Our 2 Days Tour Marrakech to Fes is perfect for those who want to see Morocco’s amazing landscapes in a short time. We’ll travel through the beautiful High Atlas Mountains, visit historic sites like Ait Ben Haddou, and spend a night in the Sahara Desert under the stars.
You’ll enjoy a camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes to see the sunset and sunrise. On the way to Fes, we’ll pass through the Cedar Forest, where you can see wild monkeys, and stop in Ifrane, a charming town known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its European-style architecture.
- Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
- Starting Location: Marrakech
- Ending Location: Fes
Depart Time: | 7:00 AM |
Arrival Time: | 17:00 Pm |
Tour Type: | Private Trip |
Price: | Starts at €148 per person |
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains
- Visit the ancient Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi desert
- Overnight stay in a desert camp
- Stunning sunrise and sunset in the Sahara
- Scenic views of Ziz Valley and Cedar Forest
- Experience traditional Berber culture
Itinerary of the Marrakech To Fes Desert Tour 2 days:
Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Merzouga Desert
We will start our trip early from Marrakech, traveling across the High Atlas Mountains through the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass. The road offers breathtaking views of Berber villages nestled in the mountains.
Our first stop will be at the historic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient architecture and use as a backdrop in several Hollywood movies like Game of Thrones, babel, gladiator…
We’ll continue through the desert landscape, passing the city of Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara. We’ll make short stops for photos and lunch, arriving in Merzouga by late afternoon.
You will begin on a camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoying the peaceful desert as the sun sets over the horizon. We’ll reach our camp for a traditional Moroccan dinner, where you can relax under a star-filled sky and enjoy local music.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 560 Km
- Approx. 8-9 Hours (Including Stops)
- Accommodation Details:
- Options for Standard Camp:
- 1. Merzouga Standard Camp
- 2. Nomad Standard Camp
- 3. Erg Chebbi Standard Camp
- Options for Luxury Camp:
- 1. Africa Luxury Camp
- 2. Caravanserai Luxury Camp
- 3. Desert Luxury Camp
Day 2: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Cedar Forest → Ifrane → Fes
On the second day, wake up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes before enjoying breakfast at the camp. We’ll leave Merzouga and travel through the scenic Ziz Valley, a lush oasis with palm trees.
Along the way, we’ll pass through the Cedar Forest in Azrou, home to wild monkeys, before making our way to Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine architecture. We will arrive in Fes by the late afternoon when your trip ends.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 470 Km
- Approx. 7-8 Hours (including Stops)
Included:
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Marrakech or Fes.
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Camel trek in the desert for sunset and sunrise experiences.
- 1 night in a private tent at a luxury camp (dinner and breakfast included).
- Moroccan mint tea at the camp.
- English-speaking driver.
- Stops for panoramic views and photo opportunities.
- Fuel and access to the main tourist stops, including Ait Ben Haddou, Erg Chebbi, and Cedar Forest.
Excluded:
- Lunches during the trip
- Drinks (soft drinks, water, etc.)
- Entrance fees to monuments (if applicable)
Gallery:
Know Before You Go:
1. Be Ready for Long Drives
This trip covers a lot of ground. On Day 1, you’ll travel about 560 km from Marrakech to the desert, which takes around 9 hours with breaks. On Day 2, you’ll drive about 470 km to Fes, which takes about 7 hours. While the drives are long, there will be plenty of stops for photos and to stretch your legs.
2. Weather and What to Wear
The desert can have extreme temperatures. During the day, it can be very hot, especially in summer, so light, breathable clothing is best. At night, especially in the winter months, it can get cold, so bring warm clothes like a jacket, scarf, and long pants.
3. Camel Ride Experience
One of the highlights of the tour is the camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll ride for about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the desert camp. While it’s a fun and memorable experience, it can be a bit bumpy, so wear comfortable clothing, like long pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from the sand.
4. What to Pack
It’s important to bring essentials for your comfort. Here are a few things to pack:
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for the sun.
- A hat or scarf to protect your head from the heat.
- Comfortable shoes for walking and the camel ride.
- Long pants for the camel trek.
