One of the most enjoyable ways to get to know a country is to take multi-day tours. Getting to know Morocco is no different. A three-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes will provide you with a fantastic experience of Morocco’s desert landscape and culture.
Finding the best 3-day tour options can be tricky, so we have compiled a list of our top three picks for 3-day desert tours taking you from Marrakech to Fes. Pre-arranged tours make life a lot easier as you can rely on your guide to get you safely to where you need to be while you concentrate on enjoying the scenery and atmosphere.
Safari Rose: 3-Day Tour Marrakech To Fes With Overnight Desert Camping
Safari Rose has put together a great 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes, emphasizing the desert experience. The tour is semi-private and limited to 17 individuals, so you will get a bit of socialization mixed in with privacy.
From visiting local villages to marveling at the desert scenery, this tour provides a great experience and value for money. The tour includes both nights’ accommodation, one night in a hotel and the other in a desert camp, two breakfasts and two dinners, as well as hotel collections and drop-offs.
A full-time guide, an air-conditioned mini-van, and an exciting desert camel trek are also included in the tour package. Guests will need to buy their lunches and drinks, as well as any site guides and, of course, tips.
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The first day of the tour starts in Marrakech and heads to Tizi n’Tichka, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Rose Valley, and then ends in Tinghir overnight. The day covers a trip into the Atlas Mountains and a wander around the UNESCO World Heritage site Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, which has been given further fame as the location for many Hollywood movies.
Day two travels from Tinghir to the Todra Gorges, Tinjdad, and Erfoud. Lastly, you will get the perfect desert experience in the Merzouga Dunes, where you will enjoy a camel ride to a desert camp and enjoy traditional Berber hospitality while enjoying the views from the dunes.
The last day starts with another camel ride back to the vehicle, and a beautiful drive through Errachidia and on to Medilt, the Atlas Mountains, and Ifran, and arrive at Fes, where you will be dropped off at your chosen hotel.
As far as three-day tours go, this is a good option, it’s in the middle price range, and the guides are very good. The tour is not offered to pregnant women or those battling mobility. If you battle to sit for long periods, you may not enjoy the last day as you will be looking at a ten-hour drive.
Ando Travel Ltd: 3-Day Desert Tour Marrakech To Fes
The Ando Travel provides a 3-day desert tour that includes a full-time guide and caters to English, Spanish, French, and Arabic-speaking guests. The tour is completed in a fully air-conditioned vehicle and is limited to 16 people.
The tour includes your accommodation for two nights, with the first night in a private en suite hotel room and the second in a private tent; luxury and standard options are available. Both accommodations provide breakfast and dinner. Guests need only cater their own lunches and drinks.
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Starting in Marrakech, the van will collect the guests at their hotels and will continue to Ait Ben Haddou, where you will get a guided tour of the village, after which you will be taken on a drive next to the Dades River and finally, overnight at Kasbah Amazigh.
The next morning the tour heads to an oasis, Tinghr, where you will get to enjoy a walk along the river to Todgha Gorges for lunch. After lunch, there is a short walk to Merzouga, where you will be collected by the camel caravan and travel by camel amongst the dunes to Erg Chebbi. There will be an opportunity for sandboarding for those so inclined.
As you will be arriving before sundown, you will get to enjoy an authentic Moroccan dinner and entertainment around a campfire.
The last day starts with a Moroccan breakfast and then a drive along the Ziz River, getting a glimpse of ksours (castles) on the way to Midelt, where you stop for lunch.
After lunch, the tour takes you through the Atlas Mountains and finally ends in Fes, where you will be dropped off at your chosen hotel.
This option is a bit pricier, but we like it as you don’t spend all day in a vehicle, and there is more of an outdoor experience. For the second night, we recommend opting for the luxury tent option, which is well worth the additional cost, as the standard option is rather basic and lacks privacy.
Morocco Destination Experts: Merzouga Desert Tour 3 days From Marrakech To Fes
The Morocco Destination Experts 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes. This desert tour is the best-priced option on our list. While hotel pick-up is possible, this is limited to within 8 miles of the city center in Marrakech; guests outside of this area can arrange to be collected from one of several pick-up points.
