Desert dunes, then Fez by afternoon. This 2-day trip blends High Atlas driving with an overnight at a desert camp near Erg Chebbi, plus camel ride and free sandboarding. I like that the schedule gives you real time in the sand, not just a quick photo stop. The trade-off is the sheer amount of time on the road—distances are big, and you’ll feel it.

I also like the fact that it ends in Fes, so you’re not backtracking to Marrakech after the desert. Pickup is offered (you meet the group at your Marrakech hotel), and the transport is in a comfortable minibus or minivan with a professional driver. The group stays small, with a maximum of 17 travelers, which makes the whole thing feel more organized than the big-departure buses.

On day two, you’ll head back toward Fez through the Ziz valley and gorge, then over the Middle Atlas area with Berber villages and cedar forests on the way. If you prefer a slower pace or you get stiff in long car days, plan for that now and pack smart.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Marrakech to Fes Desert Trip

• Erg Chebbi dunes time with a real camel ride and a full desert camp night
• Free sandboarding included, so you can try it without extra costs
• High Atlas pass crossing via Tizi-n-Tichka at about 2260 m for big mountain views
• Sunrise option on day two with an early walk over the dunes
• Small group size capped at 17 travelers, for a smoother experience

Marrakech to Merzouga via Tizi-n-Tichka Pass: Why the Road Time Matters

This isn’t a shortcut tour. Day one is built around one long, scenic drive from Marrakech toward the High Atlas and deeper into the desert region. You’ll go through the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, climbing from the plains up to around 2260 m above sea level, and the scenery shifts a lot as you gain altitude.

I like this approach because it turns travel time into part of the experience. You pass small villages and waterfalls, and you’ll see the mountains change in color as you drive. There are a few quick stops along the way, which helps you reset without dragging the day out too far.

You’ll also route through classic Morocco driving points like Ouarzazate, the Valley of Roses, and the Dades Valley. Even if you don’t stop for long at each spot, the sequence gives you a sense of variety: mountains, valleys, and small settlements all in one day.

A quick reality check on comfort

You’re in a shared vehicle, and day one is long. The tour uses a comfortable minibus or minivan, but that still means you should dress for car time—snacks and water matter because drinks aren’t included, and lunches aren’t included either.

Ouarzazate, Roses Valley, and Dades: What to Expect Before the Desert

On the drive, you’ll likely feel the rhythm of the day: mountain climbing, then broader valleys, then more desert-bound terrain. That’s why those pass-and-valley sections are more than just scenery—they’re your “build-up” toward Merzouga.

Ouarzazate is a common crossroads for road trips in this part of Morocco, so it feels like a gateway town as you transition west-to-east toward the dunes area. The Valley of Roses stop point is named for the region’s famous rose connection, but on this tour it’s really about giving you that recognizable Moroccan valley setting before the day gets sandier.

Then there’s Dades Valley, which is known for dramatic canyon-like views from the road. If you like seeing how quickly Morocco can change from rugged mountains to warmer, drier country, this part of day one delivers.

The best part? This is all timed to get you to the dunes area in time for your desert night, not to “check boxes” without payoff.

Reaching the Kasbah Area by the Dunes of Erg Chebbi

When you arrive near Merzouga, you’ll be based near the dunes of Erg Chebbi. The plan includes arrival at a traditional kasbah setting at the foot of the dunes, where you get a break and a mint tea.

I like that the tour doesn’t rush you straight from the minivan into the sand. You get a pause, you settle your things, and then the camels are ready for the next step. It makes the desert feel like a destination, not just an activity.

From there, it’s the camel portion. The camel ride is included and lasts about 1 hour before you reach the desert camp for the night. This is one of the core value items in the package, because arranging a camel transfer plus camp lodging on your own can quickly become expensive and messy.

Camel Ride, Sandboarding, and Desert Camp Night

This is the big reason people book the trip. After your camel ride, you’ll spend the night at the desert camp in a Berber tent, with time built in for activities and dinner.

The tour includes free sandboarding, and that’s a big deal for value. You don’t have to budget extra or negotiate equipment once you’re there. If you’ve never tried sandboarding, you’ll get a chance to do it in the right setting—big dunes, not a flat beach replica.

You’ll also get dinner as part of the overnight experience, plus breakfast the next morning. Meals like this matter on tours like this because you’re far from normal restaurants, and time is tight—so having dinner handled is practical.

One more included comfort surprise: the tour mentions access to a swimming pool. Desert camp setups can vary, but since it’s listed as included here, you should plan your evening with the idea that you’ll have downtime at the camp beyond just the dunes.

Where the desert day can feel tough (and how to handle it)

The tour info calls for strong physical fitness level. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete—it means you should be comfortable walking on sand and being on your feet during activities. A short dune walk for sunrise and some time around the camp terrain is part of the experience.

If you’re sensitive to long travel days, plan to keep your expectations realistic. This trip pays you back with a great desert night, but it asks you to accept a lot of motion and time on the road.

