Flexible Fes Desert Tour: 3-Day Review with Transfer Options

Looking to experience the Sahara Desert? Well, a 3-day, 2-night tour from Fes sounds like a solid plan, that is if you want to see the dunes without spending a whole lot of time getting there. These tours, they often highlight flexibility with the transfers, which sounds good, doesn’t it? This review, it breaks down what you might expect, it gives you some things to think about, and it gives you a sense of whether or not it’s the best fit for, you know, your travel dreams.

What to Expect from the Fes Desert Tour

So, the basic idea with one of these tours, it’s that you are whisked away from Fes and spend a big chunk of time traveling. The main attraction is, you know, the Erg Chebbi dunes over near Merzouga. The itineraries usually include a mix of landscape views, stops at local places, and, of course, some time in the desert. Seems like a good mix, doesn’t it?

Accommodation-wise, expect at least one night in a hotel, often in or near a place like Erfoud or Rissani, that are gateway towns to the desert, basically. Then, of course, a night out in a desert camp, often in traditional Berber tents. These camps, they vary quite a bit in terms of comfort, so you probably should read the details really closely, or you should ask the tour company before you book, you know? Like your comfort matters a lot. A camel ride to and from the camp, that’s pretty standard and typically included, which sounds fun.

The transfers, they should be flexible in theory. Like, the ability to get picked up from one spot in Fes and dropped off somewhere different at the end, maybe. It’s also good, too, it’s almost like if the tour will drop you off somewhere further along on your route, it saves you time, so basically confirm these details before agreeing to anything.

Potential Itinerary Highlights

Okay, so let’s paint a picture of what could happen. Day 1 usually involves a lot of driving. It’s often through the Middle Atlas Mountains. The tours usually will try and schedule a stop in Ifrane, that’s often called “Little Switzerland” because of its architecture and, very, very, clean feel. Also, keep in mind there are some cedar forests where you just might spot Barbary macaques, which can be pretty fun, that is if you are into seeing monkeys.

Next, you pass through the Ziz Valley. Think endless rows of date palms down below. The tour guides usually know of good places to stop to let you take pictures, anyway, just to break up the drive. This day often wraps up somewhere near Erfoud, and they take you to a hotel. So, I would check to see if dinner is included or not. So, sometimes, if you are lucky, the hotel will have a pool for you to relax in.

Day 2, now, this is when you usually get into the desert. A trip to the Todra Gorge is commonly included. This spot, it is known for super high cliff walls. You can even walk through parts of the gorge itself, which is interesting. Afterwards, the tour goes to Merzouga, that’s on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. A camel ride brings you to a desert camp where you will have dinner, that is, depending on what the group decided to have. Typically there is music and stargazing that is an option too.

Day 3 is, often, a long travel day as you make your way back towards Fes. Now, based on how the tour’s structured, you may visit the city Rissani’s market, depending. Then, back through more landscape scenery for the bulk of the day, just to arrive back to Fes at some point during the evening.

Flexibility in Transfers: What’s Realistic?

Transfer flexibility can mean a couple different things, which can be quite convenient. So, sometimes, this is where they pick you up or drop you off, that is, from/to different locations, such as, from your riad, to the airport or the bus station, but sometimes it’s just not feasible.

But what can be extra helpful is that a tour, will allow you to be dropped off somewhere other than Fes at the end, that is, for an extra cost. Are you wanting to continue on to another destination? A place such as Marrakesh. See, it’s almost better than having to return all the way to Fes, then backtrack. So, really communicate your onward travel plans clearly before booking.

Questions to Ask the Tour Operator

• What is the exact itinerary? Ask for specifics regarding the stops, so, how long you’ll spend at each spot, you know, the routes taken.
• What kind of vehicle is used? If it’s a really long trip, it’s good to find out if you will be stuck in a mini van with others, that is, or if it is an SUV, which will give you much more comfort.
• Is there air conditioning? It gets so hot in Morocco, really.
• What’s included? Check the details to see if things such as, water, certain meals, or entrance fees are included. That way there won’t be surprise costs popping up.
• What are the sleeping arrangements? Find out more about the standard of lodging both at the hotel and at the desert camp. So, knowing the style of tent or room ahead of time may prove helpful for you.
• What size is the group? Smaller groups often make for, like your, better experiences where you get more personal interaction. But sometimes a private tour is much more to your liking, anyway.
• Are there any additional fees? Things such as, drinks at dinner, tips for guides and drivers, they may not be included. It just really depends, anyway, just ask so you can plan for any extra costs.

Is This the Right Tour for You? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Alright, now comes the big question! Now, there’s things that are awesome, and there are things that are not so awesome with this sort of quick Sahara trip.

Pros: If you have just a short amount of time, so, three days could be plenty for, like your, a peek into the Sahara, and you could squeeze it into a packed itinerary. Because the transportation, and your accommodation, it is already pre-booked, it should streamline things for you.

Cons: It is almost the equivalent of like, cramming. You will, basically, be spending a bunch of time in a vehicle. You may not feel that you actually got to slow down and experience anything. Make sure to consider all of this before you jump on the adventure.

Making the Decision

Alright, when deciding, just think about what your own priorities are. Are you running short on time and don’t want to stress over logistics? A tour makes total sense then! Okay, now what if you are someone who hates long car rides or if you love going at your own speed? That may mean this kind of experience, it just will not work for you, you know? So, it really is just a balancing act to decide.

Another factor you may want to consider, is, so, the cost. Now compare different tour operators because it can fluctuate by a bunch. Cheaper isn’t always better, honestly. Read reviews carefully, too, just to see if previous travelers found a particular tour worthwhile or not.

Final Thoughts: Is the Fes to Desert Tour Worth it?

So, it’s tough to make one blanket statement for everyone because all travelers are so different! In some respects, this tour provides a doable snapshot of the Sahara, but very, very quickly, too, of course. So, make sure that what it offers, you know, lines up with what you expect out of a trip.

And again, about that “flexible transfer” promise… So, make the tour provider clarify specifics beforehand. Make certain you are very clear on this point. Overall, if a whirlwind trip with the bare bones basics of the desert works for you, then by all means, go for it! If not, then keep seeking other options that may be a much better fit for you.

#Fes #DesertTour #MoroccoTravel #Sahara #TravelReview