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

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

"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.

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

Top questions

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.

Can children join this tour?

Children can join if accompanied by two paying adults; infant seats are available upon request.

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.

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.