Two days connect Ouarzazate with Fes through Todra Gorge and the Sahara. Cross the Erg Chebbi dunes by camel, spend the night in a Merzouga desert camp, then continue through the Ziz Valley, Middle Atlas and Ifrane to Fes.
The shortest road between Ouarzazate and Fes is not necessarily the most memorable one. In two days, this route crosses a canyon, reaches the Sahara, spends a night among the dunes and finishes among the cooler landscapes of the Middle Atlas.
This 2 days desert tour from Ouarzazate to Fes is designed for travelers with limited time who still want Merzouga to be part of the journey north.
The first day leaves Ouarzazate and heads toward Tinghir and Todra Gorge, where there is time to walk beside the river beneath the high canyon walls.
From there, the road continues through the dry landscapes of southeastern Morocco until the Erg Chebbi dunes begin to appear near Merzouga.
By late afternoon, the vehicle stays behind. Meet the camel team and begin a camel ride in Merzouga across part of the dunes, with time for sunset when weather and daylight allow.
The night is spent in the Sahara. Depending on the package selected, accommodation can be arranged in a comfortable camp or an upgraded luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
The second day begins early and covers a long distance toward Fes. Rissani and Erfoud lead into the palm-filled Ziz Valley before the road climbs through Midelt and the Middle Atlas.
By the time you reach Ifrane and continue toward Fes, the Sahara is far behind and the landscape has changed completely once again.
This Ouarzazate to Fes desert tour is an intensive itinerary, but it works particularly well when you need to reach Fes while still including a genuine overnight experience in Merzouga.
Journey experience
Day by day
The first morning leaves the cinema landscapes of Ouarzazate behind and heads east toward one of southern Morocco’s most dramatic natural settings.
Morning — Ouarzazate to Todra Gorge
Pickup is arranged from your hotel, riad, airport or another agreed location in Ouarzazate.
The road continues toward Tinghir, passing increasingly dry landscapes and palm areas before reaching Todra Gorge.
Here, leave the vehicle for a while and walk beside the river beneath the high limestone walls.
It is a simple stop, but being on foot inside the canyon gives a much better sense of its scale than viewing it through the vehicle window.
Afternoon — Toward Merzouga
After lunch along the route, continue through Touroug, Tinejdad and the southeastern landscapes toward Merzouga.
As the afternoon progresses, the terrain becomes increasingly open until the Erg Chebbi dunes rise from the desert plain.
Sunset — Camel Ride Across Erg Chebbi
Prepare a small bag for the night and meet the camel team.
Your Morocco camel ride crosses part of Erg Chebbi toward the camp, leaving the road and vehicles behind.
When conditions are suitable, stop on the dunes to watch the sunset before continuing across the sand.
Night — Merzouga Desert Camp
Arrive at the camp and settle into your private tent.
Depending on the option reserved, you can stay in a comfortable camp or choose a luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
Dinner is served in the evening and, when organized by the camp, traditional drums and music may follow around the fire.
Driving time: approximately 6 hours, excluding Todra, lunch and longer stops.
The final morning begins with sand dunes and finishes among cedar forests and mountain towns. Few driving days in Morocco show such a dramatic change in landscape.
Morning — Leaving Merzouga
Wake early if you would like to see sunrise over Erg Chebbi before breakfast.
After leaving the camp by the arranged camel or 4x4 transfer, meet your driver and begin the long journey toward Fes.
The first section passes Rissani and Erfoud before continuing north.
If your visit coincides with a market day and timing permits, a brief stop in Rissani may be possible.
Ziz Valley
The road then follows the landscapes around the Ziz region, where palm groves create a long green corridor through otherwise dry terrain.
When timing allows, stop at a panoramic viewpoint before continuing toward Midelt.
Afternoon — Midelt and Middle Atlas
Lunch can be taken around Midelt before the road begins climbing into the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Near Azrou, Barbary macaques may occasionally be seen around the cedar forests. They are wild animals, so sightings are not guaranteed and they should not be fed or disturbed.
Continue through Ifrane before completing the final section to Fes.
Your 2-day Ouarzazate to Fes desert tour ends with drop-off at your hotel, riad or the nearest accessible point to your accommodation.
Driving time: approximately 7–8 hours, excluding lunch and longer stops.
This itinerary is built for travelers who need to move from Ouarzazate to Fes but do not want to skip the Sahara.
Instead of taking a direct transfer, Day 1 passes through Todra Gorge before reaching the Merzouga Desert in time for the camel ride and camp night.
That means Erg Chebbi becomes a real overnight experience rather than a distant viewpoint or short roadside stop.
The second day then follows one of Morocco’s most varied routes north, moving from desert plains through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas before reaching Fes.
The main trade-off is pace: Day 2 is long. If you want more time in Merzouga, Khamlia, Gnawa music or additional desert activities, a 3- or 4-day route is a better choice.
You can adapt the route using our Customize Your Morocco Tour service.
You can also compare other tours from Ouarzazate or explore tours from Fes for the next part of your journey.
When your dates are ready, contact us for availability and desert-camp options.
Tour details
Tour gallery
Before you book
Yes, if you have limited time. The route includes Todra Gorge, a camel ride and overnight desert camp in Merzouga before continuing to Fes. However, the second day involves approximately 7–8 hours of driving.
Yes. A camel ride across part of the Erg Chebbi dunes is included on the first afternoon. The exact departure time depends on daylight, weather and your arrival time.
Yes. A luxury desert camp in Merzouga can be arranged according to availability and the accommodation category selected when booking.
Yes. Todra Gorge is one of the main stops on Day 1, with time to walk beneath the canyon walls before continuing toward Merzouga.
Normally no. This two-day itinerary is focused on reaching Merzouga for the camel ride and then continuing to Fes. Travelers interested in Khamlia and Gnawa music should consider adding another day in Merzouga.
The tour finishes in Fes on Day 2, with drop-off at your hotel, riad or an agreed accessible point after passing through the Ziz Valley, Midelt, the Middle Atlas and Ifrane.
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Continue exploring Morocco with a few journeys that connect naturally with this route.
Private tourFour days connect Ouarzazate with Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley, Todra Gorge and the dunes of Merzouga before continuing to Marrakech. The route includes a camel ride across Erg Chebbi, a night in the Sahara and a full day exploring the desert around Merzouga.
Private tourHead out from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi dunes on a 2-day Merzouga desert tour with a camel ride, Sahara sunset, desert camp and a scenic return through Ait Ben Haddou.
Private tourTravel from Fes to Marrakech on a private 2-day desert tour through Ifrane, the Middle Atlas and Ziz Valley. Ride camels across Erg Chebbi, spend the night in a Merzouga desert camp and return through Ait Ben Haddou and the High Atlas.
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