Choosing a Fes to Marrakech desert tour? Also, here is how the 3, 4 and 5 day options compare.
Crossing Morocco from Fes to Marrakech through the Sahara is one of the best ways to see the country. In addition, you leave the imperial city, cross the Middle Atlas, sleep in the dunes of Merzouga and arrive in Marrakech through the gorges and kasbahs of the south, without driving the same road twice. The only question is how many days to take.
The route
From Fes the road goes south through Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco, and the cedar forests near Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques. It continues through Midelt and the Ziz Valley to Merzouga, around 470 km and 7 to 8 hours of driving. After the night in the desert, the way to Marrakech passes the Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley, Ouarzazate and the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, before crossing the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass.
The three options compared
| 3 days | 4 days | 5 days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price from (group) | €160 | €200 | €400 |
| Nights | Desert camp, Ouarzazate | Merzouga, desert camp, Ouarzazate | Merzouga, desert camp, Todra, Ouarzazate |
| Time in the desert | Sunset and sunrise | A full day with Khamlia and nomad families | A full day plus the Rissani market |
| Pace | Fast, long driving days | Balanced | Relaxed |
| Our tour | 3 days Fes to Marrakech | 4 days Fes to Marrakech | 5 days Fes to Marrakech |
3 days: the essentials
You reach Merzouga on the first evening, ride a camel into the dunes at sunset and sleep in the camp. Besides, the second day takes you through the Todra Gorge to Ouarzazate, and the third over the High Atlas to Marrakech. It is the best value, but expect long hours on the road.
4 days: our recommendation
The extra day is spent in the Sahara: you visit the village of Khamlia and its Gnawa musicians, meet nomad families and explore the Erg Chebbi dunes before the camel ride. It is the most popular option with our guests because the driving is spread more evenly.
5 days: Morocco at a slower pace
Five days add the market town of Rissani and a night at the Todra Gorge, with time to walk in the canyon and to enjoy the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs without rushing. Ideal for families and for travellers who prefer fewer hours in the car each day.
Can I do it the other way round?
Yes. If you start in Marrakech, the 3 day tour from Marrakech to Fes follows the same route in reverse, from 100 EUR per person.
Group or private
What is more, the prices above are per person on a shared group tour. For a private tour with your own driver and vehicle, send us your dates and the size of your group and we will send you a quote.
Book your Fes to Marrakech desert tour
Also, every Fes to Marrakech desert tour we run includes the camel trek and a night in the dunes of Merzouga. Our shared group tours make the Fes to Marrakech desert tour affordable from 160 EUR. See also our guest reviews on Tripadvisor.
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