From Fes 2 DaysFes to Fes: 2-Day Merzouga Desert Tour in Morocco
Round trip from Fes
From US$540 per person
A 2-day round trip from Fes to the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga. Middle Atlas cedar forests, camels at sunset and a night in a desert camp.


A 6 days adventure through the stunning landscapes and ancient culture of the Sahara Desert with Escorted Morocco Tours. Our expert guides will take you on a journey from Fez through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the Ziz Valley, and the dunes of Erg Chebbi, where you will witness breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. Experience traditional Berber hospitality, ride camels through the desert, and spend the night in a luxury desert camp under a blanket of stars.
Early Morning, we will meet you in your Riad and start our tour toward Merzouga Desert.
Our first stop will be in Ifrane city. nicknamed as Switzerland of Morocco in the Middle Atlas.
We will drive Few kilometers from the city is where the cedar tree forest of Azrou, hosting a type of Macaque called the Barbary apes. We will have a moment to enjoy with the monkeys before we get back on the road again.
Our next stop will be in Midelt, the country of apples. We will have lunch in this beautiful city and then drive through the Atlas Mountains alongside the Ziz Valley to reach the city of Er-Rachidia which is the gate to the Desert and the southern parts of Morocco.
We will drive more south via the Ziz Oases filled with palm tree groves and Berber villages along the way.
We will reach Erfoud, which is a place of fossils that dates back hundreds of million years, and its is the last city before our main destination Merzouga Desert.
We will reach Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga Desert. A pleasant pit stop in our hotel in the dune lines before you start your camel ride adventure to our camp inside the dunes.
~470 km / 292 mi · approx. 6h30 drive
Overnight in a desert camp inside the dunes with a traditional local music live show around the fire at night.
Overnight in Merzouga Desert in a luxury desert camp. (HB)
Today, we will enjoy exploring Merzouga desert and get to know about the nomad's life. After picking you up from your desert camp, we will drive through the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. A dramatic scenery and one of Morocco's top sights. Our first stop will be at the Nomad's tent where we will be invited to a traditional cup of tea while chatting with the nomads and discover their culture and their way of life.
We then, move closer to the coal mines located in Mefis village. tunnels and holes where local eople used to work during the French occupation.
Next, we head to Khamlia village, whose inhabitants are believed to be descended from the slave that were escaped from the slave trading caravans. This village is known for their traditional type of music known as Gnaoua. We will enjoy together traditional music live show before we treat ourselves for with a local traditional lunch in a local restaurant specialized in Berber Pizza.
After lunch, we will continues to another hidden treasures of the desert. A surprising lake in the middle of the desert, and a life source for many desert birds such as the desert warblers and flocks of flamingos.
At the end of our excursion, we will take you back to the hotel in the dune lines to rest and enjoy the dunes view from your terrace.
After you rest, a multiple optional desert sports and activities can be arranged for you if you prefer to.
Overnight in Merzouga Desert in a luxury desert camp. (HB)
Today, a morning walk to the tallest dune nearby to enjoy a spectacular sunrise, then shower and breakfast before we leave the desert camp.
As we leave the desert, our first stop will be in Rissani town which is used to be one of Morocco first trading posts of gold and slaves.
The city also is an important commercial point with its crowded Souks and local markets. We will take a walk in the Souks and enjoy the authentic way of life that this small city offers.
Our way then, continues toward Tinghir, a former trading place for the caravans many hundred years ago. Few kilometres from the city, we will arrive the Todgha Gorges. A natural rock formation of 300 meters canyons forming a limestone path filled with water coming from the roots of the Anti-Atlas Mountains.
Next, we drive through the road of thousands of Kasbahs to reach the country of figs; Dades Valley. A beautiful scenery filled with different dramatic landscapes along the Dades valley.
We will spend the night inside the Dades Gorges and enjoy a spectacular view of the green fields filled with a lot of fig, and walnut trees.
~280 km / 174 mi · approx. 4h30 drive
Overnight in Dades Valley. (HB)
After breakfast, we will continue our tour toward Marrakech. We will drive via the Imgoun valley or the valley of roses and Skoura Oases. A pleasant stop in the Oases to visit the famous Amridil Kasbahs from the 17th century, one of Morocco's most authentic Kasbahs.
Our way continues to Ouarzazate city known as Cinema capital of Morocco since it is a Hollywood backdrop of many international movies and series. We will visit the Taourirt Kasbah one of the city's main sights before we drive for more few kilometers to arrive to the famous kasbahs of Ait-Benhaddou. A Unesco-protected red mudbrick village which most of its buildings dates back to the caravans era in the 11th century. This fortified village is also a significant backdrop for many famous films and series such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Next, we will drive to Marrakech crossing the High Atlas Mountains, we will enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Tizi N'tichka pass 2260m.
