DESERT-ROUTE CIRCUIT · MARRAKECH → FES
Marrakech — Fes via the Desert, Private Driver
Reach Fes from Marrakech via the desert route: the Atlas mountain pass, the Aït Ben Haddou kasbah, the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, all the way to the Fès el-Bali medina. Customizable itinerary, quote confirmed before you book.
The route
This route connects Marrakech to Fes via the same real waypoints as our 3-day Sahara circuit (crossing the High Atlas and the Erg Chebbi), extended on to Fes. The number of days and the exact order of stops are customized with our team when you book — no fixed program is imposed.
Tizi n'Tichka pass
Crossing the 2,260m Tizi n'Tichka pass in the High Atlas, departing from Marrakech.
Aït Ben Haddou kasbah
Visit the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou kasbah, a stop on the Darbye Rides 3-day Sahara circuit.
Draa Valley and the Dadès and Todra gorges
Crossing the Draa Valley, then the Dadès and Todra gorges.
Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga
Arrival at the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, a camel trek and an overnight stay in a desert camp under the stars.
Fès el-Bali medina
Continuing on to Fès: Fès el-Bali, the world's largest car-free medina, the Chouara tanneries and the Bou Inania madrasa.
Vehicle
This type of circuit typically runs in a Van (7 seats) , air-conditioned, with the same private driver from departure to arrival. Need a bigger vehicle for a group? See the Large Van (14 seats) or the Minibus (17 seats) .
What's included
- Professional driver, experienced and courteous
- Fuel and tolls
- Complimentary mineral water
- Driver-guide on request, in French, English, Spanish or Arabic
- Nothing to pay in advance. You pay on the day of your trip.
Private trip, group excursion or public transport: which fits?
All three let you see the region; they differ mostly in the programme, the vehicle and how fixed the schedule is.
| What changes | Private trip by Darbye Rides | Group excursion | Bus or grand taxi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Programme and timing | Pick-up at the time agreed with you, from your hotel or the address you give | Programme and departure time set by the organiser | Fixed timetable and stops, between stations |
| Vehicle | Reserved for your group only, from 3 to 17 seats depending on group size | Shared with other travellers | Shared with other passengers |
| Getting to the sights | Your private driver takes you to the stops on the programme | Follows the organiser’s programme | Serves towns and stations; the last leg to the site is up to you |
| Price and payment | Fixed quote confirmed before you book. Nothing to pay in advance. You pay on the day of your trip. | Price usually set per person by the organiser | Ticket price, per person |
A group excursion or public transport can suit a solo traveller who accepts a set programme. A private trip suits groups and families who want to travel on their own, at the agreed time.
How booking works
- Fill in the booking form with your preferred number of days and passenger count.
- We confirm by WhatsApp or email within 2 hours, with a proposed itinerary, the fixed quote and your driver's contact details.
- On departure day, your driver picks you up at the hotel — no deposit needed, you pay directly on the spot.
Frequently asked questions
How much does this Marrakech - Fès desert-route circuit cost?
Every circuit gets a fixed, personalized quote, confirmed by WhatsApp or email within 2 hours of your request — before you book, based on the number of days and stops chosen.
How many days does this circuit take?
The number of days depends on your itinerary — mention your wishes when booking and we put together a personalized program, including the desert camp night at Merzouga and the arrival in Fès.
Does one driver stay with us the whole way?
Yes, the same private driver accompanies you from departure in Marrakech through to arrival in Fès, never shared with other groups.
Do I need to pay a deposit to book?
No. Booking requires no deposit — you pay the agreed amount directly to the driver.
Can the stages of the circuit be customized?
Yes. This circuit is fully customisable — extra nights, additional stops, or a slower pace. Mention your wishes in the booking message.