Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 2 days
Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 2 days
The Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour (2 Days) is a popular travel itinerary in Morocco, offering tourists the opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural treasures of the country.
Spanning over two days, this tour takes visitors on a fascinating journey from the ancient city of Fes to the vibrant city of Marrakech, passing through the mesmerizing desert landscapes of Merzouga and the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains.
During the first day of the tour, travelers will embark on a scenic drive from Fes, passing through picturesque towns such as Ifrane and the Middle Atlas Mountains.
The journey continues through the captivating Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm groves and stunning gorges.
Finally, the day concludes in Merzouga, where visitors will have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring sunset over the vast sand dunes of the Sahara Desert.
On the second day, the tour takes a different route, leading travelers through the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved kasbahs and traditional architecture.
The journey continues through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks and winding mountain roads.
Finally, the tour concludes in the vibrant city of Marrakech, known for its bustling souks, magnificent palaces, and vibrant cultural scene.
Overall, the Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour is a remarkable opportunity for travelers to experience the rich heritage, natural beauty, and cultural diversity of Morocco.
With its diverse landscapes, ancient cities, and captivating desert experience, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the country.
Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 2 days main info
Departure location
Fes
Return location
Marrakech
Departure time
08:00 AM
Itinerary duration
2 days/ 1 night
Highlights of the Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 2 days
- One of the highlights of the 2-day journey from Fes to Marrakech is the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunset over the high dunes of Merzouga.
- As the tour crosses the Middle Atlas Mountains, travelers will have the chance to stop in the city of Ifrane, also known as the Switzerland of Morocco. This picturesque town offers a unique blend of Moroccan and European architecture, with its red-roofed houses and clean streets. The serene atmosphere of Ifrane sets the tone for the rest of the journey.
- Continuing through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the tour takes a stop at a cedar forest, where travelers may have the chance to encounter Barbary apes. These playful and intelligent primates are native to the region and are known for their engaging behavior. Observing these creatures in their natural habitat adds an element of adventure to the journey, creating lasting memories for the travelers.
- Arriving at the Erg Chebbi Dunes, the tour offers the opportunity to ride a camel through the vast desert landscape. This unique mode of transportation allows travelers to experience the nomadic lifestyle and immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings. The camel ride leads to the highlight of the journey, as visitors witness the sun gracefully setting over the high dunes of Merzouga. The vibrant colors painting the sky create a mesmerizing spectacle, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness it.
- To enhance the experience, the tour includes a night at a desert camp in the middle of nowhere. This secluded campsite offers a peaceful and tranquil environment, allowing travelers to disconnect from the outside world and connect with the natural beauty surrounding them. As night falls, the staff at the camp gathers around a campfire, drumming and singing Berber music, providing a cultural immersion experience for the travelers. Gazing at the stars, with the desert silence embracing them, creates a sense of wonder and awe.
- Overall, the Fes to Marrakech desert tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the natural wonders of Morocco. From the captivating sunset over the high dunes of Merzouga to the cultural experiences at the desert camp, this journey provides a memorable and enriching experience for travelers. By immersing themselves in the breathtaking landscapes and embracing the local traditions, visitors can create lasting memories and gain a deeper understanding of the beauty and diversity of Morocco.
Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 2 days overview
The 2-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the Sahara desert, with the highlight being a camel ride across the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi Dunes and the chance to witness a serene sunset.
This tour is designed for those who have limited time in Morocco but still want to experience the beauty of the desert. However, it is important to note that this tour involves a significant amount of driving, so participants should be prepared for long hours on the road.
The journey begins in Fes, where travelers will embark on a scenic drive through the Atlas Mountains, passing through charming Berber villages along the way. The landscapes are breathtaking, with rugged mountain peaks and lush valleys providing a stunning backdrop.
After several hours of driving, the tour reaches the Erg Chebbi Dunes, a vast expanse of golden sand that stretches as far as the eye can see. Here, participants will have the chance to ride camels and traverse the dunes, an experience that is both exhilarating and peaceful.
