Many visitors arrive in Marrakech and fly home from Fes, or the other way round. Instead of taking the direct road or train between the two cities, you can cross the country through the south: over the High Atlas, along the valleys of kasbahs, into the dunes of Erg Chebbi and back up through the Middle Atlas. It takes three days or more and turns a transfer into the highlight of the trip.
The route
Marrakech → Tizi n’Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes.
The first half is identical to the classic Merzouga tour. The difference comes after the night in the dunes: instead of returning west, you head north from Erfoud to Errachidia, through the palm-filled Ziz Gorges, over the high plateau around Midelt and into the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas. The final stretch passes Ifrane, sometimes called “the Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style houses, before descending to Fes.
Key sights along the way
- Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed fortified village near Ouarzazate.
- The Dades Valley, with its kasbahs and rock formations.
- The Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon with walls up to several hundred metres high.
- Erg Chebbi, the high dunes of Merzouga, with a camel ride and a night at camp.
- The Ziz Valley, a long ribbon of palm groves seen from viewpoints above the gorge.
- The cedar forests near Azrou and Ifrane, home to Barbary macaques.
How many days?
3 days: the efficient crossing
Night 1 in the Dades Valley, night 2 in a Merzouga camp, then the drive to Fes on day 3 (around eight hours with stops). It is the fastest way to combine the desert with the north. See the 3 Days Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara.
4 days: time to enjoy the dunes
The extra day is spent around Merzouga: Khamlia village, Rissani, the dunes at your own pace and a second night at camp. It is the most popular version for good reason. See the 4 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour.
7 days or more: a full loop
If you also want to see Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis or Chefchaouen, a longer circuit like the 7 Days Imperial Cities and Sahara Tour or the 8 Days Marrakech Morocco Discovery Tour connects everything without rushing.
Doing it in reverse: Fes to Marrakech
The route works just as well from north to south. The first day from Fes to Merzouga is long, so many travellers prefer the 4-day version. Browse our tours from Fes for the reverse itineraries.
Planning tips
- Luggage: a one-way private tour carries all your luggage, which makes it easier than combining buses and trains.
- Winter: the Middle Atlas around Ifrane and Midelt can see snow between December and February. Roads are usually open, but allow some flexibility.
- Arrival in Fes: cars cannot enter most of the medina. Your driver drops you at the nearest gate and a porter can help with bags to your riad.
- Book a guide in Fes: the Fes el-Bali medina is a maze of thousands of lanes. A licensed local guide makes your first visit far easier.
Frequently asked questions
Is Marrakech to Fes via the desert better than the train?
They serve different goals. The train (via Casablanca) is a practical transfer. The desert route is a journey through the most scenic regions of the country, with a night in the Sahara.
Can I start the tour at Marrakech airport?
Yes. Private tours can start from your riad, hotel or Marrakech Menara airport. Tell us your flight details when you send your request.
Want a different combination? Our tailor-made team can adapt the route, pace and accommodation to your needs.