Sunrise Morning Behind the Algerian Border, Then Back to Fez

Day two starts with an early-morning option that’s genuinely memorable: a walk over the dunes to watch the sunrise. The tour notes that the viewpoint is about 50 km from Merzouga, and you can see the sunrise from behind the Algerian border.

Then you return to the camp/hotel area on camel, and the schedule shifts to more “human” travel mode. After that, you’ll have breakfast, a shower, and time to rest before the drive back toward Fez.

I like this structure because it prevents day two from feeling like a full reset with no pause. You get a morning moment in the desert, then you get refreshed enough to handle the long ride.

The drive to Fez: Ziz Valley, Berber villages, Middle Atlas, Cedars

After breakfast and rest, the tour heads back to Fes through the Ziz valley and gorge, then on to the Middle Atlas Mountains region. Along the route, you pass Berber villages and cedar forests.

Even if you don’t stop for long at every place named, you’ll still get the sense of crossing Morocco’s “in-between” zones—valleys and settlements that feel different from both the dunes and Marrakech-style city life.

You arrive in Fes in the afternoon, so you’re not rolling into the city at midnight. That’s helpful if you want a real meal and a calm start to your next day in Fes.

Price and Value: Is $100 Really Good for This Route?

At $100 per person for a 2-day trip from Marrakech to Fes with a desert camp night, this can feel like an unusually good deal—especially because the package includes more than just transportation.

Here’s what’s included that you’d normally have to pay for separately:

• Transport by a comfortable minibus or minivan with a professional driver
• Overnight desert camp in a Berber tent
• Dinner on the first night and breakfast the next morning
• Camel ride (about 1 hour)
• Free sandboarding

Those items add up fast in a DIY plan. Even when you find separate desert lodging deals, you still need reliable desert transfers, and arranging camel time on top is where things often get complicated.

What’s not included matters too: lunches and drinks aren’t part of the package. So your real cost depends on what you choose to buy each day. You’ll also want travel insurance for your own peace of mind, since it isn’t included.

The review signal (and what it means for you)

This experience is rated 4.9 with 65 reviews, with 100% recommendation in the summary. The praise centers on strong organization and staff who are friendly and helpful, plus the obvious highlight: the desert itself.

And yes, there’s one repeating caution point: distance and time in the vehicle. If you’re the type who dislikes long driving days, the value may not feel worth it—no matter how great the desert is.

Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer a Different Plan)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A straightforward way to go from Marrakech to Fes with the desert night already handled
• A first-time Merzouga experience with core activities included
• A small group feel (maximum 17 travelers) with a driver who knows the route

You might skip it if:

• You hate long time-on-the-road days. Two days with big distances can wear you out, even in a comfortable vehicle.
• You need a very flexible schedule. This is a set itinerary designed to get you to the desert and back in time.

If you’re in-between—like you can handle a day of driving as long as you get real activities—this trip is likely a strong match. The desert night is the payoff, and the day-two sunrise is a satisfying bonus.

Practical Tips Before You Go (So the Trip Feels Easy)

A few small moves make a big difference on this kind of route.

• Plan for lunch not included and drinks not included. Pack a few snacks you like before day one gets rolling, and keep some money handy for stops.
• Bring something for car time: comfortable layers, sunglasses, and a way to keep your phone charged.
• Expect sand activities to mean some effort. Comfortable footwear helps if you need to walk on dune terrain.
• If you’re sensitive to early mornings, treat sunrise day two as a commitment. The reward is that early walk over the dunes.

Also, since the tour offers a mobile ticket and includes pickup, it’s worth confirming your exact meeting details ahead of time so you don’t lose any daylight on day one.

Should You Book This Marrakech to Fez Desert Trip?

Book it if you want a well-paced desert experience that includes the main hits—camel ride, sandboarding, and a real overnight in a Berber tent—while still getting you to Fes the same trip. The value at $100 comes from what’s included, not from marketing promises: transport, meals, desert camp lodging, and core desert activities are all part of the package.

Think twice if you know you’ll struggle with long driving days. This trip has the desert night, but it also has the distance. If you can handle the ride, you’ll likely feel like the whole thing is worth it by the time you’re standing in the dunes for sunrise.

FAQ

What does the tour cost, and how long is it?

The tour is priced at $100 per person and runs for about 2 days.

Is pickup from Marrakech included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and you meet the guide at your hotel in Marrakech.

What desert activities are included?

You get an overnight in a desert camp, a camel ride, and free sandboarding. Dinner is also included.

Are meals included during the trip?

Yes for breakfast and dinner (breakfast on day two, dinner on day one). Lunches and drinks are not included.

What time do you arrive in Fes on day two?

You arrive in Fes in the afternoon.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 17 travelers.

You Might Also Enjoy

Agafay Desert Private Full Day Tour in Buggy with lunchFrom Marrakech Full Day Trip To Ourika Valley WaterfallsPrivate Day tour From Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben HaddouCasablanca: Private Guided Tour