From Marrakech To Fes: 3-Day Desert Tour with Food and Hotel

If you’re dreaming of Morocco’s vast landscapes, ancient kasbahs, and rolling dunes, this 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour offers a comprehensive taste of the country’s iconic sights. Designed for travelers seeking authentic experiences in a small-group setting, it combines cultural stops, breathtaking scenery, and the thrill of riding camels across the Sahara.

Three things we love about this tour: the well-balanced mix of sightseeing and adventure, the genuine Berber hospitality at camp, and the knowledgeable guides who bring each location alive. A potential consideration? The long driving hours might be tiring for some, but they are part of the experience’s charm.

This tour appeals most to those who crave an immersive Moroccan adventure with a good dose of comfort, stunning views, and cultural insights. If you’re eager to see Morocco’s diverse scenery without fuss, this could be your perfect trip.

Key Points

• Authentic experiences with stays in Berber guest houses and desert camps
• Comprehensive itinerary covering iconic landmarks, including Ait Ben-Haddou and Todgha Gorge
• Inclusions of meals, camel rides, and sandboarding add value
• Guides and drivers praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and care
• Long travel days but well-organized for a smooth journey
• Affordable pricing offers excellent value compared to similar tours

The Tour at a Glance

This 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes presents an ideal way to cover a wide stretch of Morocco’s visually stunning landscapes in a manageable timeframe. The package is priced at around $137.25 per person, which, when you consider the included accommodations, meals, and activities, makes for pretty good value—especially for those wanting a hassle-free experience.

Beyond just transportation, it’s a well-rounded adventure with many highlights: crossing the High Atlas Mountains, exploring UNESCO-listed Ait Ben-Haddou, riding camels over the famous Erg Chebbi dunes, and sleeping under the stars in a desert camp.

Day 1: From Marrakech to the Dades Valley

The journey kicks off in Marrakech, leaving behind the city’s bustling streets for the scenic mountain roads. The first major stop is the Tizi n Tichka pass, which reaches 2,260 meters. Here, you’ll take a quick break for coffee and photos, soaking in the view of the rugged landscape transforming from urban sprawl to dramatic mountain scenery.

Traveling through the High Atlas, you’ll pass by small towns, farms, and mountain villages, giving you a glimpse of rural Moroccan life. One reviewer praised the driver’s punctuality and calmness, noting that the landscapes were truly magnificent and made the long drive worthwhile.

Next comes a visit to Ait Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its well-preserved kasbahs. Its appearance in Hollywood movies like Game of Thrones and Gladiator makes it a must-see. Expect around 90 minutes to stroll through the ancient mud-brick village, marvel at the architecture, and snap some photos. Reviewers mention that guides at Ait Ben-Haddou can sometimes rush, but overall, it’s a highlight.

From there, the trip continues past Ouarzazate (known as Morocco’s Hollywood), through the Valley of the Roses, and into the Dades Valley. This area is famed for its scenic oases and Damascus rose plantations, which are worth a quick stop. You’ll arrive in Tinghir for dinner and your overnight stay, a cozy Berber guesthouse where you’ll get a taste of local hospitality.

Day 2: Desert Adventures and Dune Magic

Morning starts with breakfast in Tinghir before heading toward the Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon carved by the Todra River. Walking along the stream, you can observe Berber farmers tending to their crops and cattle—an authentic slice of rural Morocco. The gorge’s towering cliffs make for fantastic photos, and many travelers enjoy the peaceful vibe here.

Next, it’s a scenic drive south through small towns, oases, and ksours (fortified villages), culminating in your arrival at Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Here, you’ll meet your camel caravan for an hour-long trek into the dunes, which many reviewers describe as a “highlight of the trip.” Riding a camel at sunset, you’ll witness some of the most spectacular views of Erg Chebbi, with golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see.

Once at the desert camp, you’ll settle into a private tent, often with a shared bathroom, although some opt for the upgraded luxury tents that promise private facilities and hot showers. Expect a Moroccan dinner cooked at the camp, with some reviewers noting the entertainment—music, drums, and storytelling around the campfire—as a memorable part of the experience.

Many guests mention that the camel trek and overnight stay are the standout moments, offering a true taste of Sahara nomad life. The camp hosts are welcoming, making the experience special and personal.

