From Marrakech: Unforgettable 3-Day Desert Tour to Fes

Planning a trip from Marrakech to Fes can feel overwhelming, but a well-organized 3-day desert tour promises an adventure packed with iconic sights, cultural insights, and unforgettable moments. While we haven’t personally been on this trip, countless travelers praise its blend of scenic drives, desert thrills, and local hospitality, making it a popular choice for those wanting a true taste of Morocco beyond the cities.

What we love about this experience is the variety it offers: breathtaking landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, a mesmerizing Sahara camel trek, and visits to UNESCO-listed sites like Ait Benhaddou. Plus, the return journey through quaint villages and fossil-rich Erfoud adds an authentic Moroccan touch. That said, some reviews mention long driving hours, which can be tiring without proper planning. This tour suits travelers eager for an active, culturally rich adventure that combines nature, history, and local life.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: From mountain passes to vast dunes, scenery is a major highlight.
• Authentic Experiences: Camel rides, Berber hospitality, and local guides enhance the trip.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: Stops at key sites like Ait Benhaddou and Todra Gorge are thoughtfully planned.
• Value for Money: Included meals, activities, and overnight stays in tents or hotels offer good overall value.
• Guides and Service: Knowledgeable guides like Mehdi, Dozi, and others make the journey engaging and smooth.
• Long Travel Days: Be prepared for long hours of driving with frequent stops for sightseeing and breaks.

This journey offers a perfect way to experience the diverse beauty of Morocco, with each day packed with activities and scenic drives. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll encounter and why it’s worth the effort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Day 1: From Marrakech to the High Atlas and Ait Benhaddou

Your adventure begins early, with hotel pickup around 7:00 AM. The first leg takes you through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass—Morocco’s highest mountain pass. Expect panoramic views that make for perfect photo opportunities; many reviews mention how breathtaking the vistas are, with some comparing the landscape to a natural masterpiece.

The drive also includes a stop at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient kasbahs used as film backdrops (think Gladiator and Game of Thrones). Here, you’ll explore the fortified village, strolling through narrow alleys and taking in the traditional Moroccan architecture. Reviewers like Andreas Bøgh highlight how this site helps you grasp the country’s diverse beauty.

Afterward, you’ll proceed through the Valley of the Roses, known for its fragrant blooms, and arrive in Tinghir for your overnight stay. The hotel or riad offers a restful pause after a day of scenic driving, with many ratings praising the quality of accommodations.

Day 2: Into the Sahara and the Excitement of Camel Trekking

The morning kicks off with a drive through Todra Gorge, a striking canyon with towering cliffs and a flowing river—an ideal spot for a quick exploration. Then, it’s onward towards the Sahara. As you approach the dunes, the landscape morphs into expansive golden sands, creating a sense of anticipation and adventure.

The highlight here is the camel trek. Many guests describe the experience as magical, with some quoting how sunset and sunrise rides provided particularly stunning views. One reviewer mentions, “The camel rides during sunset and sunrise were worth the early mornings.” Guides like Omar Faiz and Youness help make this experience seamless, sharing insights about desert life and making sure everyone feels comfortable.

Your stay in a desert camp is a major highlight. Options include standard tents with shared bathrooms or luxury tents with private facilities and air conditioning. The latter earns praise for comfort, especially in the hot summer months. As night falls, you’ll dine under a star-filled sky, with many describing the ambiance as peaceful and surreal. The communal atmosphere, local music, and dancing add a fun, authentic touch.

Some reviews mention issues like lost electricity at the camp, but overall, the experience remains memorable. Sandboarding is also included, giving you a chance to slide down dunes—something many find surprisingly exhilarating.

Day 3: Erfoud, Cedar Forests, and Arrival in Fes

The last day includes a scenic drive through Erfoud, famous for its fossils. Many travelers appreciate stopping here to explore the fossil markets, which provide a tangible connection to Morocco’s geological richness.

Afterward, the route takes you through cedar forests populated by mischievous Barbary macaques. It’s a fun detour where you can get close to wild monkeys while enjoying lush scenery. Then, the journey continues over the Middle Atlas Mountains, offering more stunning vistas before concluding in Fes.

Arriving in Fes around 8:00 PM, you’ll be dropped at your hotel or riad, ending a trip filled with highlights and authentic cultural exchanges. Having experienced the diverse Moroccan landscape, many reviewers feel this tour offers a comprehensive and rewarding overview of the country’s natural and cultural riches.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, guided visits, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and meals—two breakfasts and two dinners. Accommodation varies from shared bathrooms in standard tents to private bathrooms in luxury tents, catering to different comfort preferences.

Activities such as camel rides, sandboarding, and optional quad biking are included, and there’s the option for a 4×4 transfer to the camp if you prefer not to ride a camel. The tour generally starts early at 7:00 AM and ends around 8:00 PM on the third day, with pickup details shared the day before via WhatsApp and email.

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, a camera, cash, and a scarf—especially for the desert. Be aware that long driving hours are part of the experience, with many stops for sightseeing and rest. Some reviews note that the drive can be tiring, but the scenery and stops make it worthwhile.

Guides and Service Quality

Guides like Mehdi, Dozi, and others receive high praise for their knowledge, humor, and attentiveness. Many guests mention how guides go above and beyond to ensure comfort and fun, sharing local insights and making everyone feel included.

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Value and Cost

This tour offers significant value, especially considering meals, activities, and accommodations are included. The difference in comfort levels at the camp, especially regarding air conditioning, can influence overall satisfaction. Many recommend upgrading to the luxury tents for better comfort during hotter months.

From sunset camel rides to exploring ancient fortress towns, travelers frequently highlight the authenticity of this experience. Reviewers like T and Andreas Bøgh emphasize the importance of knowledgeable guides and well-organized stops that genuinely enhance the trip’s educational and cultural value.

Several reviews also mention the excellent culinary offerings, with some describing the meals as more than just sustenance but as part of the culture.

This 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour offers a richly textured Moroccan adventure, blending breathtaking landscapes, authentic cultural encounters, and fun activities like camel rides and sandboarding. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want an active trip with plenty of opportunities to connect with Moroccan traditions and scenery.

While long travel days require patience, the highlights—stunning mountain passes, iconic desert dunes, and historic sites—make it all worthwhile. The guides’ expertise and friendly approach elevate the experience, making it suitable for those seeking a well-organized, immersive journey.

For travelers craving a mix of adventure, culture, and scenery with good value, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s especially ideal if you want a memorable, photo-worthy trip that reveals Morocco’s diverse beauty beyond its cities.

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 7:00 AM on Day 1, with pickup details provided the night before via WhatsApp and email.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes two breakfasts and two dinners, allowing you to enjoy Moroccan cuisine along the way.

What are the accommodation options?
You’ll stay in a hotel or riad on the first night, and in tents at the desert camp—standard tents with shared bathrooms or luxury tents with private facilities and air conditioning.

Can I skip activities like camel riding?
Activities like camel rides are included, but if you prefer, you may opt for a 4×4 transfer instead of riding camels at no extra charge.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection (sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen), a camera, cash, and possibly a scarf. In summer, pack lighter clothes, but prepare for cold nights in winter.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Most activities involve some walking and camel riding, so it’s suitable for most travelers who are comfortable with moderate physical activity. Be aware of long driving hours, which might be tiring for some.

You can check availability for your dates here: