PRIVATE TOUR — 2 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM OUARZAZATE TO MERZOUGA & FES

OVERVIEW

A quick way to cover a lot of ground if you’re starting in Ouarzazate and need to end up in Fes. The first day takes you through the Todra Gorge and on to the Merzouga dunes for a camel ride and a night in the desert; the second heads back north via Rissani, Erfoud, the Ziz Valley, the cedar forest, and Ifrane before dropping you in Fes.

It’s a lot of driving for two days, but it works if you’re tight on time and the direction fits your onward plans. If you have a third day, the 3 day version adds a full day exploring the desert and is much less rushed.

Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.

DURATION: 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
START: OUARZAZATE
END: FES
TOUR STYLE: PRIVATE

HIGHLIGHTS

– A walk through the Todra Gorge
– The palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad
– A camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes
– Sunset and sunrise over the Sahara
– A night in a luxury desert camp with private en-suite tent
– The Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday souk in Rissani
– A fossil workshop in Erfoud
– Panoramic views over the Ziz Valley
– The cedar forest near Azrou (Barbary macaques)
– Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco

ITINERARY

DAY 1: OUARZAZATE → TODRA GORGE → MERZOUGA DUNES → CAMEL TREK → LUXURY CAMP

Early morning pick-up from your accommodation or the airport in Ouarzazate. We head east along the old caravan route into the Todra Valley, where the Todra river has cut a deep canyon through the mountains — red cliffs rising straight up on either side. You’ll have time to walk under them and take it in before continuing through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. Free time for lunch on the way.

By late afternoon we reach Merzouga. You’ll swap the vehicle for camels and ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes, stopping on a high ridge for sunset. From there it’s on to the luxury camp, where the evening ends around a campfire with Berber drumming — stars overhead. Dinner and overnight in your private tent (with en-suite bathroom).

Approximate driving distance/time: 6 hours

DAY 2: MERZOUGA → RISSANI → ERFOUD → MIDELT → CEDAR FOREST → IFRANE → FES

Early wake-up is recommended for sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, you’ll return to Merzouga by camel (or 4×4 if you prefer), where your driver will be waiting.

The drive north heads first to Rissani — the former capital of Tafilalet, still a major trading town, with a large traditional souk that’s most active on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. From there, a stop in Erfoud to visit one of the fossil workshops (the whole region sits on what was once an ancient seabed).

The road then follows the Ziz river north, with a panoramic stop over the Ziz Valley. Free time for lunch in Midelt. We continue up into the Middle Atlas, stopping in the cedar forest near Azrou where Barbary macaques often appear at the roadside — feel free to feed them. Last stop is Ifrane, a small mountain town with chalet-style houses that earned it the Switzerland of Morocco nickname.

Drop-off at your accommodation or the airport in Fes ends the tour.

Approximate driving distance/time: 7 hours

IMPORTANT NOTES

– This is a private tour — only your group travels together, no other travellers added.
– Driving times don’t include stops for lunch and sightseeing.
– Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated — please mention this when booking.
– Camel ride is 40 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the camp. You can swap it for a 4×4 ride at no extra cost; ATVs can be arranged at additional cost.
– Your luggage travels to the camp by 4×4 while you ride camels — you’ll find it waiting when you arrive.
– Vehicles: Land Cruiser Prado (up to 4), Mercedes Vito Tourer or Ford Tourneo (up to 8), minibus for larger groups.
– Tour ends in Fes between 5:00-7:00 pm depending on stops.
– Price varies by group size and accommodation quality — contact for an exact quote.
– Looking for a longer version? The 3 Day Ouarzazate to Fes tour adds a desert exploration day.
– Looking to end in Marrakech instead? See the 3 Day Ouarzazate to Marrakech tour.