From Fès to Marrakech via Merzouga

hi,

No, the dune buggy or quad bike isn’t worth it, especially when you’re after the desert’s real perks (beauty, silence...).

1,000 km in 5 days—that’s 250 km/day. That means at least 5 hours on the road every single day. Changing accommodation every night. Result: you’ll end up exhausted, and you won’t have time to see much or just relax.

What mode of transport are you thinking of for 14 people?

Hello,

No, the dune buggy or quad bike isn’t worth it, especially when you’re after the desert’s real draws (beauty, silence…).

1,000 km in 5 days—that’s 250 km/day. That means at least 5 hours on the road every single day. Changing accommodation every night. Result: you’ll pile up fatigue and won’t have time to visit much or just relax.

What kind of transport are you planning for 14 people?

Hi Elhine, Thanks for your reply. True, it’s a lot of driving, but the total time isn’t flexible, and we’d like to see as much as possible. We’ll be in a private minibus with a driver. We’re still planning to spend two nights in the Dadès Gorges—I think you can explore on foot there, and it’s worth it. And two nights in Marrakech too.

Hello, A week is too short for this itinerary—I did the same route (plus two days in Essaouira and a stop in Meknes) in two weeks, but in the opposite direction. There were six of us in a minibus with a driver, and it was just manageable with our luggage. We had a great driver from Medloc in Marrakech, but keep in mind the driver isn’t a guide, so you’ll "waste" time navigating places on your own even with GPS. You’ll need at least two days in Fes and Marrakech to visit key monuments and soak in the bustling life of the souks. A proper stop along the way is also a must—the Dadès Gorges seem like a great choice for a scenic drive, but they also deserve a few hours of hiking with a local guide (to save time and support the local economy). I’d skip Ouarzazate, and as for Aït Ben Haddou—it’s a bit of a museum-like desert village in my memory, so admiring it from a distance might be enough. There are so many stunning landscapes between Fes and Marrakech, so make sure you have time to stop and enjoy them. Merzouga is quite a detour for a short camel ride in the dunes and one night in a small desert patch that *looks* vast with its dunes and camps tucked into every dip. It was fun, but we had two weeks! For minibus rentals, remember you won’t need one in Fes or Marrakech. Book them starting from when you leave Fes and return them upon arriving in Marrakech. Take your time deciding what to cut… or add a few extra days! If your flights aren’t booked yet, reversing the route might be more convenient. Minibus rentals with drivers are easier to find in Marrakech, and I assume Marrakech-based companies can also pick you up in Fes. Either way, you’ll have to cover the vehicle return costs. Compare prices carefully… Have a great trip—you’re going to love it… as long as you don’t spend all your time on the road!

Thanks Noëlle for your tips! 😊