Marrakech: 3-Day Trip to Fez with Sandboarding & Camel Ride

Planning a visit to Morocco and craving an experience that combines iconic landscapes, cultural highlights, and a touch of adventure? This 3-day trip from Marrakech to Fez offers just that. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect. It’s a well-rounded journey perfect for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and authentic desert nights.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the camel rides at sunset through expansive Sahara dunes promise unforgettable views and unique photo ops. Second, the stop at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed fortress with centuries of history, adds an enriching cultural element. Third, the sandboarding activity is a fun, adrenaline-filled way to enjoy the sunlit dunes. However, one consideration might be the long hours spent traveling in the van, which can be tiring for some.

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who love landscape photography, cultural exploration, and a taste of desert life. If you’re okay with long drives in exchange for unforgettable sights, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Stunning desert activities like camel rides at sunset and sandboarding
• Cultural highlights including the UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou
• Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned minibuses
• Authentic camping experience under the stars in a Berber desert camp
• Excellent guides and reviews praising their knowledge and friendly attitude
• Great value for money considering the diverse activities and included meals

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Itinerary and Highlights

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

The trip kicks off with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, widely regarded as one of Morocco’s most striking natural features. The route along the Tizi nTichka Pass offers impressive mountain vistas, switchbacks, and a sense of Morocco’s rugged terrain. The journey feels like stepping into a postcard, with dramatic peaks and winding roads.

The highlight here is a visit to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient clay fortress has served as a backdrop for countless movies and TV shows, making it a favorite among travelers. Walking through its narrow lanes, you’ll notice the centuries-old adobe architecture and the sense of history in every corner. Reviewers like Gabrielle and Patricia mention this stop as a deeply enriching experience, appreciating the well-organized visit and the local guides’ insights.

After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, the drive continues eastward to Boumalne Dades, where you’ll spend the night in a mountain hotel surrounded by rose fields and lush scenery. The peaceful setting offers a welcome rest after a day of travel.

Day 2: From Dades Gorge to Merzouga Desert Camp

Morning begins with a journey through the Dades Gorge, a canyon with dramatic red cliffs and twisting roads that feel more like a natural sculpture garden. It’s a perfect spot for photos and for marveling at how nature carved this landscape over millions of years.

Next, the route takes you to Todra Canyon, known for its towering red cliffs that seem to scrape the sky. Many reviews, like Candice Yue Si’s, praise the stops for their photogenic qualities and the variety of landscapes.

The afternoon brings the transition from rocky gorges to the rolling dunes of Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Here, travelers meet their camel caravans — a highlight for many. The camel ride at sunset is often described as magical, with the dunes glowing golden as the sun dips below the horizon. Youness, a guide praised in reviews, is appreciated for his friendly manner and local knowledge, which enhances the experience.

Arriving at the desert camp, you’ll find traditional Berber tents, where you can relax with mint tea, enjoy live Berber drumming, and marvel at the stars. Many guests, like Egbert and Candice, mention the comfort of their tents and the unforgettable experience of sleeping under the open sky.

Day 3: Sunrise, Return, and Cultural Stops

An early wake-up call promises a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes — a moment that many reviews highlight as the trip’s most memorable. The desert breeze, the silence, and the shifting colors of dawn create a surreal atmosphere.

After breakfast, the journey back takes you through the Ziz Valley, famous for its date palms and fossil sites in Erfoud. The drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains marks the end of the adventure, with scenic views that make the long hours in the van feel worthwhile.

The return to Marrakech or Fez is a gentle descent from the desert’s vastness, leaving travelers with a trove of photos and stories.

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Transportation, Accommodation, and Activities

The entire trip is conducted using an air-conditioned minibus, which offers comfort during the long drives and the flexibility to make scenic stops along the way. From the reviews, it’s clear that the guides and drivers are experienced and attentive. Many mention their guides’ friendly attitudes, local knowledge, and punctuality. Notables like Hisham, Omar, and Hakim receive high praise for their professionalism.

Accommodation varies between a mountain hotel on the first night and a desert camp for the second. The first night’s hotel might not be luxurious, but it’s clean, comfortable, and often includes amenities like a pool, which is appreciated during hot days. The desert camp options range from standard to deluxe tents, with many travelers noting that the camp is surprisingly comfortable, with some reviews mentioning hot showers and proper toilets in upgraded tents.

