Private Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fez

Summary

Sahara Crossing with Nomad Encounters & Kasbah Nights

This is your chance to cross Morocco’s Sahara by private 4WD from Marrakech to Fez: climb Atlas passes, wander kasbahs, ride camels into Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, share tea with nomads near Merzouga, and fall asleep under desert stars—moments you’ll remember long after you shake the sand from your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

“Is that really snow up there?” I asked our driver, Khalid, as we wound higher into the Atlas Mountains just outside Marrakech. He just grinned and said, “Wait until you see the desert.” The air got thinner and colder as we crossed Tizi n’ Tichka pass — I kept rolling down the window for a better look at the tiny villages clinging to the slopes. There was this smell of woodsmoke and something sweet (maybe mint tea?) drifting in when we stopped for coffee. By the time we reached Aït Benhaddou, my legs were stiff but my brain was buzzing — those mud-brick walls really do glow at sunset, and I think I took about fifty photos before Khalid laughed and said it was time for lunch.

The next morning in Dades Valley, I woke up early because some rooster wouldn’t quit. Breakfast was bread still warm from the oven, dipped in honey so floral it almost tasted like perfume. We drove through Todra Gorges — cliffs so close you could touch them if you leaned out (don’t do that). There were kids waving from palm groves and old men leading donkeys along the riverbank. The real kicker was arriving at Merzouga: suddenly sand everywhere, gold on gold, and camels waiting like they’d been expecting us all day. Riding into Erg Chebbi dunes felt unreal — my camel snorted every few steps and I tried not to look too nervous. Sunset on top of a dune is quieter than I thought it would be; just wind and distant laughter from camp.

I didn’t sleep much that night — partly nerves, partly drums echoing under the stars after dinner (and maybe too much mint tea). In the morning our guide took us to meet a nomad family living near Khamlia village. Their tent smelled like earth and wool; they handed us flatbread straight off a pan over coals. We tried to chat but mostly just smiled at each other — sometimes that’s enough. Later we listened to Gnawa musicians play rhythms that made my chest vibrate; Li laughed when I tried to clap along in time.

The last stretch toward Fez felt long but kind of peaceful — Ziz Valley’s palm trees flashing by, then cedar forests where monkeys darted across the road (one stole someone’s apple right out of their hand). We stopped for coffee in Ifrane where everything looked strangely European. When we finally rolled into Fez, dusty and tired, I realized I still had sand in my shoes from Merzouga. Not sure I’ll ever get it all out — honestly, maybe that’s okay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Valley via Ouarzazate

• Drive through High Atlas Mountains and visit Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou
• Visit Atlas Studios and Kasbah of Tourirt in Ouarzazate
• Continue to Rose Valley, Skoura Oasis, and Kasbah Amerhidil

Day 2 — Dades Valley to Erg Chebbi via Todra Gorges

• Walk and admire views at Dadès and Todra Gorges
• Drive to Erg Chebbi for camel trek and sunset

Day 3 — Erg Chebbi and Merzouga Exploration

• Sunrise walk, camel trek, visit Rissani market and Khamlia village

Day 4 — Erg Chebbi to Fez via Middle Atlas

• Travel through Ziz Valley, Midelt, Cedar forests, and Ifrane to Fez

Top questions

How long does this Sahara tour from Marrakech to Fez take?

The tour takes four days and three nights, traveling between Marrakech and Fez with overnight stops along the way.

Is camel riding included on this private Sahara tour?

Yes, a camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes is included along with an overnight stay in a desert camp.

Are meals provided during the trip?

Breakfasts are included each day; most lunches and dinners are available at local stops or camps—vegetarian options can be arranged if requested ahead.

Will we meet local nomads on this Sahara tour?

Yes, you’ll visit nomad families near Khamlia village and have tea with them as part of your experience.

Is hotel pickup available in Marrakech?

Hotel pickup is included at the start of your journey from Marrakech.

What’s included

Your journey includes private 4WD transportation with hotel pickup in Marrakech, guided visits through kasbahs like Aït Benhaddou and Amridil, a camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes with an overnight stay in a luxury desert camp (dinner included), breakfast each morning, meetings with local nomads near Merzouga over tea, plus secure luggage storage for your main bags while you’re out on camelback before finishing in Fez.