As the evening approaches, the tour group will find a suitable spot to set up camp amidst the dunes. This is where the magic truly happens, as the sun begins to set and paints the sky with vibrant hues of orange and pink. The tranquility of the desert, combined with the beauty of the sunset, creates a truly unforgettable experience.
After a night spent under the stars, participants will wake up to the stunning sight of the sunrise over the dunes, before embarking on the journey to Marrakech.
It is important to note that the 2-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour is primarily focused on the desert experience, with limited time for sightseeing along the way. Therefore, if time allows, it is recommended to opt for the three-day tour, which allows for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to visit various beautiful sites between Merzouga and Marrakech.
Nonetheless, for those with limited time, the 2-day tour offers a condensed yet still memorable desert experience, providing a glimpse into the enchanting beauty of the Sahara.
Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour, 2 days Itinerary
DAY 1: FES, IFRANE, MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS, ZIZ VALLEY, MERZOUGA
Embarking on a captivating journey through Morocco, travelers will venture from the vibrant city of Fes to the picturesque town of Ifrane, where the unique blend of Moroccan and European architecture sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Known as the Switzerland of Morocco due to its colder climate, Ifrane offers a refreshing change of scenery with its clean streets, well-maintained parks, and red-roofed houses. The town’s charming ambiance provides a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Fes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a more tranquil atmosphere.
Continuing their desert tour, travelers will then traverse the Middle Atlas Mountains, a majestic range that showcases the natural beauty of Morocco. The journey through this mountainous region offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, dense forests, and flowing rivers. Along the way, a stop at a cedar forest presents an opportunity to observe Barbary monkeys in their natural habitat. These playful and intelligent creatures add an element of delight to the journey, providing a chance for visitors to connect with the wildlife of Morocco.
After a refreshing lunch in a local restaurant, travelers will resume their expedition along the Ziz Valley, an oasis teeming with palm trees. The panoramic view of this lush greenery against the backdrop of barren landscapes is a sight to behold. The Ziz Valley serves as a testament to the resilience of nature, as it thrives amidst the arid surroundings. This awe-inspiring vista offers a moment of reflection and appreciation for the beauty that exists in even the most unlikely of places.
As the day progresses, the desert awaits, and travelers will finally arrive at the mesmerizing dunes of Merzouga. Here, they will be greeted by a caravan of camels, ready to transport them across the shifting sands to their luxury camp. This enchanting experience allows visitors to immerse themselves in the essence of the desert, as they ride through the vast expanse of golden dunes. At sunset, the view from atop a high dune is nothing short of magical, as the sun casts its warm glow over the landscape, creating a breathtaking display of colors.
Upon reaching the campsite, guests will be shown to their private tents, where they can unwind and freshen up before indulging in a delicious dinner. As the night falls, a bonfire is lit, illuminating the desert surroundings and creating a cozy ambiance. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Berber drums and soulful melodies, travelers can relax and enjoy the mesmerizing starry sky above. This immersive cultural experience offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Berber people, allowing visitors to connect with the traditions and music that have been passed down through generations.
The first day of the Fes to Marrakech desert tour takes travelers on a captivating journey from the vibrant city of Fes to the tranquil town of Ifrane. The exploration continues through the striking Middle Atlas Mountains, where the encounter with Barbary monkeys adds a touch of wildlife to the adventure. The scenic drive along the Ziz Valley showcases the harmony between nature and the arid landscapes, leading up to the awe-inspiring arrival in the desert of Merzouga. Here, the camel ride and sunset viewing from a high dune provide unforgettable moments, culminating in a night of cultural immersion around a bonfire. This day sets the stage for an enchanting desert experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Day 2: Fes - Marrakech
Continuing the journey through the captivating landscapes of Morocco, the second day takes travelers from the mesmerizing dunes of Merzouga to the renowned historical site of Ait Benhaddou.