The activities packed into these three days include camel rides at sunset and sunrise, sandboarding, and a desert camp experience filled with music, dancing, and stargazing. The sandboarding in particular is a favorite for its unique thrill, with some reviewers describing it as “fun and adrenaline-pumping.”

Authentic Experiences and Cultural Touches

One of the tour’s strengths is the opportunity to connect with Moroccan culture. Stops in local villages and markets, the Berber music at the camp, and the chance to try traditional Moroccan dishes add depth beyond just sightseeing. Reviewers frequently mention the guides’ depth of knowledge about local traditions and the effort to make the experience engaging and authentic.

Many reviews highlight the friendly guides like Yassine, Yosef, and Omar, who go beyond just driving to sharing stories, answering questions, and making sure everyone feels safe and well cared for. Youness, in particular, is mentioned for his ability to take guests to interesting places and share insights that enrich the visit.

Value for Money

Considering the inclusions — transportation, guides, overnight stays, meals, camel rides, sandboarding, and a desert camp — the price appears to be quite reasonable. Multiple reviewers say that the activities, especially the camel rides and camp experience, felt like they offered excellent value. The tours are well-paced, with enough stops to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Some travelers note that the included hotel nights are more comfortable than expected, adding to the overall value. However, opinions about food vary; some found the meals authentic and tasty, while others felt they could be more flavorful or varied. Still, considering the overall experience, the trip offers a rich taste of Morocco’s landscapes and culture for a fair price.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Pack comfortable shoes for walking and exploring.
• Bring sunglasses and a hat for sun protection, especially in the desert.
• A camera is a must — the landscapes are picture-perfect.
• Carry cash for tips or optional purchases; some stops may not accept cards.
• Be prepared for a fair amount of long driving hours, but the scenery makes it worthwhile.
• If you want a more comfortable desert camp experience, check if upgraded tents with private amenities are available.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This 3-day journey suits adventurous souls eager to see Morocco’s iconic landscapes and experience the desert’s magic firsthand. If you love photo opportunities, cultural interactions, and outdoor activities like sandboarding and camel rides, this trip ticks all those boxes. It’s ideal for travelers who don’t mind a bit of travel fatigue in exchange for unforgettable sights and authentic experiences.

It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate guided tours with knowledgeable guides, as many reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness, professionalism, and local insights. If you’re after a well-organized, value-packed adventure with a balance of nature, history, and culture, this tour might just become your favorite Moroccan story.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves long van rides and some walking at stops, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility challenges. Check with the provider for specific accessibility options.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Lunches are not included, so plan to bring cash or buy at stops.

What size are the groups?
While the exact group size isn’t specified, reviews suggest the groups are manageable, and guides tend to give personalized attention.

Is the desert camp comfortable?
Many reviews mention that the camp is surprisingly comfortable, with options for deluxe tents that include private bathrooms and hot showers.

Can I do sandboarding here?
Yes, sandboarding in the Sahara Dunes is included and highly recommended for its fun factor and unique experience.

Will I see stars at night?
Absolutely. The desert camp under the open sky is famous for its stunning star displays, especially if the sky is clear.

What should I bring?
Pack comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, camera, comfortable clothes for hot days, and cash for tips.

How do guides enhance the experience?
Many reviews praise guides like Youness, Omar, and Yosef for their knowledge, friendliness, and dedication to making the trip special.

Is this tour good for families?
While suitable for many travelers, consider the travel distances and activities involved. It works well for families with older children who enjoy outdoor adventures.

What’s the best time to do this trip?
While the itinerary details don’t specify seasons, desert trips are generally best in spring or fall when temperatures are milder.

In summary, this 3-day Marrakech to Fez tour offers a rich, authentic Moroccan experience packed with landscape beauty, cultural insights, and adventure. It’s a fantastic option for those who want a taste of everything: desert dunes, historic kasbahs, and Berber nights under the stars. With knowledgeable guides and excellent reviews, it promises to be an adventure you’ll be talking about for years.

You can check availability for your dates here: