3 Days 2 Nights Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via erg Chebbi

Planning a quick escape to Morocco’s iconic Sahara? This 3-day, 2-night desert tour from Fez to Marrakech offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. Though we’ve not done it ourselves, plenty of travelers rave about it, especially highlighting the knowledgeable guides, unforgettable desert nights, and stunning vistas.

What we love about this tour is how it maximizes a short timeframe—giving you a real taste of Morocco’s desert without feeling rushed. The itinerary’s well-paced with comfortable transport, authentic accommodations, and unique experiences like camel trekking and desert camping. The stunning views of the Ziz Gorges and Todra Valley are real highlights, along with the chance to sleep under the stars in a desert camp. One thing to keep in mind: it’s a group tour, so if you’re after complete privacy, that might be a consideration. Still, the shared experience adds to the camaraderie and fun.

This tour is ideal for travelers on a tight schedule who want to see Morocco’s highlights efficiently. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone craving a memorable desert adventure, this trip offers good value for the price of around $186 per person, including accommodations, some meals, and transportation.

Key Points

• Authentic desert experience with camel trekking and camping under the stars
• Comfortable transportation with an English-speaking driver familiar with the route
• Well-paced itinerary balancing scenic stops, cultural visits, and free time
• Affordable price point considering accommodations, meals, and guided tours
• Authentic overnight stays in a desert camp and a hotel in Ouarzazate
• Authentic insights from travelers praising guides and viewing opportunities

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Journey

Starting at Fez: The Gateway of the Journey

The tour kicks off with a morning pickup from your hotel in Fez, around 8:00 AM. From there, the adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas region. A highlight here is the stop at Azrou Cedar Forest, a favorite amongst travelers for its towering cedar trees and the chance to spot some Barbary macaques—an unexpected treat in the middle of Morocco. Reviewers mention the friendly and knowledgeable guide Moha, who made the journey enjoyable with tidbits about the landscape and local life, making the stops more than just photo opportunities.

The Drive Through the Middle Atlas: Ifrane and Midelt

As you wind through Ifrane—sometimes called ‘Little Switzerland’ for its Swiss-style architecture—and continue past mountains, springs, and Berber villages, you’ll get a real sense of the diverse Moroccan landscape. Midelt makes a convenient lunch stop, offering a break from the long drive. Here, travelers frequently comment on the beautiful scenery and the relaxing atmosphere. The route takes you past jagged rock faces and lush forests, making the journey itself part of the experience rather than just transportation.

Arrival at Merzouga & Camel Trekking

Once you arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, the anticipation builds. A relaxing break with mint tea at a traditional Kasbah sets the tone before your camel trek into the dunes. The camels, guided by experienced handlers, carry you into the vast sands for about an hour—an experience many reviewers describe as magical and peaceful, especially as the sun begins to set.

The highlight of this night is sleeping in a desert camp under a sky full of stars. From the reviews, it’s clear that the desert camp experience is authentic, with warm tents and a communal atmosphere. One guest mentioned the warmth of the staff and the chance to stargaze away from city lights, making it a truly memorable night.

Day 2: From Desert to Ouarzazate

Sunrise and Camel Ride Back

Wake up early to witness a desert sunrise that, according to travelers, is breathtakingly beautiful. After breakfast, camels transport you back to the hotel for a quick shower and rest—important for recharging after a night outdoors.

Scenic Drive to Ouarzazate: The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs

The journey continues through Rissani, Erfoud, and the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Expect stunning views of palm oases and traditional Berber villages. This part of the trip is particularly praised for the scenery, with many noting that hanging out of the window to snap photos is highly recommended.

Exploring Todra Gorges and Dades Valley

Lunchtime in the spectacular Todra Gorges is a highlight. The towering cliffs are perfect for a walk and photo ops—reviewers describe the scenery as “dramatic” with “sheer rock walls.” The route then takes you through Dades Valley, showcasing colorful cliffs and small waterfalls that make a great backdrop for photos.

