3-Day Fez to Marrakech Luxury Desert Tour: Merzouga & Ouarzazate

Summary

Luxury Morocco Desert Journey: Camel Trekking, Kasbahs & Atlas Views

You’ll cross Morocco from Fez to Marrakech by way of camel treks in Merzouga’s dunes, sleep under desert stars in luxury tents, wander ancient kasbahs at Ait Ben Haddou, and taste real Berber hospitality—all with private comfort and local guides who know every shortcut and story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We set off early from Fez, the air still cool and a bit sharp. Passing through Ifrane—locals call it Morocco’s Switzerland—I noticed tidy streets and sloping roofs you don’t see elsewhere here. Our driver, Hassan, pointed out cedar forests near Azrou. We stopped for a stretch and the faint smell of pine mixed with the earthy scent of damp leaves. A few Barbary apes watched us from the trees, bold enough to come close if you had a snack in hand.

The landscape changed as we drove south—green hills gave way to rocky stretches and then wide open plains. Lunch in Errachidia was simple but filling; fresh bread and sweet mint tea that cut through the dry air. By late afternoon, we reached Merzouga. The sand looked almost orange under the sun. After a quick glass of mint tea at camp, we climbed onto camels for a slow trek into the dunes. The silence out there is something else—just the soft thud of camel feet and wind brushing over sand. That night, dinner was served outside our tent, and I remember how quiet everything felt once the stars came out.

Waking up before sunrise isn’t usually my thing, but here it felt right. The sky turned pink and gold as we climbed a dune near camp—my shoes filled with sand but I didn’t care. Breakfast back at camp was warm bread, honey, and strong coffee. We rode back to Merzouga on camels while the sun climbed higher. In Rissani’s market (if you hit it on a Tuesday or Thursday), there’s this mix of spices and leather in the air—real local life happening all around you. We stopped in Erfoud to see fossil workshops; some of those stones are millions of years old.

The drive through Todra Gorge was something I’d been looking forward to—the cliffs rise up so suddenly it almost feels unreal. Climbers dotted the rocks above us while we walked along the riverbed below. Lunch here is relaxed; there’s time to just sit and watch the light shift on the canyon walls. By evening, we reached Dadès Valley—a place full of fig trees and old kasbahs tucked into red hillsides. Our guesthouse felt cozy after a long day, with dinner served family-style.

The last day started with views over Dadès Valley—mist hanging low over fields dotted with kasbahs. We followed what locals call “the road of a thousand kasbahs,” stopping now and then for photos or just to take it all in. Ouarzazate was busier than I expected; we toured Taourirt Kasbah (our guide shared stories about old pasha families) and peeked into film studios nearby where big movies were shot.

Ait Ben Haddou was one of those places that actually looks like its postcards—mud-brick walls glowing in late afternoon light. Walking through its narrow lanes, I could hear kids playing soccer somewhere behind the houses. After lunch in town (try tagine if you haven’t already), we crossed Tizi n’Tichka pass—hairpin turns and mountain views all the way to Marrakech. Arrived just before sunset, tired but honestly glad I didn’t miss any part of this trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fes to Merzouga Desert Trek

• Travel Fes to Midelt via Ifran and Azrou
• Lunch and rest in Errachidia
• Drive through Ziz Valley to Merzouga
• Camel ride in Merzouga desert
• Dinner and overnight in Berber tent

Day 2 — Merzouga to Dadès Valley

• Sunrise at desert dune
• Camel ride back to Merzouga and breakfast
• Visit Rissani market
• Tour fossil marble factories in Erfoud
• Drive to Todra Gorges and short walk
• Lunch and free time at Todra Gorges
• Drive to Dadès Valley with stops
• Dinner and overnight at Dadès Gorges

Day 3 — Dadès to Marrakech via Ouarzazate

• View Dadès Valley from lookout
• Drive along Kasbahs road and Roses Valley
• Visit Kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate
• Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Lunch in Ait Ben Haddou
• Drive over Tizi Ntichka pass to Marrakech
• Transfer to hotel in Marrakech

Top questions

Is this luxury desert tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Children can ride camels or travel safely in our vehicles, and infant seats are available on request.

Are meals included during the tour?

Dinners and breakfasts are included at your accommodations; lunches can be enjoyed at local cafés along the route.

Can you accommodate wheelchair users or travelers with limited mobility?

Absolutely—vehicles are accessible, tents have attached bathrooms, and our team will help make your journey comfortable.

What should I pack for this 3-day Morocco desert tour?

Bring layers for changing temperatures (it gets chilly at night), sunglasses, sunscreen, comfy shoes for walking on sand or rocky paths.

What’s included

Your private air-conditioned vehicle comes with an experienced driver-guide who knows every shortcut between Fez and Marrakech. You’ll get a private tent with an attached bathroom at our luxury Merzouga camp (no roughing it), plus a charming room in Dadès Gorges with its own bath too. Camel trekking is included—and yes, sandboarding if you’re up for it! All breakfasts and dinners are covered; just bring your appetite for adventure (and maybe some snacks for those long drives).