Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: 4 Days via Merzouga
The Grand South Route: High Atlas, Merzouga Dunes, and the Cedar Forests.
Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour at a Glance
| Private tour, price per person | From |
|---|---|
| 2 travellers | $540 per person |
| 3 to 4 travellers | $485 per person |
| 5 to 6 travellers | $405 per person |
| 7 or more travellers | Ask us |
Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: 3 or 4 Days?
Both lengths follow the same road and end in the same city. The extra day is spent in the desert, not in the car.
3 days, from $430
1 night in the Dades Valley, 1 at a camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
The fastest way: you reach the camp for sunset and leave for Fes after sunrise.
See the 3-day tour4 days, from $540
1 night in the Dades Valley, 2 at the same desert camp.
A full day around Merzouga: Khamlia, the black desert by 4x4 and sandboarding, plus the Telouet Kasbah on day 1.
You are viewing this tourAbout the Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
This private 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes combines the geological diversity of the Atlas Mountains with the cultural heritage of the Sahara. Unlike standard transfers, this itinerary includes a full exploration day in Merzouga, allowing for deep immersion into the Berber culture. The route covers approximately 1,040 km, transitioning from the arid south to the alpine forests of the north, ensuring a comprehensive discovery of Morocco’s landscapes before arriving in the medieval city of Fes.
Highlights
Cross the High Atlas: Drive over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m) with panoramic views of Berber villages.
UNESCO Heritage: Guided walking tour of the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Geological Wonders: Walk beneath the 300-meter limestone cliffs of the Todra Gorges and the rock formations of Dades Valley.
The Sahara Experience: Sunset camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes and overnight stay in a luxury desert camp (private en-suite tent).
Cultural Immersion: Visit the Gnaoua musicians in Khamlia and share tea with nomadic families in the Black Desert.
Middle Atlas Wildlife: Observe the endangered Barbary Macaque monkeys in the Azrou Cedar Forest.
Why Book the Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour with MoroccoMagics?
Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: Day-by-Day Itinerary
The Journey
"We depart Marrakech at 08:00 AM, ascending the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m). We take the scenic minor road to visit the Kasbah Telouet, the crumbling palace of the 'Lord of the Atlas' (Thami El Glaoui). Midday is spent at the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former caravan stop. After lunch, we traverse the Ounila Valley and the Skoura Palm Grove before arriving at our hotel in the Dades Gorges."
The Journey
"The morning begins with a walk beneath the 300-meter limestone cliffs of the Todra Gorge, a world-class destination for rock climbers. We then enter the pre-Saharan plains, stopping in Erfoud, the 'Fossil Capital.' Here, you will see 360-million-year-old Goniatite fossils extracted from the marble quarries. In the afternoon, the tarmac ends at Merzouga. You will switch to dromedary camels for a trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes (reaching 150m high), 1 hour or 90 minutes as you prefer, to witness the sunset before arriving at your luxury camp."
The Journey
"Today is dedicated to desert culture. We visit the village of Khamlia to listen to Gnaoua music, a spiritual rhythm brought to Morocco by sub-Saharan caravans. We drive off-road across the Hamada (Black Desert) to the abandoned M'Fis Lead Mines, a relic of the French Protectorate. Lunch is a traditional Madfouna (Berber Pizza) in Rissani. The afternoon is yours: try Sandboarding on the dunes or relax at the camp."
The Journey
"We depart early, heading north through the Ziz Valley, home to Morocco's largest date palm grove. We cross the Middle Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Talghamt pass. Lunch is in Midelt, the apple capital. In the afternoon, we stop at the Azrou Cedar Forest to observe the endangered Barbary Macaque (monkeys) in their natural habitat. A brief stop in Ifrane ('Little Switzerland') precedes our arrival in Fes."
Places on this route: Marrakech · Aït Benhaddou · Dades Valley · Merzouga · Midelt · Ifrane · Fes
What to Expect on the Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Fes Arrival Protocol
Unlike Marrakech, vehicles cannot enter the historic Fes Medina. Our Gate-to-Door Protocol ensures a seamless arrival:
Your Private Vehicle
Your Driver & Guide
"Your driver is more than a chauffeur; he is your local host."
Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: Price and What Is Included
We believe in clear, honest pricing with no hidden fees. Your private tour includes all transportation, fuel, accommodation, and selected activities. You only pay extra for your personal lunches, drinks, and discretionary tips.
What is Included
- Private Transportation4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (2022–2025 models) with A/C and fuel included.
- Local ExpertEnglish-speaking driver/guide dedicated to your group for 4 days.
- Door-to-Door ServicePick-up from your Marrakech Riad/Airport and drop-off at your Fes Riad (including luggage porter coordination).
