Marrakech to Fes: A Look at the 3-Day Desert Tour

Thinking of going from Marrakech to Fes, but not so sure about that lengthy train or bus trip? Well, the 3-day desert tour could be something to think about; it’s an awesome way to check out some incredible landscapes and really cool cultural experiences right smack in the middle of Morocco. I mean, it’s got its up and downs, sure, but basically, seeing the Sahara Desert is more than worth those minor inconveniences. You’re going to find info here to help you make the correct decisions as to whether this particular experience is, actually, right up your street and, too it’s almost, what to expect from pretty much the whole thing.

Getting Started: What’s the Idea Behind the Tour?

So, this 3-day desert trip – that, is – commonly thought of, by the average traveler – as more of just, like, a transfer from one town to another—Marrakech to Fes that is—yet spiced up, even more so, with some memorable stops. Very often, that is, the standard route would include some cool stops at places, say, like Aït Benhaddou, the Dades Valley, and of course the Erg Chebbi dunes around Merzouga. Really, you’re looking at tons of driving, alright, but very, very spread out with some truly breathtaking sights along the way. Most tours will throw, basically, camel trekking, an overnight stay in a desert camp, and sometimes even some local grub thrown right into the package.

The Nitty-Gritty: A Day-by-Day Look

Day 1: Marrakech to Aït Benhaddou & Ouarzazate

You’re going to start this, rather early—most pickups seem to start around 7 am. Basically, the first day’s the time when you will wind over the High Atlas mountains; it gives you a first peek at some jaw-dropping scenery. That first major stop would be at Aït Benhaddou, like your quintessential kasbah (that’s a sort of, like, fortified village) and what looks to be an incredible place with movie fame – think Gladiator, that kind of very old flick, that is. A local tour guide might be offered; it’s worthwhile, alright, just for all those extra historical insights and the chance to see, as a matter of fact, the area properly. After, that, it is onward to Ouarzazate – you know, that place that some actually call “the door to the desert” – maybe even a visit, that, is, to a film studio if you happen to be into, kind of, movies. Finally, wind down in a very comfy hotel within, as a matter of fact, the Dades Valley.

Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga – Heading Deeper

The second day, honestly, it packs even more sightseeing. We motor on through, basically, the Todra Gorges; those towering canyon walls appear to be quite the sight to check out! Like your typical stop there involves a wander round the gorge and many, like your, fantastic picture opportunities. Then comes that very, very lengthy drive over to Merzouga; all eyes will be set on getting those, sort of, Sahara views at Erg Chebbi. Late in the day, like your camel trekking begins, winding even further into the dunes. A sunset camel ride really could be one of those definite experiences you, perhaps, are not going to simply forget anytime soon! Eventually, you’ll end up, very possibly, in a desert camp and what seems to be the usual tagine dinner underneath a starlit sky. Pretty spectacular that, is!

Day 3: Sunrise in the Sahara and Ride to Fes

Ok, get up pretty early for, literally, that very famous Sahara sunrise – which, alright, it definitely lives up to the expectations! A camel trip on back toward Merzouga after your, literally, brekkie then happens, before hopping once again into, basically, the vehicle for a drive right on through toward Fes. Seriously, it’s a bit of a haul, alright, this bit of the trip with, arguably, some views along the way, though mainly this tends to be much more of a transportation kind of day, that, is. You usually end up arriving into Fes pretty late into the afternoon, tired, perhaps, yet certainly, in short, with images imprinted in your memory.

The Food Situation: What’s on the Menu?

When it comes to food, more or less, this desert tour can, I mean, be quite a ride in its own special way. Many meals – brekkie and dinner that is – are included inside, sort of, the tour packages, particularly when it comes to those hotels and camps. In short, they’re going to serve up, often, traditional Moroccan stuff. Think of things such as tagine; I mean, there’s beef, there’s chicken or veggie options served with couscous; salads seem common enough as starters, and things seem to get finished up with some fresh fruit. Very often, in a way, the breakfasts will tend toward more simple fares, perhaps, just bread, jams, cheese, also that omnipresent mint tea! Lunch spots seem not included and more down to you, or like your wallet anyway – stops occur, arguably, at eateries for tourists so, you know, the prices do look as though they tend be higher than, say, if you’re going local. It will probably be worth taking along some snacks as, in fact, there can happen to be very extensive distances among stops where things seem, more or less, accessible, in a way.

