Private one-way desert transfer
3 Days From Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert
A private one-way crossing from Fes to Marrakech with a night in the Sahara in the middle. South through the Middle Atlas cedar forests and the Ziz Valley to Erg Chebbi, then west through the Todra and Dades gorges and Aït Ben Haddou, arriving in Marrakech on the evening of day three.
- Duration
- 3 days / 2 nights
- From
- €375 per vehicle
- Starts
- Fes
- Ends
- Marrakech
A starting price for one comfortable 4x4 carrying up to 4 people — not per person. What you finally pay depends on your dates, the accommodation you choose and any changes you make to the route. One-way, so you are not paying for a return leg you would not use.
Almost everyone travelling Morocco does Fes and Marrakech, and almost everyone loses a day to the transfer between them. This route spends that day, plus two more, on the best road in the country — and delivers you to Marrakech having already seen the Sahara.
It is the same journey as our Marrakech to Fes crossing, run in reverse. Luggage travels with the vehicle throughout.
Trip highlights
- One-way — the transfer you had to make anyway, turned into the trip
- Ifrane and the Barbary macaques of the Azrou cedar forest
- The Ziz Valley oasis from the escarpment road
- Camel trek and a night in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi
- Todra Gorge and the Dades 'monkey fingers'
- Aït Ben Haddou before the final Atlas pass into Marrakech
Day by day
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Day 1
Fes → Ifrane → Azrou → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
An 8am start from your riad in Fes with luggage. Into the Middle Atlas by way of Ifrane and the cedar forest at Azrou, where the macaques gather by the road. Lunch at Midelt, then the long descent through the Ziz gorges to the palm oasis and the desert beyond. You reach the edge of Erg Chebbi in the late afternoon and ride camels into the dunes for sunset, dinner and a night at camp.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner Night: Desert camp at Erg Chebbi
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Day 2
Erg Chebbi → Rissani → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
Sunrise over the dunes, camels back, breakfast and a shower at the auberge. West through Rissani and Tinejdad to the Todra Gorge, where you walk the riverbed between 300-metre walls, then on to the Dades Valley for the gorge road, the switchbacks and the eroded rock formations. Dinner and overnight there.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Night: Hotel in Dades Valley
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Day 3
Dades → Skoura → Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech
The Valley of Roses and the Skoura palmeraie in the morning, Ouarzazate and its film studios, then Aït Ben Haddou for a proper walk up through the ksar and lunch. The Tizi n'Tichka pass takes you back over the High Atlas, arriving in Marrakech in the evening. Dropped at your riad.
Meals: Breakfast
What is and is not included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle, fuel and tolls
- English- or French-speaking driver-guide
- 1 night in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi, half board
- 1 night in a hotel (Dades Valley), half board
- Camel trek at sunset and sunrise
- Pick-up in Fes and drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation
Not included
- Lunches (except day 1) and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips and personal expenses
Good to know
Why does the desert night fall on day one here?
Because the drive from Fes to Merzouga is a single long day, while the westward leg to Marrakech splits naturally into two. It means you are in the dunes on your first evening, which most guests prefer, but it does make day one an early start.
How long is the direct drive from Fes to Marrakech?
About eight hours by motorway via Casablanca, or seven by train. This tour takes three days and shows you the Sahara, the gorges and Aït Ben Haddou on the way — for many people it replaces both a transfer and a separate desert trip.
Can we add a night to slow it down?
Yes, and it is a good idea if day one worries you. A four-day version adds a night at Midelt or in the Ziz Valley, so you reach the dunes rested on day two.
Do you collect us from the Fes medina?
Yes. The medina is car-free, so we meet you at the gate nearest your riad — tell us the riad name and we will confirm the exact meeting point the evening before.
Is there a stop for the Atlas Film Studios?
We pass them at Ouarzazate on day three and will stop if you want to go in — entrance is not included and the visit takes about an hour, so tell your guide in the morning so the day can be paced for it.
Worth reading before you go
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How Far Is Merzouga From Marrakech?
Merzouga is 560 kilometres from Marrakech and about nine hours of driving without stops. Nobody sensible does it…
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What a Night in a Sahara Desert Camp Is Really Like
Somewhere between the marketing photographs and the one-star reviews is what actually happens. Here it is, from the…
Ready to see the Sahara?
Send us your dates and we will tailor this 3 days / 2 nights tour to you — no obligation, and a real reply from a local team.
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