Fes Desert Tour Review: Is it the Best Way to See Morocco?

Thinking about a desert trip when you’re visiting Fes? Well, that two-day desert tour that loops back to Fes (or keeps on going to Marrakech) is certainly something that might catch your interest. This experience seems quite popular, but before you jump in, is that what you think will be really a good match for you? This piece, I suppose, will give you the lowdown, without, you know, holding back any important details. We’ll, basically, chat about what it’s actually like, point out the good stuff, and also mention any things that you might wanna mull over before you sign up. Hopefully, with my help, you’ll figure out if this whirlwind adventure in Morocco fits the kind of travel vibe you’re chasing.

What to Anticipate on the Road from Fes to the Desert

Picture this: The journey starts real early. It’s almost, like, you’re waking up before the sun to hop into, I guess, some sort of comfy van or SUV. The initial leg? That’s a bunch of scenery flashing by the window as you leave Fes. That morphs slowly from bustling city views into, pretty much, the countryside, with hills and fields kind of rolling away in front of you. You’ll likely make pit stops at places such as Ifrane. That’s this town that’s got, I think, serious Swiss vibes. Then there’s Azrou, where you might get to meet the local monkeys hanging about in the cedar forests. So, remember, those moments? They’re very important. It’s just as you get closer to the Sahara that everything genuinely changes. The terrain? Oh, that becomes noticeably rocky. So the palm trees start showing up, signaling you’re getting closer to the good stuff, that orange sea of dunes you’ve been picturing.

Day 1: Crossing the Middle Atlas and Approaching the Sahara

Leaving Fes behind, you’re straight away winding into the Middle Atlas range. These aren’t like, I suppose, your towering snow-capped fellows, but rather gentle hills decked out, very nicely, in forests. Ifrane? That deserves its nickname “Little Switzerland” – it looks so strange amid Morocco, you know? It’s a fun photo op, anyway. And that cedar forest that’s nearby in Azrou? Absolutely brimming with Barbary macaque monkeys. Keep a snack handy; they will get rather close. After lunch – usually in Midelt, a town sort of known for its minerals and apples – that topography takes a drastic turn. The landscape goes all harsh, volcanic, and those soft green hills shift to rocky plateaus baking in the sun. So, pay real good attention, it shows you just how incredibly varied Morocco actually is.

Day 2: Experiencing the Desert and Returning

Okay, picture this: The alarm blasts before daybreak, maybe around 5 a.m.. That might sound rough, yet trust me, viewing a Sahara sunrise genuinely makes it worthwhile. So, trek up a dune. Any dune, in particular. As the first light sort of creeps across, those sand start kind of gleaming with this insane intensity, different every single minute. I guess, following the sunrise, there is generally breakfast at the camp prior to going back. That return drive is typically just, you know, one long stretch with breaks along the way, possibly including more panoramas in the Ziz Valley (sort of noted for its palm groves) or another glance back from the Middle Atlas slopes if you’re looping back to Fes. Alternatively, if your expedition continues onwards toward Marrakech, ready for the High Atlas and yet more unbelievable scenery!

Activities: Much More Than Just Staring at Sand

I should, basically, mention those camel rides. They’re sort of, you know, one of the things everyone anticipates. Going across the dunes on camelback genuinely feels so dreamy, it’s almost stepping into an ancient picture. Also, camping overnight? Super magical. Envision having dinner right as stars pop out. Also sitting round a bonfire hearing conventional Berber drumming? Yeah, those are moments, you know, moments that definitely make for good memories.

Camel Trekking: Riding into the Sunset (or Sunrise!)

Right, so, that quintessential desert adventure has got to be a camel ride. Many excursions have, you know, these treks just as the sun is setting. That way, you will arrive at your camp in elegance as that last light is bathing that dunes. Picture how peaceful everything can be; just, well, the quiet rhythm just as camels lumber onwards and the warm hue just as the setting sun casts lengthy shadows through the sands. Getting upon a camel the first time? Okay, it can feel a little clumsy; yet you quickly learn the gentle sway in their stride is quite enjoyable. Pro suggestion: Dress comfortably, that is, pants instead of shorts. Those saddles aren’t as soft you would think they should be. Also, really protect your camera from the sand!

Overnight Desert Camp: Stars, Bonfires, and Berber Music

Alright, an evening in a desert camp, that can definitely change your perspective on evenings out forever. Several campsites cater from fundamental Berber tents to more comfortable “glamping”-esque accommodations boasting real beds together with running water. No matter that level of luxury, even now, anticipate a starlit sky completely unfettered by city lights. After dinner (frequently tasty tagine prepared above open fires) most camps get a bonfire where you could listen to local Berber musicians play conventional songs. Feel encouraged to participate by clapping! Gazing upwards? Yeah, constellations appear to spring out from an inky black canopy so dense you will definitely feel dwarfed, although completely and utterly awed. Seriously, you should make the most of these moments.