Once we reach Marrakech, we will drop you at your accommodation inside the old city of Marrakech.
~330 km / 205 mi · approx. 6h30 drive
Overnight in Marrakech.(BB)
Our official local guide will meet you at your Riad and start your Marrakech walking tour.
You will start from the main square Djemaa El-Fna, a Unesco declared sight which represent the true authenticity of Moroccan culture; a drama in progress. The Halqa (street theatre), acrobats, snake-charmers, musical performers, and Henna tattoo artists etc…
Next, our guide will introduce you to Marrakech's one of the main sights, Kotoubia Mosque; built in the 12th century. Then, to Ali Ben Youssef Madrassa served as a Qur'anic school for over than six centuries ago, Bahia Palace which is a true magnificent Moroccan decoration built in 1908.
A short walk to another Morocco's top sights Badi Palace; a beautiful ruin from the 16th century.
Our guide then, will escort you to the Saadian tombs. A historic royal necropolis in Marrakech from the 16th century. Then, your tour continues to the Souks; Marrakech's most colorful markets.
When you are done touring the old city, you will move the new part of Marrakech where we will visit the famous Majorelle Gardens and Yves Saint Laurent museum.
At the end of the tour, our guide will escort you back to your Riad inside the Medina.
Overnight in Marrakech. (BB)
We will meet you in your Riad 3 hours before your flight and then transfer to Marrakech airport for your flight back home.
~6 km / 4 mi · approx. 15 min drive
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
Notes:
| Day | Route | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane and Midelt | 470 km / 292 mi | approx. 6h30 |
| Day 3 | Merzouga to Dades Valley via Todra Gorge | 280 km / 174 mi | approx. 4h30 |
| Day 4 | Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou | 330 km / 205 mi | approx. 6h30 |
| Day 6 | Marrakech to Marrakech airport | 6 km / 4 mi | approx. 15 min |
Distances are approximate road distances. Driving times are without stops for sightseeing, photos and meals.
| Duration | 6 days |
|---|---|
| Price from | US$1,711 per person, based on 2 travellers sharing a double room (US$3,422 total for 2) |
| Starts | Fes |
| Ends | Marrakech |
| Tour type | Private tour, only you and your travelling companions |
| Total driving | about 1,086 km / 675 mi |
| Transport | Private air-conditioned vehicle |
| Languages | English, French, Spanish, Arabic |
| Availability | Year-round, on your dates |
This tour runs for 6 days, covering Fes, Merzouga, Boumalne Dades, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, Marrakech.
The tour price includes: Air-conditioned Vehicle; English speaking driver/guide; Overnight in a desert camp dinner (HB); Recommended accommodations for 5 nights (HB); Camel ride in the desert; Dinner and Breakfast; Airport transfer. Flights, travel insurance and personal expenses are not included. Ask us if you want anything confirmed before you book.
Many nationalities, including the US, Canada, UK and most EU countries, can enter Morocco visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Requirements vary, so confirm what applies to you before booking.
Most of our tours suit travellers with a reasonable level of general fitness — expect walking on uneven terrain, some early starts, and on Sahara itineraries a camel trek. Tell us about any concerns when you inquire.
Yes. This itinerary can be adapted to your travel dates, pace and interests — use the inquiry form on this page to tell us what you would like to change.
Yes. Every Escorted Morocco Tours trip is private: the vehicle, driver guide and itinerary are for you and the people you travel with, whether that is a couple, a family or friends. We do not run shared departures and never add other travellers. Prices are per person based on 2 travellers; ask us for a quote for your own party size.
The tour covers about 1,086 km (675 miles) of driving over 4 days. The longest is Day 1, Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane and Midelt: about 470 km (292 miles), roughly 6h30 of driving before stops for sightseeing, photos and meals. You travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle and can ask your driver to stop whenever you like.
Layered clothing for big day-to-night temperature swings, sun protection, a scarf for sand and wind, and closed shoes for the camel trek are the essentials. See our full desert packing list.
From Fes 2 DaysRound trip from Fes
From US$540 per person
A 2-day round trip from Fes to the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga. Middle Atlas cedar forests, camels at sunset and a night in a desert camp.
From Fes 2 DaysFes to Marrakech
From US$580 per person
Journey from Fes to Marrakech across the Sahara in 2 days. Cedar forests, the dunes of Merzouga, camel trekking and an overnight desert camp.
From Fes 3 DaysFes to Marrakech
From US$850 per person
Three days from Fes to Marrakech with two nights in a Merzouga desert camp: camel ride at sunset, tea with nomads and the Erg Chebbi dunes. Private tour.