Fes to Marrakech: Private Sahara Desert Tour with Camel Trek

Summary

Private journey from Fes to Marrakech with desert camp

You’ll cross Morocco from Fes to Marrakech with a local guide—riding camels into Erg Chebbi’s dunes, sharing tagine by firelight at a desert camp, wandering ancient kasbahs like Aït Ben Haddou, and winding through gorges and valleys where Berber life unfolds quietly around you. It’s not just scenery—it’s moments you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the way the air changed as we left Fes behind — sharp with mint tea at our first stop in Imouzar, then suddenly crisp and piney as we passed through Ifrane. Our driver, Youssef, grinned when I asked if it ever snows there (it does, apparently — who knew?). By the time we reached Ziz Valley, the light was gold and everything felt slower. We’d been stopping for photos so often that I lost track of time. There was this one moment in Midelt where I tried some bread still warm from the oven; honestly, it tasted like dust and sunshine. That’s not a complaint.

The real shift hit me in Erg Chebbi. Camels are taller than they look — or maybe I’m just shorter than I thought. Our camel guide, Hassan, handed me a scarf (“for sand,” he said) and tied it around my head with a practiced flick. The dunes were quiet except for the soft thump of hooves and someone’s laugh drifting from another group. Dinner at camp was tagine under a sky so wide it made me feel small in a good way. Later, Berber drums started up around the fire; I tried clapping along but got lost in the rhythm. Still think about that night sometimes.

Next morning was all grit in my teeth and sunrise over sand — worth every grain. We stopped at Rissani’s market (dates everywhere), then wound through Todra Gorge where the cliffs pressed close on both sides. In Dades Gorge, our hotel had these thick wool blankets that smelled faintly of rosewater. The owner’s daughter showed me how to eat couscous properly; apparently you’re supposed to use your right hand only — she laughed when I forgot.

The last day blurred by: Skoura’s palm groves, Rose Valley glowing pink even though it wasn’t quite bloom season yet, then Ouarzazate’s movie studios (we didn’t go in — next time maybe). Aït Ben Haddou looked like something out of a storybook but realer somehow; mud walls warm under my palm as we climbed past cats sunning themselves on doorsteps. Crossing Tizi-n’Tichka Pass into Marrakech felt like waking up after a long dream — noisy again, but in a way that made me miss the hush of the desert already.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fes to Erg Chebbi desert journey

• Visit Ifrane city center and park
• Stop in Immouzar for photos
• Lunch stop in Midelt
• Visit Ziz Valley in Errachidia
• Pass through Erfoud to Erg Chebbi
• Camel trek to desert camp
• Dinner and drum show at camp

Day 2 — Erg Chebbi to Dades Gorge exploration

• Breakfast at desert camp
• Visit Berber villages and Rissani markets
• Visit Todra Gorge
• Explore Dades Gorge
• Dinner and overnight in Boulmane Dades

Day 3 — Dades Gorge to Marrakech via Kasbahs

• Visit Kasbah of Skoura
• Photo stop at Rose Valley
• Visit monuments in Ouerzazate
• Explore Kasbah of Ait BenHaddou
• Drive through Tizi’N’Tichka pass
• Drop off at Marrakech hotel

Top questions

How long is the drive from Fes to Marrakech on this tour?

The private tour covers three days with overnight stops along the route between Fes and Marrakech.

Is camel trekking included in the Sahara desert part?

Yes, camel trekking in Erg Chebbi is included as part of your experience.

Are meals provided during the trip?

Dinners are included at your accommodations each night; lunch stops are arranged but may be at your own expense.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay one night at a luxury desert camp near Erg Chebbi and one night at a hotel in Dades Gorge or similar locations.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Fes?

Yes, private transportation includes pickup from your hotel or preferred location in Fes.

Can infants join this private desert tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What are some main attractions visited on this route?

You’ll visit Ziz Valley, Erg Chebbi dunes, Todra Gorge, Dades Gorge, Skoura oasis, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate monuments, Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou, and Tizi-n’Tichka Pass.

What’s included

Your journey includes private air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech, guided camel trekking into Erg Chebbi dunes with an overnight stay at a luxury desert camp (dinner included), plus another night at a comfortable hotel near Dades Gorge. Stops for sightseeing and photo opportunities are woven throughout each day alongside your local guide.