The tour is conducted in an air-conditioned mini-bus and has a minimum of 15 people. The tour price includes one night’s accommodation in a guest house and a second night’s accommodation in a desert tent. Both breakfasts and dinners are included, but you will need to pay for your own drinks and both lunches.
While the tour provides an onboard guide, further site guides will be an additional cost. The tour is multi-lingual, so your fellow tourists will come to many different places.
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Day one sees a trip that includes four stops, first at the top of a high pass Tizi N’Tichka, and then on to the magnificent Ait Ben Haddou. You will then head on to Kasbah Taourirt and then stop in Dades Gorges, the Moroccan version of the Grand Canyon.
The second day of the tour sees two stops, the first being at the Todra Gorge, where you will spend an hour exploring the beautiful surroundings. The second stop is at Erg Chebbi, but you will enjoy a camelback experience in the dunes before you get there. Erg Chebbi is the location of your second night’s accommodation in tents.
The last day includes 3 stops, your route will take you to Merzouga, the Ziz Valley, after which you will head to Zaida, Midelt for lunch, and the Azrou cedar forest, where you may see some Barbary macaques and finally end in Fes. Drop-off will be at your chosen hotel or specified drop-off points.
This three-day desert tour is the least expensive of the three for a reason. While the overall experience is fantastic, we would not recommend this option for older individuals. This tour is more basic and does not have options to upgrade the overnight stays to more luxurious options.
There is a lot of driving and sitting and little chance to walk around properly. Stops are limited to an hour to ensure the bus gets to the next destination in time.
As you can expect a minimum of 15 guests, you may find the tour too overcrowded, and privacy is a lot less likely, so for those hoping for a quiet getaway, this is not a great option.
Fes Desert Tour Highlights
A Fes desert tour offers a range of exciting experiences and highlights, including:
Merzouga and Erg Chebbi Dunes: Embark on a camel trek across the golden sands of the Sahara Desert, and spend a night under the stars in a traditional Berber camp.
Rissani and Erfoud: Discover the charm of these desert towns, including their lively markets, unique architecture, and rich history.
Ziz Valley: Wander through the lush palm groves of this scenic valley and marvel at the contrast between the desert and the oasis.
Todra Gorge and Dades Valley: Admire the stunning geological formations of these striking canyons and enjoy the verdant landscapes of their surrounding areas.
Ait Ben Haddou: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fortified village and ancient trading post with a distinctive earthen architecture.
Ouarzazate: Visit the “Hollywood of Morocco,” a city known for its film studios and the Taourirt Kasbah, a historic fortress and palace.
High Atlas Mountains: Traverse this breathtaking mountain range, taking in panoramic views and visiting traditional Berber villages along the way.
Moroccan cuisine: Savour the delicious flavours of traditional Moroccan dishes, such as tajines, couscous, and pastilla, throughout your journey.
Cultural experiences: Engage in immersive activities like a Moroccan tea ceremony, henna tattoo application, or visits to local artisans’ workshops.
Professional guides: Benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable guides who will share insights into Moroccan culture, history, and traditions, ensuring a memorable and enriching desert tour experience.
Accomodation
During a desert trip, various accommodation options are available to cater to different preferences and budgets. Some of these options include:
A luxury desert camp offers an extraordinary and unforgettable experience amidst the captivating landscapes of the Sahara Desert. A luxury camp will combine traditional Moroccan design with modern comforts to provide guests with an unparalleled glamping experience.
Standard Desert Camps: These camps offer a more authentic desert experience with basic tents and shared or private bathroom facilities. Although less luxurious than high-end desert camps, standard camps still provide comfortable sleeping arrangements, warm blankets, and traditional Moroccan meals.
Bivouac Camps: For an even more rustic experience, bivouac camps consist of simple tents or sleeping mats set up directly under the stars. This option is perfect for adventurous travellers who want to immerse themselves in the desert environment.
Guesthouses and Auberges: Situated in small towns or villages near the desert, guesthouses and auberges offer modest private rooms with ensuite or shared bathrooms. These accommodations often serve home-cooked Moroccan meals and provide a comfortable, family-run atmosphere.
Ecolodges: For travellers interested in sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation, ecolodges are an excellent choice. These lodges combine traditional Moroccan design with environmentally-conscious practices, such as using solar power, conserving water, and supporting local communities.
