3-Day Sahara Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes: Camel Trek & Camp

Summary

Marrakech to Fes Desert Adventure: Camel Ride, Kasbahs & Nomad Camp

You’ll cross mountains and deserts from Marrakech to Fes—riding camels in Merzouga, sleeping under Saharan stars, exploring ancient kasbahs, and tasting real Moroccan flavors along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first morning kicked off early—Marrakech was just waking up as we piled into the van. Our guide, Youssef, had this way of pointing out things you’d never notice on your own. The road climbed fast into the Atlas Mountains; at Tizi n'Tichka Pass, the air felt thin and sharp, and the wind carried a hint of wild thyme. We stopped for mint tea at a roadside stall—honestly, it tasted sweeter up there. By midday, we reached Ait Ben Haddou. Walking through its clay alleys felt like stepping onto a movie set (turns out, it’s been in a bunch). Kids played soccer in the dust while an old man sold dates by the gate. That night in Kelaat Mgouna—the Rose Village—the scent of dried petals lingered everywhere, even in the sheets at our hotel.

The next day started with fresh bread and apricot jam before heading out along the Valley of Roses. Dades Town flashed by in a blur of pink-washed houses. At Todra Gorge, I could hear water trickling somewhere below those huge cliffs—goats picked their way along ledges like it was nothing. By late afternoon, we hit Merzouga’s edge: sand as far as you could see. Camel trekking was bumpier than I expected but watching the sun drop behind Erg Chebbi’s dunes made every awkward moment worth it. Dinner was tagine under a sky packed with stars—no city lights for miles.

Waking up before dawn isn’t usually my thing, but seeing that sunrise over the dunes? Totally different story. The sand turned gold and orange while our Berber hosts poured strong coffee by the fire. On the drive north, we passed Rissani’s busy market—smelled like spices and fresh bread—and then Azrou with its cedar forests and cheeky monkeys darting across the road (keep an eye on your snacks). By late afternoon, Fes came into view—a maze of rooftops and minarets where our driver dropped us right at our riad door.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Atlas Mountains and Kasbah Visit

• Drive through Tizi N'Tichka Pass
• Explore Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Visit Kelaat Mgouna (Rose Village)
• Travel through Roses Valley to accommodation

Day 2 — Dades, Todra Gorges, Merzouga Desert

• Drive to Dades Town
• Visit Gorges of Todra
• Travel to Merzouga Desert Town
• Overnight in nomad tent at desert camp

Day 3 — Sunrise and Journey to Fes

• Sunrise over Erg Chebbi dunes
• Drive to Azrou town
• Explore Azrou cedar forests and monkeys
• Arrive and drop off in Fes

Top questions

Is this Morocco desert tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes! Kids can ride camels or travel safely in a pram or stroller. Just let us know if you need extra support.

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

No need—your nomad tent is fully set up with bedding provided for comfort.

Are meals included during the trip?

Dinner and breakfast are included each night at your accommodations; you'll get to try local dishes like tagine and fresh bread.

How long is the camel trek in Merzouga?

The camel ride lasts about an hour each way—enough time to catch sunset or sunrise over the dunes.

What’s included

Your tour covers hotel pickup/drop-off in Marrakech and Fes, all transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, guided visits at major stops (like Ait Ben Haddou), overnight stays in both a Rose Valley hotel and a Merzouga desert camp (with dinner and breakfast), plus sand boarding fun and camel trekking through Sahara dunes.