3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: Merzouga, Ait Benhaddou

Summary

Morocco Desert Trip with Camel Ride & Sahara Camp

You’ll cross Morocco from Marrakech to Fes in three days—see ancient kasbahs like Ait Benhaddou, walk Todra Gorge, ride camels into Merzouga’s dunes, and sleep under Saharan stars with local music echoing around your campfire.

What’s the experience like?

The day started early in Marrakech—our driver was waiting right outside the riad, coffee still warm in his hand. We wound our way up through the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, which is higher than it looks on a map. The air up there felt thin and cool, even in the sun. You’ll spot tiny Berber villages clinging to the slopes; some mornings you can smell wood smoke drifting down. Our guide pointed out wild thyme growing by the roadside—locals use it for tea.

Ait Benhaddou came next. It’s not just a movie set—it’s a real place where people still live behind those thick mud walls. We met Fatima, who sells mint tea near the entrance; her family’s been here for generations. Walking through those narrow alleys, you can almost hear echoes from old caravans. After Ouarzazate, we drove on to Dades Gorge for the night. The guesthouse had hot showers and proper beds—trust me, after hours on the road, that matters.

Next morning: Todra Gorge. The sound of water rushing over stones fills the canyon—it’s louder than I expected. We watched climbers tackling the sheer cliffs while shepherds led goats along the riverbank. Heading south again, palm groves started popping up everywhere as we neared Erfoud—the first hint of desert air hits you here: dry and a little dusty but somehow clean.

By late afternoon we reached Merzouga. Camels were waiting—ours was called Moustapha (the camel guy joked he’s “the boss”). Riding into the dunes at sunset is something you feel more than see: sand shifts underfoot, everything goes quiet except for your own breathing and maybe a distant drumbeat from camp. Dinner was tagine under open sky; after that, locals played music around a fire while we tried (badly) to clap along. I’ve never seen so many stars.

The last day’s drive is long—no sugarcoating that—but sunrise over the dunes makes getting up early worth it. After breakfast and a quick shower back at camp, we rode camels out as the sand cooled under our feet. On the way north we stopped at Azrou’s cedar forest—Barbary apes darted between trees—and then Ifrane for coffee and photos with that odd lion statue everyone talks about. By late afternoon we rolled into Fes, tired but honestly glad we didn’t miss any of it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Gorge

• Drive from Marrakech via Tizi-n-Tichka Pass
• Visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
• Drive to Dades Gorge and overnight stay

Day 2 — Dades to Merzouga Desert

• Walk through Todra Gorge canyon
• Drive to Merzouga, camel trek, dinner and campfire

Day 3 — Merzouga to Fes via Midelt

• Morning camel trek and drive to Fes
• Stop at Azrou cedar forest for photos
• Stop in Ifrane for drinks and photos
• Arrive and drop off in Fes

Top questions

Is this desert trip suitable for families or older travelers?

Yes! The tour is designed for all ages and fitness levels—vehicles are comfortable and accessible, plus there are options like infant seats if needed.

Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag or towels?

No need—both hotels and desert camps provide bedding, bathrooms with showers, and towels.

How long is each day of driving?

The first two days have several stops (4–6 hours total driving each), while day three is longer (about 10 hours), but there are breaks along the way.

Are meals included during the trip?

Yes—all meals are included at both hotels and desert camps; you'll get traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine and fresh bread.

What’s included

Your trip covers pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech, all transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver, guided visits at Ait Benhaddou and Todra Gorge, overnight stays in comfortable hotels or guesthouses (with private bathrooms), full-board meals—including dinner under Saharan stars—and your camel trek into Merzouga’s dunes. Wheelchair access and infant seats are available too.