Selecting a Tour Operator and Knowing the Itinerary

Here’s something that I believe is so important: tour groups. I mean, not every operator provides quite the same experience, right? See whether that agency is well-rated, for example, on sites such as TripAdvisor. Think about precisely what exactly other travelers say concerning their personal trip style and also client services. That trip specifics? Examine these closely. How long does that drive basically get each day? What actually is contained in that total cost? What is their plan if weather takes a negative turn or that camels get moody? I’m not trying to spread worry, but I find it so crucial to be fully up-to-date before placing a downpayment.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Tour

Before handing your hard-earned cash over, there are several issues, arguably, you want to mull over thoroughly. First of all, look at trip timing. That heat during the summer can become intense. So shoulder months, like, you know, spring or autumn, have arguably way pleasanter conditions. Check precisely what the tour costs include. Are lunches, basically, involved or will you should pay on the go? Verify that tent amenities; some give basic coverings whereas others provide fancier “glamping” options with actual beds. Don’t neglect reviewing cancellation policies, also. Stuff happens; knowing your protections may prevent distress if your plans alter all of a sudden. Moreover, don’t forget your personal pace and tolerances with prolonged rides, also. Those adventures involve long times travelling; in the event that you struggle to sit for more than two hours at once possibly a more relaxed, slower-paced path better matches your lifestyle.

Questions to Ask Your Tour Operator

Contacting the agency personally prior to reservation, might just assist calm some worry. Start out by wondering how large those groups, basically, usually tend to be. Tiny organizations typically offer something like a more customized, intimate feel while much larger parties provide, perhaps, lower rates. Seek clarification as to exactly who’ll actually lead ones trip and regarding their qualifications – understanding nearby languages can definitely make any event more rewarding. Inquire relating to backup measures with regards to unexpected occasions – exactly how would that agency manage conditions where harsh climate helps make particular parts unattainable? Also, see whether they’re able to accommodate certain nutritional demands. A little groundwork goes a long ways regarding guaranteeing everything proceeds without issues.

Making the Most of Your Desert Encounter

Going into the desert without prep, I suppose, is almost not a good plan. Protect yourself in ways that actually make sense: Wear a hat. Also use tons of sunscreen, okay? Especially those times around midday. Take a little container. Definitely fill it up wherever there is water easily available. Those evenings might get a little bit chilly so it’s better if you take light layers you can also put on when you’re cold.

What to Pack for Your Fes Desert Tour

Packing appropriately often dramatically elevates your experience venturing from Fes inside the desert. Sunscreen appears non negotiable! Strong sun-block having large SPF helps prevent serious melts whenever trekking all day under-direct radiation exposure. Also, get a cap together with shades. It not merely defends, yet it decreases eye stress due to brilliant glare reflected through those sands. Transporting moist wipes may also demonstrate helpful during those dusty excursions or for refreshing after camel tours. Lightweight, breathable apparel produced from textiles just like cotton otherwise linen works ideally maintaining comfy inside heat while offering numerous sun-protection far too. Lastly consider having medicine and perhaps a tiny first-aid equipment including prevalent treatments similar to pain relievers also diarrhea prescription drugs. Basic preparedness does indeed reduce unneeded distresses throughout trips!

Respecting Local Customs and the Environment

Exploring responsibly isn’t only, well, decent—that adds significantly greater depth toward overall activities by itself! Be aware which Morocco follows really specific tradition relating modesty particularly any time getting visited way more remote sections much like countryside communities otherwise desert locations by themselves. Consider donning apparel covering thighs as well as shoulder muscles out publicly whenever possible when regard just as local community beliefs which support even more reserved habits. Also attempt practicing sustainability decreasing how big is throwaway plastic by taking recyclable fluids bottle always then choosing local services, typically fairly little, ethical suppliers assist help conserve nearby overall economies immediately although lowering environment footmark substantially throughout even so ! Engaging mindfully renders travel considerably significant equally yourself coupled to those receiving people just like!

Is the 2-Day Desert Tour from Fes Worth It?

Therefore, okay, that burning question, really: will it be something which, really, works? The two-day excursion originating in Fes? It’s basically suited towards whom? I’d venture this one: You want any glimpse of the Sahara, and time’s really, very tight? That’s amazing, in ways. That landscape viewing during travel? It makes any long automobile trek something unique, very unforgettable, in some way. Consider if getting quickly jolted through sights would definitely allow, genuinely, deep-seated appreciation with just what surrounds you, basically.

Pros and Cons of a Short Desert Trip

Any two day loop does really give a delicious introductory taste; yet what advantages, probably negatives come attached? Upon that advantageous finish you would definitely indeed mark away viewing dunes throughout Sahara also encounter some cultural elements in-between deprived draining quite considerably trip funds otherwise valuable family holidaying instance generally – amazing where timeframe runs exceptionally valuable especially, and that route features really magnificent perspectives also memorable brief opportunities right across just that program although about reverse aspects several quickly planned outings signify numerous instances throughout roadways regularly along these types of prolonged transfers basically exhausting as soon as that tempo can look too quick those interested immersive ordeals or perhaps much less in hurry – when just like may well provide better going even larger spanning possibly numerous night occasions alternatively centering purely closer one place as an alternative running by simply quite extremely rapidly ! Consequently weight completely everything prior option !

Alternatives: Longer Tours and Different Starting Points

Right, so what could someone actually do other than, basically, taking that quickie adventure if neither any schedules really line – is like what alternatives actually do are available right over horizon instead ? Well! Think prolonged escapades spreading easily numerous occasions maybe offering camping chances maybe within far off smaller traveller jammed districts furthermore – it permits drastically deeper investigating regional traditions and maybe less frequent rushed photograph opportunities plus ! Other choice means originates within different city possibly Marrakech in place for starting that excursion possibly — typically can minimize several back along journey hours although changing drastically trip’s focus just — thus think precisely all points counts essentially primarily exactly what feels right for just what exactly adventure style which may give maximum happiness from exactly something entirely special – really explore things thoroughly so that nobody neglects finding perfect option at conclusion. Honestly!