3-Day Sahara Desert Tour: Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga Camp

Summary

Fes to Marrakech Desert Adventure: Camel Trek & Berber Camp

You’ll cross Morocco’s wild heart on this 3-day trip from Fes to Marrakech: ride camels at sunset, sleep under Saharan stars, wander ancient kasbahs, and see mountain villages most travelers miss.

What’s the experience like?

Leaving Fes behind, the air turned crisp as we climbed into the Middle Atlas. I remember rolling down the window near Ifrane—locals call it “Little Switzerland”—and catching that faint scent of cedar mixed with woodsmoke. Our guide, Youssef, pointed out wild monkeys darting between the trees in Azrou’s cedar forest. We stopped for mint tea at a roadside café—nothing fancy, but the owner’s smile was warmer than the drink. The landscape shifted fast: green hills gave way to the wide Ziz Valley, where date palms line the river like a green ribbon. By the time we reached Erfoud, the sand in the wind told us we were close to the Sahara. Climbing onto camels at Merzouga just before sunset felt surreal—the dunes glowed gold, and the only sound was the soft shuffle of hooves. That night in the Berber camp, I lay awake listening to drums and laughter echoing off the sand.

Waking up before sunrise wasn’t easy, but I’m glad I did. The dunes looked almost pink in the early light—hard to describe unless you’ve seen it. After a quick breakfast (flatbread and strong coffee), we rode our camels back to meet the van. The road to Tinghir wound through tiny villages and past kids waving from dusty doorways. At Todra Gorge, I kicked off my shoes and dipped my feet in the river—cold even in summer. We wandered along the base of those tall cliffs, watching climbers inch their way up. Lunch was simple: tagine with fresh bread at a family-run spot. The drive into Dades Valley felt endless but beautiful, with red rock formations that looked like something out of a movie. Our hotel that night had a rooftop terrace; I watched stars come out while locals chatted quietly below.

The last day took us toward Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood.” We explored Ait Ben Haddou—a maze of mud-brick walls where scenes from famous films were shot (our guide had stories about Game of Thrones extras). After lunch near the kasbah, we toured Atlas Film Studios—props everywhere, even a fake Egyptian temple. The drive over Tizi n’Tichka Pass was twisty; we stopped for photos at a viewpoint where you could see snow on distant peaks even in spring. Rolling into Marrakech at sunset, I felt dusty but happy—three days felt like a week’s worth of memories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fes to Merzouga via Middle Atlas

• Drive from Fes through Middle Atlas and cedar forests
• Camel ride at sunset in Merzouga desert
• Overnight in luxury desert camp

Day 2 — Merzouga to Dades Valley

• Sunrise viewing over dunes
• Camel ride in morning
• Drive to Todra Gorges via Tinghir and Tinejdad
• Walk along Todra Gorge
• Drive to Dades Valley and overnight in hotel

Day 3 — Dades to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou

• Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Lunch at Ait Ben Haddou
• Visit Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate
• Drive across Tizi n'Tichka pass with photo stops
• Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to riad

Top questions

Is this desert tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes, it’s family-friendly and can be adapted for all ages. Let us know if you need special seats or have mobility concerns—we’ll make sure everyone’s comfortable.

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

No need! The luxury camp provides all bedding and blankets. Nights can get chilly though, so a warm layer is smart.

Are meals included? What if I’m vegetarian?

Dinners and breakfasts are included at both camp and hotel. Vegetarian options are available—just mention your needs when booking.

How long is the camel ride?

The camel trek is usually around an hour each way, but it can be shorter if you prefer. Just let your guide know what works for you.

What’s included

Your air-conditioned transport with an English-speaking driver/guide is covered. You’ll spend one night in a luxury desert camp (with dinner and breakfast), another in a Dades Valley hotel (also with dinner and breakfast), plus camel rides in Merzouga’s dunes—and even sandboarding if you’re up for it!