3-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga – Camel Ride, 2 Luxury Camp Nights & Sahara Oasis Experience

This 3-day shared desert tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga is an unforgettable way to cross Morocco while experiencing the Sahara Desert.

Travel from Fes through Ifrane, the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, Berber villages and the beautiful Ziz Valley before reaching the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. Enjoy a sunset camel ride and spend two nights in a private luxury desert tent.

On the second day, discover the Sahara by 4×4, meet a nomad family, listen to Gnawa music in Khamlia and explore a desert oasis. On Day 3, travel from Merzouga to Marrakech through the Draa Valley, Ouarzazate, the Anti-Atlas and High Atlas Mountains.

The tour finishes in Marrakech, making it a convenient option for travelers who want to start in Fes, experience Merzouga and continue their Morocco trip from Marrakech.

Experience

  • Travel from Fes to Marrakech through the Merzouga Desert
  • Visit Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco”
  • See Barbary macaques in the cedar forests near Azrou
  • Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and scenic Ziz Valley
  • Watch the sunset during a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Try sandboarding on the Sahara dunes
  • Spend two nights in a private luxury desert tent
  • Enjoy traditional dinners, Berber music and stargazing
  • Explore Merzouga and the surrounding desert by 4×4
  • Meet a nomad family and learn about their desert lifestyle
  • Experience traditional Gnawa music in Khamlia
  • Walk through an oasis and discover its traditional irrigation system
  • Travel through the Draa Valley and Ouarzazate
  • Cross the Anti-Atlas and High Atlas Mountains
  • Finish your desert journey in Marrakech

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Your 3-day shared desert tour from Fes to Marrakech begins with an early pickup from your accommodation in Fes.

Travel south toward Ifrane, a clean and peaceful mountain town often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” After a short stop, continue to the cedar forests near Azrou, where you may see the native Barbary macaques.

The journey continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Midelt, where you will stop for lunch. In the afternoon, cross the Tizi n’Talghamt Pass and admire the panoramic views of the Ziz Gorges and Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves and dates.

Pass through Erfoud, a town known for fossils, before arriving at the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga.

Your sunset camel ride lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. You will cross the golden dunes, stop to watch the sunset and have the opportunity to try sandboarding.

Upon arrival at the luxury desert camp, you will be welcomed with traditional mint tea. Enjoy dinner followed by Berber music around the campfire beneath the Sahara stars.

Overnight in your private luxury tent with a private bathroom and shower.

Day 2: Merzouga Desert Tour – Nomad Family – Khamlia – Oasis

Wake up in the Sahara and enjoy breakfast at the luxury camp. Afterward, begin a 4×4 tour around the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Travel across the desert landscape to discover black volcanic rocks, fossil areas and panoramic views. Visit a nomad family living in traditional tents and learn about their way of life in the Sahara.

Continue to Khamlia village, where you can experience traditional Gnawa music and discover the village’s cultural heritage.

Depending on the season and water conditions, you may visit Dayet Srij Lake, where migratory birds, including flamingos, can sometimes be seen.

Stop for lunch in Merzouga or Hassi Labied. After lunch, visit a desert oasis, walk through the palm gardens and learn about the traditional underground irrigation system.

Return to the luxury camp in the afternoon. You will have time to shower, relax or walk on the nearby dunes before enjoying dinner and another evening of traditional music and stargazing.

Spend your second night in your private luxury desert tent.

Day 3: Merzouga – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – High Atlas – Marrakech

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast and a shower at the camp, depart from Merzouga for the long but scenic journey to Marrakech.

Travel through the desert landscapes of southern Morocco toward the Draa Valley, known for its extensive palm groves, historic villages and traditional kasbahs. Stop at panoramic viewpoints for photographs and short breaks.

Continue toward Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the Sahara and an important filming destination. Stop for lunch before continuing toward Marrakech.

Travel across the mountain landscapes of southern Morocco before crossing the High Atlas Mountains. The winding mountain road offers beautiful views of valleys, traditional villages and dramatic peaks.

Arrival in Marrakech is generally expected in the evening, depending on traffic, weather and the duration of the scheduled stops. Your driver will drop you off at an accessible central location or near your accommodation.

Your 3-day shared desert tour from Fes to Marrakech ends with unforgettable memories of the Moroccan Sahara.

