DAY 1: MARRAKECH → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → AIT BEN HADDOU → MERZOUGA

Your 2 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour begins with an early pick-up from your riad in Marrakech — an early start is essential to reach the desert in time for the sunset camel ride. The road heads south, climbing the switchbacks of the High Atlas Mountains with photo stops for the finest viewpoints.

You’ll then pause at the panoramic viewpoint of Ait Ben Haddou, where the UNESCO-protected fortified village rises above the valley — a cinematic kasbah used in countless internationally known productions. After lunch at a restaurant along the route, the drive continues east to Merzouga.

You’ll arrive by mid-to-late afternoon. Your camels will be waiting to carry you across Erg Chebbi, with a pause on a high dune to watch the sun melt into the sand. After the sunset, the caravan continues to your luxury camp, where a private tent awaits. Once you’ve freshened up, a Moroccan dinner is served, followed by Berber drumming, singing, and a long evening under the stars.

Approximate driving distance: 560 km
Approximate driving time: 9 hours

DAY 2: MERZOUGA → ZIZ VALLEY → MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS → IFRANE → FES

An early wake-up is rewarded with a magnificent sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at the camp, a 4×4 returns you to the town of Merzouga, where the drive to Fes begins. The route follows the Ziz Valley, with a panoramic stop overlooking the vast palm oasis that follows the river. Further north, you’ll pass through the cedar forest near Ifrane, where Barbary macaques are often spotted by the roadside. The drive continues across the cooler, green landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains.

You’ll arrive in Fes in the afternoon, where your driver will drop you off at your riad in the medina.

Approximate driving distance: 500 km
Approximate driving time: 7 hours 30 minutes

IMPORTANT NOTES

– This route involves a significant amount of driving each day — if you can, consider extending to 3 days for a more relaxed pace.
– The tour is not recommended for travellers prone to motion sickness.
– Vegetarian and vegan meals are available — please let us know in advance.
– Your luggage will travel by 4×4 directly to the camp, so you don’t need to carry it on the camel ride.
– Prefer not to ride a camel? A 4×4 can take you to the camp instead at no extra charge.
– This tour can also be done in the opposite direction (Fes to Marrakech) or ended in Marrakech instead.