Ait Benhaddou, located in the Ouarzazate province, offers a scenic and panoramic view of one of the most famous Kasbahs in Morocco. This fortified village has gained international recognition as it has been featured in numerous movies and TV series, including the Mummy, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, Ait Benhaddou stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of Morocco.
As travelers make a stop at Ait Benhaddou, they are presented with the opportunity to explore the intricate architecture and historical significance of the Kasbah. The village’s well-preserved structures and maze-like streets offer a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of ancient times. The panoramic views from Ait Benhaddou are truly awe-inspiring, showcasing the vastness of the surrounding landscapes and the grandeur of the Kasbah itself.
After the visit to Ait Benhaddou, the journey continues through the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. This part of the trip offers travelers the chance to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of the mountain range. The winding roads and steep cliffs provide stunning views that leave a lasting impression.
The stop in the High Atlas Mountains allows travelers to capture the essence of Morocco’s diverse geography, from the vast desert landscapes to the majestic mountain ranges.
The Fes to Marrakech desert trip comes to an end as the guide drops off the travelers at their hotel or riad in Marrakech. This two-day adventure offers a unique blend of natural wonders and historical sites, showcasing the diverse and captivating beauty of Morocco.
From the mesmerizing dunes of Merzouga to the ancient Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and the scenic High Atlas Mountains, this journey provides a memorable experience that highlights the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Morocco.
Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 2 days includes
- Pickup and drop off from accommodation.
- Camel for each in Merzouga
- Berber tent accommodation.
- Vehicle with gasoline
- Dinner and Breakfast
Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 2 days excludes:
- Monuments fees
- Lunches
- Tips
- Soft drinks
Testimonials of the Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour: 2 days
Related tours:
We offer a variety of tours from Fes, including desert tours and city tours. However, if the plans below do not meet your needs, please fill out our contact form and let us know what you are looking for.
- 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora
- 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
- 2 days tour from Marrakech to Fes
- 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert
- 3 days tour from Marrakech to Fes
- 4 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert
- 4 days tour from Marrakech to Fes
- 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert
- 5 days tour from Marrakech to Fes
- 6 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert
- 7 days tour from Marrakech to Fes
Overview of the Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 2 days Highlights
As you make your way from Fes to Merzouga, you’ll come across a wealth of fascinating and beautiful sights. The following is a 2 days tour itinerary from Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara desert, Merzouga, that we hope you will find enjoyable.
Ifrane
As part of our 2 days Sahara wasteland tour from Fes to Marrakech, you’ll visit Morocco’s “Little Switzerland,”.
We can’t talk about Ifrane without mentioning Tizguit, the valley of the cave, which is about 7 kilometers from the center of Ifrane. There are a number of caves in Berber called ifrane or yfrane.
Most of the time, when we go on excursions to Morocco from Fes, we stop at the statue of the extinct Atlas Lion. During World War II, a German prisoner sacrificed his life in order to be freed from the French captors. As a result, they asked him to carve a statue of the extinct lion. Ifrane is a modern city with European architecture. Aside from that, it’s by far the cleanest and most expensive city in the country.
Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane attracts a large number of students from around the world. The University of Al Akhawayn in other words, is one of the best universities we have in Morocco. Aside from that, Morocco’s current king has 12 palaces, one of which is located in Ifrane and is devoted to the university.
Because of the favorable weather, the Moroccan soccer team (The Atlas Lion) receives its training in Ifrane. As a result, Ifrane has become an expensive place to live or visit for a vacation.
Azrou
Azrou forest is one of Morocco’s largest forests, home to numerous wild animals. As a result, we can postpone our 2 days excursion from Fes in order to see the Barbary Macaque monkeys.
These creators are known as the magots and the barbary apes, and they live in Morocco, Algeria, and a few of them in Gibraltar. Once we arrive, we will be able to observe how they live in families, how they manage to care for their toddlers, and we will also be able to feed and photograph them.
Around the cedar woodland is a snowboarding station where Moroccans come because it snows a lot there.
The Atlas Mountains
If you’re driving from Fes to the Sahara desert, you should avoid the High and Middle Atlas Mountains. This range of mountains separates the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts from the Sahara desert. Furthermore, they cover approximately 1,600 miles/2,500 kilometers through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The highest point of this range of Mountains is located in Toubkal, at approximately 4,165 meters (13,665 feet). They’re also about 180 kilometers away from the pink metropolis of Marrakech.
Errachidia and Ziz valley
The Dam:
Errachidia is located on the outskirts of the Atlas Mountains and serves as the gateway to the Sahara desert. Errachidia is named after Mohammed V’s brother, Prince Moulay Rachid. The starting point names, on the other hand, are Imtghern in Berber and Ksar Souk in Arabic.
The Hassan Addakhil dam is Errachidia’s largest source of water, as well as the surrounding areas such as Merzouga. The Alaouiet dynasty had a good idea and saved the water that came from the mountains by building a dam. Now, the towns around could have water 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as opposed to earlier when fountains were only used once a week.
The valley of Ziz:
The Ziz valley stretches for 282 kilometers from the south of Morocco to Algeria. It is unquestionably one of Morocco’s largest valleys, flowing from the Atlas Mountains. As a result, many locals in the area saw the valley as a threat to agriculture, resulting in approximately 30km of agriculture, particularly dates palm trees.
Erfoud
Erfoud, also spelled Arfoud, is the second closest city to Merzouga, wilderness. It was built in 1912 by the French and named Erfoud after the plant that grows within the river, Ounfoud. Not to mention, there’s another story about the name; they say that two Berbers were given into the river to see how deep it is, and the other one asked him, and he said Ar Afoud, which means to the knee in Berber.
Erfoud is well-known for hosting a global celebration of dates every October for a three-day carnival. Erfoud is also well-known for its mineral fossils, such as Trilobites…
If you are interested, we should stop by one of the fossil museums during our 2-days Sahara wilderness tour from Fes to Marrakech. Furthermore, we will stop at the Souk of dates fruits, where you can try the flavor of various kinds as well as its cereal.
For the Jewish, there is one of the Jewish cemeteries, to which many people from Israel travel. As a result, if you are Jewish, you must pass through there.
Merzouga
Merzouga, the Sahara desert, is now not only the highlight of our 2 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, but also of all of our Morocco desert tours. To begin with, there are rumors that it was named Merzouga. First, some people claim that the Erg Chebbi sand dunes made it wealthy, and many visitors from all over the world come to find out. As a result, it was given the name Merzouqa because he was wealthy. Second, various people claim that the distinct call is derived from the own circle of relatives call of an Arab who changed into Merzouq. This particular family is still living right here in the heart of Merzouga.
Merzouga is a massive city with numerous tribes and roots. Arabs, Berbers, and Gnaoua people, for example, can all be found (darkish pores and skin humans). The Gnaoua, on the other hand, live primarily in the village of Khamlia, while the Berbers and Arabs live in the center of Merzouga and the small villages that surround it, such as Hassi Labied and Takojt.
Merzouga is well-known for Erg Chebbi, massive golden sand dunes that can reach 150 meters in height, are 22 kilometers long, and 5 kilometers wide. Furthermore, the shade of those dunes changes depending on the weather. For example, in the winter, it will turn yellow to white, and in the summer, it will turn reddish to orange. Not to mention that the shapes of the dunes change at some point during the summer season due to wind.
Merzouga is located in southeast Morocco, approximately 50 kilometers from the Algerian border. Erfoud, Rissani, and Tafilalet are the closest towns. Many visitors from the region and around the world visit Merzouga to partake in its enthralling activities.
Top activities
Camel trekking: You should not visit Merzouga without taking a camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes. There are numerous ways to go about it. To begin, you could ee-e book a camel for the sunset; camels can be prepared and set up next to the dunes if you reserve them with locals. Second, you could ee-e book the camels for the sunrise; this option works best for people staying in Erfoud or Rissani inns. Third, the nice thing to do is to completely enjoy them. That is, you reserve the camels to spend the night in Berber tents. Then, for the sunset and sunrise, you’ll have camels with you.
