Desert journeys

Marrakech to Fes, by the Sahara

Cross the Atlas, reach the dunes, then stay a little longer before the long drive north to Fes. Four days give the desert its own chapter.

Plan my journey

Golden dunes at Merzouga beneath the Saharan sky — Merzouga · at the edge of the Sahara

DepartureMarrakech

ArrivalFes

Suggested duration4 days

Travel stylePrivate transport

Private routes, thoughtfully paced.

Cross the Atlas, reach the dunes, then stay a little longer before the long drive north to Fes. Four days give the desert its own chapter.

Earth & memory
The road, on a grand scale
Between the cliffs
The horizon turns to sand

Recommended for: Travellers comfortable with longer road days
Travel style: Scenic travel with time between the landmarks

A route in chapters

Your journey,day by day.

An outline to personalise, not a fixed departure or confirmed booking.

Route overview

Illustrative sequence, not a geographic map. Stops and access remain subject to confirmation.

Day 1

Marrakech Aït Ben Haddou Dadès Valley

Walk towards the ksar and take in its stepped earthen skyline. Leave time for the uphill lanes and valley views, choosing the walking route to suit your group.

Follow the valley past villages, cultivated strips and sculpted rock. Choose viewpoints according to road conditions, leaving time to enjoy the changing scale of the landscape.

This is a substantial road stage. Start early, allow for comfort stops and keep visits selective. An extra night can shorten the driving day.

Planned overnight areaDadès Valley

Day 2

Dadès Valley Todra Gorges Merzouga

Approach the high gorge walls near Tinghir and pause for a walk where access allows. Comfortable shoes help on uneven ground; the length of the walk follows your group’s needs.

Make room for the dunes of Erg Chebbi and their changing light. On a full day here, keep travel local; walks, camel rides or a camp night can be requested separately.

Planned overnight areaMerzouga

Day 3

Merzouga

Make room for the dunes of Erg Chebbi and their changing light. On a full day here, keep travel local; walks, camel rides or a camp night can be requested separately.

Planned overnight areaMerzouga

Day 4

Merzouga Fes

Leave time for the medina on foot and agree an accessible meeting point outside its lanes. A licensed local guide can be requested separately.

This is a substantial road stage. Start early, allow for comfort stops and keep visits selective. An extra night can shorten the driving day.

Finish inFes

The journey in pictures

The Koutoubia minaret above Marrakech rooftops — Marrakech

The earthen buildings of Aït Ben Haddou’s ksar — Aït Ben Haddou

The bends of the Dadès road between ochre cliffs — Dadès Valley

The journey,in practice.

Pickup & drop-off

Airport, hotel, riad or agreed address in the departure city. The final drop-off address and meeting times are confirmed in your proposal.

Your transport

Private road transport, with a vehicle selected for your group, luggage and route. Model, capacity, equipment and availability require confirmation.

Important to know

Accommodation, meals, entrances, local guides and activities are discussed separately. Nothing is included unless stated in your accepted quote.

Before you leave

Mountain weather, heat, daylight and local access can change the route. Allow extra time before flights and tell us about mobility or child-seat needs.

Desert camp stays, camel rides and off-road transfers are optional requests, not confirmed inclusions. Some desert areas need a separately arranged 4×4.

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