Shared Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

Group 3-Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Take the scenic drive through Morocco’s Sahara desert to connect between the two imperial cities on a shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour. This desert safari requires at least 3 days to enjoy it to the most. The distance between Marrakech and Fes is 530 Km. You will drive past ancient Kasbahs, Berber villages, meet the nomads, and spend the night in a Merzouga desert camp. To sum it up, Marrakech to Fes desert trip is a can’t miss adventure.

Highlights of the Shared 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes:

Drive across the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi Ntichka pass
Witness the majesty of the UNESCO world heritage Kasbah of Ait Ben Hadou
Admire the scenery of the Valley of the roses to Dades Canyons
Walk along the stream in Todra 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
Drive from Merzouga to Fes past the Middle Atlas Mountains and cedar woods

Itinerary of the Group 3 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour:

Day 1: Marrakech - Kasbah Ait Ben Hadou - 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. A quick stop for a coffee and toilet will be made before we 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, etc….)
If you wish, you can hire a local guide with the rest of the group ( optional ) for a visit of the village before you choose 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 also known as ‘’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 having enjoyed your breakfast, get ready for an amazing journey which will be the highlight of your shared Marrakech to Fez desert tour: Your next stop will be at Tinghir oasis, where you will have the chance of walking along the stream under the shade of date 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). From here, you can spot the pink sand 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 at the lodge pool before you 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 amazing views of some of the greatest oases of Morocco.
From here 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.

Included

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 Moroccandinner

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 Hadou ( 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 at 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 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 Erg Chebbi desert camp.
Are bathrooms in Merzouga Sahara desert camp private?

No they are not, they are shared bathrooms. Western flushable toilets and hand washing 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 surise 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 on the tour.
Can we hire quad bikes in Merzouga on our Shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour?

You won’t have time to experience a quad biking activity in Erg Chebbi on a shared tour. 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 an other hour for sunrise the following day. Time depends on season, Day light 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.