Marrakech To Fes: 3-day Merzouga Desert, Luxury Privat Tent

Travelers seeking a taste of Morocco’s dramatic scenery and authentic desert life often turn to guided tours that promise both adventure and comfort. The Marrakech to Fes 3-day journey with a desert camp stay offers just that, blending scenic drives, cultural insights, and the magic of the Sahara in one package. While it’s a popular option, it’s important to understand what’s included, what to expect, and whether it aligns with your travel style.

We love this tour for its stunning landscapes, from the high peaks of the Atlas to the vast dunes of Erg Chebbi. The guided experience with knowledgeable hosts ensures you’ll get local insights and smooth logistics. The luxury camping option offers a rare chance to sleep under the stars in comfort, a memorable highlight for many travelers. On the flip side, some guests mention it can feel quite mass-market, especially at the camps, which might not suit those craving absolute authenticity or off-the-beaten-path experiences.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to see Morocco’s top sights without the hassle of planning, and who don’t mind a busy schedule. If you’re after a comfortable, well-organized introduction to desert life and cultural highlights, this trip hits many of the right notes.

Key Points

• Scenic Route with Highlights: Pass through high Atlas mountains, kasbahs, and the Valley of the Roses.
• Cultural Encounters: Visit Berber villages, enjoy traditional music, and try local foods.
• Desert Magic: Experience camel treks, desert camp stays, and stunning sunrise and sunset views.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes private tents, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioned transport.
• Guided Experience: Small group with knowledgeable guides adds value and context.
• Mass Tourism: Some aspects are quite commercial, which might impact the authenticity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the 3-Day Sahara Adventure

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Gorge via Atlas Mountains

This part of the journey is a feast for the eyes. Starting early from Marrakech, the drive takes you through the High Atlas Mountains, with the Tizi n’Tichka pass offering panoramic views that make the long bus ride worthwhile. The roads twist and turn, and you’ll want your camera ready for the dramatic scenery.

A highlight is stopping at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed kasbah village used as a backdrop in many films like Gladiator. Here, your guide will likely share stories about the history and architecture of this ancient site, which is as photogenic as it is historic. From there, the route continues through the Valley of the Roses, famous for its fragrant blooms, providing a fragrant break from the desert scenery ahead.

Overnight accommodations are in a hotel in Dades Gorges, offering basic comfort after a day of travel. Reviewers mention the hotel is “very average,” but it serves as a practical base to explore the next day’s stunning sights. The evening is a good time to relax, perhaps enjoy some local cuisine, or chat with fellow travelers about what’s ahead.

Day 2: From the Gorges to the Sahara Dunes

The drive continues through remarkable landscapes, including the Todra Gorge, with towering cliffs and a river running through the valley — a favorite for nature lovers. As you approach the Sahara, the landscape shifts from rugged mountains to sweeping sand dunes. This entire stretch is packed with photo opportunities, and the scenic views are truly breathtaking.

The highlight of the day is the camel trek at sunset. You’ll ride through shimmering dunes, guided by experienced operators, and get a sense of the vastness and tranquility of the Sahara. For many, the camel ride is a must-do, though a review points out that the camels’ condition wasn’t ideal, leading some to walk instead of riding.

Arriving at the desert camp, you’ll be greeted by a traditional Berber setup, with options for luxury private tents or more communal tents with shared bathrooms. The experience is enhanced by Berber music and drumming, which guests find adds local flavor. The dinner under the stars often features Moroccan specialities, and the star-gazing makes for a memorable night.

Day 3: From Sahara to Fes

The final day takes you out of the desert, passing through fossil-rich Erfoud and lush cedar forests where Barbary macaques are known to hang out. The route winds through the Middle Atlas Mountains, offering more stunning scenery.

You’ll visit Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest cities, and be dropped off at your hotel. The trip is approximately 8-10 hours in total, so it’s a full day of travel, but the diverse landscapes make it more of a visual feast than a long haul.

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What We Loved About This Tour

The scenic variety really stands out. From the mountains to the valleys, and finally the dunes, this tour packs a visual punch. The guides like Moja and Abdelkhalek are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, which adds a personal touch to the experience.

The desert camp stays are a definite highlight, offering a comfortable, memorable night under the stars. Guests consistently mention enjoying traditional Berber music, sandboarding, and trying on Berber clothing, which add authentic cultural elements to the trip.

The food deserves a mention, with many noting the dinners and breakfasts as satisfying, with some finding the camp meals better than previous hotel stays. The camel rides at sunrise and sunset are often highlighted as magical moments, with guests feeling the serenity of the desert.

Some considerations:

Mass tourism is unavoidable, especially at the camps and popular stops like Ait Benhaddou. Reviewers note that some parts feel quite commercial, which might not appeal to travelers seeking pure authenticity. One guest pointed out that the camels appeared to be in less-than-ideal condition, leading to some opting out of rides.

Timing is tight — the tour runs roughly from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, so be prepared for long, active days. Packing comfortable shoes, sun protection, and warm layers for the desert nights helps make the experience more enjoyable.

Practical Details & Value

At $207 per person, the tour offers solid value for the comprehensive experience. It includes transportation, guides, accommodation, and activities like camel rides, sandboarding, and dinner and breakfast — a package that saves travelers the hassle of organizing multiple bookings.

The small-group format means a more intimate experience, and the Wi-Fi onboard is a convenient perk. You’ll stay overnight in a private tent or luxury camp, with options to choose based on your preference. The hotels and camps are generally described as comfortable but not luxurious, aligning with the overall value.

While lunch is not included, this gives you the freedom to explore local eateries or pack snacks. The tour is well-suited for those who want an organized, visually diverse trip, rather than an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Morocco’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and desert life. The guides’ knowledge and friendly approach ensure you’ll feel well-looked-after, while the scenery and cultural stops keep the experience engaging. The luxury desert camp stays are a highlight, providing an authentic yet comfortable desert experience.

If you’re after a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and cultural insight with excellent photo opportunities, this trip is a sound choice. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who prefer to leave planning to someone else and enjoy traveling with a small group for added connection.

However, if you’re craving complete authenticity or off-the-beaten-path experiences, be aware that some aspects may lean toward mass tourism.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While generally accessible, it’s best suited for travelers who can handle a full day of travel and some uneven terrain during activities like camel rides and walking in the desert.

Are the tents private or shared?
You can choose between private tents with bathrooms or more standard tents with shared bathrooms, depending on your preference and the option selected during booking.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers pick-up and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, guides, accommodation, camel rides, sandboarding, dinners, and breakfasts.

Can I extend my stay in Fes or Marrakech?
Yes, the tour ends with your drop-off in Fes, so you’re free to further explore or arrange additional accommodation afterward.

Is there any optional activity?
Quad biking and buggy adventures are available for rent locally, but they are not included in the standard package.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, a jacket for cooler desert nights, and cash for small expenses.

To sum it up, this Marrakech to Fes tour offers a carefully curated blend of Morocco’s highlights: stunning mountain passes, ancient kasbahs, vibrant valleys, and the unforgettable Sahara dunes. It’s a reliable choice for those wanting a guided, comfortable, and culturally immersive experience, balanced with enough adventure to make it memorable. Whether it’s the scenic drives, the cultural stops, or the desert nights under the stars, this trip promises to be a significant highlight of your Moroccan journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: