2-Day Desert Tour Overview
Complete Atlas Mountains Crossing & Desert Adventure from Fes to MarrakechThe itinerary includes comfortable transportation, desert experience, and overnight accommodation for a compact yet comprehensive Moroccan adventure.
The 2-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour covers approximately 900 kilometers through Morocco's most dramatic landscapes. You'll experience the contrasting scenery of the Middle Atlas with its cedar forests and Berber villages, the desert landscapes around Merzouga, and the historic kasbahs of southern Morocco before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to reach Marrakech.
This fast-paced but comprehensive tour is perfect for those with limited time who want to experience Morocco's desert, mountains, and cultural highlights. You'll see why this route is considered one of Morocco's most scenic journeys, connecting two imperial cities through diverse and stunning landscapes.
2-Day Desert Tour Itinerary: Fes to Marrakech
Detailed day-by-day itinerary of your mountain & desert adventureDay 1: Fes - Ifrane - Middle Atlas - Ziz Valley - Merzouga Desert
Fes to Middle Atlas Mountains
Depart Fes after breakfast for the scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as 'Little Switzerland' for its European-style architecture and clean, cool climate. Visit the famous stone lion statue and enjoy the alpine atmosphere.
Cedar Forests & Berber Villages
Continue through the Middle Atlas, passing through cedar forests where you might see Barbary macaques (monkeys). Stop at traditional Berber villages and enjoy panoramic views of the mountainous landscape. Lunch in Midelt or another town along the route.
Ziz Valley & Desert Arrival
Descend from the mountains into the Ziz Valley, famous for its dramatic gorges and palm groves. Stop at viewpoints to photograph this stunning landscape. Continue to the Merzouga desert area, arriving in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel or desert camp near the dunes.
Desert Sunset & Overnight
Optional camel ride to watch the sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes (additional cost). Enjoy dinner and spend the night at your desert accommodation, experiencing the magic of the Sahara under starry skies.
Day 2: Merzouga - Rissani - Todra Gorge - Dades Valley - Ait Ben Haddou - High Atlas - Marrakech
Desert Sunrise & Departure
Wake early for optional sunrise viewing over the dunes. After breakfast, depart Merzouga and visit Rissani, a traditional market town and former capital of the Alaouite dynasty. Explore the local souk (market) if time permits.
Todra Gorge & Dades Valley
Travel to Todra Gorge, where limestone cliffs rise dramatically 300 meters above the river. Take a short walk through the gorge. Continue through the Dades Valley with its impressive rock formations and kasbahs, known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs."
Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou
Continue to Ouarzazate, the 'Hollywood of Morocco'. Visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most spectacular ksar (fortified village) in Morocco. Explore the ancient mud-brick architecture that has been featured in many films.
High Atlas Crossing to Marrakech
Begin the ascent into the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m). Enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and Berber villages clinging to hillsides. Stop at panoramic viewpoints for photos. Descend to Marrakech, arriving in the evening (around 7:00-8:00 PM).
Desert Tour Highlights
Experience the best of Morocco's 2-day desert adventureIfrane Visit
'Little Switzerland' of Morocco with unique architecture
Middle Atlas Crossing
Cedar forests, Berber villages & scenic mountain roads
Ziz Valley
Dramatic gorges & lush palm groves in desert landscape
Merzouga Desert
Experience the Sahara's golden dunes at Erg Chebbi
Ait Ben Haddou
UNESCO World Heritage site & famous film location
High Atlas Mountains
Spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass crossing to Marrakech
What's Included / Not Included
Complete details for your 2-day desert tour package- Hotel pick-up in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech
- Transportation in comfortable vehicle with AC
- English/French-speaking driver throughout
- 1 night accommodation (hotel or desert camp)
- Breakfast on Day 2
- All applicable taxes
- Stops at all mentioned sites
- Mineral water during the journey
- Lunches and dinners
- Drinks and personal snacks
- Camel ride in the desert (optional)
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
Practical Details
Important information for your 2-day desert tourFrequently Asked Questions
About our 2-day Fes to Marrakech desert tourThis is a fast-paced tour covering significant distances: Day 1 involves about 8-9 hours of driving from Fes to Merzouga (approx. 450km), and Day 2 involves about 10-11 hours from Merzouga to Marrakech (approx. 550km). However, the journey is broken with frequent stops at interesting sites, and the scenery constantly changes, making the drive part of the experience. It's ideal for travelers with limited time who want to see Morocco's diverse landscapes. For a more relaxed experience, consider our 3 or 4-day tours.
The tour includes 1 night accommodation which can be either a standard hotel in Merzouga/Rissani area or a desert camp near the Erg Chebbi dunes, depending on your preference and availability. Desert camps range from basic to luxury options. Hotels are comfortable 3-star equivalents with private bathrooms. Please specify your preference when booking. Breakfast is included; other meals are at your own expense at the accommodation or local restaurants.
Camel rides are optional and not included in the base tour price. If you're staying at a desert camp, camel transportation to/from the camp is usually included. For sunset or sunrise camel rides at the dunes, there's typically an additional cost (approx. 100-200 MAD per person). You can arrange this directly with your driver/guide upon arrival. The camel ride duration is usually 1-1.5 hours. If you prefer not to ride camels, you can be transported to the camp by 4x4 vehicle.
Essentials include: comfortable clothing for long drives, layers (desert nights can be cool even in summer), sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), comfortable walking shoes, camera/phone, power bank (limited charging in vehicle), reusable water bottle, personal toiletries, medications, and small day pack. If staying in desert camp, consider a headlamp/flashlight and sleeping bag liner for extra comfort. Pack light in soft luggage.
Yes, absolutely! This tour can be done in reverse as a 2-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour. The itinerary would be: Day 1: Marrakech - High Atlas - Ait Ben Haddou - Dades Valley/Todra Gorge - Merzouga; Day 2: Merzouga - Ziz Valley - Middle Atlas - Ifrane - Fes. The sights and experiences are the same, just in reverse order. Please specify your preferred direction when booking. Both routes offer equally stunning scenery and experiences.