Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: Atlas Mountains, Kasbahs & Sahara

Summary

Morocco Road Trip: Camel Trekking & Kasbahs from Marrakech

If you want real Morocco—mountains, kasbahs, desert nights under stars—this trip covers it all. You’ll ride camels in Erg Chebbi dunes, eat local food with Berbers, wander ancient kasbahs like Ait Ben Haddou, and cross wild mountain passes most tourists never see.

What’s the experience like?

The first time we wound up the switchbacks of Tizi n’Tichka Pass, I remember the air getting thinner and cooler—almost sharp on my cheeks. Our driver pulled over at a little roadside stall where Berber women sold argan oil and sweet mint tea. From up there, you can see the valleys open up below, dotted with tiny villages clinging to the hillsides. By midday, we reached Ait Ben Haddou. Walking through its sun-baked mudbrick alleys felt like stepping into another century; our guide Youssef pointed out spots where old movies were filmed, but honestly, I was more taken by the quiet hum of daily life—kids kicking a ball near the kasbah walls, an old man selling dates under a faded umbrella.

Later that afternoon, driving through Kelaat Mgouna’s Valley of Roses, the scent hit us before we saw anything—roses everywhere in May, but even off-season you’ll spot women weaving petals into garlands at roadside stands. We spent that night in a small hotel surrounded by rose bushes; dinner was simple tagine and fresh bread, but it tasted better than any fancy meal back home.

The second day started early. The Dadès Gorges are something else—red rock cliffs rising up on both sides, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot goats balancing on ledges that look impossible. We stopped for coffee at a tiny café run by Ahmed (he makes strong stuff). In Todra Gorge, cool water trickled between our toes as we walked along the riverbed. By sunset we’d made it to Merzouga. The desert camp was basic but cozy; after sandboarding down soft dunes and eating Sahrawi tagine under a sky full of stars (with Berber drumming echoing across the sand), I fell asleep listening to nothing but wind and distant laughter.

Waking up before dawn isn’t usually my thing—but watching sunrise over Erg Chebbi is worth it. The camels were surprisingly gentle; mine kept stopping to nibble at dry grass poking through the sand. After breakfast back at camp (fresh bread and apricot jam), we drove past Rissani’s busy market—smelled like spices and oranges—and crossed endless palm groves in Tafilalet. Somewhere between Azrou and Ifrane, we spotted Barbary macaques lounging in cedar trees (they’re cheeky if you’ve got snacks). By evening we rolled into Fes tired but happy—dusty shoes, full camera roll, lots of stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Atlas Mountains & Kasbah Visit

• Cross Tizi N' Tichka pass
• Visit Ait Ben Haddou kasbah
• Drive through Valley of Roses
• Return via Roses Valley road

Day 2 — Dades Gorges & Desert Camp

• Walk in Todra Valley
• Stay overnight in desert tent

Day 3 — Sunrise & Journey to Fes

• Camel ride and breakfast at camp
• Cross Tafilalet palm grove and Rissani
• Visit cedar forest for maggot monkeys
• Arrive and drop off in Fes

Top questions

Is this Marrakech to Fes tour suitable for families?

Yes! Kids love the camel rides and desert camp experience. Infant seats are available if needed.

Do I need to bring special gear for sandboarding or hiking?

No special gear required—sandboards are provided at camp and walks are easy-paced. Just bring comfy shoes and layers for changing weather.

Are vegetarian meals available during the tour?

Absolutely! Let us know your dietary needs when booking—we can arrange vegetarian or vegan options throughout your journey.

How big is each group?

The group size is capped at 16 travelers for a more personal experience with plenty of space in the vehicle.

What’s included

Your spot includes hotel pickup/drop-off in Marrakech & Fes, all transport in an air-conditioned minibus or 4x4 (depending on group size), guided visits to major sights like Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge, overnight stays in a roses valley hotel and Merzouga desert camp (with dinner & breakfast), camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes plus sandboarding fun—all led by friendly local guides who know every shortcut and story along the way.