3 Days Desert Tour Fes to Marrakech with 2 Nights in Merzouga

If you’re dreaming of wide-open dunes, starry skies, and the thrill of riding a camel into the sunset, a 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech might be just what you need. While we haven’t been on this tour ourselves, a detailed look at what travelers are saying suggests this journey offers a mix of scenic beauty, cultural highlights, and authentic Sahara experiences.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara—especially the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi. Second, the knowledgeable guides like Hassan and Driss, who bring local culture alive and make the long drives more enjoyable. Third, the opportunity to ride camels and camp overnight in the desert, creating memories that linger long after the trip ends.

A potential consideration is that some travelers found the accommodation tents a bit basic and the journey quite lengthy, especially from Fez to the desert. But if you’re after an authentic, immersive experience with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural stops, this tour offers excellent value.

This trip is best suited for those who love adventure, are comfortable with a moderate physical level, and want to see Morocco’s diverse landscapes—from mountain vistas to vast sand dunes. It’s also ideal for travelers seeking a mix of culture and outdoor fun without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: From the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara dunes, the views are breathtaking.
• Authentic Sahara Experience: Camel rides, sunset/sunrise viewing, and overnight desert camping.
• Cultural Stops: Visits to Khamlia for traditional Saharan music and the Cedar Forest with monkeys.
• Value for Money: At $200 per person, this tour packs in transport, accommodation, meals, and activities.
• Guides: Friendly and knowledgeable guides like Hassan and Driss enhance the experience.
• Long Journey: Be prepared for a substantial drive; the journey from Fes to the desert is part of the adventure.

A Deep Dive into the 3-Day Desert Tour

Starting Point: From Fes to Ifrane and Azrou

The adventure kicks off early with a pickup in Marrakech, then heads toward Fes. Along the way, you’ll stop in Ifrane, often called “Morocco’s Switzerland” thanks to its alpine-style architecture. This is a quick 20-minute stop, perfect for stretching your legs and snapping some photos of this unexpectedly European-feeling town.

Next, you’ll visit the Azrou Cedar Forest, a lush woodland where you can spot playful monkeys. This stop, also about 20 minutes long, offers a chance to enjoy some nature and see the famous Barbary macaques hanging around in the trees. Reviewers mention that these stops break up the long drive nicely, providing some variety and photo opportunities.

The Desert: Erg Chebbi Dunes and Camel Ride

The highlight of the trip arrives at Erg Chebbi, where towering dunes and endless sands create an otherworldly landscape. The camel ride here, which lasts about an hour, is a central moment—especially when watching the sunset over the dunes. You’ll see many travelers mention how magical this experience is, with one reviewer noting the “tall, beautiful dunes” and the enjoyment of sandboarding, a fun optional activity.

The overnight stay in a desert camp is simple but authentic. The camp includes traditional tents, which some reviews mention as being a bit in disrepair—dim lighting and a plugged drain during showers—but the overall magic of sleeping under a canopy of stars makes up for it. Waking up early for sunrise promises more stunning desert vistas and photo ops.

Cultural Interlude: Khamlia and Oasis

The tour includes a visit to Khamlia, known as the “village of the black people,” where you’ll listen to traditional Gnawa music and learn about Saharan culture. It’s also home to an oasis, bringing a lush contrast to the desert scenery. This stop lasts about 3 hours, giving a good mix of music, culture, and relaxation.

Return Journey: From the Desert to Fez

The final stretch involves traveling back to Fes, with a stop at Moroccan city Ifrane again—this time to reflect on the trip’s highlights. The journey is long but filled with scenic views, mountain scenery, and the chance to chat with guides like Hassan, who many reviewers praise for their friendliness and local insights.

Practical Aspects and Value

Transport and Group Size

Travel is in an air-conditioned minibus, ensuring comfort during the long drives. The group size is capped at 17 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate yet lively. Several reviews mention that the drivers are professional, friendly, and knowledgeable—adding a personal touch to the journey.

Cost and Inclusions

At $200 per person, this tour offers significant value considering it includes transport, two nights of accommodation, camel rides, desert camping, dinner, and breakfast. The inclusion of free sandboarding adds a bit of extra fun, and optional activities like quad biking are available at an extra cost.

Accommodation

The overnight in the desert is at a traditional desert camp, which some travelers found a bit basic and in need of repairs. The shared tents have limited lighting, but the experience of sleeping under the stars and waking to desert sunrise outweighs this for many.

Food and Extras

Dinner and breakfast are included, but you should budget for your own lunches, drinks, and other personal expenses. One reviewer noted that no taxis are available in the area, so you’ll need to plan accordingly for free time or additional excursions.

Considerations

While the trip is well-rated, be prepared for a long journey. The drive from Fes to the desert takes most of the first day, and some reviewers found the tents a bit underwhelming. If you’re looking for luxury, this might not be the best fit, but for authentic Sahara adventure, it’s solid.

Authentic Experiences and Unique Insights

What really sets this tour apart is the guides’ local knowledge. Reviewers mention guides like Hassan and Driss as friendly, approachable, and full of interesting facts. Hassan, in particular, is praised for his expertise and engaging storytelling, which helps bring the stops alive.

The desert camp experience receives mixed reviews—some found the tents rough, but most appreciated the chance to sleep under the stars and witness desert sunrise and sunset. Several travelers echoed the sentiment that the highlight was the Sahara itself, with its tall dunes and endless sands creating a surreal tableau.

The cultural stops, especially Khamlia, add a rich layer of local traditions and music, giving you a genuine taste of Saharan life beyond just the dunes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventure lovers, curious travelers eager to see Morocco’s diverse landscapes, and those seeking an affordable, authentic Sahara experience. It’s suitable for most with moderate physical fitness, given the camel riding and walking involved, but it’s best for those prepared for a long drive and basic accommodation.

If your priority is comfort and luxury, this may not meet expectations, but if you want to capture the essence of Moroccan desert life at a fair price, it’s a solid option.

The Sum Up

The 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour offers a genuine taste of Morocco’s iconic landscapes and rhythmic culture. It combines scenic mountain vistas, stunning Sahara dunes, and authentic Berber traditions, all delivered through friendly guides who know how to make the journey engaging.

While the accommodations are simple and the drive long, the experience of riding camels, camping under stars, and listening to traditional music makes it worthwhile. It’s best suited for travelers who crave adventure, culture, and photo-worthy scenery, and who don’t mind the rougher edges of rustic camping.

If you’re after a memorable Moroccan adventure that balances value with authenticity, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is transportation provided for the entire trip?
Yes, the tour includes transport in an air-conditioned minibus from Marrakech to Fez, with stops along the way and return.

Are meals included?
Dinner and breakfast are included in the package; however, you’ll need to pay separately for lunch and drinks.

What is the accommodation like?
You’ll stay overnight in a traditional desert camp in Erg Chebbi. Some reviews mention the tents are basic with limited lighting and repairs needed, but the experience of sleeping in the desert compensates for it.

Can I do activities like quad biking or sandboarding?
Sandboarding is included free of charge, and quad biking is available as an extra activity at additional cost.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The physical nature of the trip suggests a moderate fitness level is recommended.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

This tour provides a well-rounded, memorable peek into Morocco’s Sahara, perfect for travelers eager to combine scenic beauty, cultural richness, and adventure into one affordable package.