OVERVIEW
This 2-day desert tour is the perfect solution for travelers who are short on time but still want to experience the magic of the Sahara while journeying from Marrakech to Fes. Despite the brisk pace, this tour ensures you won’t miss the quintessential Moroccan desert experience: embarking on a camel trek across the golden dunes, witnessing a breathtaking sunset over Erg Chebbi, and spending an unforgettable night with local Berbers under a brilliant, starry sky.
While this express route involves a significant amount of driving, it is the most efficient and spectacular way to connect Morocco’s two most famous cities via the Sahara in just two days. For those seeking a fully immersive adventure but working with a tight schedule, this direct crossing delivers an incredible array of landscapes, from soaring mountain peaks to vast desert sands.
HIGHLIGHTS
Tour ITINERARY
DAY 1: MARRAKECH → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → AIT BEN HADDOU → MERZOUGA DESERT
Your express desert adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your riad or hotel in Marrakech. Leaving the vibrant city behind, you will immediately begin your ascent into the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains. Navigating the winding roads of the Tizi-n’Tichka pass, we will make stops to admire the stunning panoramic views of the rugged peaks and traditional valleys.
The journey continues with a panoramic viewing stop at the legendary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, this magnificent fortified mud-brick village is a prime example of ancient Moroccan architecture and has served as the iconic backdrop for major Hollywood productions like Gladiator, Babel, and Game of Thrones. After a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant along the route, we will drive straight toward the Sahara.
Arriving in the town of Merzouga in the late afternoon, your camel caravan will be waiting. You will ride deep into the Erg Chebbi dunes, pausing to take in a peaceful, mesmerizing sunset over the vast sea of sand. Upon arriving at your luxury desert camp after sundown, you will be shown to your private tent where you can freshen up. The evening features a delicious dinner followed by an authentic cultural experience—a blazing bonfire surrounded by traditional Berber drumming and singing under the stars.
DAY 2: MERZOUGA DESERT → ZIZ VALLEY → MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS → IFRANE → FES
We highly recommend waking up early to experience the majestic Sahara sunrise slowly illuminating the dunes. After enjoying a tasty breakfast at the camp, you will board a comfortable 4×4 vehicle for the ride back to Merzouga town, where you will meet your driver to begin the scenic journey north toward Fes.
The drive today offers a drastic change in scenery. We first travel along the lush Ziz Valley, stopping at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking a massive oasis teeming with lush date palm trees. The route then climbs into the Middle Atlas Mountains. We will take a refreshing break in the dense cedar forests near Ifrane—often called the “Switzerland of Morocco”—where you might spot the playful, native Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.
Continuing through the mountains, you will arrive in the imperial city of Fes in the late afternoon. The tour concludes with a direct drop-off at your riad or hotel in the Fes Medina. End of the tour.
Lunches
Beverages and drinks
Entrance fees to monuments and historical sites
Tips (optional but appreciated)
Paying for your tour is straightforward. A small upfront deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot — this can be sent via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The outstanding balance is then settled directly with your driver or guide on the first day of your trip, accepted in euros, US dollars, or Moroccan dirhams.
Morocco’s official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While major hotels and larger establishments tend to accept credit cards, smaller markets and towns generally operate on a cash-only basis, so it’s advisable to carry local currency.
Absolutely. The tour can be fully tailored to match your preferences — whether that means adding extra destinations, upgrading your accommodation, or switching to alternative transport such as a private 4×4 vehicle.
Yes, camel rides are commonly included in desert tour packages, typically used to cross the dunes on the way to your overnight camp.
Camel rides are a standard part of desert experiences and are used to reach the overnight camp by crossing the dunes.
Guests stay in traditional Berber-style tents within a desert camp setting. Amenities include comfortable bedding, warm blankets, shared or private bathroom facilities (depending on the camp category), and a shared dining area for meals and socializing.
The policy varies based on how far in advance you cancel relative to your departure date. A booking deposit is required to hold your reservation, and partial or full refunds may apply depending on the notice given.
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