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Private 2-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga
Book this fast-paced 2-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech with Morocco Experience Tours. Camp under the Sahara stars, ride a camel at sunset, and visit Ait Ben Haddou on the way. This private tour suits travelers with only two days and one night to spare.
2-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech Overview
Connect Morocco’s two most famous imperial cities on this 2-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech. It is organized professionally by Morocco Experience Tours. First, this one-way route takes you from Fes to the Sahara. Then, it crosses the High Atlas to Marrakech. Along the way, you’ll pass mountain passes, green palm valleys, and towering earthen fortresses.
One Night in the Sahara, Two Imperial Cities
Furthermore, this 2 days Fes to Marrakech desert tour packs the main highlights into a seamless route. Specifically, you’ll sleep one night in a luxury Sahara camp with a private bathroom. You’ll also enjoy a camel trek, live campfire music, and dramatic mountain scenery. As a result, it suits active travelers with a tight schedule. Fes is also spelled Fez, so you may know this trip as the Fez to Marrakech desert tour.
Both days involve long drives, so this tour is fast and efficient rather than relaxed. For a slower pace, see our 3 day tour from Fes to Marrakech. The 4 day tour from Fes to Marrakech is slower still. Prefer to return to Fes? Choose our 2-day Fes to Merzouga tour. You can also browse all our tours from Fes or compare other routes in our Morocco Sahara desert tour packages.
- Highlights :
- Travel through the alpine towns of the Middle Atlas, including Ifrane
- See wild Barbary macaques in the Azrou cedar forests, from a respectful distance
- Enjoy a traditional lunch break in the mountain town of Midelt
- Capture panoramic photos over the green Ziz Valley oasis
- Enjoy a sunset camel trek over the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Sleep in a luxury Sahara camp with a private boutique bathroom
- Walk beneath the red limestone cliffs of the Todra Gorge
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass into Marrakech
- Included
- Private A/C 4x4 or Minivan + Fuel throughout
- Professional English-speaking driver / guide
- Pick-up in Fes & Drop-off at your Marrakech Riad
- 1 Night in a luxury desert camp with private bath
- Sunset & sunrise camel ride or 4WD alternative
- Half-board meal plan (1 dinner & 1 breakfast)
- Excluded
- Daily lunches & refreshing drinks
- Optional local historical city guides
- Personal shopping expenses & souvenirs
- Gratuities for your dedicated drivers and guides
- Entrance fees to historical monuments
- International travel insurance
2-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech Itinerary — Day by Day
Day 1: Fes to Ifrane, the Cedar Forest, Midelt, the Ziz Valley, and the Merzouga Desert Camp
Your 2-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech starts early in the morning. Your professional English-speaking driver greets you at your accommodation. Leaving Fes behind, your air-conditioned vehicle travels south through Imouzzer to Ifrane. This town is often called “the Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture, clean streets, and cool climate. Next, you’ll pass through the cedar forests of Azrou, where wild Barbary macaques live among the trees. It’s a good spot to observe them respectfully, without feeding them.
After lunch in Midelt, the route crosses the Tizi n’Talghemt pass, at 1,907 meters. Then, you’ll follow the Ziz River canyon, with a panoramic stop over the green palm oases below. By late afternoon, you’ll reach the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. There, you’ll switch to a camel for a trek across the sand to watch the sunset. Finally, you’ll check into your luxury camp, where you can try sandboarding or simply relax. The night ends with a multi-course Moroccan dinner and live Berber drumming around the campfire.
Day 2: Merzouga to the Todra Gorge, Ait Ben Haddou, and Marrakech
Waking early for a Sahara sunrise among the dunes is a highlight. After breakfast at camp, you’ll return to Merzouga by camel or 4WD, where your driver meets you. Then, you’ll head west along the desert highway, past the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. Next, you’ll reach the Todra Gorge, where the river has carved a 300-meter limestone canyon. You can walk along the riverbed and photograph the red cliffs. Afterward, you’ll stop for lunch near Ouarzazate.