- Premium Accommodation
- • Night 1 (Dades): Private en-suite room (Dinner included).
- • Night 2 (Merzouga): Private luxury tent with en-suite hot shower and toilet (Dinner & Breakfast included).
- • Night 3 (Merzouga): Second night in the same desert camp (Dinner & Breakfast included).
- Experiences
- • Sunset Camel Trek in Erg Chebbi: 1 hour or 90 minutes, your choice.
- • Sandboarding in the dunes.
- • Gnaoua Music performance in Khamlia.
- • Off-road 4x4 exploration of the Black Desert.
What is Not Included
- LunchesAllow approximately €10–€12 (100–120 MAD) per person, per meal. (We stop at clean, local restaurants).
- DrinksWater, soda, and alcohol at hotels.
- Entrance FeesOptional visits like the Cinema Museum in Ouarzazate (€5) or Telouet Kasbah (€2).
- TipsDiscretionary tips for your driver and porters.
- FlightsInternational or domestic flights.
Know Before You Go: Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Hot days and cold nights, even in spring: a warm layer for the camp, a scarf against sun and sand, sunglasses and sun cream.
Keep what you need for the night in a small bag; the main luggage stays in the vehicle.
The desert is far from the cities, so expect several hours on the road each way, broken by stops in the gorges and kasbahs.
Lunches, drinks and tips are paid in dirhams, so take out cash before you leave the city. See the money guide.
March to May and September to November are the most comfortable; summer passes 40°C and winter nights are close to freezing. More in our Sahara guide.
Compare the Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour with Similar Tours
| Tour | Length | From, per person |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour (this tour) | 4 days | $540 |
| 6 Days Tour from Tangier to Marrakech | 6 days | $940 |
| 4 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga | 4 days | $540 |
| 4 Days Desert Tour from Agadir to Merzouga | 4 days | $560 |
Before and After the Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
A day in Marrakech
- Imlil & Atlas Mountains Day Trip from Marrakech$80
- Ourika Valley Day Trip from Marrakech$70
- Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech$125
- Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip from Marrakech$105
- Agafay Desert Camel Ride and Sunset Dinner from Marrakech$95
- Marrakech Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise$230
- Marrakech City Tour & Medina Walk with a Licensed Guide$50
A day in Fes
Every route we run to the dunes, with the nights in the desert and prices side by side: Morocco desert tours from Marrakech and Fes.
Want a different route or extra days? With a private driver in Morocco you set the itinerary, from a day trip to two weeks across the country.
Booking, Payment and Cancellation
- Price basis
- Prices are per person, based on two travellers sharing. Larger groups pay less per person; a solo traveller pays more. The final price is confirmed in your written quote.
- Currency
- Tour prices are in US dollars. Meals, entrance fees and tips during the trip are paid in Moroccan dirhams (MAD).
- Deposit and balance
- A 15% deposit confirms the booking (PayPal, bank transfer or credit card). The balance is paid on arrival in Morocco.
- Cancellation
- Tell us in writing. Your deposit is fully refundable.
- Travel insurance
- Required, covering medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability.
Full details: booking terms and how tour prices work.
Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: Your Questions
Both end in Fes. This 4-day tour adds a full day around Merzouga, with Khamlia, the Black Desert by 4x4 and sandboarding, two nights at the same desert camp and a visit to the Telouet Kasbah on day 1. The 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes (from $430 per person) covers the same main route with one night at the camp and more driving each day.
The whole route is about 1,040 km. Day 1 is about 330 km (6.5 hours) to the Dades Valley, day 2 about 250 km (4.5 hours) to Merzouga, day 3 has no long drive, and day 4 is the longest, about 459 km (7.5 hours) north through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas to Fes.
$540 is per person, based on two travellers sharing. It includes the private 4x4 with fuel, your driver-guide for 4 days, one night in a Dades Valley hotel and two nights in a private desert tent with its own hot shower and toilet, dinner and breakfast each night, the sunset camel trek (1 hour or 90 minutes), sandboarding, the Gnaoua music in Khamlia and the 4x4 trip across the Black Desert. Lunches, drinks, optional entrance fees and tips are extra.
At your riad. Cars cannot enter the Fes medina, so your driver stops at the nearest gate and helps with your luggage to the door.
March to May and September to November. In July and August the Sahara passes 40°C, so time on the dunes moves to early morning and evening. In winter, nights at the camp drop close to freezing, but the tour runs all year.
Yes. Add a day in Marrakech with a licensed guide before it: that is Route 1 of our 5 day Morocco itinerary, which compares it with two other 5-day routes.
Tour Details
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