Fez to Marrakech 4-Day Sahara Tour 2025: An Honest Review

So, you are probably thinking about this big road trip across a piece of Morocco, right? I mean, the idea of going from the old city of Fez all the way to Marrakech is a pretty big deal. Actually, the best part is that it cuts right through the Sahara Desert. We had been looking at pictures of those huge orange sand hills for, like, ages, and in 2025, we finally decided to just do it. Honestly, it’s more than just getting from one place to another. This is, you know, a whole experience that puts you face-to-face with a lot of different things to see, from towns that look like they’re from Switzerland to meeting monkeys and sleeping under a sky just filled with stars. Still, there’s a lot you probably should know before you pack your bags. So, I am here to share what our four days were actually like, with the good parts and the parts that were a bit of a surprise.

Day 1: Leaving Fez and Winding Through the Atlas Mountains

Okay, so that first morning was pretty much full of excitement. Leaving Fez behind is kind of a strange feeling, as a matter of fact. You know, you are trading those narrow, busy streets for an open road. Our driver picked us up really early, and basically, the van was pretty comfortable, which was a good thing since we were going to be in it for a while. The first big stop was, like, this town called Ifrane. Honestly, people call it the ‘Switzerland of Morocco’, and for good reason, right? The buildings looked just like they belonged in the Alps, which was obviously not what we expected to see in Africa. It was a little bit cool there, so it’s a good idea to have a light jacket with you.

After that, we pretty much started going higher into the Middle Atlas Mountains. The view from the window kept changing, which was really cool to watch. Next, we got to the cedar forests, and you know, our driver pulled over. That’s because there were Barbary macaque monkeys just hanging out by the side of the road, literally. They were sort of just waiting for people to give them snacks. Watching them play was really fun, and it was one of those moments that, you know, felt totally unplanned and special. The rest of the drive that day was, more or less, a long stretch through country that got drier and flatter the farther we went. At the end of the day, you really start to feel like you are heading somewhere completely different.

Day 2: The Heart of the Desert – Merzouga and the Camel Trek

So, the second day is what it’s all about, basically. This is the day we finally got to see the Sahara Desert. By the afternoon, we arrived in a little town called Merzouga, which is, like, right on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Honestly, seeing those huge waves of orange sand for the first time is something you won’t forget. They are so much bigger and more, you know, intense than you see in photos. Our group of camels was just waiting for us, looking sort of bored, like they do this every day, which I guess they do. Getting on a camel is a little awkward, to be honest. It lurches forward and then backward, and for a second you, like, feel you might fall off, but you get used to it pretty fast.

The ride into the dunes was absolutely the main event of the whole trip. Our guide led the way, and we just walked in a line as the sun started to get lower in the sky. Actually, it was almost completely silent out there, except for the soft sound of the camels’ feet in the sand. You know, it gives you a lot of time to just look around and think. The shadows the dunes made got longer and longer, and the color of the sand changed from a light orange to a deep red. We stopped to watch the sun go down, and it was, seriously, one of the most peaceful moments. Later, we got to our desert camp. The tents were surprisingly comfortable, with real beds inside. We had a traditional tajine for dinner, and then the local Berber guides played drums around a campfire. And the stars, I mean, you have never seen so many stars in your life. It was pretty magical.

Day 3: Sunrise Over the Dunes and the Road to Todra Gorge

Alright, someone will wake you up super early on day three, and frankly, you should listen. They want you to see the sunrise over the dunes, and you really don’t want to miss it. It gets a little cold in the desert at night, so you will want to have some warmer clothes. Climbing up a big sand dune in the dark is sort of tough, but you know, it’s completely worth it. Watching the sky change colors from purple to pink to bright orange as the sun comes up over the sand is, well, just amazing. It’s so quiet and still. After that, we had breakfast back at the camp and then, like, got back on the camels for the ride out of the dunes. It felt a lot shorter on the way back, for some reason.

Once we met up with our driver, we got back on the road. Today was all about canyons and old buildings, basically. The main stop was the Todra Gorge. This is a massive canyon with cliffs that are, like, super high on both sides of a little river. We got out and walked through a part of it. It’s really cool to feel so small next to these huge rock walls. You can actually see local people living their lives there, herding goats and stuff. We also stopped at a few different old mud-brick villages called kasbahs. You know, it’s interesting to see how people have lived in this area for a really long time. The drive itself was really pretty, with lots of palm tree groves and small towns to look at along the way.

Day 4: Ait Benhaddou and the Final Push to Marrakech

Okay, so on the last day, we had one more really big sight to see before getting to Marrakech. This was the Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. To be honest, it looks like something straight out of a movie, probably because it has been in a lot of them, like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. It’s basically a whole village made of mud and straw, built on the side of a hill. We walked across a bridge and then wandered up through its narrow little pathways. You can almost feel the history there. The view from the top, looking out over the landscape around it, is definitely something special. You’ll want to have your camera ready for this place, seriously.

After that, it was time for the final part of the drive. This meant going over the High Atlas Mountains. The road, which is called the Tizi n’Tichka pass, is really winding and goes up very high. Actually, the views are pretty dramatic. You can see snow on the peaks even in warmer months sometimes. It’s a little bit of a nail-biting drive in spots, with lots of sharp turns, but our driver was really good. As we started to come down the other side, you could just feel the air getting warmer and see the land becoming greener. Arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon was, you know, a bit of a shock to the system. The city is so full of life and noise, which is a complete change from the peace and quiet of the desert we had just left. It’s like entering a totally different world, at the end of the day.

What You Should Really Know Before You Book

Alright, so here are a few things that are probably good to know. The driving days are, like, really long. You spend a lot of time in the van, so just be ready for that. Bring a book or download some podcasts, you know? Also, the food is generally pretty good, but it can be a little bit the same after a few days—lots of tajine and couscous. So maybe bring some snacks if you are a picky eater. Here is a little list of things that you might find helpful for your own trip.

“Honestly, the Sahara sky at night is worth the entire price of the tour. It’s like a blanket of diamonds. Just don’t forget a warm jacket.”

• Packing thoughts: So, you absolutely need sunscreen and a sun hat. The sun is really strong. But, like I said, you also need warm layers, like a fleece or a hoodie, because the desert gets quite chilly as soon as the sun goes down. A scarf is also a really good idea; it can protect you from both the sun and any blowing sand.
• Cash is king: Well, you should probably bring some smaller amounts of Moroccan Dirhams with you. You’ll need it for things like drinks, snacks, tips for your guides, and any little souvenirs you want to buy along the way. Obviously, you can’t always find an ATM out in the middle of nowhere.
• Choosing your tour: You’ll see options for private tours or for joining a small group. We did a small group tour, and it was pretty fun meeting other people. A private tour, on the other hand, gives you more freedom to stop when you want. So, it’s just a matter of what you prefer, really.
• Set your expectations: Just remember that a lot of this trip takes you to remote places. The desert camp is comfortable, but it’s still a camp, not a five-star hotel, you know? Basically, if you go with an open mind and a sense of adventure, you will have an absolutely incredible time.

This trip gives you a look at so many different parts of Morocco in just a few days. You get to see the big mountains, the deep canyons, ancient towns, and, of course, the giant sand sea of the Sahara. It’s a lot to pack into four days, but honestly, it leaves you with memories that will stick with you for a very, very long time. It’s a pretty good way to see a big slice of the country. Read our full review: [Fez to Marrakech 4 Day Sahara Tour 2025 Full Review and Details]. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Reserve a 2025 Fez to Marrakech Tour]).