3-Days Desert Tour to Marrakech with Night in Erg Chebbi from Fes

Traveling through Morocco on a 3-day trip from Fez to Marrakech offers a whirlwind of landscapes, culture, and desert adventures. This tour promises an immersive experience, combining scenic drives, camel rides, and iconic kasbah visits. Based on numerous reviews, it’s clear that this journey offers some memorable moments — but, like any group tour, it has its quirks and room for improvement.

What we love? The breathtaking views of the Sahara dunes, the opportunity to stay overnight in a traditional desert camp, and the chance to explore historic kasbahs and gorges. We also appreciate the options for different group sizes and levels of luxury, making this a flexible adventure. A potential drawback? Long hours in the vehicle and some inconsistencies with guides’ historical explanations, which might matter if you’re craving an in-depth cultural narrative.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a taste of Morocco’s diverse scenery without the hassle of organizing transport or accommodations themselves. It’s perfect for those who enjoy scenic drives, desert thrills, and small-group camaraderie — but maybe less ideal if you’re seeking a deeply educational or highly authentic local experience.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscape Variety: From the Atlas Mountains to Sahara dunes, the scenery is truly captivating.
• Flexible Options: You can choose from standard, small-group, luxury, or private tours, tailoring the experience to your comfort level.
• Authentic Night in the Desert: Spend the night in a Berber tent, with some reviews describing the star-gazing as unforgettable.
• Guides Make a Difference: Knowledgeable guides like Driss and Mohammed are praised for their friendliness and local insights.
• Long Travel Days: Expect many hours in the vehicle, but the scenery makes it worthwhile.
• Mixed Reviews on Authenticity: Some travelers felt the experience was overly touristic, with shopping stops and staged photo spots.

A Complete Breakdown of the 3-Day Desert Experience

Starting Point: Fez Medina

Your adventure begins early morning, with pickup from your hotel in Fez. This sets the tone for a worry-free start, and the air-conditioned minivan ensures comfort for the long ride ahead.

Day 1: From Fez to Merzouga via the Atlas Mountains

Driving through the Middle Atlas, you’ll pass Ifrane, known as the ‘Switzerland of Morocco’, and Azrou’s cedar forests, home to curious monkeys. The scenery is remarkable, with lush forests, waterfalls, and Berber villages that give you a real sense of rural Morocco.

A highlight here is Midelt, a town famous for fossils and rocks, perfect for a lunch break. Afterward, the journey continues south toward Merzouga, where the vast dunes of the Erg Chebbi await.

Arriving in Merzouga, you’ll hop onto a camel for a sunset ride across the dunes. Many reviewers rave about this part, with some calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll be served mint tea at the desert camp, where you’ll stay overnight in authentic Berber tents, often with options for upgraded tents with en suite facilities.

Day 2: Sahara to Ouarzazate via Dades Valley

The morning begins with a desert sunrise and breakfast before heading out. The route takes you past Kasbahs, palm groves, and mud villages, with a stop at the stunning Todra Gorge for photos and a walk. The scenery here is jaw-dropping: towering cliffs and winding riverbeds.

Next, the journey leads to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” thanks to its film studios and iconic kasbahs. Reviewers mention that the area has been featured in films like Lawrence of Arabia and Babel, adding a cinematic touch to the experience.

Many travelers opt for a late dinner in Ouarzazate or at their hotel near the gorge, with some noting that the hotel stay provides a restful break after a long day.

Day 3: From Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Aït Ben-Haddou

After breakfast, you’ll explore the Taourirt Kasbah and the famous Atlas Studios (admission fee approx. $8). Then, there’s a visit to Aït Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and film location for movies like Gladiator. Many reviews highlight the beauty of this village, with some feeling it’s a touristy stop, but the view remains breathtaking.

The drive over the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass offers a high-altitude perspective of the mountains, with scenic waterfalls and small villages along the way. The journey concludes in Marrakech, ready for you to explore the vibrant city.

What to Expect: The Realities of the Tour

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses air-conditioned vans or minivans, which are comfortable for long hours of driving. Several reviews mention the importance of a good driver, especially given the long distances covered. You can select from a standard group tour, a small-group experience, or a private option. Smaller groups tend to offer more flexibility and a more intimate experience, as some travelers appreciated guides like Mohammed and Driss who shared local insights.

Accommodation and Camping

Staying in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi is an unforgettable highlight. Many describe the tents as well-maintained and clean, with some noting the star-gazing and campfire atmosphere as magic moments. There’s an option for luxury camps with en suite tents, praised for their comfort and ambiance.

