Fez to Marrakech Desert Tour: A 3-Day Review
Planning a trip from Fez to Marrakech? A 3-day desert tour through Merzouga is a totally incredible option. We just spent three days on one of these tours, and now, we’ll get into the whole adventure. These tours are very liked by people wanting to experience the Sahara without, you know, spending weeks on a trip. Basically, here’s our complete lowdown, meant to give you a, like, good idea of what to expect and maybe help you decide if it’s the right pick for you.
Day 1: Fez to Merzouga – Middle Atlas Views
So, Day 1. That means, it’s an early start from Fez, so probably around 7:00 AM. The drive, I mean, it’s quite long, very long, so be prepared for a good amount of time in the car. However, like, the scenery makes it absolutely worth it. Almost immediately, you are heading into the Middle Atlas Mountains, which is just completely breathtaking. Now, what made the trip even better was that our driver, was, like, making stops at interesting spots along the way. One totally unforgettable stop was in Ifrane, which is, surprisingly, known as “Little Switzerland” because of its, umm, Swiss-style architecture and, seemingly, very clean vibes. It’s sort of a weird but actually neat contrast to the typical Moroccan setting. We even got a bit of time there, so, you know, had some mint tea.
Another significant stop was near Azrou, in a cedar forest inhabited by Barbary macaques, very cute monkeys that roam freely. Is that cool? The forest, very green and alive, was a refreshing pause, and it’s almost very cool to watch the monkeys. However, you know, keep your belongings close; those fellas are quick. After lunch, the journey went on toward Merzouga. This part of the drive, now, offered very cool previews of the desert as the landscape turned rockier and more arid. By late afternoon, we, too, arrived in Merzouga. Right then, it was off to the hotel to refresh a bit before our camel trek.
Day 2: Camel Trek and Sahara Overnight Camp
The camel trek? I mean, that’s what you’re signing up for, right? As the afternoon faded, we, of course, mounted our camels and, so, started into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Actually, this ride lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, which is totally plenty of time to soak in the tranquility of the Sahara. That time, that very light actually does things to the dunes, transforming them, seemingly, into shades of orange and gold. Very classic Sahara shot! Reaching the desert camp was certainly welcome. The camp typically is really, basically composed of Berber tents equipped with beds. It’s not a five-star hotel, yet it’s much more cozy than one might assume.
Anyway, after settling in, we enjoyed a very traditional Moroccan dinner. Think tagine, couscous, and that yummy mint tea, very much under a blanket of stars. Later in the evening, the Berber guides play music around a campfire, so naturally that means drumming and singing, too. Sitting there, almost by that fire, I could feel the vastness of the desert. Sleeping in the camp was something. The silence is that absolute; is that the quietest you can hear? Also, waking up early to see the sunrise over the dunes is entirely unmissable. Seeing the light spill over the dunes? That’s, in my experience, one of the beautiful things you will ever see.
Day 3: Rissani Market and Dades Valley
Is that early the next day, it’s back on the camel for the ride back to Merzouga. It’s, arguably, way shorter than the trip in, yet it offers a very neat change to experience the desert landscape in, you know, the early morning light. After breakfast and a shower, the tour heads toward Rissani. What is there? Well, it’s a market that, if that’s what you’re doing, that might appeal to you. This very local market provides a glimpse into the real, yet everyday life of the people in the area. It’s pretty much way more authentic and less touristy than the souks in larger cities.
After Rissani, it was, like, onwards to the Dades Valley. This trip involves passing through various terrains, featuring the Todra Gorge. I mean, this is pretty known for its super high cliff walls that attract climbers. Getting to the Dades Valley means witnessing a landscape shaped by canyons. The rock formations are weirdly beautiful, so expect a great place for pictures. What I found most impressive were the “monkey fingers,” that being crazy rock formations that really resembled fingers. We had a very comfortable night in a hotel in the Dades Valley. It’s almost, too, a much needed chance to rest up before the very last leg of the journey to Marrakech.
Final Day: Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech
On the final day, the drive involves visiting Ait Benhaddou. Know that this is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Is that great? That location has been used in films, such as, you know, Gladiator and Game of Thrones, and the like, so if you dig those you should be extra stoked. After exploring the ksar, we basically head through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. This pass is that highest road pass in Morocco, providing great, almost beautiful panoramic views. But you probably have guessed that! The drive itself, actually, can be intense due to winding roads and heights, so perhaps buckle up and breathe!
The mountains there change a lot; they seem different every kilometer you travel on them. Getting into Marrakech in the late afternoon makes the trip circle the way back around to normal again. Arriving at the hotel in Marrakech feels, you know, almost very strange, being as the craziness of the city contrasts totally against the tranquility of the desert we had just experienced.
Overall Thoughts on the 3-Day Desert Tour
Alright, what’s the verdict? So, is the 3-day desert tour really worth the investment of time and money? You bet. So, this tour packs a lot into three days, and you get so many distinct landscapes. However, there’s travel time involved so prepare for long drives. Basically, a couple tips: perhaps pack for all kinds of weather; it might be freezing nights and very hot days. Then you ought to carry water. Finally, prepare to leave the city behind.
Very much here are the things I wish I’d brought, so you don’t find yourself making these same, umm, amateur mistakes:
- Sunscreen: Basically, this is very critical. The desert sun is not soft!
- Layers: Now, mornings and evenings might be cold, very cold, so pack warm clothing.
- Comfortable shoes: In fact, you’ll need ’em for walking and the camel trek.
- Camera: Yeah, pictures will happen, obviously.
- A fantastic attitude: You may well experience long drives so get into the rhythm!
What really stood out? Okay, it’s seeing the Sahara sunset and dawn! But I’d go on it for those Berber musicians who play music around the campfire any time. I did appreciate what our guide was like as well as how the group sort of came together to get a vibe going. Is that cool? To sum it up, if that’s you then I’d advise going on this particular tour!
So, now, packing the sunscreen? Alright then get packing. See you there.