Fez to Marrakech Sahara Tour with Camel Trek & Camp

Summary

Sahara Desert Journey: Fez to Marrakech via Erg Chebbi

Cross Morocco from Fez to Marrakech by way of Merzouga’s Sahara dunes—ride camels at sunset, sleep in a desert camp under stars, explore ancient kasbahs and mountain passes, all with local guides and comfy transport. It’s three days packed with color and sound you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

We were already on the road before sunrise, winding out of Fez with that cool morning air sneaking through the window. Our driver, Youssef, pointed out Ifrane—he called it “Morocco’s Switzerland” and honestly, it did look a bit like an Alpine village. Somewhere past Azrou, we stopped for mint tea at a roadside café; I still remember the smell of cedar trees mixing with sweet tea steam. By late afternoon, the sand started changing color—first gold, then almost orange—and suddenly we were in Merzouga, right at the edge of those famous Erg Chebbi dunes.

The camel trek was bumpier than I’d expected (my friend laughed every time I wobbled), but seeing the sun drop behind those huge dunes made it worth every awkward moment. Dinner at camp was tagine cooked over coals—smoky and rich—and after that, some Berber music around the fire. The sky was so clear you could see every star; I lay back on a rug just listening to drums and thinking how quiet everything felt compared to Fez.

Next day we crossed Todra Gorge—those cliffs are massive up close—and had lunch in Boumalne Dades where our guide joked about “Berber pizza.” By the time we reached Ouarzazate, my shoes were full of dust and my camera roll was packed. On our last morning, we visited Aït Benhaddou (felt like walking through a movie set) and then wound up into the Atlas Mountains. The Tizi-n-Tichka pass had these wild hairpin turns and tiny villages clinging to hillsides. We rolled into Marrakech tired but happy—still picking sand out of our bags.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fez to Merzouga via Atlas Mountains

• Drive from Fez to Merzouga with stops at Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, and Ziz Valley
• Overnight at standard desert camp

Day 2 — Merzouga to Ouarzazate via Todra Gorge

• Sunrise watching in Merzouga
• Return by camel trek to Merzouga hotel
• Drive to Ouarzazate via Todra Gorge, Boumalne Dades, El Kelâa M’Gouna, and Skoura
• Overnight at hotel or riad

Day 3 — Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Kasbahs

• Visit Atlas Film Studios
• Visit Aït Benhaddou village (UNESCO site)
• Lunch and visit Kasbah of Telouet
• Drive across Tizi-n-Tichka Pass to Marrakech with photo stops
• Drop off at Marrakech riad or hotel

Top questions

How long is the drive from Fez to Merzouga on this tour?

It’s about seven hours by car from Fez to Merzouga, with stops along the way for sightseeing and breaks.

Is camel trekking included in this Sahara tour?

Yes, a guided camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes is included as part of your desert experience.

Do we sleep in a real desert camp?

You’ll spend one night in a traditional Berber camp in Merzouga with dinner and music under the stars.

Are meals provided during the trip?

Dinners are included at both the desert camp and hotel/riad; breakfasts are also provided each morning.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup from your riad or hotel in Fez, all transport by air-conditioned vehicle with an English or French-speaking driver, a night in a luxury desert camp with camel trek in Merzouga (dinner included), another night at a comfortable hotel or riad in Ouarzazate, plus drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech when it’s all done.