Many travelers fly into Marrakech and out of Fes, or the other way around. The good news is that the Sahara desert lies right between the two cities. Instead of taking a train or a flight, you can turn the journey into the best part of your trip: kasbahs, gorges, a camel ride into the dunes of Merzouga and a night under the stars. This guide explains the Marrakech to Fes desert route day by day, how many days you need, and what you will see on the way.
Why Go From Marrakech to Fes Through the Desert?
The direct road from Marrakech to Fes takes about 6 to 7 hours and shows you little of the real Morocco. The desert route is longer, but it crosses almost every landscape of the country: the High Atlas, the oases of the south, the dunes of the Sahara, the palm groves of the Ziz Valley and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas. It is one trip that links two imperial cities and the desert, without ever going back on the same road.
The Route Day by Day
| Day | Route | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley | Hotel in the Dades Valley |
| 2 | Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga, camel ride at sunset | Desert camp in Erg Chebbi |
| 3 | Sunrise – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes | Your riad in Fes |
This is the classic 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour. Each day has 6 to 8 hours on the road, with many stops for photos, lunch and short walks.
The Highlights on the Way
Tizi n’Tichka and Aït Ben Haddou
The road crosses the High Atlas at 2,260 m, past Berber villages built into the mountains. On the other side, the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou is one of the most beautiful fortified villages in Morocco.
Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
The Dades Valley is famous for its red rock formations and winding road. The next morning, you walk in the Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon with walls up to 300 m high.
Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes
The heart of the trip. You ride a camel into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi for the sunset, have dinner and Berber music in the camp, and wake up for the sunrise. Read what to expect in our guide to desert camps in Merzouga.
Ziz Valley, Midelt and the Middle Atlas
On the last day, the road follows the long palm groves of the Ziz Valley, climbs to Midelt at the foot of the mountains, and crosses the cedar forests near Azrou, where Barbary macaques live. You pass Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco”, before arriving in Fes.
3, 4 or 7 Days?
- 3 days: the fastest way, with one night in the desert. Our 3 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Fes follows this route.
- 4 days: adds a full day in the desert, with a nomad family visit, Gnawa music in Khamlia and a second night in a hotel in Merzouga. See the 4 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Fes.
- 7 days: start with Marrakech, cross the desert, then discover Fes with a local guide. Our 7 Days Morocco Itinerary From Marrakech To Fes combines it all.
For more help choosing, read how many days you need from Marrakech to Merzouga.
Fes to Marrakech: The Same Trip in Reverse
If you arrive in Fes, you can do the same journey the other way. The first day from Fes to Merzouga is shorter, so you reach the dunes on day 1. See our 3 Days Desert Tour From Fes To Marrakech or the 4 Days Travel Itinerary From Fes To Marrakech.
Practical Tips
- Luggage: your suitcase stays in the vehicle, so you only need a small bag for the night in the camp.
- Flights: book your flight out of Fes for the day after the tour, not the same evening.
- Season: the Middle Atlas can have snow in winter; your driver knows the roads and the conditions.
- Private tour: you travel with your own driver-guide, so you can stop wherever you like and change the pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Marrakech to Fes through the desert?
About 1,000 km in total over three days: roughly 560 km from Marrakech to Merzouga, and about 470 km from Merzouga to Fes.
Is the Marrakech to Fes desert tour worth it?
Yes. It is the most popular way to travel between the two cities, because you see the Sahara without going back the same way.
Can we add Chefchaouen?
Yes. From Fes, Chefchaouen is about 4 hours away. We can add it to your trip, or plan a longer itinerary that continues to the north.
Ready for your Sahara adventure?
Tell us your dates, and we will plan your private Marrakech to Fes desert tour around them.
See desert tours Chat on WhatsApp