Marrakech to Fes Desert Trip: An Honest 2025 Review

So, you are thinking about that famous drive across Morocco, right? You know, the one that takes you from the hectic pace of Marrakech, all the way over to the old-world feeling of Fes. The truth is, that this three-day excursion is practically a rite of passage for lots of people visiting the country. In some respects, it gives you a quick look at a side of Morocco you just don’t see in the big cities. We decided to see what it was really all about for the 2025 season. You could say the idea of sleeping under the stars in the Sahara was something we just couldn’t pass up. Honestly, this kind of outing isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. Actually, it’s more about all the incredible sights you get to see in between. I mean, we figured it would be a very memorable experience, and at the end of the day, we weren’t wrong about that.

Day 1: Crossing the Atlas Mountains to Dades Valley

Alright, so day one kicks off bright and early from Marrakech. Your pickup is usually from your hotel or a spot that’s pretty close by, which is frankly a great help. You just get into a minivan or a 4×4, and sort of say goodbye to the city’s commotion. That first part of the drive, you know, it’s pretty much all about heading up into the High Atlas Mountains. The roads, they literally twist and turn up the Tizi n’Tichka pass. You apparently reach a height of over 2,260 meters, and the views are just something else. You really see the scenery change in a big way from flat plains to rugged, almost barren peaks. After a few hours, you stop at Aït Benhaddou, which is this really amazing old fortified village, like a kasbah. In fact, you’ve probably seen it in movies and stuff. We actually had a guide show us around the place, explaining its history which was very interesting. By late afternoon, we were making our way to the Dades Valley, where the rock formations are often called ‘monkey fingers’. We spent the night there in a little local hotel that was, to be honest, simple but very clean and welcoming.

Day 2: Todra Gorges and a Camel Ride into the Sahara

The second day, well, it was more or less the day we were all waiting for. First, we had breakfast and then we headed out towards the Todra Gorges. Seriously, these gorges are just gigantic river canyons with sheer rock walls that are incredibly high. We were able to get out and just walk along the riverbed, looking straight up. You honestly feel very, very small standing next to them. From there, we drove on for quite a while, passing through a few Berber towns until, basically, the landscape started to look a lot like a desert. That’s when you know you are getting close to Merzouga, which is just on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Okay, so this is where it gets really good. We pretty much left our main bags behind, grabbed a small overnight pack, and met our camels. I mean, riding a camel into the sand dunes as the sun starts to go down is kind of one of those once-in-a-lifetime things, you know? The quiet out there is absolutely complete. We finally got to our desert camp for the night, had a traditional tagine for dinner, and just sat around a fire while some local guys played drums. The stars out there are just unbelievably bright.

Day 3: Sunrise over the Dunes and the Road to Fes

Okay, so that last morning, they wake you up very, very early. You kind of wonder why, but then you remember it’s for the sunrise, and honestly, it’s so worth it. Seeing the sun come up over the golden Erg Chebbi dunes is something I really won’t forget. The light and the colors are just so perfect, you know? Anyway, after we watched the sun appear, we had a simple breakfast back at the camp. Next, we got back on our camels for the short ride back to Merzouga where our driver was waiting. In a way, you are sort of sad to leave the desert behind. From there, it’s a very long day of driving to get all the way to Fes. Still, the drive is pretty interesting. You pass through the Ziz Valley, which is full of, like, millions of palm trees. Then you head up into the Middle Atlas Mountains. We actually made a stop in a cedar forest near Azrou to see the Barbary macaque monkeys that live there, which was a pretty fun break. The whole scenery changes again as you get closer to Fes. Finally, in the early evening, you get dropped off at your accommodation in Fes, feeling completely tired but also like you have seen so much of the country.

What to Really Expect and My Personal Tips

So, here’s the deal, to be honest. This trip is an incredible value for what you get to see, but you just need to set your expectations correctly. For example, you will be in a vehicle for a very, very long time. We’re talking about hours upon hours of driving each day. The vans are typically comfortable enough, but they are pretty full. As a matter of fact, the accommodation on the first night and the food along the way are usually quite basic, yet they are perfectly fine and part of the authentic feel. The desert camp itself can vary, so just know that “luxury” might not mean what you think it means. It’s more about the experience of being there. My best tip is to just pack light. Honestly, all you need is a change of clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a warmer jacket for the chilly desert night. Likewise, bring some small cash for tips and for drinks, as those are usually not included. I mean, it’s almost better to think of this not as a luxury vacation, but as a real adventure. If you go with that attitude, you will probably have an absolutely amazing time.

“I mean, you kind of have to embrace the long drives and simple stays. At the end of the day, that is what lets you see the heart of the country, from the snowy Atlas peaks to the quiet, starry nights in the Sahara. It’s actually a pretty amazing transformation to witness in just three days.”

Key Takeaways for Your Trip

Be ready for a lot of time in the car; the distances are very significant.
Pack smart and light, including something warm for the desert night, which gets surprisingly cold.
Accommodations and food are typically simple and local, so it’s best to think of it as part of the experience.
The sunrise and sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes are really the highlights. Don’t miss them.
Bring small bills (dirhams) for snacks, water, and tipping your guides and drivers.
The trip is one-way from Marrakech to Fes, so it’s a very efficient way to travel between the two cities while seeing the desert.

Read our full review: 3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes Full Review and Details

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