3 Days Marrakech To Fes Desert Tour Via Merzouga

If you’re considering a journey from Marrakech to Fes that combines history, natural beauty, and adventure, this 3-day desert tour with Maroc Adventure might be exactly what you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, a detailed look at the reviews, itinerary, and features offers a clear picture of what travelers can expect.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the well-organized itinerary covers iconic sights like Ait Ben Haddou and Todgha Gorges while moving through varied landscapes like Roses Valley and Ziz Valley. Second, the quality of guides and drivers shines through, with many reviews praising their care and knowledge. Lastly, the luxury tents and camel rides promise a memorable desert experience.

One potential consideration is the long travel time, especially on the return day from Merzouga to Fes. If you’re not a fan of lengthy drives, this might feel a bit exhausting. However, for those seeking a comprehensive Moroccan adventure, this package offers a fantastic value, combining cultural sights, scenic landscapes, and authentic desert life. It’s best suited for travelers craving a mix of history, nature, and adventure, and who are comfortable with a busy, immersive itinerary.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: From Atlas Mountains to dunes, scenery is a highlight.
• Authentic Experiences: Camel rides and local meals add genuine Moroccan flavor.
• Expert Guides and Drivers: Well-reviewed for care and knowledge.
• Comfortable Accommodations: Good-quality tents and boutique guest houses.
• Long but Rewarding: Expect a full, busy schedule with plenty of sights.
• Great Value: For $223.32, you get 3 days packed with highlights, meals, and activities.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Gorges

The adventure kicks off early—pickup at 7:30 am from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. From there, the journey begins with a scenic ascent through the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, a route renowned for its rugged beauty and winding roads. We loved the way the drive offers a gradual transition from the city’s buzz to Morocco’s mountain tranquility. Multiple stops along the way allow for photos and stretching, making the long drive more manageable.

The highlight of the first day is visiting Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO site that looks like a movie set—because it is. This ancient kasbah has starred in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones, and walking its winding streets transports you back in time. Many reviews emphasize how awe-inspiring it is, with one noting, “The views + camp in the dessert were amazing.”

Next, you’ll visit Ouarzazate’s Sabah Taourirte—Morocco’s Hollywood of sorts—before heading to the Valley of Roses and then arriving at a boutique guest house in Dades Valley. The drive is about 8 hours, but with all the stops, it feels like part of the experience rather than a grind. The evening ends with a hearty dinner and a cozy overnight stay, giving you a taste of Moroccan hospitality.

Day 2: From Dades to Merzouga via Rissani and Tinghir

Day 2 is driven by the promise of the Sahara. After a hearty breakfast, the journey continues eastward, crossing through Tinghir Oasis and Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs create a dramatic backdrop for photos and walks. Reviewers mention the “fascinating” ruins and trading history of the old caravans that used to pass through these areas.

Traveling along the Road of 1001 Kasbahs, we pass Oases and see locals herding goats—a vivid reminder of Morocco’s rural life. The route takes us deeper into the desert, with a visit to Rissani, historically important as the founder of the Alaouite dynasty is buried here. Reviewers appreciate the stop, highlighting the chance to explore the “holiest town in Morocco” and experience local life.

The highlight of the day is arriving in Merzouga by late afternoon. Here, you’ll get to ride camels into the dunes—a moment many reviewers describe as magical. The traditional tents are well-reviewed for their cleanliness and comfort, with some travelers noting the tents’ private bathrooms and ethnic decor make for authentic camping without sacrificing comfort.

Day 3: Sunrise in the Desert and the Long Drive to Fes

The third day begins with a camel trek to watch the sunrise, an experience many reviewers found breathtaking. After breakfast back at the camp, you’ll bid farewell to the desert life and the welcoming guides, who are often praised for their friendliness and expertise.

The journey to Fes is long—about 8 hours—but filled with scenic stops. The drive through Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains offers stunning vistas of cedar forests and Berber villages. Travelers note the trip is “well organized” with “professional guides,” making the lengthy drive more comfortable.

