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PRIVATE TOUR — Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 2 Days
OVERVIEW
This private two-day tour gets you from Fes to Marrakech the scenic way — through the Sahara rather than along the motorway. You cross the Middle Atlas to the Erg Chebbi dunes, spend a night in a desert camp, and continue the next day over the High Atlas to Marrakech, with a stop at the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.
It’s a lot of driving for two days, so it suits travellers who want to combine the two cities with a desert night rather than take the direct route. With more time, the three-day version splits the long second-day drive and adds the gorges.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DURATION: 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
START: FES
END: MARRAKECH
TOUR STYLE: PRIVATE
HIGHLIGHTS
– Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco
– Barbary macaques in the Middle Atlas cedar forest
– The palm groves of the Ziz Valley
– Camel trekking across the Erg Chebbi dunes
– Sunset over the desert
– A night in a luxury desert camp
– The UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
– Crossing the High Atlas Mountains
DAY 1: FES -> IFRANE -> MIDDLE ATLAS -> ZIZ VALLEY -> MERZOUGA DESERT
We pick you up from your riad in Fes and set off towards the Sahara. The first stop is Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco for its cooler climate and alpine look. We then cross the Middle Atlas, pausing in a cedar forest where Barbary macaques often appear, with lunch at a restaurant along the way.
The route follows the Ziz Valley — an oasis full of palm trees — with a stop at a panoramic viewpoint, before reaching the desert in the afternoon. Your camels carry you across the dunes to a luxury camp, pausing on a high dune for sunset. At camp, staff show you to your private tent, where you can relax and shower before dinner, followed by a bonfire under the stars.
Approximate driving distance/time: 460 km / 7 hours
DAY 2: MERZOUGA -> AIT BEN HADDOU -> HIGH ATLAS -> MARRAKECH
Waking early is rewarded with a calm sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, you leave camp by 4×4 for the town of Merzouga, then begin the long drive to Marrakech, with stops along the way.
The main stop is Ait Ben Haddou, to see a panoramic view of Morocco’s most famous kasbah — a fortified village used as a filming location for The Mummy, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones, and UNESCO-listed since 1987. After time for photos, we cross the High Atlas towards Marrakech, with stops for the views, and finish with drop-off at your hotel or riad.
Approximate driving distance/time: 560 km / 9 hours
IMPORTANT NOTES
– Driving times don’t include stops for lunch and sightseeing.
– This trip involves a lot of driving — starting early is recommended, especially in winter, to reach the dunes for sunset.
– Not recommended for those who suffer from motion sickness.
– With more time, the 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour splits the second-day drive and adds the Todra and Dades gorges.
– To make it a there-and-back trip ending in Fes instead, choose the 2-day Fes to Merzouga desert tour.
– Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated — please tell your guide in the morning.
– Prefer not to ride a camel? A 4×4 will take you to the camp instead.
– The camp is a luxury camp with private en-suite tents; you’ll choose from three options at booking. If a listed property isn’t available, a similar one of the same category is used.
– Pricing varies by group size, accommodation, and season — larger groups cost less per person.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SECTION 1: BOOKING & PAYMENT
Q: How far in advance should I book my tour?
A: We recommend securing your reservation as early as possible to guarantee availability, particularly during peak travel seasons. Early booking also gives you maximum flexibility when selecting accommodation options and customising your itinerary.
Q: How do I pay for my tour?
A: Our payment process is straightforward. To confirm your booking, a small deposit is required upfront, payable via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The remaining balance is settled in cash on the first day of your tour, paid directly to your driver-guide. We accept euros, US dollars, or an equivalent amount in Moroccan dirhams.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Full details of our cancellation terms are available on the dedicated cancellation policy page of our website. We encourage all travellers to review these conditions before confirming their reservation.
Q: Can I customise my itinerary?
A: Absolutely. All of our private tours are fully tailorable. You are welcome to request changes to the route, adjust the duration, add or remove destinations, and select accommodations that suit your budget and preferences. Simply contact us and we will design a trip around your requirements.
SECTION 2: TRANSPORT
Q: What vehicles are used on tours?
A: The vehicle provided depends on the size of your group. We typically use Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX 4x4s for smaller parties, Ford Tourneo Custom vans, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses for groups of eight or more. All vehicles are air-conditioned and maintained to a high standard of comfort.
Q: Are airport transfers included?
A: Yes. Every private tour we operate can include a pick-up at your arrival airport and a drop-off at the end of your trip, if you require it. Your driver-guide will be waiting for you upon arrival. Please note that flights are not included in the tour price.
Q: Which airports serve Morocco?
A: The majority of international flights arrive into Marrakech and Casablanca. Additional options include Fes, Tangier, Agadir, Ouarzazate, and Errachidia. We can arrange a meet-and-greet at any of these airports.
SECTION 3: GUIDES
Q: Who are the driver-guides?
