3-Day Private Desert Tour Fez to Marrakech: Luxury Camp & Kasbahs

Summary

Luxury Sahara Adventure: Fez to Marrakech Desert Journey

You’ll cross mountains, ride camels into golden dunes, sleep under Saharan stars, and explore ancient kasbahs on this private 3-day journey from Fez to Marrakech. If you want real desert adventure with comfort—and stories to tell—this one’s for you.

What’s the experience like?

Leaving Fez early in the morning, we squeezed into a 4x4 with our driver, Youssef, who switched between French and English with ease. The air was crisp as we rolled through Ifrane—locals call it the “Moroccan Switzerland” for a reason. The streets are spotless, and you’ll spot pointy rooftops that look oddly European. We grabbed mint tea from a tiny café where the owner’s cat kept sneaking under the tables. Heading further south, the cedar forests near Azrou came alive with Barbary apes darting across the road. They’re cheeky—one almost made off with my friend’s snack. By midday, the landscape turned rocky and dry as we reached Midelt. Lunch was at a roadside spot—simple tagine, but the bread was still warm from the oven. The Ziz Valley surprised me: date palms everywhere, their green leaves against the red earth. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop and just stare for a minute.

Merzouga’s sand hits different at sunset. We met our camels just as the sky started to turn gold. Riding into the Erg Chebbi dunes is quiet—just the soft thud of hooves and the wind shifting sand. Our Berber guide, Hassan, hummed an old song as we rode. The camp was tucked between tall dunes, lanterns already glowing when we arrived. Dinner was under the stars—lamb stew, sweet oranges for dessert, and someone played a drum in the distance. I barely slept, not from discomfort (the tent was actually plush), but because I kept peeking out to watch the sky.

Next morning, after a quick camel ride back (my legs were sore but it was worth it), breakfast was waiting at a small hotel—fresh msemen pancakes and strong coffee. Onward to Rissani, where the market buzzes even before noon. We wandered through stalls stacked with dates and spices; the smell of cumin hung in the air. Our driver pointed out Sijilmassa’s ruins—hard to imagine this quiet place was once a major trading hub. The road wound through Dades Gorge next, red cliffs towering above us. We spent the night in a kasbah hotel—the kind with thick walls and tiny windows to keep out the desert heat.

The final stretch took us through Ouarzazate, which locals call “Hollywood of Africa.” We stopped at a film studio—props from Gladiator were still lying around, gathering dust. Aït Benhaddou looked familiar too; turns out Game of Thrones filmed here. The Atlas Mountains loomed ahead as we drove toward Marrakech, winding roads and all. By late afternoon, we rolled into the city—dusty, tired, but honestly wishing it wasn’t over yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fes to Merzouga via Middle Atlas

• Pick up from Fes accommodation
• Visit Ifrane (Moroccan Switzerland)
• Visit Berber village of Azrou
• Stop for lunch in Midelt
• Visit Ziz Valley in Errachidia
• Camel trek at sunset to Berber desert camp

Day 2 — Merzouga to Todgha Gorge

• Camel ride back to hotel and breakfast
• Drive to Ouarzazate via High Atlas Mountains
• Visit Sijilmassa historical site and Kasbahs
• Explore daily market of Colored Berbers
• Arrive at Dades Gorge

Day 3 — Todgha Gorge to Marrakech

• Breakfast and depart Todgha Gorge
• Stop at Ouarzazate film studios
• Visit Game of Thrones filming locations

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! The tour can accommodate families—infant seats are available and kids love the camel ride. Just let us know your needs when booking.

Are meals included during the tour?

Breakfasts and dinners are provided at your accommodations. Lunch stops are at local restaurants along the route so you can try regional dishes.

Can I bring my wheelchair or stroller?

Absolutely—transportation and most stops are wheelchair accessible. Let us know in advance so we can make sure everything’s set up for you.

What should I pack for this trip?

Bring layers! Mornings and nights get chilly in the desert, but afternoons are warm. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses for the dunes.

What’s included

Your tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Fez and Marrakech, all transportation by comfortable 4x4 vehicle, an overnight stay in a luxury desert camp at Merzouga (with dinner and breakfast), accommodation in a 5-star hotel or traditional kasbah in Ouarzazate, plus your friendly multilingual driver-guide throughout the journey.