3 Day Group Tour From Marrakech To Fes Via Merzouga Desert Dunes

Introduction

If you’re looking for a way to see Morocco beyond its bustling streets and colorful souks, this 3-day group tour from Marrakech to Fes offers a well-rounded glimpse into the country’s natural beauty and cultural tapestry. While we haven’t personally been on this exact trip, the detailed itinerary and reviews make it clear that it packs a lot into a manageable time frame.

What we love about this tour are the stunning landscapes, especially crossing the Atlas Mountains; the chance to sleep under the stars in a desert camp, which promises unforgettable memories; and the well-balanced mix of culture and adventure activities like camel rides and sandboarding. One potential downside is the long driving hours—over 7 hours on some days—but if you’re comfortable with bus travel, this is a fair trade for the sights you’ll experience.

This tour suits travelers who want an action-packed Moroccan experience without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a mix of history, nature, and authentic local encounters, all within a small-group setting for more personalized attention.

Key Points

• Authentic Moroccan experience blending desert, mountains, and cultural highlights
• Comfortable transport and experienced guides make logistics smooth
• Camel rides, sandboarding, and starry nights add fun and uniqueness
• Good value for the price considering accommodations, activities, and transportation
• Long travel days mean you need a good dose of patience and flexibility
• Authentic local stops like Ait Benhaddou and Ifran enhance culture

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting in Marrakech and the Journey to Tinghir

The trip kicks off early at 7:30 am from the centrally located Hôtel Restaurant Café de France in Marrakech—conveniently close to major spots like Jemaa el-Fnaa. From here, the journey begins with a scenic drive across the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, famous for its dramatic mountain views and hairpin bends. The guide’s commentary (though not detailed here, based on similar trips) usually highlights the traditional Berber villages dotting the mountainside, giving you a glimpse of rural Moroccan life.

The first major stop is Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site that looks like it belongs in a movie. Many travelers find this site’s ancient kasbahs and earthen architecture mesmerizing, perfect for photos and wandering at leisure. The included lunch here adds to the experience, allowing you to sample local flavors in a setting that feels straight out of history.

Post-lunch, the group stops at a supermarket in Ouarzazate, often called “The Hollywood of Africa” thanks to its film studios. This is a quick chance to stretch, pick up snacks, or browse local products before heading towards Tinghir for the night. The hotel stay here is straightforward and sets a comfortable base for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: From Tinghir to Merzouga and the Sahara

The second day is where the real desert magic begins. After a hearty breakfast, the bus takes you through scenic stops like Todra Gorges, with towering cliffs and a cool, shaded ambiance—an excellent spot for photos and a short walk. As you continue, you’ll pass oasis towns such as Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud, which mark the start of the Saharan Tafilalet region.

Arriving in Merzouga in the afternoon, you’ll leave your luggage at the hotel and prepare for the highlight: camel trekking into the dunes. The camels are usually well cared for, and the guides are knowledgeable about the terrain, making the ride both comfortable and scenic. Traveling with a small bag for the night in the desert means you carry only essentials, which adds to the sense of adventure.

Watching the sunset from the highest dunes further enhances the experience—many reviewers mention how stunning the views are, with some quoting the “lovely pictures of sunset and sunrise” as a top memory. For sandboarding, walking to the highest dunes is a fun and active way to enjoy the soft sands, and the camp experience itself is authentic—Berber tents, music, drums, and a feeling of connection with the desert landscape.

Night Under the Stars and the Morning Sunrise

Spending a night in the desert camp is arguably the highlight. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the rhythmic sounds of drums and stories around a campfire. Waking early for the sunrise, you’ll see the dunes glow in shades of pink and gold, a truly breathtaking moment. Many reviewers, including one who appreciated “nice food and pretty much everything else,” mention how the desert stay is a highlight, especially the peacefulness and the chance to disconnect.

Day 3: From Merzouga to Fes with Scenic Stops

The return journey begins with camel rides back to the hotel in Merzouga, followed by breakfast and a shower—freshening up after the night in the desert. The drive to Fes is scenic, with stops at Rachidia, Midelt, and Azrou. The mention of Ifran as the “Switzerland of Morocco” indicates the picturesque nature of this mountain town, often praised for its cleanliness and European charm.

