Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara Desert: A four-day itinerary for solo and independent travellers
Travelling from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara is one of Morocco’s most popular itineraries and (in my opinion) deservedly so. It takes in two historically rich cities and spectacular desert landscapes, as well as an ancient ksar that’s straight out of a film set.
The route passes by the dramatic gorges of Dades and Todra, as well as through the palm-studded Ziz Valley and the cedar forests of Azrou. It’s here that you can get up close to Barbary macaques, endangered primates native to Morocco.
Many people opt to travel from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara with local tour companies, of which there are HEAPS to choose from. This is a great option if you want all the logistics (including the driving) taken care of for you, plus the cultural insights that come with having a local as your guide. But what if you want to fly solo or travel independently?
While it is possible to reach Merzouga from Marrakech and Fes by bus, it’s everything in between that’s difficult to do with public transport. If you want to travel off the N9 and N10 (to reach Ait Benhaddou and Dades Gorge), you’ll need to find grand taxis to get you there. This is not impossible, but it takes time and patience.
If you’re comfortable behind the wheel, the best way to travel from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara is on a self-drive itinerary – it really is one of the best road trips in Morocco! It gives you the freedom to spend as long as you like in each destination and stop whenever something takes your interest. For me, it’s the ultimate freedom adventure.
Below, I’ll share my suggested 4-day itinerary from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara, including visits to Ait Benhaddou and Dades Gorge. It includes one night in the desert and the other two either side to break up the journey getting there and back.
As a result, the pace is relatively relaxed – there are no 9-hour driving days like on some tours from Marrakech to Fes via the desert! I’ve also included some recommended accommodation options, no matter what your budget or travel style.
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4-DAY MARRAKECH TO FES VIA SAHARA ITINERARY OVERVIEW
From the “Red City” of Marrakech, travel over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass to soak up the incredible Atlas Mountains views before descending to the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Benhaddou. End your first day in the magnificent Dades Gorge, an idyllic spot for short hikes. Then continue east to the Sahara Desert for a night of unforgettable stargazing at an Amazigh camp. On your final day, travel north through the Ziz Valley to the ancient city of Fes, home to one of the world’s oldest universities.
Hiring a car in Marrakech gives you the freedom and flexibility to complete this four-day Morocco itinerary at your own pace. It’s possible to return your rental car to an office in Fes, either in the downtown area or at the airport.
I suggest renting a car in Morocco with Discover Cars, as they provide free cancellation and support around the clock. They offer a range of vehicles, from compact automatics to manual vans, making sure there’s an option for every type of traveler and driving preference.
For more information about self-driving in Morocco, check out my guide here.
Highlights:
Explore the winding laneways of Marrakech and uncover its stunning architectural treasures
• Feel the excitement of traversing the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass
• Stroll through the UNESCO-recognised ksar of Ait Benhaddou, which has served a backdrop for numerous films
• Embark on a camel trek into the Sahara from the desert town of Merzouga, enjoying a night beneath the endless stars
• Visit the world’s oldest university in the UNESCO-listed medina of Fes
If you don’t want to travel independently, there are a variety of tours available at Viator and GetYourGuide that travel from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara. They include all of the destinations on this itinerary, such as Dades Gorge and Ait Benhaddou.
Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Gorge via Ait Benhaddou
Driving distance/time: 330 km/5.5 hours
Begin your 4-day trip from Marrakech to Fes in the “Red City”, which is well-connected to international flights from Europe and beyond. If you’re an architecture fan, you’ll love the city’s ancient palaces and museums – be sure to visit Bahia Palace and Ben Youssef Madrasa). The souks of Marrakech also provide some of the best shopping experiences in Morocco, so brush up on your haggling skills.
For more recommendations of things to see and do in Marrakech, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.
Top Tip:
When finding a place to stay in Marrakech, I highly recommend opting for a riad – they offer a uniquely Moroccan experience! Many of them feature courtyard plunge pools and rooftop terraces, making these traditional guesthouses a real delight.
To help you decide, I’ve compiled a list of the best riads in Marrakech and also looked into some eco-friendly hotels for those who prioritise sustainability.
From Marrakech, embark on the breathtaking journey across the Tizi n’Tichka Pass to Ouarzazate, a charming desert city situated along the Asif Tidili River. It boasts a rich history as a trading centre, where individuals from the Atlas, Drâa and Dades Valleys would convene at the historic Taourirt Kasbah to trade goods.
For more recommendations of things to see and do in Ouarzazate, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Ouarzazate.
On your way to Ouarzazate, make the short detour to Ait Benhaddou, where you’ll find a labyrinth of mud-brick houses nestled within the grand fortified walls of an ancient ksar. Take a leisurely walk through the winding paths of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was once a hub for Saharan trade.
