Marrakech à Fès via le désert de Merzouga 3 jours au Maroc Sahara

Marrakech à Fès via le désert de Merzouga 3 jours au Maroc Sahara — An Authentic Moroccan Adventure

Traveling from Marrakech to Fès with a detour through the Sahara isn’t just a journey — it’s an experience packed with highlights that reveal Morocco’s diverse beauty. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, we’ve gathered insights from travelers and reviews to give you a clear picture of what to expect from this 3-day adventure.

What we particularly love about this tour are the well-curated stops at iconic sites like Ait Benhaddou, the breathtaking views of Todra Gorge, and the unique desert experience with camel trekking and overnight camps. The tour covers a good mix of natural wonders, cultural history, and authentic desert life.

A potential consideration is the long travel hours—it’s a three-day trip, after all—which means you’ll spend a fair amount of time in transit. But for those wanting a compact yet comprehensive exploration of southern Morocco, this tour hits all the key spots without sacrificing authenticity.

This experience best suits travelers seeking a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and scenery in a relatively short time frame. If you’re eager to see Morocco’s most photogenic landscapes and enjoy a taste of desert life, this tour could be perfect.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery like Dades and Todra Gorges makes this tour visually memorable.
• The camel trek into Erg Chebbi offers a genuine desert adventure.
• Visiting Ait Benhaddou provides a UNESCO-listed glimpse into Morocco’s ancient architecture.
• The tour includes fossil and cedar forest visits that add extra cultural and natural flavor.
• Comfortable transport and a small group size (up to 15 travelers) ensure a more intimate experience.
• Affordable price point for the range of sites and activities included.

An In-Depth Look at the Marrakech to Fès Desert Tour

Overview and Practical Details

This 3-day tour is designed to combine Morocco’s most iconic landscapes with authentic experiences like camel treks and overnight stays in desert camps. The package costs around $193.39 per person, which offers good value considering the inclusions like guided visits, entrance fees, and multiple meals.

It’s scheduled to be booked roughly 70 days in advance on average, indicating its popularity among travelers eager to explore southern Morocco. The tour is operated by Red City Tours Marrakech, a reputable provider, and includes pickup services and a mobile ticket option.

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Gorge via Ait Benhaddou

The journey begins early in the morning with a departure from Marrakech heading east across the High Atlas Mountains. The first major stop is Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s often featured in movies like Game of Thrones. You’ll get a guided tour of this ancient kasbah, which is a true highlight for architecture and history lovers. Travelers mention that the admission to Ait Benhaddou is included, making it convenient and cost-effective.

Next, the route takes you through Ouarzazate and Skoura, known for their lush palm groves and kasbahs. The scenery here is striking — a mix of desert plains and mountain vistas. In the evening, you arrive at Dades Gorge, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a local riad or hotel. The gorge’s towering cliffs and narrow valleys make for memorable views, especially at sunset.

Day 2: From Dades Gorge to Merzouga via Todra Gorge and Erfoud

Day two is packed with some of the most spectacular natural sights. After breakfast, you’ll explore Todra Gorge, often described as a canyon of imposing cliffs that seem to touch the sky. Reviewers highlight the breathtaking views and the opportunity to walk along the riverbed, which offers excellent photo angles.

From there, the journey continues toward Erfoud, a town famous for its fossils and mineral products. This is a good chance to experience Morocco’s geological richness. The highlight of the day is arriving at Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. The camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes is a major draw, with travelers mentioning the beautiful desert sunset and the chance to experience the iconic camel ride.

The overnight stay is in a desert camp, which adds a layer of authenticity to the adventure. Reviewers note that the camp is a traditional setup, and many appreciate the opportunity to sleep under the stars.

Day 3: From Merzouga to Fès with a Sunrise Camel Trek

The final day kicks off early with a sunrise camel trek — a highlight that many travelers praise for its extraordinary views and peaceful atmosphere. After returning to Merzouga, you’ll set off for Fès, passing through Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains.

A stop in Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland,” offers a surprising change of scenery with its alpine-style architecture and cedar forests. Here, the reviews mention the beautiful cedar groves and the possibility of seeing monkeys in the wild.

The journey ends in Fès, where the tour drops you off at your accommodation or preferred location. The drive takes about 9 hours, but the scenic stops and natural beauty make the long hours worthwhile.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers like Caro_B lauded the trip, especially praising the driver Abdul, describing him as attentive and caring. She highlighted the trip as “very secure and pleasant”, which is an important reassurance when traveling through remote areas.

Many travelers appreciate the balance of natural sites and cultural stops, emphasizing that the tour feels well-organized and offers an authentic experience. The inclusion of fossil and cedar forest visits adds extra layers of interest, beyond just the desert.

While some mention the long travel hours, they often say it’s a fair trade for seeing so much in such a short time. The small group size (max 15) means that it doesn’t feel overly rushed, and you get some personal attention.

Practical Aspects

Transportation

Travel is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, suitable for long hours on the road. The group size of up to 15 travelers also helps create a more intimate atmosphere, less like a big tour bus and more like a road trip with friends.

Meals and Inclusions

Breakfasts are included each morning, along with two dinners — a good value for the price. However, lunch is not included, so you may want to budget extra for midday meals. Entrance fees to key sites like Ait Benhaddou and Merzouga Desert are covered, simplifying your planning.

Activities

Highlights include the camel trek, sand-boarding (if you’re feeling adventurous), and visits to scenic sites. The camel ride and overnight desert camp are the standout experiences, offering a genuine taste of desert life.

Considerations

The tour involves long travel days, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with extended hours in a vehicle. Also, travelers should be prepared for varying weather — from mountain chill to desert heat — and pack accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This trip offers a compelling way to see the diverse landscapes of Morocco in just three days, blending natural beauty with cultural insights. For those eager to experience the Sahara, camel treks and desert camps are what make this tour special. The stops at Ait Benhaddou and Todra Gorge combine history and stunning scenery, making it ideal for travelers who want a balanced itinerary.

The affordable price point covers a lot — transportation, guide services, entrance fees, and authentic experiences. If you’re looking for a well-organized, immersive adventure that minimizes hassle but maximizes memorable moments, this tour fits the bill.

However, travelers should be comfortable with long travel hours and the potential for crowds at popular sites. The tour’s small-group setting and attentive driver help mitigate some of these concerns, providing a more personal experience.

This journey is best suited for adventurous travelers with an eye for scenic landscapes, cultural sites, and desert life. It’s a solid choice for those wanting to combine history, natural beauty, and authentic Morocco in a manageable timeframe.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes breakfasts, two dinners, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a camel trek, sand-boarding, and entrance fees to sites like Ait Benhaddou, Valley of the Roses, Merzouga Desert, and Azrou Cedar Forest.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. It’s generally suitable for those comfortable with long hours in a vehicle, as the trip lasts about 9 hours on the last day.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, which helps ensure a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, there is a free cancellation policy. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are meals included?
Breakfasts are included daily, and two dinners are provided. Lunch is not included, so plan to bring some extra snacks or money for midday meals.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
Many say the camel trek into the Sahara and the scenic stops at Dades and Todra Gorges are the most memorable parts.

Is there a guide during the stops?
Yes, a guide accompanies you for site visits like Ait Benhaddou. However, a local guide in Ait Benhaddou is not included, so you might explore on your own during that stop.

This 3-day Marrakech to Fès tour via Merzouga delivers a well-rounded Moroccan experience, balancing natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and authentic desert life — all at a reasonable price point. It’s a great way to squeeze in a bit of everything Morocco has to offer in just a few days.