Approximate distance: 330–350 km

Approximate driving time: 6.5–7.5 hours, excluding stops

Your adventure begins with pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech.

Leave the city behind and begin the scenic journey across the High Atlas Mountains. The road climbs toward the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with spectacular mountain scenery and traditional Berber villages along the way.

There will be opportunities to stop at viewpoints for photographs.

Continue toward Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most famous historic fortified villages. Explore the narrow streets and traditional earthen architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

After lunch, continue toward Ouarzazate, often known as the gateway to the Sahara, before travelling through the Valley of Roses.

The journey continues into the Dades Valley, where you can admire the dramatic rock formations and landscapes around the Dades Gorge.

Approximate distance: 200–310 km depending on the route and stops

Approximate driving time: 5–6.5 hours, excluding sightseeing

After breakfast, continue toward the spectacular Todra Gorge.

The road follows the landscapes of the Todra Valley, passing palm groves, villages and mountain scenery. At the gorge, take time to walk through the impressive canyon and enjoy the towering rock walls.

Continue toward Erfoud and the Tafilalet region before reaching Rissani and finally Merzouga.

In the afternoon, arrive in the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Prepare for one of the highlights of your Morocco journey: a camel trek into the Sahara.

Ride across the golden dunes while watching the changing colours of the sand as the sun begins to set.

After reaching your desert camp, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and an evening around the campfire. Depending on the weather, you can also enjoy the spectacular desert night sky.

Overnight at a desert camp.

Approximate driving distance: Around 50–60 km during the sightseeing circuit

Driving time: Approximately 3–3.5 hours, excluding stops

Wake early if you would like to experience sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes.

After breakfast, begin a private 4×4 excursion around the Merzouga region.

Visit a local nomadic family and learn more about traditional desert life and how communities have adapted to the Sahara environment.

Continue to Khamlia, a village famous for its Gnawa musical traditions. Enjoy an opportunity to listen to local musicians and learn about this important part of Moroccan cultural heritage.

Depending on seasonal conditions, the route can also include the surrounding desert landscapes and other points of interest around Erg Chebbi.

Return toward Merzouga for lunch and some free time.

In the afternoon, relax at your accommodation, take a walk near the dunes or enjoy the swimming pool if your accommodation has one.

You can also request to spend a second night at the desert camp, subject to availability.

Dinner and overnight in Merzouga.

Approximate distance: 450–500 km

Approximate driving time: 7.5–9 hours, excluding stops

After breakfast, begin your final journey toward Fes.

Travel north from Merzouga through the dramatic landscapes of eastern Morocco.

Stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves and oasis landscapes.

Continue toward Midelt, The route then climbs into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Depending on conditions and the season, you may have the opportunity to see Barbary macaques around the cedar forests near Azrou.

Continue toward Ifrane, a distinctive mountain town known for its alpine-style architecture and cooler climate.

After the stop in Ifrane, continue toward Fes.

Your Privat Marrakech to Fes desert adventure ends with drop-off at your hotel or riad in Fes.

Important note about driving

This is an exciting but relatively long overland journey. Four days is the minimum practical duration for covering Marrakech, the southern Morocco route, Merzouga and Fes while including a Sahara experience. If you prefer shorter driving days and more time at each destination, we recommend extending the journey to 5 or 6 days.