Shared 3 days tour From Marrakesh to Fes via Merzouga desert

Planning a trip through Morocco’s diverse landscapes? This 3-day shared tour from Marrakech to Fes, passing through the stunning Merzouga desert, offers an authentic taste of the country’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and historic sites. While it’s packed with unforgettable moments, it’s also designed for travelers seeking a balanced mix of sightseeing and adventure, all within an affordable price point.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the chance to ride camels in the Sahara at sunset and sunrise, the variety of stops at Berber villages and Hollywood-set towns, and the intimate group size that fosters a real connection. A possible consideration? The schedule can be quite packed, with early mornings and long travel days. It’s best suited for those eager for a comprehensive Moroccan experience, without the fuss of independent planning.

Key Points

• Authentic Sahara Experience: Camel rides in the dunes with sunset and sunrise views.
• Cultural Highlights: Visits to UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou and Berber villages.
• Comfort and Convenience: All breakfasts and dinners are included, with overnight stays in comfortable accommodations.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 15 travelers, fostering a friendly and personalized vibe.
• Scenic Road Tripping: Cross the Atlas Mountains, Rose Valley, and Tafilalet palm oasis.
• Authentic Local Guides: Knowledgeable guides enrich the experience with insights and tips.

An In-Depth Look at the 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Morocco’s varied landscape, from bustling Marrakech to the quiet, expansive Sahara. It’s designed for those who want a taste of everything — history, nature, culture, and adventure — without the hassle of organizing multiple arrangements themselves.

Day 1: From Marrakech to Dades via the Atlas and Ait Ben Haddou

Early Departure and Scenic Mountain Crossing

The adventure begins at 7:00 am, with pickup from your Marrakech accommodation. The journey kicks off with a drive across the High Atlas Mountains, featuring the dramatic Tizi n Tichka pass at 2260 meters. This mountain road is a highlight in itself, offering breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities for photos.

Ait Ben Haddou: The Hollywood of Morocco

Your first major stop is the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified Berber village famous for serving as a backdrop for movies like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Kingdom of Heaven. Walking through this ancient Kasbah, you’ll notice the intricate mud-brick architecture and the river that separates it from the main road. The review from Geraldine emphasizes the village’s beauty but mentions the long wait during check-in at the hotel — a reminder to set expectations about the day’s long travel and potential delays.

Ouarzazate and Rose Valley

Next, a quick stop at Ouarzazate’s Atlas Studios offers a peek into Morocco’s film industry. Then, a short visit to El Kelaa M’gouna in the Roses Valley introduces you to Morocco’s fragrant rose oil production, especially vibrant during the festival in May. The 30-minute stop allows for photos and a taste of local craftsmanship.

Overnight in Dades Gorge

The day concludes with a 12-hour drive ending in Dades, where comfortable, private rooms await. The scenic Dades Valley is renowned for its dramatic rock formations, making it a perfect backdrop for an evening walk or simply resting after a full day.

Day 2: Into the Heart of the Sahara and the Dunes of Merzouga

Todra Gorge and Berber Villages

After breakfast, we loved the early morning jaunt to Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon with towering cliffs — a favorite for climbers and photographers alike. The guide’s local knowledge makes this stop informative and enjoyable, adding depth to the stunning scenery.

Fossil Capital and the Desert Drive

Next, the journey turns south toward Erfoud, known as Morocco’s fossil capital. Passing through Tinejdad’s Berber villages, you get a sense of rural Moroccan life, punctuated by striking desert landscapes. This section of the trip highlights Morocco’s geological treasures and the diversity of its rural communities.

Camel Trek and Desert Night

The moment everyone’s been waiting for: arriving in Merzouga, where you’ll leave the vehicle for a camel ride into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. The experience is both peaceful and exhilarating, with the sunset providing picture-perfect moments. As one reviewer noted, the guides are local Berbers who add authenticity and local lore to the ride.

Spending the night in nomadic-style tents, you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner under a vast star-studded sky, with the gentle sounds of the desert creating a calming ambiance. The desert camp experience is often praised for its simplicity and genuine feel. According to feedback, bedding is provided, so no need to pack a sleeping bag; just bring long trousers for riding comfort.

