Fes to Marrakech Sahara Tour: Camel Trek & Desert Camp

Summary

From Fes through Atlas valleys to Merzouga dunes & Marrakech

You’ll cross cedar forests and palm valleys from Fes before camel trekking into Merzouga’s Sahara dunes for sunset and a night in a private tent—with Berber music by firelight. After sunrise breakfast in camp, journey on through Rose Valley and Atlas passes before arriving in Marrakech’s lively heart.

What’s the experience like?

Hands wrapped around a chipped mug of mint tea, I watched our driver, Youssef, laugh with a roadside vendor in Ifrane—he called it “the Switzerland of Morocco,” but honestly, it just felt like a cool breath after the dust of Fes. The air smelled faintly of cedar as we stopped in Azrou’s forest; Barbary monkeys darted between trees while a little girl tried to coax one closer with an apple slice. Didn’t expect that. Our group was quiet for a bit after—maybe just soaking up the hush before the desert.

The drive through Ziz Valley was long but never dull—palms everywhere and those layered red cliffs that look painted on. Lunch in Midelt was simple: tagine with bread you tear apart by hand (I got sauce all over my sleeve). By late afternoon, Merzouga’s dunes started glowing orange under a sky that felt too big for words. Climbing onto the camel felt awkward at first (my guide Hassan grinned and said “just lean back!”), but once we got moving, it was oddly peaceful—the only sound was soft sand shifting under hooves. That sunset? I still think about that light on everyone’s faces.

Dinner at camp tasted smoky and sweet—lamb and vegetables cooked slow while Berber music drifted out under the stars. Someone handed me a drum; I tried to keep up, mostly failed, but nobody seemed to mind. My tent was quiet except for wind against canvas. In the morning, sunrise turned everything gold and pink—hard to explain how good that first coffee tasted out there.

After camel-trekking back (legs wobbly), we showered off the sand in Merzouga and drove through Rose Valley toward Marrakech. The villages along the way blurred past—kids waving from doorways, laundry flapping on rooftops. Crossing Tizi n’Tichka pass felt like threading between worlds: snow patches still clinging to rock above green valleys below. We reached Marrakech tired but kind of wired from it all; Jemaa el-Fna square already humming with life as we rolled in at dusk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fes to Merzouga via Atlas and Sahara

• Pick up from Fes meeting point
• Visit Ifrane and cedar forest
• Spot Barbary monkeys
• Drive to Midelt for lunch
• Continue through Ziz Valley oasis
• Stop at panoramic viewpoint
• Arrive at Sahara desert
• Camel ride to dune camp
• Watch sunset from dune
• Relax in private tent
• Dinner at camp
• Enjoy Berber music by bonfire

Day 2 — Merzouga to Marrakech via Atlas Mountains

• Camel ride back to Merzouga
• Breakfast and shower at hotel
• Drive to Rose Valley
• Lunch in Rose town
• Travel to Ouarzazate via Berber townlets
• Cross High Atlas Mountains Tizi n Tichka pass
• Arrive in Marrakech

Top questions

How long does the Fes to Marrakech Sahara tour take?

The tour lasts 2 days, starting from Fes with an overnight stay in Merzouga’s desert camp before arriving in Marrakech on day two.

Is camel trekking included on this Sahara tour?

Yes, camel trekking across the Merzouga dunes is included as part of the experience.

Are meals provided during the tour?

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

Will I sleep in a tent or hotel?

You’ll spend one night in a private tent at a desert camp over the sand dunes near Merzouga.

Is pickup available from my hotel in Fes?

The tour includes pickup from a central meeting point in Fes; check details when booking.

What are some highlights along the route?

You’ll visit Ifrane, Azrou cedar forest (with Barbary monkeys), Ziz Valley oasis, Rose Valley, Tizi n’Tichka pass, and Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech.

Is this Sahara desert trip suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and offers specialized infant seats if needed.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup from Fes, camel trek into Merzouga’s dunes with an overnight stay in a private tent at a desert camp, dinner under Saharan stars plus breakfast next morning—and all transfers onward to Marrakech via scenic mountain routes with stops for lunch along the way.