Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: Camel Trek, Merzouga Dunes & Nomad Camp

Summary

Atlas passes, Berber villages, camel rides and desert nights between Marrakech and Fes

You’ll cross Morocco from Marrakech to Fes with hotel pickup, winding through Atlas mountain passes and Berber villages before riding camels into Merzouga’s dunes. Sleep under Saharan stars in a desert camp, share music with nomads, try sandboarding if you’re brave — and let yourself get lost in moments you didn’t expect.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — we almost missed our pickup in Marrakech because I couldn’t find my other shoe (classic). Our driver just grinned and said something about “desert time,” which made me feel instantly less frantic. The road out of the city twisted up into the Atlas mountains so fast my ears popped. Our guide, Youssef, pointed out tiny Berber villages clinging to the hillsides — laundry flapping everywhere, goats just… existing in the middle of traffic. We stopped at Ait Benhaddou for lunch (couscous that tasted like someone’s grandmother made it) and wandered through the mud-brick alleys. I tried to imagine all those movies filmed there but mostly just got lost. Tinghir that night felt quiet and a little surreal after the day’s chaos.

The next morning smelled like strong coffee and dust. We drove through Todra Gorge — those cliffs are way taller than they look in photos — then kept going until the land turned gold and flat. By Merzouga, sand was sneaking into my shoes before I even saw a dune. Youssef handed us over to a camel guy named Hassan who laughed when I asked if my camel had a name (“Just call him Bob”). Riding across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset was weirdly peaceful; all you could hear was the wind and occasional snort from Bob. At camp, dinner was tagine under a sky so full of stars it almost looked fake. Drums started up after dark — some travelers danced, some just watched. I spilled tea on myself trying to pour it like they do (not as easy as it looks).

Day three started early — too early for me but sunrise over the dunes is not something you want to sleep through. Later we visited Khamlia village where local musicians played Gnawa rhythms that got stuck in my head for days. There was this moment sitting with nomads under their tent (the tea again), everyone laughing at my attempts at basic Arabic greetings. The sand felt warm even in the shade. Lunch was a picnic somewhere out past where roads end; honestly I’m still not sure how Youssef found his way back.

The last stretch from Merzouga to Fes is long but there were stops that broke it up: Ziz Valley for photos (so green after all that sand), monkeys in cedar forests near Azrou (one tried to steal someone’s snack), and finally rolling into Fes with dust still in my hair. Four days felt both quick and endless in that way travel sometimes does — I keep thinking about those silent moments on camelback or the taste of sweet mint tea under canvas.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Tinghir via Atlas Mountains

• Pick up from accommodation at 7:00 am
• Drive across Tizi-n-Tichka Atlas pass
• Visit High Atlas Berber villages
• Tour UNESCO site Ait Benhaddou
• Lunch at Ait Benhaddou
• Stop at supermarket in Ouarzazate
• Continue to Tinghir
• Overnight at hotel with dinner

Day 2 — Tinghir to Merzouga Desert

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Erg Chebbi Sahara desert
• Pass Todra Gorges, oasis, Tinjdad, Jorf, Erfoud
• Arrive at Merzouga hotel and relax
• Pack small bag for desert night
• Ride camels into Erg Chebbi dunes
• Walk to highest dunes for sandboarding
• Watch sunset over dunes
• Overnight in Berber nomad camp with music

Day 3 — Nomad Village Visit and Desert Camp

• Early morning start
• Visit Khamlia village for live Gnawa music
• Visit nomad family under Berber tents
• Enjoy picnic lunch
• Afternoon sand dune adventure
• Overnight in desert camp

Day 4 — Merzouga to Fes via Atlas Mountains

• Breakfast at camp
• Camel trek back to hotel for shower
• Drive towards Fes
• Stop for panoramic views over Ziz valley
• Cross High Atlas mountains
• Lunch in Midelt
• Pass Azrou and Ifrane cedar forest
• See monkeys in cedar forest
• Continue to Fes

Top questions

How long is the desert tour from Marrakech to Fes?

The tour lasts 4 days, traveling from Marrakech through Merzouga to Fes.

Is camel riding included on this Marrakech desert tour?

Yes, camel rides at sunset and sunrise are included for each traveler.

Do you sleep in the desert during this trip?

Yes, two nights are spent in standard camps among the Merzouga dunes.

Are meals provided during the 4-day tour?

Dinners and breakfasts are included at accommodations; one lunch is provided as a picnic.

Is hotel pickup available in Marrakech?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation or riad in Marrakech is included.

Can infants or small children join this desert tour?

Infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

Do you visit any UNESCO sites on this route?

Yes, there’s a stop at Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Is sandboarding possible during this tour?

Yes, sandboarding on the Erg Chebbi dunes is offered at camp.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Marrakech, air-conditioned transport across Morocco’s Atlas mountains with fuel surcharge covered, dinners and breakfasts at each overnight stop including two nights camping among Merzouga dunes (shared bathrooms), sunset and sunrise camel rides with one camel per person, sandboarding equipment at camp, an optional 4x4 excursion on day three for visiting nomad families and Khamlia village with live music, plus luggage storage at Merzouga hotel while you’re out on the dunes.