Marrakech to Fes: 3-Day Sahara Tour via Merzouga Desert

Summary

From Marrakech to Fez by camel across Erg Chebbi dunes and kasbahs

You’ll cross Morocco from Marrakech to Fes with a local guide—climbing Atlas passes, wandering Aït Benhaddou’s ancient walls, riding camels through Merzouga’s Sahara dunes, and sleeping under desert stars in a private tent. There’s laughter over mint tea and quiet moments watching sunrise on sand. You might not remember every village name—but you’ll remember how it felt.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the first time our minibus started winding up those Atlas switchbacks—my stomach was somewhere near my knees and everyone was silent, except for Youssef, our driver, humming along to the radio. Somewhere near Tizi n’Tichka Pass, we stopped for mint tea and I tried (and failed) to pronounce “Aït Benhaddou” properly. The air smelled like dust and oranges. Our guide grinned and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll get it by Fes.” We didn’t, but that kasbah really does look like something out of a movie—because it is. Gladiator fans will get it.

Day two was all about the road—Berber villages flashing by, kids waving from behind donkeys, that kind of thing. Tinghir’s oasis looked impossibly green after so much rock and sand. We walked through Todra Gorge; the walls felt cool even though my shirt stuck to my back. Lunch somewhere near Erfoud—flatbread with cumin and olives—and then suddenly we were at Merzouga. I still think about that first step into the dunes: hot sand slipping into my shoes, camels snorting behind me. Our guide handed out scarves (“for the wind,” he said), then led us into the orange light. Sunset on Erg Chebbi is quieter than I expected—just wind and a drumbeat from camp drifting over.

I woke up before dawn in that Berber tent (private—thank god; I snore), blinking at a sky so full of stars it barely seemed real. Camel ride back was chilly; someone handed me sweet tea at camp and I nearly spilled it when one of the camels sneezed on my shoe (not as funny at 6am). On the drive to Fes we stopped for coffee in Midelt—cold hands wrapped around warm cups—and Youssef pointed out Barbary apes in the cedar forest outside Ifrane. It’s weird how fast you go from desert to pine trees here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Tinghir via Atlas Mountains

• Pickup from Marrakech hotel
• Drive through High Atlas Mountains
• Stop for photos and coffee
• Cross Tizi n'Tichka Pass
• Explore Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Drive past Ouarzazate and Rose Valley
• Arrive and relax in Tinghir
• Dinner and overnight in hotel

Day 2 — Tinghir to Merzouga Desert Camp

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive through Todra Gorges and Berber villages
• Arrive in Merzouga
• Pack overnight bag for camel trek
• Camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes
• Watch sunset from highest dunes
• Overnight in Berber nomad tents

Day 3 — Merzouga to Fes via Middle Atlas

• Sunrise camel trek in desert
• Breakfast at camp
• Drive through Ziz Valley to Errachidia
• Stop for lunch in Midelt
• Continue via Ifran and cedar forests
• Spot Barbary apes en route
• Arrive and drop off in Fes

Top questions

How long is the Marrakech to Fes Sahara tour?

The tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights, starting in Marrakech and ending in Fes.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sahara tour?

Yes, pickup from your Marrakech hotel or a nearby meeting point is included.

Do you sleep in a tent during the desert part?

Yes, you'll spend one night in a private Berber tent at a desert camp in Merzouga.

Are meals included during the trip?

Dinners are included at both overnight stops; lunches are available for purchase along the way.

What places do you visit between Marrakech and Fes?

You visit Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, Ouarzazate, Tinghir oasis, Todra Gorge, Merzouga dunes, Ziz Valley, Midelt, and Ifrane.

Is there a camel ride on this tour?

Yes, there's a camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes to reach your desert camp in Merzouga.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes; infants can ride in prams or strollers and specialized seats are available upon request.

How do you get from Merzouga to Fes?

You travel by vehicle through Errachidia, Ziz Valley, Midelt's mountains and cedar forests before arriving in Fes.

What’s included

Your journey includes air-conditioned transport with pickup from your Marrakech hotel or meeting point; one night at a kasbah-style hotel or riad with dinner; one night sleeping in your own private Berber tent at a Sahara desert camp (also with dinner); plus breakfast each morning. Camel trekking through Erg Chebbi dunes is part of day two—and your local guide will be with you throughout until drop-off at your accommodation in Fes.