By the Sahara Tours from Marrakech editorial team · Updated November 4, 2026
Why Go One-Way
If your Morocco itinerary continues to Fes, Chefchaouen or the north, a one-way desert tour turns the drive into sightseeing. You skip the long return to Marrakech and arrive in Fes ready for the next part of the trip.
The first two days match the classic 3-day Merzouga tour. Day three heads north instead of back over the Atlas.
The Route
- Day 1: Marrakech over the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, overnight in the Dades Valley or Todra area.
- Day 2: the Todra Gorge, then Merzouga, a camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes and a night at a desert camp.
- Day 3: sunrise in the dunes, then north through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas, often past cedar forests near Azrou or Ifrane, reaching Fes in the evening.
What Day Three Is Like
After sunrise in the dunes and breakfast in Merzouga, the route heads north through the palm groves of the Ziz Valley and climbs into the Middle Atlas. The landscape changes from desert to high plateau and cedar forest, where some tours stop to see Barbary macaques. It is still a long day in the vehicle, but it feels like a journey rather than a backtrack.
Marrakech to Fes Tours Compared
One-way tours that end in Fes, checked on Viator.
3-Day Marrakech to Fes Shared Desert Tour (Small Group)
Small group (max 18) with a Dades Valley night and an Erg Chebbi camp, ending in Fes via the Middle Atlas cedar forests.
- Small group, max 18 travelers
- Ends in Fes (medina is car-free)
- Deluxe en-suite tent upgrade
- Lunches and drinks not included
Marrakech to Fes 3-Day Sahara Tour with Camp & Camel Trek
The most-reviewed one-way route to Fes, with a Tinghir hotel night and a standard camp. Up to 100 travelers.
- Riad pickup in Marrakech
- Drop-off in Fes early evening
- Luxury-camp upgrade available
- Lunch not included
Marrakech to Fes: 3-Day Tour via Merzouga & Camel Trek
Small group (max 18) on the classic route, continuing to Fes via Midelt, Azrou and Ifrane on day three.
- Small group, max 18 travelers
- Sunset and sunrise camel rides
- Lunches and drinks not included
- 4x4 to camp for a fee
Marrakech to Fes 3-Day Desert Tour with Luxury Camp
Small group (max 10) ending in Fes, with an en-suite luxury tent and an en-suite Dades hotel room. Starts from a meeting point.
- En-suite luxury tent
- Max 10 travelers, ends in Fes
- Meeting point, not riad pickup
- Lunches and drinks not included
Compare These Tours Side by Side
Compare specific Viator listings side by side. Prices, availability, and cancellation terms can change, so confirm them on the booking page.
| Tour | Duration | Best For | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3-Day Marrakech to Fes Shared Desert Tour (Small Group)
Recommended
|
3 days | Best one-way | (1,194) | View Tour |
|
Marrakech to Fes 3-Day Sahara Tour with Camp & Camel Trek
|
3 days | Most reviewed one-way | (6,758) | View Tour |
|
Marrakech to Fes: 3-Day Tour via Merzouga & Camel Trek
|
3 days | Small group | (1,231) | View Tour |
|
Marrakech to Fes 3-Day Desert Tour with Luxury Camp
|
3 days | Luxury one-way | (481) | View Tour |
Ratings and review counts checked on Viator on November 3, 2026.
Before You Book
- Luggage: your bags travel with you, so pack light enough for a minibus and keep an overnight bag for the camp.
- Drop-off in Fes: as in Marrakech, vehicles cannot enter most of the Fes medina. Check where you will be dropped and how you will reach your riad.
- Reverse direction: many operators also run the route from Fes to Marrakech; confirm the direction on the listing.
- Train back: if you need to return to Marrakech later, the train between Fes and Marrakech is a practical option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you plan your desert trip from Marrakech.