Fes to Marrakech 2-Day Desert Tour with Camel Ride

Summary

Sahara Camel Trek & Erg Chebbi Overnight Adventure

You’ll cross mountains and desert in just two days—ride camels across Sahara dunes, sleep under stars in Erg Chebbi, and end your journey right in Marrakech’s lively heart.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Fez felt cool on my face as we loaded our bags into the van. Our driver, Hassan, greeted us with a quick grin—he’d done this route dozens of times and knew every shortcut. We rolled out of the city just after sunrise, passing through Ifrane’s tidy streets (it almost looks Swiss), then winding up into cedar forests near Azrou. Somewhere along the way, we stopped for mint tea at a roadside café—there was a faint smell of woodsmoke and fresh bread from a nearby bakery. In Midelt, lunch was simple: grilled chicken skewers with cumin and warm flatbread.

By late afternoon, the landscape changed—palms appeared along the Ziz Valley, and you could feel the air getting drier. Erfoud’s date stalls flashed by before we reached Merzouga. The sand here is fine and orange; it gets everywhere. Our camel guide, Youssef, helped us tie scarves against the wind before leading us out onto the dunes. Riding a camel isn’t exactly comfortable at first—my legs went numb after twenty minutes—but watching the sun drop behind Erg Chebbi made it worth it. At camp, dinner was tagine under a sky so full of stars it almost didn’t look real. Drums started up after dark; some of us tried dancing but mostly just laughed at ourselves.

Dawn came early in the desert. I woke up to quiet except for a distant rooster and someone stoking the fire for coffee. We rode back to Merzouga on sleepy camels—the sand felt cold underfoot this time. After breakfast at a small hostel (the bread still warm), we set off toward Tinghir’s gorges; cliffs rising straight up on both sides, with goats picking their way along ledges above us. Later, we crossed through Fint Oasis—kids waved from behind palm trees—and took the Tizi-n-Tichka pass into Marrakech. The city hits you all at once: motorbikes buzzing past, orange juice sellers calling out in Jemaa el-Fna square as dusk settled in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fez to Merzouga Desert Journey

• Pickup from accommodation
• Drive through Ifrane, Azrou, cedar forests, Midelt, Ziz Valley, Erfoud, Rissani
• Lunch stop
• Camel ride to desert tents
• Dinner and overnight in desert tent

Day 2 — Merzouga to Marrakech via Gorge and Oasis

• Camel ride to hostel
• Breakfast at hostel
• Drive to mountain gorge
• Visit Fint Oasis
• Drive Tizi-n-Tichka road to Marrakech
• Arrive in Marrakech afternoon

Top questions

Is this Fes to Marrakech tour suitable for families with young kids?

Yes! Kids can ride camels or use specialized seats if needed. Strollers are fine for stops along the way.

What should I pack for one night in the desert?

Bring layers—it gets chilly at night even if it's hot during the day. A scarf or hat helps with sun and sand.

Are meals included during this 2-day trip?

Dinner is included at camp in Merzouga; breakfast is provided before heading to Marrakech.

Can I bring my service animal on this tour?

Yes, service animals are welcome throughout the journey.

What’s included

This tour covers dinner in the desert camp, an air-conditioned vehicle for travel between cities and sights, plus support from local guides along the way. Breakfast is also included before leaving Merzouga for Marrakech.