Marrakech to Fes: Sahara Desert Camp, Camel Trek & Atlas Views

Summary

High Atlas roads, Berber kasbahs, camel trek at sunset and desert music

You’ll cross Morocco from Marrakech to Fes with local guides who know every curve of the road. Expect Berber villages in the High Atlas Mountains, sunset camel rides into Erg Chebbi’s dunes, music under desert stars, and real moments with new friends. It’s not polished or predictable—just honest adventure stitched together by shared meals and laughter.

What’s the experience like?

So it started with us nearly missing the pickup in Marrakech — classic me, fumbling with my bag while our driver, Youssef, waited patiently by the minibus. I was sure I’d left my charger behind (I hadn’t). The city was just waking up as we wound out through the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass. The windows fogged a little from all our chatter and someone’s leftover orange peel. Youssef pointed out Berber villages tucked into the hillsides; I tried to snap photos but mostly just stared at the switchbacks and wondered how people live up here year-round.

Ait Ben Haddou looked like something out of a movie — which apparently it is, but I didn’t recognize any scenes. The clay walls felt cool under my hand. We climbed narrow alleys with a couple of kids darting past us, their laughter echoing off the stone. Lunch somewhere roadside — tagine bubbling away, that cinnamon-meets-ginger smell filling the air. My travel buddy tried to order in French and got gently corrected by the owner’s daughter; she smiled so wide you couldn’t help but laugh too. Our group was already swapping stories by then.

The second day was all about changing landscapes — Dades Valley’s crazy rock shapes (someone said it looked like monkey fingers?), then Todra Gorge where we stretched our legs between cliffs that made you feel tiny. By late afternoon we reached Merzouga and suddenly there were camels waiting for us, blinking in the sun. Riding into Erg Chebbi’s dunes at sunset felt kind of surreal — sand everywhere, sky going pink-orange-purple all at once. My hands smelled faintly of mint tea from earlier as I gripped the saddle; someone behind me started singing softly and for a minute everything went quiet except for camel footsteps.

The desert camp wasn’t fancy but it had this warmth — Berber hosts pouring tea, drums starting up after dinner around a fire that crackled like it was telling its own story. I tried sandboarding (badly) and ended up mostly laughing at myself. That night I lay awake listening to wind against canvas and thinking about how far we’d come from Marrakech in just two days. Morning brought cold air and a sunrise that made everyone hush for a bit before breakfast — bread still warm, honey sticky on my fingers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Valley via Ait Ben Haddou

• Drive through High Atlas Mountains
• Stop at Tizi n'Tichka Pass
• Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Drive through Ouarzazate and Valley of Roses
• Lunch at local roadside restaurant
• Drive Road of 1000 Kasbahs to Dades Valley
• Check-in and relax in Dades Valley

Day 2 — Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert Camp

• Morning drive and photo stops in Dades Valley
• Visit Todra Gorge
• Drive through palm groves and Berber villages
• Lunch in Tinejdad area
• Arrive Merzouga and camel trek in dunes
• Arrive desert camp and enjoy dinner
• Overnight in Berber-style desert tent

Day 3 — Merzouga to Fes via Middle Atlas

• Optional sunrise over Erg Chebbi dunes
• Breakfast at desert camp
• Transfer to minibus from dunes
• Drive through Ziz Valley with photo stops
• Lunch stop in Midelt
• Drive through cedar forests and visit Ifrane
• Drive to Fes and drop-off

Top questions

How long does the Marrakech to Fes desert tour take?

The shared excursion lasts 3 days and 2 nights from Marrakech to Fes.

Is there a camel ride included on this tour?

Yes, there is a sunset camel trek across Erg Chebbi’s dunes included in the tour price.

Do you sleep in the Sahara Desert during this trip?

Yes, one night is spent in a Berber-style tented camp in the Sahara Desert near Merzouga.

Are meals included on this Marrakech to Fes tour?

Dinners and breakfasts are included at your accommodations; lunches are not included.

What are some highlights along the route?

You’ll visit Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, Erg Chebbi dunes, and pass through Ouarzazate.

Is hotel pickup provided at the start?

Yes, pickup is included from central locations in Marrakech.

Are bathrooms private at the desert camp?

The standard camp has shared bathroom facilities; deluxe upgrade offers private ensuite bathrooms.

How big is each group on this shared excursion?

The maximum group size is 18 guests per vehicle/guide.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup in Marrakech, comfortable shared transport with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide throughout Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains and Sahara region, an overnight stay in Dades Valley hotel or riad with dinner and breakfast provided, a sunset camel ride into Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga followed by one night in a Berber-style desert camp (with dinner and breakfast), plus sandboards available at camp if you want to try them out before heading on to Fes for drop-off at your accommodation.