Fes to Marrakech: Sahara Desert Tour, Camel Trek & Aït Ben Haddou

From Fes through dunes and kasbahs to Marrakech’s wild color

You’ll cross Morocco’s shifting landscapes on this Fes to Marrakech desert tour: meet macaques in cedar forests, ride camels at sunset in Erg Chebbi, wake up under Saharan stars, wander ancient kasbahs like Aït Ben Haddou, and watch dawn break over silent dunes before rolling into Marrakech’s chaos — each moment feels like its own small story.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fes to Merzouga Desert

• Pick up from accommodation in Fes
• Visit Barbary Apes at Azrou cedar forest
• View Ziz Valley landscapes
• Meet desert guide in Erg Chebbi
• Camel ride at sunset on dunes
• Overnight in Sahara desert camp

Day 2 — Merzouga to Dades Valley

• Watch sunrise in desert camp
• Breakfast at camp
• Return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4
• Drive through Rissani and Erfoud
• Visit Todra Gorge and river walk
• Drive Dades Valley and see monkey fingers
• Overnight in Dades Valley hotel

Day 3 — Dades Valley to Marrakech

• Breakfast at accommodation
• Drive to Ait Ben Haddou via Valley of Roses
• Visit Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
• Lunch near Kasbah
• Drive through High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka pass
• Arrive in Marrakech late afternoon

The Experience

“You’ll want to keep your scarf tight here,” our driver Youssef grinned as we stepped out in Ifrane — air sharp and piney, nothing like the Fes medina we’d left behind. The road twisted up through cedar forests (we actually saw Barbary macaques — one just stared back at me chewing something, totally unimpressed). I kept thinking how Morocco is never just one thing. By the time we reached Ziz Valley, green palms ran right down the middle of all that red earth. It was late afternoon when we got to Merzouga; sand everywhere, warm wind on my face. Our desert guide handed me a blue scarf and showed me how to tie it — I probably looked ridiculous but he said it suited me.

The camel ride across Erg Chebbi was quieter than I expected. Just the soft pad of hooves and that endless gold light before sunset. My friend tried to film but gave up — “You can’t catch this,” she whispered. Dinner at camp was tagine under stars so clear it felt unreal. There was drumming later, but honestly what stuck with me most was lying awake in my tent hearing nothing except maybe my own heartbeat and some far-off laughter from the guides’ fire. If you do this day trip from Fes to Marrakech via the desert, don’t skip sunrise — cold sand underfoot, sky turning pink over Merzouga dunes. It’s worth being tired for.

Next day felt like a blur of colors and stone: Rissani’s market (dates everywhere), then Todra Gorge where voices echoed off sheer cliffs and kids waved from above. We stopped for tea with a Berber family — mint so strong it made my eyes water, but they laughed when I tried to say “shukran” properly. In Dades Valley our hotel overlooked those crazy rock formations they call ‘monkey fingers’. I still think about that view sometimes when things get loud back home.

The last stretch took us through the Valley of Roses (smelled faintly sweet even with windows up) and finally into Aït Ben Haddou. Our guide pointed out spots from movies — Gladiator, Game of Thrones — though honestly I liked watching local kids run across the mudbrick rooftops more than any film set. The Tizi n’Tichka Pass into Marrakech was all switchbacks and sudden bursts of wildflowers between rocks. Arrived dusty, happy, sort of changed by it all.

Top questions

How long does the Fes to Marrakech desert tour take?

The tour lasts 3 days with two overnight stays included along the route.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sahara tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Fes is included in the booking.

Do you sleep in a tent or hotel during the desert part?

You spend one night in a desert camp near Merzouga (with private bathroom if you book luxury), and another night in a hotel in Dades Valley.

Are meals provided on this 3-day tour?

Two breakfasts and two dinners are included during your journey.

Can I choose between camel trek or 4x4 for returning from camp?

Yes, after sunrise you can return by camel or by comfortable 4x4 vehicle.

What are some main stops between Fes and Marrakech?

Main stops include Cedar forest near Azrou, Ziz Valley, Merzouga desert (Erg Chebbi), Rissani market, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, and Tizi n’Tichka Pass.

Is this desert tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels; wheelchair accessible options are available too.

Are there COVID-19 safety measures on this trip?

Yes, COVID-19 safety measures are implemented throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup from Fes with an air-conditioned vehicle (and onboard WiFi), sunset and sunrise camel treks across Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, two nights’ accommodations (one at a desert camp with private bathroom if luxury option is chosen; one at a hotel in Dades Valley), two breakfasts and two dinners along the way, plus free time at each site before drop-off in Marrakech.