2 Days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes

This 2 days desert tour takes you from Marrakech to Fes, crossing the High Atlas Mountains, visiting UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, exploring the Rose Valley, and experiencing an unforgettable Sahara Desert night in Merzouga. The journey continues through the Ziz Valley, Cedar Forest, and the charming town of Ifrane before arriving in Fes.

Highlights of Your 2-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech:

• Cross the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) through the High Atlas Mountains
• Explore the legendary Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Discover Ouarzazate, Morocco’s famous film studio hub known as “Hollywood of Africa”
• Wander through the fragrant Rose Valley, famous for its rosewater production
• Experience a magical camel trek into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga
• Spend an unforgettable night in a desert camp under starry skies with Berber music
• Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara Desert
• Journey through the dramatic Ziz Valley with its lush palm groves and gorges
• Stop in Midelt, renowned as Morocco’s “Apple Capital”
• Encounter playful Barbary macaques in the ancient Cedar Forest of Azrou
• Visit charming Ifrane, often called “Moroccan Switzerland”
• Convenient drop-off at your Fes accommodation at tour’s end

Day 1: Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Adventure

Your desert experience begins promptly at 6:00 AM with pickup from your Marrakech accommodation. First, we’ll traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Along the way, we’ll pause frequently to admire traditional Berber villages dotting the mountainsides.

After crossing the mountains, we reach our first major highlight: the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou kasbah. This ancient fortress has appeared in famous films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Following our photo stop here, we’ll continue to Ouarzazate, known as Morocco’s “Hollywood,” where we’ll explore its renowned film studios.

Next, our journey takes us through the fragrant Rose Valley. Here, local farmers harvest thousands of rose petals each spring for Morocco’s prized rosewater products. As we travel further, the landscape gradually changes along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga where a camel caravan awaits. You’ll mount these gentle creatures for a peaceful sunset trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Finally, we’ll settle into our desert camp for the evening, enjoying traditional Berber hospitality, delicious food, and starlit music.

Day 2: Merzouga to Fes Cultural Journey

We’ll wake before dawn to experience the Sahara’s most magical moment: sunrise over the dunes. After this breathtaking spectacle, we’ll ride camels back to the village for breakfast and a refreshing shower.

Our northbound journey then begins with a stop in Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops. From there, we’ll travel through the spectacular Ziz Valley, where lush palm groves contrast dramatically with steep canyon walls.

For lunch, we’ll stop in Midelt, the “Apple Capital” of Morocco. Following our meal, we’ll visit the Cedar Forest of Azrou to observe playful Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.

Before reaching Fes, we’ll make a final stop in Ifrane, often called “Moroccan Switzerland” for its alpine architecture. The tour concludes with evening drop-off at your Fes accommodation.