Marrakech - Fes: Desert tour with camel ride & kasbahs

Summary

Cross Morocco’s wild heart: dunes, kasbahs & Berber stories

You’ll travel from Marrakech to Fes with your own local guide, stopping in ancient kasbahs, riding camels across Sahara dunes at sunset, sleeping under stars in a luxury desert camp, and sharing laughter over Moroccan meals along the way. Expect moments of wonder (and maybe sore legs) you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I booked this Marrakech to Fes desert tour mostly for the idea of riding a camel at sunset. But it turned out to be so much more than that. The drive out of Marrakech felt like peeling away layers of noise and color until suddenly we were winding up into the Atlas Mountains. Our driver, Youssef, kept pointing out Berber villages tucked into the hillsides — he’d slow down so we could see kids waving or women carrying baskets along the road. At Ait Ben Haddou, I tried to imagine what it was like when caravans passed through here centuries ago (and yeah, it’s wild seeing places from Game of Thrones in real life). Lunch was tagine in a sunlit courtyard — I still remember the smell of mint tea mixing with dust and cumin.

The second day is when Morocco really got under my skin. We stopped at Todgha Gorge for a quick walk — cool air bouncing off red stone walls, a few goats clattering past. Then came Merzouga and those Erg Chebbi dunes. I didn’t expect how soft the sand would feel under my feet or how quiet everything got as we rode camels toward the sunset. My guide Hassan laughed when I nearly slid off trying sandboarding (not my hidden talent). That night at camp, dinner was under a sky thick with stars, and local nomads played drums by the fire. It’s hard to describe that mix of tiredness and awe — you just sit there grinning at strangers who suddenly feel like friends.

Waking up before dawn for sunrise over the Sahara was rough (I’m not a morning person), but worth every bleary step up the dune. After breakfast back at camp, we rode camels again — legs definitely sore by then — before piling into the car for the long road to Fes. There were sleepy villages, stretches of rocky nothingness, then suddenly green valleys and even cedar forests where monkeys watched us from above. Somewhere near Midelt we stopped for lunch; I can’t remember what I ate but I do remember laughing with Youssef about my terrible French.

By the time we reached Fes, dusty and full of stories, it felt like weeks had passed instead of days. There’s something about crossing Morocco this way — slow enough to notice things but always moving forward — that sticks with you long after you unpack.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Valley

• Drive through Atlas Mountains and visit Ait Ben Haddou kasbah
• Lunch in Ait Ben Haddou village
• Visit Ouarzazate
• Drive to Dades Gorge via Skoura and Rose Valley
• Overnight in Dades Gorges

Day 2 — Dades Valley to Sahara Desert

• Drive to Erg Chebbi dunes via Todgha Gorge and Berber villages
• Camel ride at Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset
• Sandboarding and dinner at luxury desert camp
• Overnight in private tent with bathroom

Day 3 — Sahara to Fes via Cedar Forest

• Sunrise at Erg Chebbi dunes
• Breakfast at desert camp
• Camel ride back from desert
• Drive to Fes via Ziz Valley, Midelt, and Cedar Forest
• Stop to see monkeys in Cedar Forest
• Lunch at local restaurants
• Drop off at accommodation in Fes

Top questions

How long does the Marrakech to Fes desert tour take?

The tour takes three days and two nights, traveling between Marrakech and Fes via Merzouga and Erg Chebbi dunes.

Is camel riding included on this desert trip?

Yes, each traveler gets their own camel for riding across the Sahara dunes near Merzouga.

Are meals included during the tour?

Dinners and breakfasts are included at your accommodations; lunches are enjoyed at local restaurants along the route.

Where do you sleep during this Marrakech desert tour?

The first night is in a traditional kasbah hotel in Dades Gorges; the second night is in a private tent with bathroom at a luxury Sahara desert camp.

Does this day trip from Marrakech to Fes include pickup?

Yes, pickup is included from your accommodation in Marrakech at 8 am on day one.

Can you try sandboarding on this Sahara desert trip?

Yes, sandboarding is available as an activity during your stay at the Erg Chebbi dunes camp.

Will there be stops for sightseeing along the way?

Yes, stops include Ait Ben Haddou kasbah (UNESCO site), Todgha Gorge for walking, Ouarzazate, Skoura oasis, rose valley, Ziz valley and cedar forest near Midelt.

Is this private or group travel?

This is a private tour with your own driver/guide throughout the journey.

What’s included

Your experience includes hotel pickup in Marrakech, all transport in a comfortable air-conditioned car with your private driver/guide (who’ll stop wherever you want), an overnight stay in Dades Gorges hotel with dinner and breakfast, another night in a luxury Sahara camp (private tent with bathroom), camel rides across Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset and sunrise views, sandboarding fun if you’re up for it, plus easy walks through Ait Ben Haddou kasbah and Todgha Gorge before arriving in Fes.