Looking for a Morocco itinerary with Sahara desert? Most travelers want both: the medinas of Marrakech and Fes and a night in the dunes. The good news is that the desert sits between the two cities, so a well-planned route adds the Sahara without backtracking. This guide shows how to combine cities and dunes, with sample itineraries from 5 to 14 days.
Quick answer: the smartest way is a one-way route between Marrakech and Fes through Merzouga. With 3 to 5 days, take a desert tour between the two cities; with 7 days or more, add the imperial cities, Chefchaouen or the coast. Start with our 3 day tour from Marrakech guide.
Morocco Itineraries with the Sahara Compared
| Book | Route | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | Marrakech → Sahara → Fes | A short trip with one desert night |
| 7 days | Casablanca → imperial cities → Sahara → Marrakech | A first trip to Morocco |
| 8 days | Marrakech → Sahara → Fes → Chefchaouen → Tangier | Ending in the north or Spain |
| 10 days | Cities, Sahara and the coast | A complete trip |
| 14 days | The whole country | A slow, complete journey |
All these routes are private, with your own vehicle and driver.
Why the Sahara Fits Between Marrakech and Fes
A natural one-way route
Merzouga lies on the road between Marrakech and Fes. Therefore, instead of a round trip from one city, you cross the High Atlas, sleep in the dunes and continue to the other city. Read Fes to Marrakech.
Merzouga, not Zagora
For itineraries with more than two days, Merzouga is the best choice, because its Erg Chebbi dunes are much higher. Compare them in Merzouga vs Zagora.
Sample Itineraries
5 days: Marrakech to Fes
Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, a night in the dunes and a full desert day. Read our 5 day tour from Marrakech guide.
7 days: imperial cities and the Sahara
Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fes, the desert and Marrakech, as on the 7-day tour from Casablanca. Read also 7 days in Morocco and our imperial cities tour guide.
8 days: Marrakech to Tangier
The south, the desert, Fes and Chefchaouen on the 8-day tour from Marrakech to Tangier.
10 to 14 days: the complete route
Add the coast and rest days. Read our 10 day Morocco itinerary and 14 day Morocco itinerary.
How Many Nights in the Desert?
One night is enough to see the sunset, the stars and the sunrise. However, two nights, or one night in a camp and one in a hotel facing the dunes, let you enjoy a full desert day with nomads. Choose a luxury desert camp in Merzouga for more comfort.
Itineraries for Families and Couples
Families can book our Morocco family tour with short driving days, and couples our Morocco honeymoon tour with a luxury camp.
Tips
- Fly into one city and out of another to avoid backtracking.
- Avoid very long days: add a night when a drive exceeds 8 hours.
- Pack warm layers for desert nights. See what to pack for the Morocco desert and Morocco in winter.
- Use a private driver: read private driver in Morocco.
Morocco Itinerary with Sahara Desert FAQ
How many days do I need to include the Sahara?
At least 3 days from Marrakech or Fes; 5 to 7 days is more comfortable.
What is the best way to include the desert?
A one-way route between Marrakech and Fes through Merzouga, so you never backtrack.
Is Merzouga or Zagora better?
Merzouga has much higher dunes and is better for itineraries of 3 days or more.
Can I add the Sahara to a 7 day itinerary?
Yes. A 7-day route can include the imperial cities, one desert night and Marrakech.
Is it safe to travel to the Sahara?
Yes, especially with a professional private driver.
Plan Your Morocco Itinerary with the Sahara
In short, the Sahara fits naturally between Marrakech and Fes, so you can combine cities and dunes in one smooth route. Tell us how many days you have and we will build the itinerary.
Plan your trip: ask for a free quote, write to us on WhatsApp, or start with the 3 day tour from Marrakech.