Day 3: Sunrise, Sands, and the Road to Fes

Early morning, you’ll wake before dawn for a sunrise camel ride across the dunes—an absolute must-do for breathtaking photos and a peaceful moment before the long drive back. After breakfast at the camp, the journey continues across the Ziz Valley, renowned for its palm groves and lush oases, providing a striking contrast to the dunes.

The drive then heads north through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you’ll break for lunch at a small town called Ifrane, popular as a winter resort. Reviewers highlight that the drive is long but enjoyable, especially with a friendly driver and good company.

Later, the route takes you through cedar forests where wild monkeys (Barbary macaques) might make an appearance—a fun surprise for nature lovers. Finally, you’ll arrive in Fes in the late afternoon, completing your Moroccan adventure.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Guides and drivers receive high praise—reviewers mention that guides like Hesham and Hussain are passionate, knowledgeable, and eager to share insights about Moroccan culture and history. Their friendly approach makes the long drives more comfortable and engaging.

Accommodation varies from Berber guesthouses to desert camps, all designed to give a genuine Moroccan feel. Many travelers find the desert camp experience particularly memorable, especially the chance to sleep under a blanket of stars and enjoy traditional drumming around the campfire.

Meals are included on two nights, with the local cuisine offering a satisfying taste of Moroccan cooking. While some reviewers noted that the food at hotels wasn’t always gourmet, the authenticity of home-cooked meals at the camp and guesthouses more than made up for it.

Activities like camel riding and sandboarding add an adventurous touch that many find exciting. The sandboarding experience, in particular, surprises travelers who didn’t expect to find such fun in the dunes.

Value for money is frequently highlighted; for the price, the tour offers a rundown of Morocco’s highlights, combining comfort, adventure, and culture.

Practical Tips and Considerations

While the tour is well-organized, be prepared for long travel days—some reviewers mention that the drives can be tiring, but they’re part of the adventure. Pack layers, especially for mountain crossings and desert evenings, since temperatures can fluctuate.

The group size typically stays under 200 travelers, but most reviews come from small groups, which helps create a more intimate and personal experience. If you opt for the luxury tent upgrade, you’ll enjoy private bathrooms and hot water, which many find essential after a day in the desert.

The tour doesn’t include lunch, so bringing snacks or planning for meals during stops is recommended, especially for hungry travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time Morocco visitors wanting a well-rounded taste of the country’s landscapes, culture, and desert life. It suits adventurers eager for camel rides and sandboarding, culture seekers interested in Berber traditions, and budget travelers looking for good value in a guided package.

Those who prefer shorter drives and a mix of sightseeing and relaxation will appreciate the well-paced itinerary, while travelers comfortable with long days on the road will find this a rewarding journey.

The Sum Up

This 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience, blending Morocco’s most iconic sights with authentic local encounters. The knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and memorable activities like camel riding and sandboarding make it a worthwhile investment.

It’s particularly well-suited for travelers seeking a balance of adventure, cultural insights, and scenic beauty—all packed into a manageable trip. Although the lengthy drives might challenge some, most guests find the journey adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.

For those ready to explore Morocco’s vast landscapes, sleep in a desert camp, and enjoy Berber culture, this tour is a fantastic way to see the country’s highlights with ease and authenticity.

FAQ

Is pickup and drop-off included? Yes, the tour provides convenient pickup in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes, making logistics hassle-free.

How many meals are included? Two dinners and two breakfasts are included, allowing you to enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine without extra cost.

What is the accommodation like? Accommodation includes a private room in a Berber guesthouse on the first night, and a desert camp with private tents on the second night, some with private bathrooms.

Are camel rides included? Absolutely. You will enjoy an hour-long camel trek into the Sahara, which is a highlight for many.

Is sandboarding available? Yes, sandboarding is included and often described as a fun surprise for those who give it a try.

How long are the travel days? Expect long driving hours, but the stops and scenery make up for it. The total tour duration is approximately 3 days, with most days around 9-10 hours of travel and sightseeing.

Can I upgrade my desert accommodation? Some guests choose to pay extra for luxury tents with private bathrooms and hot showers, making the desert night even more comfortable.

Is this tour suitable for children? Most travelers report that the tour is family-friendly, especially with older children comfortable with long drives and basic activities like camel riding.

Whether you’re after stunning desert vistas, fascinating cultural stops, or the thrill of sandboarding, this Marrakech to Fes tour offers a balanced taste of Morocco’s diverse charms—all wrapped up in a friendly, well-organized package.