Fez to Marrakech: Sahara Desert Tour with Camel Ride & Guide

Travel from Fez to Marrakech by way of the Sahara dunes

You’ll cross Morocco from Fez to Marrakech with a local guide: riding camels at sunset in Erg Chebbi, sleeping under Saharan stars in a Berber tent, wandering ancient kasbahs and gorges, sharing mint tea with locals along the way. It’s three days of shifting landscapes and small surprises you’ll remember long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Fez to Merzouga Desert

• Drive through Ifrane and Cedars Forest
• Camel ride at Erg Chebbi and sunset

Day 2: Merzouga to Ouarzazate via Todra Gorge

• Visit Rissani on Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
• Walk in Todra Gorge and travel to Ouarzazate

Day 3: Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou

• Visit Kasbah of Taourirt and Atlas Studio
• Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and cross High Atlas

The experience

"You ever seen snow in Morocco?" That’s what Youssef asked as we rolled past Ifrane, this odd little town that looks more Swiss than anything else. The air smelled like pine and woodsmoke, not what I expected at all. We stopped for mint tea somewhere near Azrou, where monkeys darted between cedar trees and one tried to snatch a biscuit right out of my hand. The drive through the Middle Atlas was long but kind of hypnotic. The landscape kept changing every hour or so, and I lost track of time just watching it all blur by.

By late afternoon we reached Merzouga. The sand there is unreal: fine as flour, almost orange in the low light. Our guide Hassan handed out scarves ("for the wind," he said) before we climbed onto camels and headed into Erg Chebbi. I thought riding a camel would be easy but honestly, my legs were jelly after an hour. Still, seeing the sun drop behind those dunes? Worth every wobble. Dinner in the Berber tent was simple but good (tagine with bread you tear by hand), and after that we just lay back outside and watched stars spill across the sky. It was so quiet I could hear my own heartbeat.

The next morning came early (camels again), then a quick stop in Rissani where our local guide told us about date markets and caravan routes. I probably butchered his name when I tried to thank him in Arabic. We drove along what they call the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Some looked half-melted into the hills, others still had kids waving from rooftops. Lunch was somewhere near Todra Gorge (cold Fanta, grilled chicken, dust on my shoes), then a walk through those crazy high cliffs where everything echoed.

Ouarzazate felt almost like a movie set (which makes sense since they actually film stuff there). We poked around Taourirt Kasbah and saw Atlas Studios from outside, not much happening that day except a few cats sunning themselves on stone steps. Last stretch was over Tizi-n-Tichka pass. Winding roads, tiny villages clinging to hillsides, sheep everywhere. By the time we rolled into Marrakech I was dusty, tired, and honestly kind of sad it was over already. There’s something about that desert silence that sticks with you.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Fez, all transportation by air-conditioned minivan or minibus with a professional driver, two nights’ accommodation (one night in a Berber tent camp with camel ride at Erg Chebbi plus one night at a 3-star hotel), sandboarding opportunity, guided visits in Rissani and Ait Ben Haddou, plus traditional dinners under Saharan skies before arriving in Marrakech.

Options for this experience

4 options

Budget tour with shared tent and roomGuide in English, French or Arabic · 07:00Shared accommodation: 3 or 4 people per room, 2 nights in Merzouga, the first in a desert camp and the second in a hotel. Sandboarding is available on request at the camp and is free of charge. Shared tour with private accommodation, except solo travellers, who must pay a supplement of 12 € per night for a private tent or room. Duration: 3 days. Dinner and breakfast: 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts. Fez to Marrakech, with sightseeing stops along the way. Air-conditioned minibus. Pickup from your hotel or from popular places near your riad, and drop-off at your hotel or the nearest entrance. Pickup is included.

Group tour: private tent and roomGuide in English, French or Arabic · 07:00Private standard accommodation: first night in a private standard tent with a private ensuite bathroom, second night at Hotel la Perle du Sud (or similar). Shared group tour with a professional driver. Duration: 3 days. Dinner and breakfast: 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts. Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga, with sightseeing stops along the way each day. Comfortable air-conditioned minibus for groups of up to 17 people. We arrange hotel pickup and a meeting point; for drop-off, we take the customer close to their accommodation. Pickup is included.

Group Tour: Luxury Tent & 3* HotelGuide in English, French or Arabic · 07:00Luxury tent and 3-star hotel: first night in a private luxury desert tent with air conditioning/heating and a private ensuite bathroom, second night at Hotel la Perle du Sud (or similar). The tour is shared with up to 17 people, but the accommodation is private. Duration: 3 days. Dinner and breakfast: 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts. Fez to Merzouga, then Marrakech. Comfortable air-conditioned minibus or minivan. Hotel pickup and drop-off: we will drop you at your hotel in Marrakech or at the nearest gate, and can also call your hotel's staff to meet you. Pickup is included.

Group tour: luxury tent and hotelGuide in English, French or Arabic · 07:00Luxury tent and hotel: first night in a private luxury tent with air conditioning/heating and a private ensuite bathroom, second night at Ksar Ben Youssef (or similar). Group shared tour for up to 17 people. Duration: 3 days. 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts, with a vegetarian option available. Fez to Marrakech via Erg Chebbi. Air-conditioned minibus with a professional driver. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 3d, runs every day at 07:00, from US$ 133 per person, with a live guide in English, French and Arabic and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

GroupUp to 17

Live guideEnglish, French and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by 3t Travel

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is hotel pickup included for this Fez to Marrakech desert tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included at the start of your journey from Fez.

Do you sleep in the desert during this Sahara tour?

Yes, you spend one night in a Berber tent camp in Erg Chebbi near Merzouga.

Are meals provided on this 3-day tour?

Dinners are included at your accommodations. Lunch stops are arranged but may not always be included.

How long is the camel ride in Erg Chebbi?

The camel ride lasts about one hour each way: at sunset to camp and sunrise returning.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

You travel by air-conditioned minivan or minibus with a professional driver.

Is there a local guide during visits?

Yes, local guides join you in Rissani and Ait Ben Haddou for cultural context.

What should I bring for comfort on this trip?

A scarf or hat for sun/wind protection is helpful. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.