Fes to Marrakech through the Sahara: the route, stop by stop

Cedar forests, the Ziz gorges, the Erg Chebbi dunes, the Todra and Dades gorges and Ait Ben Haddou: the classic desert road from Fes to Marrakech.

The journey from Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara is Morocco's most rewarding road trip. Instead of taking the direct route, you cross the Middle Atlas, spend a night in the dunes and follow the Road of Kasbahs over the High Atlas. Here is what you see along the way.

Day 1: Fes to Merzouga, across the Middle Atlas

Leaving Fes in the morning, the road climbs to Ifrane, a mountain town of pitched roofs often called the "Switzerland of Morocco". Just after comes the cedar forest of Azrou, where wild Barbary macaques live among the trees.

The landscape then opens up towards Midelt, a town of apple orchards at the foot of the Jebel Ayachi, before the road follows the spectacular Ziz gorges down to the long palm grove of the Ziz valley and Errachidia. Past Erfoud, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon. At Merzouga, a camel ride takes you to your camp for sunset, dinner and a night under the stars.

Day 2: the Tafilalet and the great gorges

Wake early for sunrise over the dunes. The day continues through Rissani, the historic market town of the Tafilalet, and often a stop at Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa music.

West of Tinjdad, the road reaches Tinghir and the Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon with sheer rock walls several hundred metres high. A short walk inside the gorge is one of the trip's highlights. The day ends in the Dades Valley, famous for its folded red cliffs and winding road.

Day 3: the Road of Kasbahs to Marrakech

The morning passes through Kelaat M'Gouna, heart of the Valley of Roses, and the palm grove of Skoura with its old kasbahs. After Ouarzazate comes Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed fortified village that has appeared in many films.

The last stretch climbs over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, at about 2,260 m one of the highest road passes in the High Atlas, before descending to Marrakech in the evening.

Three days or more?

• 3 days covers the essentials, with long driving days: 3 Days from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga.
• 4 days adds a second night in the desert, with time for Rissani, nomad families and a quieter pace: 4 Days from Fes to Marrakech via Erg Chebbi.
• 7 days adds a guided day in Fes and a final day in Marrakech: 7-Day Fes Desert Tour.

The same route works in reverse, starting in Marrakech: 3 Days from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara.

Practical notes

• The total distance is roughly 1,000 km, so a private vehicle with a driver who knows the road makes all the difference.
• In winter, the Middle Atlas around Ifrane and the Tizi n'Tichka pass can see snow; drivers adapt the timing.
• Pack a small bag for the desert night — see our Sahara packing checklist.