2 Days from Fes to Marrakech

Day 1: Fes to Merzouga Desert – A Leap into the Sahara

Begin your journey early from Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. As you leave the city, you’ll quickly find yourself immersed in the changing landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, stop at Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and marvel at its alpine-style architecture and cool climate.

Continue through cedar forests, perhaps catching a glimpse of Barbary apes, and pass through the Ziz Valley with its dramatic gorges and palm groves. As the day progresses, watch as the landscape transforms into the arid pre-Sahara.

Arrive in Merzouga by the afternoon, where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi stretch out before you. These are some of the most spectacular sand dunes in the Sahara Desert. From here, embark on a camel trek, an essential Moroccan experience, and journey into the desert for an overnight stay at a Berber camp. As night falls, enjoy traditional music and a Moroccan feast under a sky filled with stars.

Day 2: Merzouga Desert to Marrakech – Across the Atlas to the Red City

Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, begin the long journey to Marrakech. This route will take you through a variety of landscapes, including rugged mountains and fertile valleys.

The journey will be punctuated with stops in small towns and villages, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the Moroccan countryside. You’ll pass through Tazarine and Nkob, as well as the Draa Valley, with its picturesque string of oases and kasbahs.

As you approach Marrakech, you’ll cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains, winding through dramatic peaks and valleys with spectacular views. By the time you descend into Marrakech, the landscape will have transformed once again, this time into the lush, palm-filled oasis of this bustling city.

Arriving in Marrakech, you’ll feel worlds away from the quiet of the desert and the traditional life of the villages you passed. Spend the evening exploring this vibrant city, visiting the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where the air is filled with the scent of spices and the sounds of music and chatter, the perfect end to your whirlwind tour.

This 2-day journey from Fes to Marrakech via the Merzouga Desert is a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. It offers a taste of Morocco’s stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable landscapes, all packed into an intense 48 hours.