Marrakech to Fes: Sahara Desert Camel Trek & Ait Ben Haddou

Summary

From Marrakech’s bustle to quiet desert nights and Berber songs

You’ll cross Morocco from Marrakech to Fes with a local guide: climb through Atlas passes, wander ancient kasbahs like Ait Ben Haddou, ride camels at sunset into Merzouga’s dunes, share Berber music around a desert fire, and wake up under Saharan stars. It’s not always comfortable — but that sunrise will stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to wake up in the Sahara? I didn’t, not really — but that first morning, sand still clinging to my shoes from the night before, it hit me. We started in Marrakech (pickup was right at our riad, which felt oddly fancy for how little sleep I’d had), then wound our way up into the Atlas. The road over Tizi-n-Tichka Pass is all switchbacks and sudden views — our guide Youssef kept pointing out little villages tucked into red hillsides. At Ait Ben Haddou, I tried picturing gladiators or traders from centuries ago; mostly I just remember the sun bouncing off those mud-brick walls and a kid selling dates who grinned when I tried my broken French.

The second day is when it got real for me. Todra Gorge makes you feel tiny — sheer cliffs on both sides, cool air even though it was warm everywhere else. Lunch somewhere along the Rose Valley (I honestly lost track of names; too busy watching old men on donkeys and women carrying bundles wrapped in pink cloth). By late afternoon we were at Merzouga. Camels were waiting — they smell sort of sweet and dusty at the same time, if that makes sense? My camel was called Bob Marley (no idea why), and as we rode out over Erg Chebbi’s dunes, everything went quiet except for the wind. Dinner was tagine under a sky so full of stars you almost forget how tired you are. There was drumming later; someone handed me tea that tasted smoky and minty all at once.

Next morning: sunrise over the dunes. It’s colder than you’d think — I pulled my scarf tighter and just watched orange light spill across the sand. We rode back by camel (or you can take a 4x4 if your legs are sore; I stuck with Bob Marley). After breakfast at camp, we drove through Ziz Valley and stopped in Azrou’s cedar forest where monkeys darted between trees. Our driver made a joke about them being better pickpockets than in Marrakech — not sure he was kidding. We reached Fes late afternoon, dusty but kind of glowing inside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Tinghir via Ait Ben Haddou

• Pick up from Marrakech hotel
• Cross Atlas Mountains via Tizi-n-Tichka Pass
• Visit Ait Ben Haddou kasbah
• Have lunch at Ait Ben Haddou
• Coffee stop
• Drive through Thousand Kasbah and Roses Valley
• Overnight stay with dinner and breakfast

Day 2 — Tinghir to Merzouga Desert

• Visit Todra Gorge and walk in Todra Valley
• Camel ride at sunset in Erg Chabbi desert
• Overnight camping in desert with dinner

Day 3 — Merzouga to Fes via Midelt and Azrou

• Sunrise view from Erg Chebbi dunes
• Breakfast and shower at desert camp
• Camel or 4WD ride back from desert
• Drive through Ziz Valley, Midelt, Ifrane, and Azrou
• Short walk in Azrou cedar forest
• Arrive and drop off at Fes riad/hotel

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?

It takes about 9–10 hours including stops for sightseeing along the way.

Is camel trekking included on this Marrakech to Fes desert tour?

Yes, both sunset and sunrise camel treks are included in Merzouga.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay one night in a hotel or riad near Tinghir/Dades and one night in a desert camp in Merzouga.

Are meals included during the tour?

Dinner and breakfast are included for two nights during your trip.

Can I choose between camel ride or 4WD transfer to camp?

Yes, you can choose either option for getting to/from the desert camp.

Is hotel pickup available in Marrakech?

Pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech is included.

Do we visit Ait Ben Haddou on this tour?

Yes, there’s a guided visit to Ait Ben Haddou kasbah on day one.

Are there stops for photos or walking breaks?

Yes, there are stops at scenic spots like Todra Gorge and Azrou cedar forest.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup right from your Marrakech hotel or riad, private transport with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide across mountain passes and valleys, two nights’ accommodation (one hotel/riad near Tinghir or Dades Gorge and one night camping under Saharan stars), sunset and sunrise camel trekking in Merzouga (or 4x4 transfer if you prefer), plus dinner and breakfast each night before finishing with drop-off at your Fes accommodation.