  • Pickup from an accessible location near your accommodation in Fes
  • Shared transportation in an air-conditioned taxi, minivan or minibus
  • Professional driver
  • Transportation from Fes to Merzouga and onward to Marrakech
  • Two nights in a private luxury desert tent
  • Private bathroom and hot shower inside the tent
  • Two breakfasts
  • Two dinners at the luxury desert camp
  • Sunset camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Sandboarding upon request
  • 4×4 Merzouga desert tour
  • Visit to a nomad family
  • Visit to Khamlia village
  • Traditional Gnawa music experience
  • Oasis and irrigation-system visit
  • Berber music at the desert camp
  • Luggage transfer to and from the camp
  • Drop-off in Marrakech
  • Lunches
  • Drinks
  • Entrance fees, when required
  • Quad-bike and buggy activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for the driver, guides and camp staff
  • Travel insurance
  • Anything not specifically listed as included
  • 🏍 Quad Bike Ride€50 per person (1 hour)
  • 🦊 Fennec Fox Quad Tour – Visit the quiet areas of the Erg Chebbi dunes where fennec foxes are sometimes seen in their natural habitat. Includes a 2-hour guided quad bike tour with stops for photos and sunset. €100 per person (wildlife sightings are never guaranteed).
  • 🚙 Buggy Ride€150 per buggy (1 hour, 2 people)
  • 💨 Shisha at the Camp€20
  • 📸 Professional Desert Photography & Drone Shoot€150 per person

Note: Fennec foxes are wild animals. We visit remote areas where they are often seen, but sightings depend on nature and cannot be guaranteed.

  • Smoking is not allowed inside the tents or restaurant. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available.
  • Please respect other guests by keeping noise to a minimum after midnight. If you would like to talk, relax, or enjoy the peaceful desert at night, you are welcome to take a walk into the dunes away from the camp.
  • Pets are not allowed (dogs, cats, or other animals).
  • This is a shared tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga.
  • The tour does not return to Fes.
  • Departure is from Fes on Day 1, and arrival is in Marrakech on Day 3.
  • Confirmation will be sent by email after booking.
  • A deposit is required to confirm your places, transportation, camp and camel ride.
  • The remaining balance can be paid according to the payment instructions provided during booking.
  • Transportation may be by shared taxi, minivan or minibus from Fes, with a 4×4 vehicle used for the desert excursion.
  • Your luggage is accepted on the tour.
  • Prepare a small backpack for the camel ride. The remaining luggage will be transported to your tent by the camp vehicle.
  • Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and drinking water.
  • Warm clothes are necessary during winter because nighttime temperatures can approach 0°C.
  • Day 3 involves a long drive from Merzouga to Marrakech.
  • Arrival times can change because of traffic, weather, road conditions and scheduled stops.
  • Dayet Srij Lake and its migratory birds are seasonal and cannot be guaranteed.
  • Vegetarian meals can be prepared when requested in advance.
  • The itinerary order may be adjusted for operational or weather-related reasons.

Questions & Answers

Is this tour from Fes back to Fes?

No. This tour begins in Fes, includes two nights in Merzouga and finishes in Marrakech on Day 3.

How far is Merzouga from Fes?

The distance from Fes to Merzouga is approximately 460 kilometres. The journey generally takes around seven to eight hours, excluding longer sightseeing and lunch stops.

How long is the journey from Merzouga to Marrakech?

It is a long full-day journey. The driving time and arrival hour depend on traffic, road conditions, weather and the number of stops. Arrival in Marrakech is normally expected during the evening.

Is the luxury tent private?

Yes. You will have a private luxury tent reserved for your booking.

Does the tent have a private bathroom?

Yes. Your luxury tent includes a private toilet and a hot-and-cold shower.

Are towels available at the camp?

Yes. Towels are provided in your luxury tent.

What should we pack for the camel ride?

We recommend comfortable clothes and long trousers. Carry a small backpack containing water, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a scarf and any personal necessities. Your larger luggage will be transferred to the camp by vehicle.

How long is the camel ride in Merzouga?

The camel ride generally lasts approximately one to one-and-a-half hours, including time to stop on the dunes and watch the sunset.

Can we try sandboarding?

Yes. Sandboarding is available upon request and is subject to weather and dune conditions.

Can we hire a quad bike or buggy?

Yes. Quad-bike and buggy rides can be arranged in Merzouga for an additional cost. Payment is made directly to the local activity provider.

Can we skip the camel ride?

Yes. If you prefer not to ride a camel, transportation to the luxury camp can be arranged by 4×4 vehicle.

Can we finish the tour in Fes instead of Marrakech?

This specific tour finishes in Marrakech. If you want to return to Fes, you should book the separate 3-Day Fes to Merzouga and Back to Fes Tour.

Where will we be dropped off in Marrakech?

The driver will drop you off at an accessible central location or as close as possible to your accommodation. Some riads in the medina cannot be reached directly by vehicle.

How can we book this tour?

You can send us your travel date, number of participants and preferred tent arrangement through WhatsApp. We will confirm availability and provide the booking and deposit instructions.