Berber desert camp: A Berber desert camp offers an authentic and immersive experience in the Sahara Desert, giving guests a unique opportunity to learn about and engage with the Berber culture.
Fes Desert tour price
The price of a desert tour in Morocco can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the duration of the tour, accommodation type, included activities, and level of service. Here are some general price ranges for different desert tour options:
Budget Tours: For those on a tight budget, prices can range from $130 to $325 per person for a 2-3 day tour. These tours typically include basic accommodation, such as standard desert camps or modest guesthouses, and may involve shared transportation.
Mid-range Tours: Mid-range desert tours can cost between $325 and $780 per person for a 3-4 day tour. These tours offer a balance of comfort and affordability, often featuring a mix of standard and luxury desert camps, guesthouses, or hotels, as well as private transportation.
Luxury Tours: For a high-end experience, luxury desert tours can range from $780 to $1,950 or more per person for a 3-4 day tour. Along with an experienced tour guide, these tours include premium accommodation, such as luxury desert camps or upscale hotels, private transportation, gourmet meals, and personalized services like Camel trekking.
Keep in mind that these price ranges are approximate and can fluctuate based on the specific itinerary, time of year, and demand. It’s essential to research different tour operators and read reviews to ensure you find a reputable company that offers the best value for your budget.
The prices mentioned above usually cover accommodation, transportation, some meals, and guided activities. However, they may not include extras like entrance fees, tips, or optional activities, so it’s essential to budget for these additional expenses as well.
FAQ on Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Can you do a day trip to the Sahara Desert from Marrakech?
A day trip to the Sahara Desert from Marrakech is not recommended due to the long travel distance. The typical Marrakech to Fes desert tour takes a minimum of 3 days, which allows for a more immersive experience and the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, Berber villages, and other highlights.
Is the Sahara desert worth visiting?
Absolutely! The Sahara Desert is a unique and breathtaking destination, offering visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A Sahara Desert tour allows you to traverse the golden sand dunes, witness mesmerizing sunsets, and enjoy an authentic desert camp experience, including camel rides and traditional Berber music.
How far is Fez from the desert?
Fez is about 470 kilometers from the Merzouga Sahara Desert, which is the most popular desert destination in the region. Traveling between the two locations usually takes about 7-8 hours by car, making a multi-day Fes desert tour the best option to fully enjoy the experience.
How long does it take to get to the desert from Marrakech?
The travel time from Marrakech to the desert’s gateway city, Merzouga, is approximately 9-10 hours by car. Due to this long journey, a 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour is the recommended option, as it allows for stops at various scenic locations and attractions en route, such as the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and Dades Valley.
How many days in Marrakech and Fes?
A 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes is the most popular choice, but visitors can also opt for longer tours to spend more time exploring the cities and surrounding areas. It is generally recommended to spend at least 2-3 days in each city to fully appreciate their rich history, architecture, and culture.
Where do you stop between Fes and Marrakech?
On a Marrakech to Fes desert trip, there are several interesting stops between the two cities. These include the High Atlas Mountains, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the Rose Valley, Dades Valley, Todra Gorges, and the Ziz Valley. These stops provide an opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes, culture, and history of the region.
How far is Fez from Marrakech by train?
Fez is approximately 530 kilometers away from Marrakech by train. The train journey takes around 7-8 hours, with several departures daily. Although the train is a comfortable and convenient mode of transportation between the two cities, it does not offer the opportunity to explore the desert and other attractions found on a Marrakech to Fes desert tour.
How far is the desert from Fes?
The desert, specifically the Merzouga Sahara Desert , is approximately 470 kilometers from Fes. It takes around 7-8 hours to reach the desert from Fes by car. Due to the distance and travel time, a multi-day Fes desert tour is the best way to experience the Sahara Desert and the various attractions along the way.
How do I get to the desert from Marrakech?
The most popular way to get to the desert from Marrakech is by joining a guided desert tour. A 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour typically includes transportation, accommodation, a camel trek to a desert camp, and visits to various attractions such as the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, and the Dades Valley.
Alternatively, you can rent a car and plan your own itinerary, but it’s important to note that driving in Morocco can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the country’s roads and traffic conditions.