Camping in Berber tents
Many visitors come to Merzouga to experience the nomadic lifestyle. In other words, they must remain as Berber nomads who live within the mountains, with tents and herds, and who travel from one location to another in search of better living conditions. This amusement is also included in our two-day Fes desolate tract excursion. However, you have the option of spending the night in fashionable or expensive tents or bivouacs.
A view of the Milky Way and capturing stars from Erg Chebbi dunes, as seen at nighttime: Erg Chebbi dunes, as seen at nighttime. Also, the quiet dunes are a great place to practice Yoga for non-religious reasons.
Skiing is another amusing and comfortable activity to do at the dunes. We provide that revel in at Berber camps, we have forums, and close to the camp is a first-rate sand dune where you can try this revel in.
Other sports are no longer safe within the experience
Nomadic tribes: if you have more than two days from Fes, we recommend staying in Merzouga for two days to get the full experience. As a result, you’ll be able to take a trip across the dunes to meet the Berber nomads.
There, you’ll see how the Berbers genuinely manage to stay alive despite their difficult circumstances. You’ll also be living with this family, and they’ll show us how they prepare dinner, sleep inside the tent, and manage their herd. Even better, we might want to live with them, and they’ll prepare dinner dinner for us so that we can eat like them and stay the same way they do.
The lake of Srij: Hopefully it’s finished, but another fascinating location to look around Merzouga is the lake where camels move herding. At some point during the day, you’ll see all of the camels in the area, as well as immigrant flamingo birds.
Oasis of Hassi Labied: To round out your Merzouga experience, we’d like to take you to learn about the locals’ agriculture, what they plant, and where they get their water.
Gnawa Khmalia: the people of Khamlia, Gnawa are originally from Sahelian, and it is widely assumed that Berbers added them so that they could be used as slaves. Most of our journeys from Fes, which start at three days, include a visit to this village, Khamlia. Here, we can take you to one of the families, where they will perform a song for you using Krakebs and unique drums. Also, depending on the time, we might want to set up a meeting with one of the vintage guys there to hear their stories.
The Mifis mine: During the French energy, this Mifis mine was used to extract slat and mascara. It is now a popular tourist destination for those looking to unravel its mystery.
Conclusion:
Our 2 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga takes you to a variety of locations. However, if you have more days to visit the Sahara desert tract, we recommend that you do so because the journey from Fes to Merzouga takes nearly 7 hours. As a result, the journey may be more useful than exploring.
Ait Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an extraordinary mud-brick settlement. It is such a one-of-a-kind location that it must be included on every Morocco itinerary.
The location has appeared in epic programs such as Game of Thrones and films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.
The kasbah, also known as the ksar, is a fortified settlement. It’s a collection of clay structures surrounded by high defensive walls.
There are various gates via which you may access the ksar.
The ksar is mostly made up of houses, although it also features a few businesses, cafés, and museums.
Conclusion
The 2 Days from Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour is a captivating journey that takes you through the diverse landscapes of Morocco.
The tour showcases the beauty of the Middle Atlas Mountains, the picturesque Ziz Valley, and the mesmerizing sand dunes of Merzouga.
On the second day, you will visit the historic Ait Ben Haddou and traverse the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains before reaching the vibrant city of Marrakech.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich culture, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality of Morocco.
In conclusion, the Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour is a remarkable adventure that allows you to explore the natural wonders and cultural treasures of Morocco.
The itinerary is carefully crafted to ensure that you witness the diverse landscapes and iconic landmarks of the country.
From the snow-capped mountains to the golden sand dunes, this tour offers a truly unforgettable experience.
Whether you are a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking an enriching travel experience, the Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour is a perfect choice.
Embark on this journey and immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Morocco.