Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour: Camel Trek & Berber Camp

Summary

From Fes through Atlas forests to Erg Chebbi’s golden silence

You’ll cross Morocco’s Middle Atlas from Fes into the Sahara on this two-day desert tour—spot monkeys in Azrou’s cedar forest, ride camels across Erg Chebbi at sunset, share Berber music by firelight, and sleep under Saharan stars. It’s quick but feels bigger than two days—something about that desert silence stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t feed them too much—monkeys get spoiled,” Youssef grinned as we stopped in Azrou’s cedar forest. He tossed a piece of apple to a Barbary macaque, who snatched it with this little sideways glance like he’d seen it all before. The air smelled faintly of pine and damp earth, which I didn’t expect so close to Fes. We’d only left that morning but already the landscape felt like it was quietly shifting under our wheels—first green and cool, then drier, then suddenly those wide ochre plains you see in old postcards.

I tried to nap after Midelt (the fossil town—Youssef pointed out a rock shop but we didn’t stop), but every time I closed my eyes something new flashed past: shepherds waving from the roadside, kids herding goats, the first palm groves shimmering in the heat haze. By the time we reached Merzouga it was late afternoon and honestly, I was tired but kind of wired too. Our camels were waiting—mine was named Bob Marley, which made me laugh—and we set off into Erg Chebbi just as the light started turning gold. The sand felt oddly cool at first touch. I got sand everywhere, obviously.

The sunset wasn’t loud or dramatic—it just sort of happened while we rode in this slow line across the dunes. There was a moment where everything went quiet except for camel footsteps and someone humming behind me (I think one of the guides). At camp, mint tea tasted sweet and smoky after all that dust. Dinner was tagine by firelight with Berber music drifting around us; I tried clapping along but completely lost the rhythm. Later, lying back outside my tent staring up at more stars than I’ve ever seen—well, I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fez to Merzouga via Middle Atlas

• Depart from Fez at 8:00
• Pass through Ifrane and Azrou cedar forest
• Stop to play with monkeys in Azrou
• Drive across Middle Atlas Mountains
• Lunch break in Midelt town
• Stop at panoramic oasis of palm trees
• Arrive in Merzouga around 5 PM
• Rest and prepare for camel trek
• Camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
• Reach desert camp and enjoy mint tea
• Dinner and star watching in Berber tent

Day 2 — Merzouga to Fez via Rissani

• Early morning walk on sand dunes
• Watch sunrise near Algerian border
• Camel ride back to hotel
• Breakfast at hotel
• Depart to Rissani
• Explore Rissani monuments and souk
• Drive towards Fez with lunch break
• Continue drive to Fez

Top questions

How long is the drive from Fes to Merzouga?

The drive takes most of the day with stops for lunch and sightseeing along the way.

Is camel trekking included in this desert tour?

Yes, a guided camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes is included.

Do you sleep in a desert camp on this trip?

Yes, overnight accommodation is provided in a Berber tented camp in Erg Chebbi.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Dinner and breakfast are included during your stay at the desert camp.

Can I request sandboarding on this tour?

Yes, sandboarding is available upon request at the camp.

Is hotel pickup included from Fes?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Fes is included.

Does this tour end in Marrakech or return to Fes?

You can choose either option: finish in Marrakech or return to Fes.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup from your hotel in Fes, comfortable transport through the Middle Atlas mountains with stops for photos and lunch, a guided camel ride into Erg Chebbi’s dunes at sunset, dinner and breakfast at a Berber desert camp (with live Sahraoui music by firelight), plus sandboarding if you ask for it—all taxes and fees taken care of before heading back toward Marrakech or Fes.