From Ait Benhaddou, continue driving to Boumalne Dades, which serves as the gateway town to Dades Gorge. Centred around the Dades River, this spectacular natural area features pink-hued sandstone walls and emerald green oases dotted with date palms. It’s a wonderful place to spend the night, with easy hiking trails and a great choice of hotels where you can spend the night.
Top Tip:
Top tip: Don’t miss the Monkey Fingers, an area of impressive rock formations that resemble the digits of primates.
Best places to stay in Dades Gorge
Luxury places to stay in Dades Gorge
Mid-range places to stay in Dades Gorge
Budget places to stay in Dades Gorge
Day 2: Dades Gorge to Merzouga
Driving distance/time: 265 km/4 hours
Spend a leisurely morning in Dades Gorge, perhaps exploring one of the many hiking trails or simply soaking up the views from your hotel terrace. When you’re ready to check out, drive back towards Boumalne Dades and make the four-hour drive to Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Aim to arrive by mid-afternoon, giving you enough time to find your tour guide before embarking on a sunset camel trek to your desert camp.
If you’re travelling independently from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara, you can simply book online with the desert camp that suits you and your travel style. Most rates include accommodation, as well as dinner and breakfast the following morning.
Once you’ve booked, you can organise directly with the camp any additional activities you want to do in the desert, such as a sunset camel trek or quad biking tour. Alternatively, you can opt to stay in one of the hotels in Merzouga, most of which can arrange desert activities for you.
Either way, I’d suggest making these reservations in advance, rather than leaving it until you get there. Not only will many of the camps and hotels book out but you’ll probably pay more if it’s a last-minute booking.
Best places to stay near Merzouga
Luxury places to stay in Erg Chebbi
Mid-range places to stay in Erg Chebbi
Budget places to stay in Erg Chebbi
Day 3: Merzouga to Midelt
Driving distance/time: 263 km/4 hours
Wake early to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes and enjoy breakfast at your camp before returning to Merzouga. If you’re staying at a desert camp without showers, most have partnerships with hotels in Merzouga where you can freshen up before hitting the road again.
From Merzouga, it’s a four-hour drive north to Midelt, passing through the authentic desert town of Rissani. It’s considered the birthplace of the Alaouite Dynasty and lies at the crossroads of two strategically important trans-Saharan trade routes. Today, Rissani hosts a bustling market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays – this is a fantastic opportunity to witness traditional Moroccan commerce at work!
After passing through Errachidia (the bustling capital of Drâa-Tafilalet), you’ll enter the Ziz Gorge, a magnificent valley framed by Jurassic-period cliffs. They stand in stark contrast to the palm groves along the banks of the Ziz River – this photogenic area is definitely worth an hour or two of exploration.
End the day in Midelt, a notable apple-growing town between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. For the best views, I recommend staying a little way outside of town at one of Midelt’s kasbah-inspired hotels.
Best places to stay in Midelt
Day 4: Midelt to Fes
Driving distance/time: 204 km/3.25 hours
From Midelt, make the two-hour drive north to Azrou, famed for its cedar forests and resident Barbary macaques. The Atlas Mountains scenery in this area is sublime!
After getting up close to endangered primates, continue driving north to Ifrane, a picturesque city that’s famed for its alpine-style architecutre and nearby ski slopes. It’s been dubbed the “Switzerland of Morocco” and as soon you drive into its streets, you’ll know why.
If you want to splurge for a night (and add another day to your itinerary), I’d recommending booking a room at Michlifen Resort & Golf. This 5-star property is designed like a luxury alpine chalet, complete with three restaurants, a sprawling spa and so many recreational facilities I don’t know where to start.
From Ifrane, it’s just over an hour’s drive to Fes, an ancient city considered Morocco’s cultural capital. It was founded in the 9th century and encompasses the world’s largest medieval medina, as well as one of the oldest known universities. Fes is overflowing with architectural landmarks, from the madrasas of Bou Inania and Al Attarine to Bab Bouljoud and the newly restored Dar Batha.
Best places to stay in Fes
Luxury places to stay in Fes
Mid-range places to stay in Fes
Budget places to stay in Fes
Optional add-on:
If you have an extra day or two up your sleeve, consider travelling from Fes to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities. It’s famed for its monumental gate – it really is something special – and Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. You can combine a visit to Meknes with an exploration of the Roman ruins at Volubilis, which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you’re completing this 4-day itinerary from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara, I recommend you rent a car in Morocco through Discover Cars, which offers free cancellation and 24/7 support. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles.
