodge in Merzouga for breakfast, shower, and maybe a quick swim. Meet your new driver, who will be taking you to Fes today. The journey will take you across the Ziz Valley, dotted with thousands of date palm trees, enjoying superb views of some of the greatest oases of Morocco.
Next, you will cross the Middle Atlas Mountains to Midelt, a small town halfway to Fez, where you will stop for lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, you will drive past the cedar forests where you might have the opportunity to spot wild monkeys ( also known as Barbary apes ) before you reach the small town of Iran, which is famous for being a popular winter resort for Moroccans.
Your estimated time of arrival to Fes is 17h00, and your shared 3-days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes will come to an end with a drop off at your hotel or the nearest accessible point to your Riad.

Tour Map

Map of Shared Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

What is included in this 3-Day Shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour:

A/C modern minibus (no more than 17 passengers for day 1 & 2 and no more than 6 on day 3)

English/French speaking driver

First night at hotel Le Vieux Chateau including dinner and breakfast ( Private A/C ensuite room )

Sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi

Overnight at a Sahara desert camp in Erg Chebbi including Moroccan dinner

Drop off at a location of your choice in Fes.

Sand boarding

Shower and breakfast at the camp operator's lodge in Merzouga

Drop off at a location of your choice in Fes.

Not included

Beverages

Lunches on the way

Personal expenses

Local guide in Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou (3 Euros per person – Optional)

Know Before You Go:

Please note the above driving times do not include time for sightseeing, lunches, drinks, and photos.
This shared Morocco desert tour is perfect for easy-going travelers with limited expectations. Otherwise a private tour would suit you much better
Your luggage is welcome on this Marrakech to Merzouga trip. It will be safely stored in the van while camping in the desert.
Please make sure you prepare a small backpack/rucksack for the camel ride and overnight in the camp.
Please bring your own bathroom condiments and towel for the camp.
Warm blankets are supplied during the winter. However, warm sleeping clothes are necessary as temperatures can reach 0°C.
Hat, sunglasses, good walking shoes, and wet napping are of good use during this tour.
Please wear jeans, trousers, or long shorts for the camel ride to have a comfortable trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
If you wish to experience sand boarding in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, there are a few sand boards in the lodge to take with you to the camp. Just ask for it and if available, you will be given one

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the first night hotel in Dades Valley private on your Shared Marrakech to Fes tour?

Yes, the first night in Dades Valley is a private ensuite air-conditioned room.
Is the second night desert camp tent in Erg Chebbi private on your shared desert tour to Fez?

Yes, it is. You will have a private tent in the Erg Chebbi desert camp.
Are bathrooms in Merzouga Sahara desert camp private?

No, they are not; they are public bathrooms. Western flushable toilets and handwashing sinks are located outside your tent. Showers are available at the camp operator’s lodge in Merzouga the following morning.
How do we travel from Merzouga to Fes on day 3?

After an early sunrise camel ride from your Erg Chebbi camel ride to the camp operator’s lodge, breakfast, and a quick shower, you will meet your new driver in the lodge, who will take you to Fez.
Will there be stops along the way to Fes?

Yes, there will be stops from Merzouga to Fes. Especially to watch the Barbary Apes in the Middle Atlas Mountains if you meet them on the road. There will also be a stop in Midelt for lunch at leisure.
What happens to our luggage while camping in Erg Chebbi before leaving to Fes?

Your luggage will be kept safe at the camp operator’s lodge in Merzouga until you meet your new driver to Fes the following day.
Is the tour price fixed or it all depends on how many people join the tour?

Yes, Shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour price is fixed, provided there is a minimum of 2 participants.
Can we hire quad bikes in Merzouga on our Shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour?

On a shared tour, you won’t have time to experience a quad biking activity in Erg Chebbi. Instead, you will arrive just in time for sunset and depart in the morning just after breakfast.
How long is the camel ride in Erg Chebbi?

It is roughly 1 hour for sunset and another hour for sunrise the following day. So time depends on the season, Daylight saving time, and sunset/sunrise time.

Reviews

Hanna L – Dec 2020:

The entire 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fez was carried out according to the schedule. Camel riding, as well as watching sunset and sunrise, was an unforgettable experience. Even though sleeping in the desert tent was incredibly chilly, seeing the galaxy at night was a memorable experience. The visit to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and the Todgha Canyons were also highlights of the 3-day Marrakech to Fes tour itinerary.

Vicky R – Oct 2019:

We had a great time throughout the 3 days tour from Marrakech to Fes, truly liked the tour, and especially appreciated the desert; I would strongly advise anybody visiting Morocco to spend at least one night there. We were especially pleased since the trip was well suited to our needs as vegetarians, and we had no issue keeping track of our meals.

Paul A – Sep 2019:

What a fantastic adventure! The travel from Marrakech to Fes was long and sometimes difficult, but there were several intriguing stops along the way, and once you arrive in the desert, it was all worth it. The experience of riding a camel in the desert is quite unique, and the scenery is breath taking. The tented camp was fantastic; we were provided with our own tent and clothing, dinner was delicious, and the mood around the campfire after dinner was fantastic! The starry sky added to the beauty of the scene. When we arrived back at the lodge in Merzouga, we were treated to a delicious breakfast and the opportunity to shower. We were the only ones in the group that travelled to Fez, so we got a separate car to drive us to Fes.