Marrakech to Fez: My Private 3-Day Desert Escape

Okay, so the idea of trading the colorful buzz of Marrakech for the old-world charm of Fez had me very excited, it’s almost like setting off on an adventure, and the real clincher? Going through the Merzouga Desert with a private tour. You see, a 3-day trip sounded just long enough to soak everything without feeling like I was rushing, you know? Here’s how that played out, very real talk about the landscapes, the hotels, and all the unexpected stops.

Day 1: Over the Atlas Mountains to Dades Valley

Day one was mainly about getting out of Marrakech and aiming for the Dades Valley, alright? Early start, of course. My driver, he was called Hassan, and he was totally on point, that is to say, he knew all the best viewpoints, very friendly too. I mean, the High Atlas Mountains? Seriously impressive, like they’re showing off. Switchbacks for what felt like forever, but that meant great views all the time. In some respects, Tizi n’Tichka pass was something else, almost feels like the roof of the land. The air thins out way up there.

We stopped in Ait Benhaddou, typically one of those fortified villages. Loads of movies have used it as a backdrop, you know, Game of Thrones too, very iconic. Hassan knew a guy there who took me around, a bit of history, some cool photo spots that made it extra fun, basically. Lunch was nearby; tagine, what else? Pretty good, if a little touristy. We pushed on to the Dades Valley late afternoon. The hotel? A kasbah type place overlooking the valley, very scenic. Dinner was decent; nothing amazing, actually, but the view made up for it.

Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga – Desert Bound

The second day had a totally different vibe as we started moving into desert areas, just a little at first. The Todra Gorge was our morning stop. Sheer cliffs on either side, quite a sight, that’s a fact. There were some climbers there, which was interesting to watch, anyway. Then more driving. You sort of space out because the land goes on forever. Erfoud was a pit stop for lunch, just some sandwiches.

Merzouga came late afternoon, just a few hours before dark, so in short, we headed to the dunes right away. I did the camel trek thing. It sounds great, but truth be told, my butt hurt after an hour, basically, hahaha. Still, it’s that iconic desert picture you can’t skip. The desert camp was fairly basic, but the stars? Whoa. Dinner was surprisingly tasty – more tagine (of course, of course). Some Berber music after dinner by the fire. Really cliché, or so you’d think, but also unforgettable, naturally.

Day 3: Sunrise in the Sahara and the Route to Fez

Day three meant waking up super early. Sunrise over the Sahara is one of those things you just need to see, basically. It’s worth the sand in your shoes, I swear. Quick breakfast, back on the camel, and back to the car. From here, it was all about the drive to Fez, just a little, since it’s a seriously long haul.

We stopped at a couple of places, or so it’s like panoramic viewpoints and such, but honestly, I was mostly zoning out. The landscape changes slowly, turns from proper desert to more rocky plains, seemingly. Lunch was in Midelt. Pretty standard fare, alright. The hotel in Fez was a relief. It was in the Medina, like your tucked into the old city, so nice, too. I just crashed, very, since I was completely done in.

The Hotels and Riads

The accommodations really vary. That Dades Valley hotel was grand with excellent views, anyway. In Merzouga, camp was what you would think, that is to say, minimal comfort, great for atmosphere. The Fez hotel was superb though. Definitely try to go for something in the Medina, for example, a riad if you can. Central location, character, and it gives you the experience for sure. The places included in most tours tend to be standard but can be upgraded, as I was saying, just be upfront when you book it.

Food Highlights (and Lowlights)

Tagine is, you know, everything, alright? Chicken, lamb, veggie, it all blurs together after a while, so in some respects, a bit overwhelming. I will tell you the best meals I had were when Hassan took me to little local places, just slightly away from the main tourist spots. Mint tea, it’s constant, seemingly. I will also let you in on some cookies, you know. Don’t be afraid to try the street food but use common sense, naturally.

What to Pack

Sunscreen: the sun’s super intense in the desert.
Layers: Cold nights, hot days. Gotta adapt.
Comfortable shoes: Loads of walking, scrambling, maybe camels.
A scarf: Great for sun, sand, or looking cool.
Hand sanitizer: Remote areas can get kinda iffy.
Camera: Obviously, actually.

Was a Private Tour Worth It?

Totally. If you can swing it, a private tour is seriously amazing, that’s the case. The flexibility is brilliant, very amazing to have. Stopping whenever you want? Priceless, so nice to do that. A great guide makes all the difference too. Hassan was super informative. Also, or, just a little side note: no arguing with other tourists about bathroom breaks or music choice. I think a small group is doable if funds are tight. Do your homework, by the way. Reading reviews is so essential before you pay.

Budget Talk

So the prices I can see online will vary wildly based on what you’re including (or not). I paid more for that private tour, seemingly, than joining a group. But think about the value that gets you, right? Shop around. Ask about exactly what’s included – meals, entrance fees, tips for drivers and guides, maybe too. There are tons of variables so just, clearly, make an informed choice. Don’t cheap out on key stuff to make sure that you have a great trip too, I tell you.

Final Thoughts, basically

Okay, if you have some cash to play with and want to knock off the beaten path on your terms, seemingly, consider going private, so do that! That three-day trip? Pretty exhausting but also something that is going to be locked in your head for years, maybe too!

To tell you this Morocco has really become a treasured memory, very beautiful place that’s now embedded in my mind.

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