After lunch, the route continues west to the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO-listed fortified village. It is also a filming location for Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. You’ll take a short walk through its earthen corridors. Finally, the route climbs back over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with photo stops at the viewpoints. By late evening, your driver drops you at your hotel, riad, or the Marrakech airport.
Good to Know Before Your 2-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
- Starting point: Fes. Your driver collects you early in the morning at your accommodation.
- End point: Marrakech, at your riad, hotel, or the airport, by late evening.
- Length: this 2-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech lasts 2 days and 1 night.
- Driving: both days are long. Day 1 is about 7.5 hours of driving, and Day 2 is about 10 hours, plus stops. For a slower pace, choose our 3-day tour.
- Meals: half-board, with 1 dinner and 1 breakfast. Lunches are not included.
- Desert night: 1 night in a luxury Sahara camp near Merzouga, with a private bathroom. For camps, camel treks, and dunes in detail, read our Merzouga desert guide.
- What to bring: a small overnight bag for the camp, and a warm layer for the desert night.
- Best season: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable. See our guide to the best time to visit Morocco.
- Wildlife note: Barbary macaques near Azrou are wild; observe them without feeding, for their health and yours.
- Extra days: with more time in Marrakech, add one of our day trips from Marrakech.
- Best for: travelers with only two days who want one night in the Sahara and a one-way route to Marrakech.
- Can I customize this 2-day tour?
Yes. Every route can be adjusted for additional days, different accommodation levels, or specific interests. Visit our Morocco custom tours page, or contact us directly.
Customize Your Sahara Escape
This 2-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech can be tailored to your pace. For example, you can add a second night in the Sahara, upgrade your camp, or add more stops. Additionally, our travel specialists can arrange bespoke guided experiences. Simply tell us your preferences in the booking request.
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- Tour Map :
Tour route (8 stops)
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- Ready to Discover Morocco Your Way?
At Morocco Experience Tours, we create personalized Morocco tours and private travel experiences designed around you. Customize your itinerary, choose your hotels, add extra nights, or discover new destinations. Let our local experts create your perfect Morocco vacation and enjoy an unforgettable journey through Morocco.
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Accommodation Options and Practical Details
Comfortable riads or hotels and a Berber desert camp with private tents and shared or private bathrooms.
Charming riads with character and a desert camp with private bathroom, hot shower and better decoration.
Boutique riads and a luxury Sahara camp with real beds, en-suite bathroom and premium dinners.
- Pick-up: at your riad, hotel or the airport, usually around 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. (we adapt the time).
- Private: only your group, in your own air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
- Languages: English and Spanish-speaking drivers; licensed local guides in the medinas.
- Camel or 4x4: camel ride to the camp, or a 4x4 transfer if you prefer.
Private 2-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga FAQ
How many hours do you drive each day on the 2-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech?
Most days have 3 to 5 hours of driving with stops. The longest day is usually the drive between Fes and Merzouga, about 7.5 hours, with breaks in Ifrane, the cedar forest and Midelt.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Ifrane and ends in ma. We pick you up at your riad, hotel, airport or port.
Is this tour private?
Yes. You travel only with your group, in your own air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver. You can adapt the stops and the pace.
Do I have to ride a camel?
No. A 4x4 transfer to the desert camp is available. You can also choose a luxury desert camp in Merzouga with a private bathroom.
How cold is the Sahara at night?
From November to February, nights can drop to about 0 to 5 °C. Read our guide to Morocco in winter.
What is the route of the 2-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech?
The route goes through Ifrane → Azrou → Midelt → Merzouga → Tinghir → Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech → ma. You can open the full route on Google Maps. Want a different route? Build your own with our custom Morocco tours.
What should I pack and know before the trip?
Bring layers, comfortable shoes and a warm jacket. See what to pack for the Morocco desert, the official Visit Morocco information and how a private driver in Morocco works.