Overnight stays in Ouarzazate vary from charming kasbahs to hotels, with reviews suggesting that the accommodations can range from authentic to touristy. Some travelers felt that the hotel options in Ouarzazate didn’t quite match the desert experience and could be more authentic.

Food and Stops

The tour includes two dinners and two breakfasts, with reviews mentioning the quality of the food as good, especially in the desert camp. However, many found the lunch stops to be more tourist-oriented and pricey, with some critics pointing out that local eateries outside the main stops may offer more genuine and affordable options.

The Scenic Highlights

Expect to see diverse landscapes: from snow-capped mountains to arid dunes, lush oases, and rugged gorges. The sunset camel ride in the Sahara often receives rave reviews, with many describing it as a highlight of the entire trip.

Guide and Driver Experience

Guides like Driss and Mohammed are celebrated for their friendliness, language skills, and local knowledge. They help bring the experience to life with stories and tips, making the journey more engaging. Conversely, some reviews mention the absence of a dedicated guide for historical explanations, with the driver sometimes acting as a basic escort rather than a storyteller.

Challenges and Considerations

The most common concern? Long hours on the road — up to 7 hours on the first day alone. While the scenery is rewarding, some travelers found the travel days tiring and wished for more varied stops or local, less touristy experiences.

A few reviewers also described feeling that parts of the tour felt overly commercialized, with some stops mainly geared toward shopping or film studios rather than authentic cultural encounters.

How Does the Price Reflect the Value?

At around $186.10 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive way to see Morocco’s iconic sights without the hassle of planning transportation or accommodations. The inclusion of two nights’ accommodation, camel rides, and meals adds value, especially for first-time visitors.

However, the experience’s overall worth depends on expectations: if you’re after a cozy, authentic immersion, some may find the tour more geared toward tourist staples. For those wanting a balanced mix of scenery, adventure, and comfort, it delivers well.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits adventurous travelers craving diverse landscapes — from mountains to dunes — without the stress of organizing logistics. It’s a good pick for small groups, families, or solo travelers who want company but also options for private or luxury upgrades.

If your priority is deep culture or off-the-beaten-path experiences, this tour might feel a little staged. But if you’re happy to enjoy Moroccan scenery, enjoy cozy desert nights, and appreciate friendly guides, it’s a solid choice.

FAQs

Is pickup from my hotel included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Fez, making your start seamless.

What is the group size?
You can select your preferred group size when booking — options range from large groups to private tours.

Are meals included?
Yes, two dinners and two breakfasts are included. Lunches are at your own expense, often at tourist-oriented stops.

What type of accommodation do I stay in?
You’ll spend nights in a desert camp with traditional tents, with upgrades available for en suite tents or luxury camps. In Ouarzazate, options include hotels or kasbahs.

Is the camel ride part of the experience?
Absolutely. The camel trek across the dunes is usually one of the tour’s highlights, with sunset rides most frequently praised.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, there are options for private, small-group, or luxury tours, allowing some customization based on your preferences.

How long is the driving?
Expect around 7 hours on day one, with long drives on days two and three as well. The scenery makes this manageable, but it’s a lot of sitting.

Are there any additional costs?
Entrance fees for certain sites—like Atlas Studios—are not included and will be at your expense. Shopping stops may also lead to extra spending.

What is the best time to do this trip?
While not explicitly specified, clear weather is ideal. Many reviews mention experiencing a desert sunset and star-gazing, so dry, clear months are preferable.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day tour from Fez to Marrakech packs in a remarkable variety of landscapes, cultural highlights, and desert adventures. The experience is particularly suited for travelers who want to see Morocco’s iconic sights with the comfort of organized transport and accommodations, without the headache of planning every detail.

The combination of scenic drives, desert camp nights, and historic kasbah visits makes for a memorable journey. Guides like Driss and Mohammed add a personal touch that many reviews highlight as a major plus, ensuring that the experience feels friendly and informative.

That said, long travel hours, some touristy stops, and the occasional lack of deep historical commentary mean it’s not the ideal choice for those seeking total authenticity or a slow-paced culture. It’s best for those looking for a well-rounded, comfortable introduction to Morocco’s diverse scenery and iconic locales.

Overall, if you’re after an adventurous, comfortable, and visually stunning trip that covers Morocco’s must-see sites, this tour offers solid value — especially with the upgrade options that can turn it into a luxurious desert escape or a private journey. Just pack your patience for the road, and you’re in for an unforgettable Morocco experience.

Note: Always check current reviews and details before booking, as experiences can vary based on guides, weather, and individual expectations.