2-Day Marrakech to Fez Desert Tour

General Overview

Not everyone has a week to spare, but that doesn't mean the Sahara has to stay out of reach. This two-day route links Marrakech and Fez by way of Merzouga, turning what would otherwise be a direct transfer between cities into a real desert experience — camel ride, sunset over the dunes, dinner around a fire, and a night in a private tent under the clearest sky you're likely to see on the whole trip.

It's a demanding route by design: two long driving days connect the Atlas Mountains, the pre-Saharan plains, and the Middle Atlas in the space of about 36 hours. What you get in return is a genuine taste of Erg Chebbi without giving up several days of your itinerary to reach it, making it a practical way to combine both imperial cities with the desert in one continuous journey rather than an out-and-back trip.

If a slower pace matters more to you than saving time, our 3-day Marrakech-to-Fez option covers the same ground with an extra night to recover between drives.

Quick Information

• Duration: 2 days / 1 night
• Departure: Marrakech
• End: Fez
• Accommodation: Several options available according to preference
• Tour type: Private
• Price: On request

Tour Highlights

• Cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass
• Take in sweeping mountain views the entire first day
• Stop at the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
• Ride a camel across the dunes of Erg Chebbi
• Watch the sun set from the top of a high dune
• Spend the night in a private tent at a luxury desert camp
• Share a Berber evening of music and drumming around the fire
• Stargaze from deep inside the Sahara
• Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains
• Spot Barbary macaques in the cedar forests near Ifrane

Why Travel This Route with Maroccodeserttours

Covering this much ground in two days only works with careful planning, and that's exactly what we take off your hands. Our vehicles are air-conditioned and built for comfort on long drives, which matters on a route with this many hours behind the wheel.

We work with established camps in Erg Chebbi that offer private tents rather than crowded shared setups, so the one night you do spend in the desert feels like an experience rather than a rushed stopover. Our drivers and guides know this road well and use the driving time to talk through Berber culture, desert life, and whatever questions come up along the way.

Book this route with us and we'll handle the logistics so the only thing you need to focus on is watching the landscape change outside the window.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech - High Atlas - Ait Ben Haddou - Merzouga

We start early, picking you up from your riad or hotel in Marrakech before sunrise — an early start is what makes it possible to reach Merzouga with enough daylight left for the camel ride and sunset. The road climbs immediately into the High Atlas, with stops along the way to take in the views and snap photos.

Later in the morning we make a panoramic stop at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and a familiar backdrop from films such as Gladiator, Babel, and Game of Thrones. Lunch is taken at a roadside restaurant as the route continues south.

We arrive in Merzouga by mid-afternoon, where camels are waiting to carry you across the Erg Chebbi dunes. Partway through the ride, we pause on a high dune to watch the sun sink below the horizon before continuing to the camp after dark. Once settled into your private tent, dinner is followed by an evening of Berber drumming and song around the campfire.

Driving distance: Approximately 560 km Driving time: Approximately 9 hours Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Merzouga - Ziz Valley - Middle Atlas - Ifrane - Fez

Waking early rewards you with a desert sunrise over the dunes. After a full breakfast, a 4x4 takes you back to the village of Merzouga, where the road toward Fez begins.

The route follows the palm-lined Ziz Valley, with a stop at a viewpoint overlooking the oasis below, before climbing into the Middle Atlas. Near Ifrane, we pass through cedar forests where Barbary macaques are often seen along the roadside.

We reach Fez by late afternoon, where the tour ends with a drop-off at your riad or hotel in the medina.

Driving distance: Approximately 500 km Driving time: Approximately 7 hours 30 minutes Meals: Breakfast

What's Included

Included services

• Pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech
• Transfer and drop-off at your accommodation in Fez
• Modern private air-conditioned vehicle
• Spanish-speaking driver or driver plus Spanish-speaking guide
• 1 night in a desert camp
• 1 dinner and 1 breakfast
• Camel ride in Erg Chebbi
• Berber evening with music around the campfire

What's NOT Included

Excluded services

• Lunches
• Drinks
• Entrance fees and visits not mentioned
• Optional tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour available in Spanish?

Yes. We can provide a Spanish-speaking driver, or a driver paired with a Spanish-speaking guide, depending on availability.

Is the tour private?

Yes, this route runs as a private service so you're not sharing the vehicle or pace with other travelers.

Is lunch included?

No. We stop at roadside restaurants along the way so you can eat at your own pace and choice.

What kind of camp do we stay at?

One night at a desert camp is included, and we can arrange a more premium, luxury-tent option if you'd like a higher level of comfort.

Is the camel ride included?

Yes, the ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes is part of the package.

Is this a demanding route?

Yes — it involves long hours of driving across both days. It suits travelers with limited time who still want a real Sahara experience between Marrakech and Fez.

What time do we arrive in Fez?

Typically in the late afternoon of day two, though this depends on traffic, stops, and the overall pace of the day.

What should I pack?

Comfortable clothing, a warm layer for the desert evening, sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and a small overnight bag for the camp.

Important Notes

• Given the driving distances involved, some flexibility with stop timing is normal.
• Entrance fees for optional visits are not included in the price.
• If you prefer a guide in a language other than Spanish, let us know in advance.

Short on time but not willing to skip the Sahara? Contact Maroccodeserttours and we'll set up your 2-day route from Marrakech to Fez.