3-Day Fez to Marrakech Luxury Desert Tour: Camel Ride & Kasbahs

Summary

Morocco Desert Adventure: Erg Chebbi, Todra Gorges & Ait Ben Haddou

You’ll cross Morocco from Fez to Marrakech by way of cedar forests, desert dunes, and ancient kasbahs. Ride camels at sunset, sleep in a luxury tent, and see places most travelers only dream about. If you want comfort with adventure—and a real taste of Morocco—this tour nails it.

What’s the experience like?

Leaving Fez behind, we wound our way through Ifrane—locals call it “Little Switzerland” for a reason. The air felt crisp, and the cedar forests near Azrou smelled earthy after last night’s rain. We stopped for a quick look at the Barbary monkeys, who seemed more interested in our snacks than us. The Middle Atlas mountains rolled by, and by late afternoon, Merzouga’s golden dunes came into view. At the edge of Erg Chebbi, mint tea was waiting. Our guide, Hassan, introduced us to our camels—mine was called “Sultan,” a bit grumpy but steady. Riding into the dunes at sunset, the sand felt cool under my hands. The silence out there is something else—just the soft pad of camel feet and a distant call to prayer drifting on the wind.

After a night in a Berber tent (with a real bed and private bathroom—no roughing it), we set out along the old caravan route. Rissani’s market was buzzing with locals haggling over dates and spices. The road to Todra Gorges twisted past kasbahs that looked like sandcastles. We stopped for lunch—simple tagine and fresh bread—then wandered beneath the sheer cliffs of Todra, where you can hear water trickling even in summer. Ouarzazate greeted us with its wide boulevards and the pinkish light that hits just before dusk. Our hotel had a pool and strong coffee, which hit the spot after a long day.

The last morning, we explored Ouarzazate’s Kasbah Taourirt and peeked into Atlas Studios—there’s always some film crew around. Ait Ben Haddou looked almost unreal, stacked above the river like something from a storybook (or, well, Gladiator). Crossing the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, we climbed up winding roads past tiny villages and roadside sellers offering argan oil. By late afternoon, Marrakech’s red walls appeared through the haze. It felt like arriving somewhere entirely new—no two days on this trip felt the same.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fès to Merzouga Desert Camp

• Cross Ifrane and cedar forest, see monkeys
• Arrive Merzouga, camel ride to desert camp

Day 2 — Merzouga to Ouarzazate via Todra Gorges

• Visit Rissani
• Walk in Todra Gorges, lunch stop, travel to Ouarzazate

Day 3 — Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou

• Visit Ouarzazate city and Kasbah of Taourirt
• Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, drive High Atlas pass

Top questions

Is this desert tour suitable for families with young kids?

Yes, families are welcome! There are infant seats available, and young children can ride in a pram or stroller. The pace is relaxed and there’s plenty of comfort at each stop.

Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag for the desert camp?

No need—your private tent comes with proper beds and an attached bathroom. Everything’s provided for a comfortable night under the stars.

Are meals included during the tour?

Breakfasts and dinners are included at your accommodations. Lunches are usually at local cafés or restaurants along the route (not included).

Can I join if I use a wheelchair?

Absolutely—the transport and accommodations are wheelchair accessible, and guides are happy to help make sure everyone enjoys the experience.

What’s included

You’ll get a private air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly driver-guide, camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes, sandboarding if you’re up for it, two nights in comfortable private rooms (one in a luxury desert tent with your own bathroom), plus all breakfasts and dinners. Wheelchair access is sorted too.