What You Actually Get Up To: Tour Activities

Clearly, this isn’t just that long, sort of, ride – activities really, truly, mark what feels special and make these 3 days memorable.

Aït Benhaddou Visit: Wander the alleys across this aged, aged kasbah. Think history and photo opportunities; also I do believe it offers, arguably, guided tour alternatives too.
Camel Trekking within Erg Chebbi: Without doubt, right, it’s a definite highlight. Take joy from a sundown camel trip to a desert camp.
Overnight Stay at a Desert Camp: Check out the culture in its truest version through traditional cuisine together with, in some respects, stories being told while the star shine; this really might, perhaps, create the atmosphere of the Berber lifestyle even better!
Todra Gorge Check Out: Wonder around the gorge and take some stunning pics right at the towering canyons.
Sunrise Viewing throughout Sahara: Wake right up very early inside what could be a very striking spot in the Sahara that perhaps gives just, a bit, unique perspective to this trip.

Things To Watch For: Typical Tour Issues

Look, all tours, truly, do have problems to note! With that Marrakech to Fes desert experience it’s certainly more critical just due to, kind of, what could be its extensive travelling times and diverse types.

A Long Drive: Make ready and get cozy prior those travelling day because each day could entail as much as eight hrs just rolling about – that truly will require patience plus having planned leisure activities for your own sake.
Tourist Traps: Just because something’s intended mainly toward tourist then the rates might be inflated including less, kind of, genuine encounters; shop wisely including decide where the investments occur cautiously.
Accommodation Quality: Accommodation quality is inconsistent – double-check ahead or have tour operator details plus images, and find any individual opinions if conceivable.
Guide Pressure/Sales Tactics: Get very wary and aware on unofficial, more or less, manual push concerning shops plus any providers that may happen because pressure, finally, really can remove something out of the actual expertise completely.

Maximizing The Actual Experience: Tips And Guidelines

So that you derive from any sort of visit everything is important to keep some crucial things in mind while increasing the potential that memorable experience:

Pack Properly: Consider all conditions – dress right in layers alongside warm clothes regarding cold mornings alongside evenings down; sunblock is essential and furthermore headgear is pretty essential!
Hydrate Frequently: Particularly throughout any dry heat through a desert, stay adequately hydrated drinking normally during almost every section that particular part on journey.
Value Native Heritage & Traditions: Exhibit just admiration for conventional cultures alongside dress modestly; ask just permission if trying, really, photos too – have even higher knowing through the surroundings surrounding everyone by you!
Negotiate Fairly: If purchasing keepsakes; deal openly through locals when going through the marketplace to feel confident but reasonable, just because doing these things could strengthen almost all native connections.
Review The Tour Itinerary Carefully: Know beforehand whats protected by this tour whats exactly not included to produce your personal individual preferences more consistent regarding how you see everything.

Is It Actually Well Worth It? A Definitive Judgment

Therefore, honestly, is the Marrakech toward Fes 3-day desert thing the perfect choice? I think that really can certainly depend, a bit, greatly throughout any own choices plus whatever most crucial to someone travelling:

Positives:

You could take, more or less, some unbelievable landscapes especially Aït Benhaddou combined by some epic, that, Sahara feel really.
It really mixes things – actions which involves checking older locations, doing fun journeys by something distinctive alongside some social blending alongside the Berber neighborhoods within that mix that.
Good choice when travelling straight involving both location quite successfully and including some exciting journeys thrown for that.

Cons:

The periods really long meaning this truly most suitable when individuals prepared perfectly ahead on the road.
Perhaps could sense very rushed whenever wishing in investing enough amount with every stop since everything tends being quite fast moving frequently.
Possible to face pressure over particular sales practices when never managing those ahead just so everyone stays fully careful whenever taking into consideration individuals instances within any journey – do just evaluate cautiously then generate honest option while remaining very strong relating every person expectations;

If a bit squeezed in periods; even though yearning with witnessing most breathtaking areas which exist out throughout all Morocco’s insides although, possibly a preference to experience anything quite varied beyond normal tourism things therefore which choice would turn rather wonderful when everything perfectly scheduled previously though that you take on. Then again remember being wholly prepared relating prolonged stretches although potential inconveniences along so that everything keeps working successfully when thinking through this entire part carefully by what everything really offers everyone that; so I think by doing one self homework initially before securing for virtually any kind, everything turns best in line concerning the experiences and wishes on ones traveling and so everything always remain effective just on doing so!