3-Day Fes to Marrakech Sahara Tour: Merzouga, Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou

Summary

Sahara Desert Adventure: Camel Trek, Kasbahs & Atlas Mountains

You’ll cross Morocco from Fes to Marrakech with real desert nights under stars, camel rides at sunset, ancient kasbahs, mountain passes, and local flavors along the way—a mix of adventure and comfort that’s hard to forget.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed leaving Fes was how the air changed—crisper, with a hint of cedar as we wound through Ifrane. Our driver pulled over for a quick stretch; the morning sun made the stone houses almost glow. Not long after, we were at Cedre Gouraud Forest. Magot monkeys darted between trees, eyeing our snacks (don’t let them grab your apple—learned that fast). The Middle Atlas mountains rolled by outside the window, snow still clinging to the peaks even though my phone said it was May.

Lunch was somewhere near Midelt—a roadside café with mint tea so strong it woke me right up. By late afternoon, sand started showing up on the windshields and you could feel the heat shift. In Merzouga, camels waited like they knew us already. Our guide Youssef helped tie my scarf before we set off across the dunes; sand squeaked underfoot and every step felt slower than the last. Sunset out there is quiet—just wind and distant laughter from another group. Dinner at camp was tagine and bread, then music around a fire. I lay back later just counting stars until my eyes got heavy.

Mornings in Merzouga are chilly—bring a hoodie if you can. After breakfast and a quick shower (yes, real showers in the tents), we hit the road toward Todgha Gorges. The cliffs there are massive; you’ll see climbers inching along if you look up. We stopped at a rose cooperative in El Kelaa M’gouna—the smell hits you before you walk in—and learned how they make rose water by hand. Ouarzazate felt like a movie set (turns out some big films really were shot here). The Taourirt Kasbah is all winding corridors and cool shadows; Cinema Studio’s old props made me laugh—fake swords everywhere.

Last day started slow with breakfast by the pool—felt good after two days of travel dust. We reached Ait Ben Haddou mid-morning; walking those clay alleys feels like stepping back centuries. Our guide explained how families still live inside parts of it, which surprised me. Crossing Tizi n’Tichka Pass meant switchbacks and mountain views that go on forever—my ears popped more than once on the way down. Lunch was simple but filling at a roadside stop before we visited an argan oil cooperative (the women there showed us how to crack nuts by hand). By late afternoon we rolled into Marrakech, tired but kind of wishing it wasn’t over yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fes to Merzouga Desert

• Walk and photo stop
• Visit magot monkeys
• Photo stop at Middle Atlas mountains
• Lunch break (not included)
• Camel ride, dinner, campfire music, stargazing, overnight in luxury tent

Day 2 — Merzouga to Ouarzazate

• Sunrise, shower, breakfast
• Visit Todgha Gorges and lunch break (not included)
• Visit rose extraction cooperative
• Free time: Taourirt Kasbah & Cinema Studio, overnight hotel stay with pool and AC

Day 3 — Ouarzazate to Marrakech

• Shower and breakfast
• Visit Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou
• Panoramic view at Tizi-n'Tichka, lunch break (not included), visit Argan Oil Cooperative
• Drop off at Marrakech accommodation

Top questions

Is this Sahara tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes! Kids love meeting monkeys in Cedre Gouraud Forest and riding camels in Merzouga. Infant seats are available if needed.

Are meals included during the trip?

Breakfasts and dinners are included each day; lunches are not included but there are stops at local cafés or restaurants where you can buy lunch.

What should I pack for this desert trip?

Bring layers—a hoodie or jacket for chilly mornings/evenings, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes for walking on sand and rocky paths.

Do I need to bring cash for entrance fees or tips?

Some attractions like Taourirt Kasbah or Cinema Studio have small entrance fees not included in the price; having some Moroccan dirhams handy is useful for tips or souvenirs too.

What’s included

This shared experience covers transport from Fes to Marrakech with an English-speaking driver/guide, camel ride in Merzouga, one night in a luxury tent (private if booking for two or more), one night at a hotel with pool in Ouarzazate area (air conditioning included), breakfasts and dinners throughout the journey—all arranged so you can just enjoy Morocco’s landscapes and culture without stress.