7-Day Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fès via Sahara & Meknes

📌 Overview

Seven days from Marrakech to Fès — the grand one-way crossing of Morocco’s south and north. High Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Rose Valley, Todra Gorge, Erg Chebbi, Ziz Valley, and then north through the Middle Atlas to Fès via Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis. The most complete one-way desert crossing available, combining spectacular landscapes with rich cultural experiences.

🗺️ Itinerary

🌅 Day 1: Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou to Ouarzazate

High Atlas crossing and UNESCO kasbah

Depart from Marrakech at 9:00 AM, heading towards the High Atlas Mountains. Traverse the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) with breathtaking views. Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village famous for its role in many films. Continue to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s film capital. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah. Overnight in Ouarzazate.

🌅 Day 2: Ouarzazate to Skoura to Rose Valley to Dades Valley

Palm groves and floral landscapes

After breakfast, visit the Atlas Film Studios, where many famous movies have been filmed. Drive to Skoura, known for its beautiful palm groves and the Amridil Kasbah. Continue to Kelaat M’Gouna, the heart of Morocco’s rose-growing region. Drive to the Dades Valley. Overnight in Boumalne Dades.

🌅 Day 3: Dades Valley to Todra Gorge to Merzouga

Canyon hike and Sahara desert adventure

Start your day with a scenic drive through the Dades Valley, heading towards the Todra Gorge. Explore this stunning canyon with its towering rock walls. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your journey to Merzouga. Upon arrival, embark on a camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Overnight in a luxury Bedouin camp.

🌅 Day 4: Merzouga Desert Exploration

Sunrise, 4×4 adventure and Berber culture

Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, explore the desert by 4×4, visiting Khamlia village for traditional Gnawa music. Try sandboarding on the dunes. Visit a nomad family to learn about their way of life. Overnight in the desert camp.

🌅 Day 5: Merzouga to Ziz Valley to Midelt to Fes

Palm groves, mountains and imperial city

After breakfast, begin your journey to Fes. Pass through the scenic Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs. Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at scenic viewpoints. Arrive in Fes by 6:00 PM. Check into your hotel and begin your exploration of the ancient medina.

🌅 Day 6: Explore Fes

Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart

Full day exploring Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Visit the Al Quaraouiyine University (the world’s oldest university), Bou Inania Madrasa, Chouara Tanneries, and the Dar Batha Museum. Get lost in the labyrinth of the Fes el-Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

🌅 Day 7: Fes to Meknes to Volubilis to Fes

Imperial city and Roman ruins

Day trip to Meknes, another of Morocco’s imperial cities. Visit the Bab Mansour gate, Heri es Souani granaries, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to Fes for your final night.

✅ Includes

  • Private air-conditioned transportation throughout
  • Professional English/French/Spanish-speaking guide
  • 6 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels and luxury desert camp
  • Daily breakfast and 4 dinners
  • Camel trek in Erg Chebbi with sunset and sunrise views
  • 4×4 desert excursion in Merzouga
  • Entrance fees to all mentioned historical sites and attractions
  • Local taxes and service charges

❌ Excludes

  • International flights
  • Lunches and drinks (except water during meals)
  • Personal expenses and shopping
  • Tips and gratuities (recommended: 5-10 EUR per person per day)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages

ℹ️ Trip Facts

Transport Private minibus (2-12 pax)
Accommodation 3-4 star hotels & luxury desert camp
Meals Breakfast daily, 4 dinners
Start Point Marrakech (hotel pickup at 9:00 AM)
End Point Fes (hotel drop-off)
Group Size 2-12 people (private groups available)
Best Time to Go March to November
Difficulty Easy to Moderate
Language English, French, Spanish

❓ FAQ

What makes this one-way tour special?

This tour allows you to experience Morocco’s diversity from south to north without backtracking. You start in Marrakech and end in Fes, both major cultural centers, while covering all the highlights in between.

Can I extend this tour to include Chefchaouen?

Yes! We can add 2 days in Chefchaouen by extending the tour after Fes. This would give you the complete northern Morocco experience.

What should I pack for both desert and city climates?

For the desert: warm layers for nights, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. For cities: comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, and a light jacket for cooler evenings.

How much time do we spend in the desert?

You’ll spend 2 nights in the desert: one for the camel trek and sunset, and a second for the 4×4 exploration and sunrise. This gives you a comprehensive desert experience.

What is the significance of Volubilis?

Volubilis is one of the most important Roman ruins in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was once the capital of the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana and features impressive mosaics and ancient structures.

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Morocco?

Absolutely! This tour is perfect for first-time visitors as it covers a wide range of Moroccan experiences – desert, mountains, imperial cities, and historical sites – in a well-paced itinerary.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

7-Day Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fès via Sahara & Meknes
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