A: We handpick each of our driver-guides for their knowledge, professionalism, and genuine passion for Morocco. Beyond navigating the country safely, they serve as cultural interpreters — sharing local history, traditions, and stories throughout the journey. Many of our guests mention their guides by name in reviews, which reflects the lasting impression they make.
Q: Are guides English-speaking?
A: Yes. All standard tours are conducted in English. If you prefer a guide who speaks French, Spanish, or another language, please inform us at the time of booking and we will make every effort to accommodate your request.
SECTION 4: ACCOMMODATION
Q: What types of accommodation are offered?
A: We offer a range of options to suit different budgets and tastes, from characterful riads and boutique guesthouses in medina settings to luxury desert camps in Merzouga. We do not offer standard desert camps with shared facilities. All camps in our portfolio feature private tents with en-suite bathrooms and showers.
Q: Do the desert camps have private bathrooms?
A: Yes. Every camp we work with is classified as a luxury camp. Each tent includes a private en-suite bathroom with a shower, ensuring comfort throughout your desert stay.
Q: Can I choose my own accommodation?
A: Yes. We present a selection of pre-vetted accommodation options at each price point for you to choose from. You may mix and match across the options provided. If you have a specific property in mind, let us know and we will do our best to arrange it.
SECTION 5: DESERT & ACTIVITIES
Q: How far is the Sahara desert from Marrakech?
A: Merzouga, gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, is approximately 560 kilometres (348 miles) from Marrakech. Given this distance, our 3-day tours from Marrakech include an overnight stop in the Dades Valley en route, rather than attempting to cover the journey in a single day.
Q: How far is the Sahara desert from Fes?
A: The journey from Fes to the Merzouga desert covers roughly 500 kilometres, equivalent to approximately 310 miles.
Q: How far is Casablanca from the desert?
A: Casablanca sits approximately 660 kilometres (around 410 miles) from the Merzouga desert. A tour of five days or more is recommended when departing from Casablanca in order to allow adequate time in the desert without excessive driving pressure.
Q: Is the camel ride compulsory?
A: Not at all. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we are happy to transfer you to the desert camp by 4×4 vehicle at no additional charge. Just let us know your preference in advance.
Q: What activities are available in the desert?
A: Beyond the camel trek and overnight camp experience, a range of optional activities can be arranged in and around Merzouga, including quad biking, buggy driving, sandboarding, and horseback riding. A professional photographer can also be booked to accompany your desert experience. Romantic dinners and desert proposal setups can be arranged upon request.
Q: What additional activities can be added to a tour?
A: Before your main tour, we can arrange transfers from the airport, a guided city tour, or day excursions to destinations such as Essaouira, the Ouzoud Waterfalls, or the Ourika Valley. During the tour, optional extras include the activities listed above. After the tour, hot air balloon rides over Marrakech, guided Fes tours, and day trips to Chefchaouen or Volubilis and Meknes can be arranged.
SECTION 6: TOUR STRUCTURE & EXPERIENCE
Q: What is the difference between a private tour and a shared group tour?
A: On a private tour, your vehicle, guide, and complete itinerary are reserved exclusively for your group. On a shared tour, you travel alongside a small number of other guests — typically no more than ten in total — sharing the vehicle and stops but retaining a private room at the hotel and a private tent at the desert camp. Shared tours offer a more cost-effective option while still maintaining a high level of comfort and service.
Q: Are 7 days enough to see Morocco?
A: Yes, a well-structured 7-day itinerary provides enough time to visit several of Morocco’s key destinations, including Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara Desert, Ait Ben Haddou, and the Atlas Mountains. It is a comfortable pace for most travellers and allows genuine engagement with each place rather than a rushed overview.
Q: What can I see in Morocco in 7 days?
A: In one week, a typical itinerary covers Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, Rabat, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the ancient medina of Fes, a night in the Sahara Desert with a camel trek, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and the High Atlas Mountains en route to Marrakech.
Q: What is the best 7-day itinerary for Morocco?
A: The ideal route depends on your starting point. Travellers beginning in Tangier typically follow the Tangier-to-Marrakech route via Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara, and the Atlas Mountains. Those starting in Casablanca can follow the Casablanca-to-Marrakech circuit. We are happy to advise based on your arrival and departure airports.
Q: Where can I book a Morocco tour?
A: Tours can be booked directly through Morocco Fabulous Travel. As a locally based operator with in-depth knowledge of the country, we offer personalised service, expert guidance, and competitive pricing. You can contact us via our website, email, phone, or WhatsApp.
Q: Are meals included?
A: On desert tours, two dinners and two breakfasts are typically included — dinner and breakfast at the desert camp, and breakfast at the hotel in the Dades Valley. Lunches are generally not included, as guests often prefer to explore independently during midday stops. Full details of meal inclusions are listed on each individual tour page.
Q: Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
A: Yes. Please inform us of any dietary preferences — including vegetarian or vegan requirements — at the time of booking, and we will ensure appropriate meals are arranged throughout the tour.