The route includes a delightful lunch en route, allowing you to relax and soak in the changing landscape. The arrival in Fes concludes the trip, with the city’s ancient medina waiting to be explored further.

The Experience: What Travelers Rave About

Guides and Drivers: Many reviews highlight the care and knowledge of guides like Jawad and drivers such as Abdoul and Adel. One reviewer mentions, “Jawad is attentive and responds super fast,” which speaks to the professional organization behind this tour.

Scenic Stops: The stops are carefully chosen for their cultural or natural significance. The Ait Ben Haddou kasbah is frequently described as “unforgettable,” while Todra Gorge impresses with its towering cliffs, mentioned as “fascinating” and “majestic” by travelers.

Camel Rides and Desert Nights: The camel trek into the dunes is a highlight, often described as “magical” and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Many reviewers appreciate the luxury tents with private bathrooms and ethnic decor—making the desert feel both authentic and comfortable.

Food: The included breakfasts and dinners are consistently praised for their quality. One reviewer describes the dinners as “sumptuous,” and many mention savoring local Moroccan cuisine, which adds to the overall value.

Long Drives with Stops: Though the drives are long, they’re broken up with interesting stops, making the journey more enjoyable. Some reviewers suggest that adding an extra day on the return might allow for more exploration, but overall, the pace is appreciated.

Transportation and Accommodation

The tour offers air-conditioned vehicles, which are crucial for comfort on such long days. With a group size limited to 17, the experience feels intimate enough to avoid feeling lost in a crowd, yet social enough to share stories with fellow travelers.

Accommodations consist of boutique guest houses in Dades Valley and luxury desert tents with private bathrooms. Reviewers laud the cleanliness and coziness of the tents, often highlighting the ethnic touches and privacy.

Price and Value

At $223.32 per person, this tour offers impressive value for a comprehensive Morocco experience. It includes 2 nights half-board accommodation, camel rides, and transportation, which would be costly to arrange independently. The reviews reinforce that the trip is well worth the price, especially considering the quality of guides, accommodations, and activities.

Additional perks like mobile tickets and group discounts add to the convenience and affordability, making it accessible for different budgets.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a mix of cultural sightseeing, scenic landscapes, and desert adventure. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with long travel days and want a guided experience that covers the essentials without sacrificing comfort. The tour’s small group size and attentive guides make it suitable for those seeking a more personalized touch.

FAQs

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour provides air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring comfort during long drives.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, 2 nights half-board accommodation, camel rides, and breakfasts and dinners.

Are the tents in the desert comfortable?
Reviewers describe the tents as clean, cozy, and well-equipped, with some offering private bathrooms, making them more comfortable than typical camping.

Can I expect to see iconic sights?
Absolutely. Highlights include Ait Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge, and Rissani. The stops are carefully selected for their cultural and scenic importance.

How long are the driving days?
The first and last days involve about 8 hours of travel, but with stops. The long drives are compensated by stunning scenery and interesting detours.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the tour caps at 17 travelers, fostering a more personalized experience.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast and dinner are included for two nights, with many reviews praising the quality.

Would I need to arrange additional meals?
Lunches are not included, so you may want to budget for additional meals or snacks during the day.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Definitely. The small group setting and organized logistics make it a good choice for solo adventurers.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour offers a well-rounded Moroccan experience, blending cultural sights, scenic drives, and unforgettable desert moments. The attention to detail from guides like Jawad, combined with authentic accommodations and delicious food, makes it a solid choice for travelers looking for genuine adventure and comfort.

While the long drives might be a challenge for some, the stops and highlights ensure the journey remains engaging. It’s especially recommended for those wanting to see Morocco’s diverse landscapes and enjoy a taste of desert life without sacrificing comfort or organization.

This tour provides remarkable value and an authentic glimpse into Morocco’s varied beauty, making it a worthwhile addition to any trip itinerary.

If you adore scenic drives, cultural stops, and desert adventures, this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s a balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and adventure, tailored for travelers eager to experience Morocco’s iconic landscapes.