Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes:3days ,2nights

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of exploring Morocco beyond Marrakech’s bustling streets, this 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes could be the adventure you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the details make it sound like an authentic, well-organized journey packed with memorable sights.

What we love about this tour is its combination of iconic landmarks like Ait Ben Haddou, the stunning Todra Gorges, and a night under the stars in the desert. The professional guides and comfortable transportation promise a smooth ride through diverse landscapes. We also appreciate the value-packed itinerary that balances sightseeing with cultural experiences.

One potential consideration is the long driving hours, which might be tiring for some travelers. However, if you’re ready for an active, immersive trip, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort.

This experience suits those who want a comprehensive Moroccan adventure, especially travelers interested in historic sites, scenic landscapes, and the magic of the desert. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with a packed schedule and looking for a guided journey that takes care of all the logistics.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major highlights from Marrakech to Fes, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Comfortable transportation and a professional, English-speaking driver guide enhance the experience.
• Authentic desert night with camel rides, tent stays, and star gazing.
• Visiting iconic movie locations like Ouarzazate Studios adds a Hollywood touch.
• Balanced mix of scenic drives, cultural stops, and adventure activities.
• Good value for the price of around $730 per person, considering accommodation, activities, and transport.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Crossing the High Atlas and Tizi n Tichka

Your journey begins with a scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains, renowned for their dramatic peaks and breathtaking vistas. The first stop at Tizi n Tichka, the second-highest mountain pass in Morocco, offers a chance to stretch your legs and soak in panoramic views. The 20-minute stop is perfect for quick photos and fresh mountain air—an essential start to the adventure. Reviewers mention the “beautiful views” and “spectacular panoramas” that make the drive worth every minute.

Exploring Ait Ben Haddou

Next, you arrive at the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortified city, with its iconic kasbahs, has been used in numerous movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones, making it a favorite among film buffs. Visitors typically enjoy wandering through the narrow streets and imagining life in this ancient village. The two-hour visit, with free admission, allows ample time to explore and take photos. Many reviews highlight how authentic and well-preserved the site feels, with one reviewer praising the “perfectly chosen stops” that add value to the experience.

Ouarzazate and Film Studios

After Ait Ben Haddou, the trip continues to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” Here, you can visit the movie studios and Kasbah Taourirt, both serving as a reminder of Morocco’s cinematic history. The guided tour of the studios reveals behind-the-scenes insights into famous productions. Reviewers note the friendly guides and the chance to see where blockbuster movies were shot, adding an extra layer of interest. You’ll spend the night in a 4-star hotel, ensuring comfort after a day full of exploration.

Rose Valley and Boumalne Dades

The second day takes you deeper into Morocco’s scenic landscapes. First stop at El Kelaa M’gouna, the Valley of Roses, offers spectacular views especially if you visit during the rose season in May. The 15-minute stop is brief but memorable.

Continuing through Boumalne Dades, a charming Berber village, the landscape transforms into rugged mountains and lush valleys. The 10-minute stop allows a quick peek at this desert-side community.

The Spectacular Toudra Gorge

One of the trip’s highlights is the Toudra Gorge, about two hours from Boumalne Dades. Known for its towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations, the gorge is a must-see. From various viewpoints, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas that look like they belong on a postcard. Travelers mention the “spectacular views” and the chance to walk along the cliff edges or just enjoy the natural beauty.

Rissani and the Desert Experience

Your journey continues to Rissani, the first capital of Morocco, offering a glimpse into Saharan life through its medina and lively market. The 40-minute stop is a great chance to see a bustling Moroccan town and perhaps pick up some local souvenirs.

Night in the Desert in Merzouga

The desert night is a real highlight, with a camel ride into the dunes, a chance to watch the sunset over the shifting sands, and dinner under the stars. The luxury tent stay offers a comfortable escape from the desert’s harshness, with some reviews mentioning the option to shower and enjoy a cozy bed. The stargazing here is truly exceptional, with many travelers describing it as a magical experience.

Sunrise and Return to Fes

The next morning, wake early to catch the sunrise in the desert, a photo-worthy moment that many reviews mention as unforgettable. After breakfast, you’ll journey through the Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves and lush scenery, en route to Fes.

Scenic Stops in Midelt, Ifrane, and Cedar Forests

The drive from Merzouga to Fes features some of Morocco’s most beautiful landscapes. Stops at Midelt for lunch, the Michlifen Cedar Forest (famous for monkeys and nature), and Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland,” provide diverse scenery and photo opportunities. The Tizi oughmari pass offers panoramic mountain views, making this part of the trip both scenic and engaging.

Practical Details and What You Get

This tour includes a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring you stay cool during long drives. Your driver is described as professional and friendly, speaking excellent English, which makes the journey more enjoyable. The tour provides breakfast and dinner during the trip, along with bottled water and entrance tickets to key sites like Ait Ben Haddou and the movie studios.

Accommodations are part of the package: one night in a four-star hotel in Ouarzazate and one night in a luxury desert tent in Merzouga. These stays, especially the desert night, add a memorable dimension to the trip, blending comfort with adventure.

The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a more personalized experience. Plus, group discounts can make it more affordable if you’re traveling with friends or family.

What’s Not Included

While most major expenses are covered, lunches and drinks are not included, so packing some snacks and water is advisable. This gives you the flexibility to choose local cafes or street food that fit your taste and budget.

Insights from the Reviews

One reviewer from Italy praised the “comoda macchina con aria condizionata” (comfortable air-conditioned car) and the “guide simpatica” (friendly guide), highlighting how well-organized and enjoyable the trip felt. Another mentioned the “splendid night in the desert”, emphasizing the opportunity to enjoy the starry sky and the ease of the camel ride.

Travelers also appreciated the timing of stops, which were “chosen ad hoc,” allowing for photos, breaks, and lunch at ideal spots. The local guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude significantly enhance the experience, especially at sites like Ait Ben Haddou and the movie studios.

The Sum Up

This 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour offers a well-rounded Moroccan adventure packed with stunning landscapes, cultural highlights, and memorable desert nights. The balance between scenic drives, site visits, and authentic experiences makes it ideal for travelers seeking an immersive trip without the hassle of planning every detail.

While the long hours might be tiring, the comfort of private transportation, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to see Morocco’s most iconic sights make it a worthwhile choice. The inclusion of a night in the desert under the stars is a highlight that many reviews describe as magical.

This tour provides excellent value, especially for those eager to see Morocco’s diverse terrain—from mountains and gorges to deserts and ancient kasbahs—without compromising on comfort.

FAQs

How many days does the tour last?
It lasts approximately three days, from Marrakech to Fes, including multiple stops and overnight stays.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, private air-conditioned vehicles are included for the entire trip.

Are meals included?
Breakfast and dinner are included during the trip, but lunch is not, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat at stops.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
One night in a four-star hotel in Ouarzazate and one night in a luxury desert tent in Merzouga.

Can I participate if I don’t speak Arabic?
Yes, the driver is an English-speaking professional, making communication easy.

Is it suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some long driving hours and physical activity like camel riding.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, tickets to sites like Ait Ben Haddou and the movie studios are included.

What is the cost per person?
It is approximately $731.58, offering good value considering the included accommodations, activities, and transport.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, offering a more personalized experience.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of iconic sites, scenic landscapes, comfortable accommodations, and the desert night are key highlights praised by past travelers.

In essence, this Morocco desert tour delivers a blend of culture, scenery, and adventure. It’s a solid choice for those looking to experience Morocco’s diversity without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.