Marrakech to Fes Desert Trip: Camel Ride & Erg Chebbi Camp

Summary

From Marrakech to Fes through the Atlas and Sahara sands

You’ll cross Morocco from Marrakech to Fes with a local guide at your side—watching mountain villages slip by your window before riding camels into Erg Chebbi’s dunes. Sleep in a Berber tent under Saharan stars after dinner by firelight, then wake up early for sunrise over endless sand. It’s not always comfortable but it’s real—and you’ll remember those moments long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the minibus rattled over the Tizi-n-Tichka pass — you could hear pebbles pinging off the tires, and every window framed a different patchwork of red earth and green valleys. Our driver, Youssef, pointed out tiny waterfalls clinging to the rocks (“only in spring,” he said with a shrug). I tried to count how many times we stopped for mint tea but lost track after Ouarzazate. The air changed as we got closer to Merzouga — warmer, drier, almost like you could taste sand before you saw it.

I’ll be honest: by the time we reached the edge of Erg Chebbi, I was tired enough to nap standing up. But then there were camels waiting, all blinking and chewing like they’d been expecting us. My camel was named Moustafa (I think?), and he snorted every time I shifted my weight. The ride into the dunes was quiet except for the wind brushing over sand — no car noise, just this weird hush that made everything feel bigger. When we got to camp, someone handed me sweet mint tea before I’d even set down my bag. Dinner was tagine eaten cross-legged by firelight while our Berber hosts played drums; I tried joining in but honestly have no rhythm at all. Still fun though.

Waking up early for sunrise wasn’t easy (my legs still ached from camel riding), but stepping outside and seeing those dunes turn gold — yeah, worth it. You could just barely see Algeria on the horizon if you squinted hard enough. We rode back by camel (a little sore), showered at a hotel nearby, then piled back into the van for the drive through Ziz Valley and cedar forests towards Fes. Somewhere near Ifrane we stopped for coffee; it smelled like cardamom and pine needles mixed together. The whole trip felt like moving through layers of Morocco — mountains, desert, villages — each one with its own colors and sounds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Desert Camp via Ouarzazzate

• Meet at hotel in Marrakech
• Drive through High Atlas via Tizi-n-Tichka pass
• Pass small villages and waterfalls
• Drive through Ouarzazzate and Valley of Roses
• Visit Dades valley and traditional Kasbah
• Rest and drink mint tea
• Camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes
• Arrive at desert camp
• Dinner and campfire with Berber music

Day 2 — Desert to Fez via Atlas and Berber Villages

• Early walk on sand dunes at sunrise
• Camel ride back to hotel
• Breakfast and shower
• Drive through Ziz valley and Berber villages
• Pass Middle Atlas and cedar forest
• Arrive in Fez in afternoon

Top questions

How long does the Marrakech to Fes desert trip take?

The tour lasts 2 days and 1 night, traveling from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga and Erg Chebbi.

Is camel riding included on this desert tour?

Yes, a camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes is included on day one as part of reaching the desert camp.

Do you sleep in a tent during this Sahara tour?

Yes, you spend one night in a Berber tent at a desert camp near Erg Chebbi dunes.

Are meals provided on this Marrakech to Fes tour?

Dinner at camp and breakfast are included during your stay in the desert.

Is hotel pickup included in Marrakech?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Marrakech is provided at the start of the tour.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

A comfortable minibus or minivan is used for travel between cities and stops.

Can children join this desert trip?

Children can join if accompanied by two paying adults; child rates apply under these conditions.

Are there any physical requirements or restrictions?

The trip isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; good fitness is advised.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Marrakech, transport by comfortable minibus or minivan with an experienced driver-guide throughout Morocco’s changing landscapes, a camel ride into Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, overnight stay in a private Berber tent with bathroom (standard or luxury option), traditional Moroccan dinner around a campfire with music, breakfast before departure toward Fes, plus free sandboarding if you’re feeling adventurous along the way.