Day 3: Sunrise, Rissani, and the Return to Fes

Sunrise and Camel Ride

Waking early, you’ll witness the desert sunrise — a moment of serenity that makes the early start worthwhile. Camel rides back to the camp are included, and breakfast is served afterward, offering a warm start to your day.

Crossing the Ziz Valley and Rissani

From the desert, the route takes you through the lush Tafilalet palm oasis and the Ziz River valley. Rissani, a historic trading town, marks the transition from desert to more verdant landscapes as you head towards Fes.

Azrou Cedar Forest and Monkey Encounters

If time permits, a stop at Azrou offers a chance to see Barbary macaque monkeys in the cedar forest — a favorite among animal lovers and a fun addition to the journey. The guide’s local expertise makes this a memorable part of the day.

Arrival in Fes

The tour concludes in the early evening, with drop-off at your accommodation or the nearest accessible location. This final leg is a good time to reflect on the incredible sights and experiences packed into just three days.

The Practicalities: Value, Comfort, and Logistics

This tour impresses with its inclusions — all breakfasts and dinners are covered, and overnight stays range from hotel rooms in Dades to nomadic tents in the desert. The shared minibus, with air conditioning and a professional driver, ensures comfort during long drives, which are inevitable given Morocco’s expansive geography.

The small group size (maximum 15 travelers) fosters a more personal experience and opportunities to connect with fellow travelers and guides. Reviewers highlight the guides’ knowledge, which adds a layer of richness to each stop, making history and local culture come alive.

At $176.70 per person, the price reflects the comprehensive nature of the trip — hotel stays, meals, camel rides, and all major stops. While some reviews mention delays, such as a two-hour wait at a hotel during check-in, overall feedback indicates good value, especially given the variety of experiences packed into three days.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a structured, all-inclusive Moroccan adventure. If you’re eager to see iconic sites like Ait Ben Haddou and the Todra Gorge, experience the Sahara on a camel trek, and enjoy scenic drives through varied landscapes, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer a small group setting and appreciate guides who can share local insights.

However, be prepared for early mornings, long driving hours, and a busy schedule — this is not a relaxed, slow-paced holiday but rather an active exploration. It’s also a solid choice for first-time Morocco visitors who want a guided experience without sacrificing authenticity.

The Sum Up

This 3-day shared tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga offers a well-rounded snapshot of Morocco’s diverse beauty. From the bustling souks and ancient kasbahs to the silent dunes of the Sahara, the experience hits many highlights while maintaining a focus on comfort and cultural authenticity. The inclusion of camel rides, scenic stops, and local guides makes it a practical choice for those looking to maximize their time without overextending their budget.

The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more personal interaction and insider knowledge, which many reviewers appreciate. While the schedule can be intensive and involve lengthy travel days, the payoff is a richer, more immersive journey through Morocco’s heartland.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who want a taste of everything Morocco has to offer, with enough structure and support to make it a memorable and smooth experience.

FAQs

Is pickup offered for this tour? Yes, the tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech, making it convenient to start the journey.

How many people are in each group? The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

Are meals included? Breakfasts and dinners are included throughout the trip, providing convenience and local flavor. Lunches and snacks are not included, so plan accordingly.

What accommodation is provided? You’ll stay in a private room in a hotel in Dades for the first night, and in nomadic tents in the Sahara for the second night. Bedding is provided for the desert camp.

Can I expect to see local wildlife? Yes, if you visit Azrou Cedar Forest, you might encounter Barbary macaque monkeys, which is a special highlight for animal lovers.

What are the main highlights of the itinerary? Key moments include the drive over Tizi n Tichka pass, exploring Ait Ben Haddou, a camel trek in the Sahara, and visiting Todra Gorge and Rissani.

Is the tour suitable for children? It’s not recommended for children under 5 years old due to early mornings and long drives, but older children and teenagers who enjoy adventure and culture should be fine.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if this Moroccan adventure fits your travel style, offering a genuine look at what to expect, the value you’ll get, and the moments you’ll never forget.