- A light jacket or sweater for the cooler evening and night in the desert.
- Small backpack for your essentials (water, camera, etc.).
- A portable charger since there might be limited access to electricity in the desert camp.
5. Meals and Drinks
Dinner and breakfast are provided at the desert camp, and you’ll get to enjoy traditional Moroccan food. However, you will need to buy your lunch during the journey. Drinks are also not included, so bring water or other beverages.
6. Desert Camp Facilities
You’ll spend the night in a desert camp. If you choose a luxury camp, you’ll have a private tent with a private bathroom. In a standard camp, the bathrooms are shared, but all camps usually provide basic amenities like towels and bedding.
7. Photo Opportunities
The landscapes you’ll see on this tour are beautiful from the High Atlas Mountains to the vast dunes of the Sahara. Make sure to bring a fully charged camera or phone to capture these moments. A portable charger is also recommended as there may not be easy access to charging points, especially in the desert.
8. Wild Monkeys and Other Wildlife
During the drive on Day 2, you’ll pass through the Cedar Forest near Azrou, where you might spot some wild monkeys. They are friendly and used to tourists, so you can watch them or take photos and feed them, but it’s best not to touch them.
9. Physical Fitness
This tour is suitable for most people, even if you’re not very active. The camel ride is manageable for most, though it can be a little tiring. There’s also a fair amount of driving, so if you’re sensitive to long car rides, keep that in mind.
10. Booking and Special Requests
It’s a good idea to book your tour early to ensure you get the best accommodations. If you have any special dietary requirements, like if you’re vegetarian, let your tour provider know in advance so they can accommodate you. The tour guides are usually flexible and can help with any special requests.
Accommodation Options: Luxury Vs Standard Camps
Luxury Desert Camp:
If you prefer more comfort, you can upgrade to a private tent with your bathroom. The tents are bigger, with proper beds and electricity, giving you a more comfortable experience. Dinner and breakfast are included. This option is great if you want a little more luxury during your desert stay, while still enjoying the beauty of the Sahara.
Standard Desert Camp:
You will stay in a traditional Berber tent. The camp is simple, with shared bathrooms. It’s a cozy and authentic experience, perfect if you want to feel connected to the desert. Dinner and breakfast are included. At night, you’ll enjoy the stars and some traditional Berber music around the campfire.
Note: If these camps are fully booked, there are other great options in Merzouga offering both standard and luxury stays for a memorable desert experience.
Pricing Overview for the Marrakech Fes 2 Days Tour
The 2-Day Marrakech To Fes Desert Tour starts at around €148 per person. The final price depends on the number of people in your group, your choice of accommodation (luxury or standard camp), and the time of year.
Larger groups get a lower price per person. It’s best to contact the tour provider for a customized quote for exact pricing.
Group Size | Estimate Price (Per person) |
6 People | From €148 |
5 People | From €148 |
4 People | From €158 |
3 People | From €178 |
2 People | From €198 |
1 Person | From €258 |
The price includes transportation, standard accommodation (either a riad or a basic desert camp), and meals (dinner and lunch, breakfast).
If you choose to upgrade to luxury camps or add activities like quad biking, the cost will be higher.
Prices may also change depending on the season and availability.
Choose Your Tour Type: Private Trip VS Shared Trip
Choose between a private trip for more flexibility and personal options or a shared trip for a more budget-friendly group experience. The table below explains the key differences.
Private Trip | Shared Trip |
Customized itinerary | Fixed itinerary |
Flexible departure time | Set departure time |
Exclusive vehicle and guide | Shared vehicle and guide with others |
Luxury camp or riad accommodation | Standard room in camp or riad |
Starts From 148€ per person | Starts From 99€ per person |
Extra Activities:
We offer extra activities to make your trip even more special. Whether before, during, or after the tour, we can arrange unique experiences based on your preferences. Just let us know what you’d like!
