Marrakech to Fes: Sahara Desert Tour with Camel Trek & Camp

Summary

Cross the Atlas Mountains, ride camels at sunset and sleep under Saharan stars

You’ll cross Morocco from Marrakech to Fes—climbing Atlas passes, wandering ancient kasbahs, riding camels into Merzouga’s dunes for sunset, then sharing music by firelight at a desert camp. Wake early for sunrise over Erg Chebbi before winding through valleys toward Fes. It’s not always comfortable—but it’s real adventure you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I was nervous about the long drive from Marrakech to Fes, but something about the idea of crossing the Atlas Mountains and sleeping in the Sahara kept tugging at me. Our guide, Youssef, showed up right on time (even before my second coffee kicked in) and greeted us with this easy grin that made me feel like we were already friends. The van was comfy enough, but it’s those first glimpses of snow-dusted peaks above red earth that still stick with me. We stopped at Ait Ben Haddou—those mud-brick walls really do glow in the sun—and I tried to picture gladiators running around like Youssef joked about. Lunch there was simple but good, just bread and tagine with that faint scent of cumin drifting up as I tore off a piece.

Somewhere after Ouarzazate, the landscape started changing—more palms, then suddenly this wild burst of pink roses near Kelaat Mgouna. Apparently there’s a whole festival for them every year; I never would’ve guessed Morocco could smell so sweet. We had mint tea at a roadside café where an old man waved at us with stained hands (rose oil? henna? I’m still not sure). That night in Dades Valley, dinner felt like a family meal—everyone tired but happy, passing plates around and laughing when someone tried (and failed) to eat couscous gracefully.

The next day is when it really hits you: you’re heading for the Sahara. The Todra Gorge is so much taller than photos show—pink stone towering over you while Berber kids wave from behind donkeys. By afternoon we reached Merzouga and met our camel guy, Hassan. He taught us how to say “Erg Chebbi” properly (I definitely didn’t get it right). Riding out as the sun dropped lower was surreal—the sand turned gold-orange and everything got quiet except for camel grunts and our own laughter echoing back. Dinner at camp was hearty; later we sat outside listening to drums under more stars than I thought possible. I barely slept but didn’t care.

Waking up early for sunrise felt rough until I climbed that dune—then suddenly none of us wanted to leave. The ride back on camels was quieter; maybe everyone else felt that same mix of tiredness and awe? On the way to Fes we passed through Ziz Valley (so green!) and stopped for lunch near Azrou—there were cedar trees and monkeys stealing snacks from tourists. Our last stretch into Fes was almost silent except for some local music on the radio; I think everyone was just replaying moments in their head. Even now if I close my eyes I can hear those drums or feel that gritty sand between my fingers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Valley via Ait Ben Haddou

• Pick up from Marrakech hotel
• Drive through Tizi-N-Tichka pass
• Visit Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
• Lunch at Ait Ben Haddou
• Stop at Ouarzazate city
• Visit Kelaat Mgouna and rose valley café
• Travel to Boumalen Dades and Tinghir
• Overnight at Bougafer Hotel in Tinghir

Day 2 — Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Todgha Gorges and trek canyon
• Drive through Berber villages to Tinejdad
• Lunch in Tinejdad
• Arrive Merzouga desert
• Camel ride at sunset to desert camp
• Dinner and overnight in nomad tent

Day 3 — Merzouga Desert to Fes via Ziz Valley

• Sunrise view on dunes
• Breakfast and shower at camp
• Camel ride or 4WD back to Merzouga
• Drive through Ziz Valley
• Lunch near Midelt City
• Visit Ifrane and cedar forest in Azrou
• Short walk and photos in Azrou
• Arrive and drop off in Fes

Top questions

How long does the Marrakech to Fes Sahara tour take?

The tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights, traveling one-way from Marrakech to Fes.

Is camel trekking included in Merzouga?

Yes, a sunset camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes is included both ways between camp and Merzouga village.

Are meals provided during the desert tour?

The tour includes two dinners and two breakfasts; lunches are not included but stops are made at local restaurants.

What kind of accommodation is offered?

The first night is in a hotel in Tinghir/Dades Valley; the second night is at a desert camp in Merzouga (standard or luxury options).

Is hotel pickup available in Marrakech?

Yes, hotel pickup in Marrakech is included at the start of the tour.

Can vegetarians or vegans be accommodated?

Yes, let your guide know on day one if you have dietary needs—they can arrange vegetarian or vegan meals.

Is sandboarding available on this tour?

Free sandboarding is available at Erg Chebbi dunes during your stay at the desert camp.

Are quad bikes available in Merzouga?

You can rent quad bikes in Merzouga by asking your guide on day two (extra cost applies).

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Marrakech, air-conditioned transport with WiFi onboard, overnight stays—a hotel in Dades Valley and your choice of standard or luxury tented camp in Merzouga—plus two dinners and two breakfasts along the way. You’ll get sunset and sunrise camel treks across Erg Chebbi dunes (with free sandboarding), all guided by locals who know every shortcut between kasbahs and oases before dropping you off right at your riad or hotel in Fes.