Stop 1Day 1
Marrakech
Departure gateway
Mapped Morocco route
9 route stops
Ask Morocco toursaharadesert
Merzouga Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fès
A three-day Marrakech-to-Fès desert crossing via Aït Ben Haddou, Dadès, Todra, Merzouga, Midelt and Ifrane.
Marrakech · Aït Ben Haddou · Ouarzazate · Dadès Valley · Todra Gorge · Merzouga · Midelt · Ifrane · Fès
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Pace
moderate
Format
private
Languages
English · French · Arabic
Ask-Morocco starting price
Starting from€269.00per person
Starting price per person. Final price depends on dates, party size, accommodation level and requested customisation.
See the journey
Your route, stop by stop
Use the map to understand the shape of the trip before reading the day-by-day detail. City markers link directly into Ask-Morocco city guides.
Route stops
Cities connected to this route
The experience
Why this route works
This one-way Sahara route turns the journey between Marrakech and Fès into the trip itself. The itinerary moves through kasbah country and the Dadès/Todra valleys before reaching the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, then continues north across the Middle Atlas via Midelt and Ifrane to Fès. It is especially useful for travellers who want to avoid backtracking.
A feel for the journey
Route gallery
The gallery follows the route in order. Destination photos are used when available, with the tour cover as a fallback.
9 stops
Stop 2Day 1
Aït Ben Haddou
UNESCO-listed ksar
Stop 3Day 1
Ouarzazate
Kasbah country
Stop 4Day 1
Dadès Valley
Canyon and valley scenery
Stop 5Day 2
Todra Gorge
Canyon walk
Stop 6Day 2
Merzouga
Erg Chebbi dunes
Stop 7Day 3
Midelt
Middle Atlas transit
Stop 8Day 3
Ifrane
Middle Atlas mountain town
Stop 9Day 3
Fès
Arrival gateway
The essentials
Trip highlights
Aït Ben Haddou and southern kasbah country
Dadès and Todra canyon landscapes
Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga
Middle Atlas crossing to Fès via Midelt and Ifrane
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
1
Day 1
Marrakech to Dadès via Aït Ben Haddou
Cross the High Atlas, visit Aït Ben Haddou and continue through Ouarzazate into the Dadès Valley for the night.
Stay · Dadès Valley
2
Day 2
Dadès, Todra and Merzouga
Drive through the southern valleys to Todra Gorge for a canyon walk, then continue through the Tafilalt region to Merzouga and Erg Chebbi.
Stay · Merzouga / desert camp or lodge
3
Day 3
Merzouga to Fès via Midelt and Ifrane
Leave the Sahara after sunrise and head north through Midelt and the Middle Atlas, pausing around Ifrane before arriving in Fès.
Know before you request
What’s included
Included
- Private or small-group tourist transport
- Local coordination and route support
- Accommodation where the itinerary includes overnight stays
- Experiences and visits described in the itinerary
- Ask-Morocco trip support before departure
Not included
- Lunches and dinners unless specifically stated
- Personal expenses and optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Entrance fees not explicitly listed as included
Questions travelers ask
Plan your Merzouga Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fès
Is this a one-way tour?+
Yes. It is designed to start in Marrakech and finish in Fès, avoiding the need to backtrack.
Can the route run from Fès to Marrakech instead?+
Yes. Ask-Morocco can quote the reverse direction subject to availability.