Throughout this day, you’ll pass through varied landscapes—oases, mountainous terrain, and forests with monkeys, which are usually a hit with travelers. Arriving in Fes around 6:30 pm, the tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or riad, making it easy to transition into the next phase of your Moroccan adventure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Transportation and Guides: The tour uses a comfortable vehicle with a professional driver, ensuring the long hours on the road are as pleasant as possible. While the guides’ specific names aren’t mentioned, reviews highlight their knowledge, especially regarding the stops like Ait Benhaddou, which often features a small extra fee for a local guide—an extra euro worth paying for the deeper insight.

Activities: Camel rides for both sunrise and sunset, combined with sandboarding, offer a good mix of traditional and fun activities. Many travelers find these experiences authentic and memorable, with the desert camp ambiance adding a genuine touch.

Cultural Highlights: Visiting Ait Benhaddou and the mountain towns like Ifran immerses you in Moroccan culture, architecture, and landscapes—something this tour handles efficiently without overloading the schedule.

Food and Accommodation: The included meals are generally simple but satisfying, with some reviews praising the food quality. The overnight in Berber tents is rough luxury—basic but authentic, perfect for those wanting to experience desert life firsthand.

Value for Money: At just over $168 per person, including transport, activities, and two nights’ accommodation, the tour offers impressive value. It’s an all-in-one package that covers the key sights with minimal hassle.

Possible Drawbacks to Consider

The most significant consideration is the travel time—over 7 hours each way on some days—which can be tiring for those not used to long bus journeys. The itinerary is packed, leaving little downtime, but for many, that’s part of the adventure.

On top of that, group sizes are limited to 99 travelers, which is reasonable, but some may prefer smaller, more intimate groups for a more personalized experience. Also, optional guide in Ait Benhaddou incurs a small extra fee, so budget accordingly if you want a detailed local history.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind long drives and are eager to see a variety of Moroccan landscapes. It’s perfect for those who want an active experience with camel rides and sandboarding and enjoy cultural stops in iconic locations. If you’re after a hassle-free, all-inclusive package that delivers a well-rounded Moroccan experience, this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all age groups?
Most travelers can participate, but younger children or those with mobility issues might find the long drives and desert walking challenging.

Are meals included during the tour?
Breakfast is optional and usually included, while lunch is not. Dinner is also optional but available at the hotel and camp.

What should I bring for the desert nights?
Bring essentials like a hat, sunscreen, a scarf or shawl for wind protection, and a small bag for your overnight gear during the camel trek.

How many camel rides are included?
There are two camel rides—one for sunset and another for sunrise—each for one person, giving you ample time to enjoy the experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, allowing flexibility if plans change.

What kind of vehicle is used for transportation?
A comfortable vehicle with a professional driver is used, with fuel included in the price, making long days on the road more manageable.

Does the tour include a guide at all stops?
Guides are likely included for major stops like Ait Benhaddou (for an extra euro), but the main guide handles the overall trip.

Is there any flexibility in the itinerary?
The schedule is set, but the tour’s small group size allows some room for minor adjustments or personalized requests.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
Most reviews and typical Morocco travel advice suggest spring or fall for pleasant weather, especially in the desert.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day Marrakech to Fes tour offers a carefully curated introduction to Morocco’s diverse landscapes, from mountain passes to desert dunes. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers eager to experience the country’s iconic sights without the stress of planning. The combination of scenic drives, cultural stops, camel adventures, and nights under the stars makes it a memorable, value-packed experience.

While long travel hours might not suit everyone, those prepared for a bit of bus time will find the journey rewarding. The knowledgeable guides, authentic desert camp experience, and scenic mountain towns ensure that every moment is worthwhile. Perfect for adventure lovers and culture seekers alike, this tour helps you tick Morocco’s highlights off your bucket list in just a few days.

To sum it up, if you’re after a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and landscape on a budget, this tour is a worthwhile pick. It’s especially suited for those who want an authentic Moroccan experience that’s both hassle-free and full of memorable moments. Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit, the highlights of this trip promise to leave you with stories to tell and photos to cherish.