Overnight in Ouarzazate

Arriving in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon, you’ll settle into a hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. Many travelers praise the local hospitality and comfortable accommodations, making it a restful stop after a full day of sightseeing.

Day 3: From Ouarzazate to Marrakech

Exploring Ouarzazate

Your day begins with visits to the iconic Kasbah of Taourirt—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and Atlas Studios, where many famous movies were filmed. If you’re a film buff, this stop is especially interesting, as many reviews mention how engaging and informative the guides are when explaining the history and movie scenes shot here.

Aït Ben Haddou: The Film-Known Kasbah

Next, the tour takes you to Aït Ben Haddou, a stunning fortified village with a history that’s visible in every stone. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and often featured in movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Travelers love wandering through the narrow alleys and imagining life here centuries ago.

The Drive Through High Atlas & Tizi-n-Tichka

As you cross the High Atlas mountain range through the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, expect a continuously changing landscape of small villages, waterfalls, and terraced fields. Many reviewers mention the scenic drive as one of the trip’s highlights, emphasizing the beauty of Morocco’s mountain scenery.

Arrival in Marrakech

In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Marrakech—an exciting ending to your desert adventure. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation, leaving you with a wealth of memories and stunning images of Morocco’s diverse landscapes.

Practical Aspects & Value

Transportation & Group Size

Travelers are transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a professional, English-speaking driver. The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 people, which helps maintain a balance between group camaraderie and personal space. Several reviewers mention how the driver, Hassan, was friendly, reliable, and attentive, adding a personal touch to the journey.

Accommodation & Meals

The tour includes two nights’ accommodation—one in a desert camp and one in a hotel in Ouarzazate—offering a mix of authentic camping and comfort. Meals are provided for dinner on the first and second nights, while breakfast is included both mornings. Lunches are not included but can be purchased along the way.

Value for Money

At around $186 per person, the tour seems to offer good value considering accommodations, guided visits, camel trekking, and transportation. While it does exclude some extras like drinks and additional meals, the core experiences are well-covered, making it a solid deal for a short Moroccan adventure.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day desert tour from Fez to Marrakech combines accessibility with authentic adventures. The opportunity to sleep under the stars in the Sahara, explore iconic kasbahs, and enjoy stunning mountain scenery makes it a fantastic option for those on a tight schedule but eager to experience Morocco’s highlights.

The tour is particularly praised for the professional guides and the scenic stops that give real insight into local life and history. It’s well-suited for travelers who appreciate organized, guided experiences that cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed.

While the group setting might not suit those seeking total privacy, many reviews mention how the guides, especially Moha and Hassan, go out of their way to make the journey enjoyable and informative. The overall positive feedback highlights that this tour offers a memorable adventure at a reasonable price.

FAQs

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it convenient to start and end the trip without extra hassle.

How long is the drive each day?
The journey involves several lengthy drives, typically around 4 hours between major stops, but the stops along the way make the time more enjoyable.

What are the accommodations like?
You’ll stay in a desert camp for one night and a hotel in Ouarzazate on the second, providing a mix of traditional camping and comfortable hotel facilities.

Are meals included?
Breakfasts and dinners are included for both nights, but lunch is not included. There are opportunities to buy lunch during the stops.

How many travelers can join?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a balance of intimacy and shared experience.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, it’s designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness. Be prepared for some walking, especially at sites like Aït Ben Haddou and Todra Gorges.

What is the cost per person?
The standard price is approximately $186.10, which covers most major experiences, accommodations, and transport.

Can I cancel free of charge?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour suitable for photography enthusiasts?
Absolutely. The scenic stops, desert sunset, and mountain vistas are perfect for capturing memorable images.

This tour offers an excellent way to see Morocco’s deserts and mountains in a short time, especially if you want to combine cultural sites with the magic of the Sahara. It’s a balanced mix of guided comfort and authentic adventure—sure to leave you with stories to tell for years to come.