Marrakech to Fes: Sahara Desert Tour, Camel Trek & Luxury Camp

Summary

From Marrakech’s bustle to Sahara silence, camel rides and Berber rhythms

You’ll cross from Marrakech’s busy streets through Atlas mountain passes, wander ancient kasbahs, ride camels across Erg Chebbi dunes, and share music by firelight in a luxury Sahara camp. Expect laughter, unexpected silences, mint tea under stars—and memories you’ll keep replaying long after you reach Fes.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect the Atlas Mountains to smell like wild herbs. We left Marrakech early, a little groggy, and suddenly there were these sharp green scents coming through the van window as we climbed higher. Our guide, Youssef, pointed out Berber villages tucked into the hills—mud walls almost blending into the rock. He told us how winter snows sometimes cut people off for weeks. I tried picturing that kind of quiet, but it was hard with everyone laughing over who’d forgotten sunscreen already.

Ait Ben Haddou looked exactly like those movie scenes (Youssef rattled off Gladiator and Game of Thrones), but in real life you notice things like laundry flapping from a rooftop or a kid chasing goats down an alley. I got sand in my shoes before we even hit the desert—classic me. The Dades Gorge hotel had this weirdly perfect silence at night except for distant barking dogs and one motorbike echoing up the valley. The room was simple but cool after all that sun.

The camel ride into Erg Chebbi was way bumpier than I thought—my thighs still remember it—but watching the dunes turn gold at sunset made me forget about sore muscles for a minute. Our camel guy (Hassan? I hope I got that right) taught us how to tie our scarves against the wind; mine kept slipping but he just grinned and fixed it again. That first mint tea at camp tasted sweet and smoky at once—I’m not sure if it was just relief or something about desert air.

After dinner, everyone gathered around the fire for drumming with the crew. They handed out drums and tried to teach us a rhythm; I was hopeless but nobody cared. There’s something about sitting under all those stars with strangers who suddenly feel familiar. Morning came too soon—cold air and pink sky—and then we piled into 4x4s back toward Fes, stopping in cedar forests where Barbary apes watched us like we were the odd ones out. The last stretch through Ifrane felt almost European with its tidy houses and pine trees…not what I pictured Morocco would be at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Gorge via Ait Ben Haddou

• Depart Marrakech in morning
• Drive through High Atlas Mountains
• Stop at Berber villages
• Explore Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Drive to Ouarzazate
• Visit Atlas Studio exterior
• Drive through Valley of Roses
• See monkey toes and zig-zag road
• Arrive at hotel in Dades Gorge
• Dinner at hotel

Day 2 — Dades Gorge to Merzouga Desert

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Todra Gorge via Tinghir
• Walk through Todra Canyon
• Drive to Merzouga town
• Camel ride to desert camp
• Stop for sunset on dune
• Arrive at luxury desert camp
• Relax and shower
• Dinner at camp
• Enjoy Berber music and drumming

Day 3 — Merzouga Desert to Fes via Ziz Valley

• Wake early for sunrise
• Breakfast at camp
• Return to Merzouga by 4x4 or camel
• Drive through Ziz Valley
• Stop at oasis
• Drive through Middle Atlas Mountains
• Stop in cedar forest for Barbary apes
• Break in Ifrane
• Arrive and drop off near Fes Riad

Top questions

How long is the Marrakech to Fes desert tour?

The tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights.

Is hotel pickup included on this Marrakech to Fes tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech is included.

What kind of accommodation is provided during the trip?

You stay one night in a hotel in Dades Gorge and one night in a luxury tented camp in Merzouga desert.

Are meals included on this Sahara desert tour?

Breakfasts and dinners are included during your stays; lunches are not specified.

Is there a camel ride on this tour?

Yes, there is a camel trekking experience across Erg Chebbi dunes included.

Can travelers return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4 after camping?

You can choose between returning by camel or by 4x4 vehicle after your night at camp.

Are there stops between Marrakech and Fes?

Yes, you stop at places like Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, Ouarzazate, Dades Gorge, Todra Gorge, Ziz Valley, cedar forests near Ifrane, and more along the way.

Is this trip suitable for children or people with health issues?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Marrakech, private air-conditioned transport throughout the route to Fes, guided visits to sites like Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and Dades Gorge, an overnight stay in both a comfortable mountain hotel and a luxury Sahara camp (both with private en-suite bathrooms), breakfast and dinner each day, plus your camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes—with plenty of time for tea breaks and photos along the way.