Before The Trip | During The Trip | After The Trip |
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Marrakech | Professional Photographer | Guided Tour of Fes Medina |
Day Trip to Essaouira | Romantic Dinner in the Desert | Day Trip to Chefchaouen |
Day Trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls | Quad Biking Activity | Explore Volubilis |
Day Trip to Ourika Valley | Buggy Driving Activity | Family Cooking Class |
Marrakech Guided Trip | Horse Riding | Day Trip To Atlas Mountians |
Agafay Desert Trip | Picnic In Sahara Desert | Day Trip To Meknes |
Places to Visit on Your Marrakech To Fes 2 Days Desert Tour:
1. Ait Ben Haddou
Ait Ben Haddou is an old village made of clay and mud, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is famous because many movies and TV shows were filmed here, like “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones.”
2. High Atlas Mountains
The journey through the High Atlas Mountains is full of beautiful scenery. The road goes up and around tall mountains, with views of valleys and small villages built into the mountainside. These villages show traditional Berber life..
3. Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is a city known as the “Gateway to the Desert.” It’s famous for its movie studios and the old Taourirt Kasbah, which is a historic fortress you can visit. Many Hollywood movies have been filmed here. It’s a good place to learn more about Moroccan history and culture, and also to see how movies are made in Morocco.
4. Erg Chebbi Dunes in Merzouga
The Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga are some of the largest sand dunes in Morocco. These golden sand dunes stretch far into the desert, creating an amazing landscape. Riding camels through the dunes at sunset is a special experience.
5. Ziz Valley
The Ziz Valley is known for its green palm trees and beautiful landscapes. The valley looks different from the desert, with its rivers and greenery. It’s a nice place to stop, take photos, and enjoy the natural beauty of Morocco on the way to Fes.
6. Cedar Forest of Azrou
In the Middle Atlas Mountains, there is a cedar forest near Azrou. This forest is home to wild monkeys, and it’s a fun place to stop and see them up close. The cool air and tall trees make it a nice change from the desert.
7. Ifrane
Ifrane is a town often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” because it looks very different from other parts of the country. The town has clean streets, beautiful gardens, and European-style houses. It’s a peaceful place to stop and enjoy a walk or relax before continuing to Fes.
The size of the tour group can vary. If you book a private tour, it’s just for you and your group so that it could be as small as two people. On a shared tour, there could be anywhere from 4 to 12 people.
Most tours use comfortable, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles or minivans, depending on the size of the group. The vehicles are designed to handle the desert terrain, and they offer enough space for luggage and legroom. For small private groups, a 4×4 is usually provided, while larger shared groups use a minivan.
For most travelers, this trip is safe and manageable. If you have any specific health conditions, like back problems or motion sickness, it’s a good idea to let the tour operator know. The long drives and camel rides might be tiring, so take breaks when needed. Also, staying hydrated and wearing sun protection are important in the desert.
It’s recommended to have travel insurance for any trip, especially one involving outdoor activities like camel trekking. Insurance can cover unexpected situations like medical issues, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Make sure your insurance covers desert tours and activities like quad biking if you plan to add them.
Yes, children can join the tour, but keep in mind that the long drives and desert environment might be tiring for very young kids. It’s important to bring enough snacks, water, and entertainment for the drives. Private tours might be a better option for families, as they offer more flexibility with the schedule.
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. If you feel the driver, guide, or camp staff did a good job, you can tip them at the end of the tour. For example, tipping the driver or camel handler around 10-20 Dirhams (around €1-2) per person is common. It’s always good to have small bills ready for tipping.
In larger towns like Marrakech or Fes, most restaurants, hotels, and shops accept credit cards. However, in smaller towns or at the desert camp, cash is usually needed. It’s a good idea to bring enough cash, especially for buying lunch, tipping, or paying for extra activities like quad biking.
Important:
You can change the trip to fit what you want. If the suggested plan doesn’t work for you, you can decide how many days to travel and which places to visit. If you want to visit different spots, add more stops, or make the trip longer, we can adjust everything to suit your interests.
You may choose this 2-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, or a 2-day tour from Marrakech to Zagora if you have a short stay in Morocco or need to catch a return flight from Marrakech.
Just tell us what you prefer, and we’ll help create the perfect trip for you!
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Marrkech To Merzouga Desert Tours | Marrkech To Fes Desert Tours |
