Marrakesh to Fez 3-Day Desert Tour: A Genuinely Honest Review

So, you are probably thinking about that three-day trip from Marrakesh over to Fez, right? Honestly, it’s one of the most talked-about routes in Morocco. You actually get to see a huge slice of the country, moving from a lively city, through seriously massive mountains, and then, you know, right into the Sahara Desert. As I was saying, it is not just a simple transfer; it is a full-on road trip that sort of packs a week’s worth of sights into just 72 hours. To be honest, lots of people wonder if it’s too rushed or if it is the perfect way to see the highlights. Well, we did it, and frankly, we have a lot of thoughts. Basically, we want to give you a real, person-to-person idea of what to expect, the amazing parts and, of course, the bits that are a little less glamorous.

Day 1: Winding Roads from Marrakesh to Dades Valley

Okay, so on the first morning, things usually kick off pretty early. Actually, you will find yourself in a minibus or a 4×4, saying goodbye to the controlled chaos of Marrakesh’s medina. For instance, the drive pretty much begins right away, and you start climbing into the High Atlas Mountains. Seriously, the views get kind of wild, very quickly. The road itself, the Tizi n’Tichka pass, is literally a ribbon of asphalt clinging to the side of these huge, reddish-brown mountains. It’s almost a little nerve-wracking but absolutely stunning. In other words, you will make a few stops for pictures and some mint tea along the way.

By the way, the big stop for the day is Ait Benhaddou. At the end of the day, this place is something else. It is basically a whole village made of reddish mudbrick, a ksar that looks like it’s straight out of a movie. As a matter of fact, it literally is—they filmed scenes for Gladiator and Game of Thrones here. You typically get about an hour or two to explore, climbing up the winding alleys to the top for a really amazing view of the surrounding area. In that case, after Ait Benhaddou, you just keep driving. The landscape, you know, starts to change again. In the same way, you pass through Ouarzazate, which has some big film studios, and then you head into what they call the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Finally, as the sun gets low, you arrive in the Dades Valley, and your hotel for the night is usually right there, sort of tucked among these crazy cool, wavy rock formations that look like monkey fingers.

Day 2: Into the Great Sand Sea of Merzouga

Alright, so day two starts with breakfast, and then you are off to the Todra Gorge. Honestly, this was a part that really surprised me. You more or less walk along a little river at the bottom of this gigantic canyon. The walls, you know, go straight up on either side, and they are incredibly high. It makes you feel really small, but in a good way. It’s pretty cool, and you can get some amazing photos here. Still, you are not here for long, maybe an hour or so, because the main event of the day is just ahead.

In the meantime, the rest of the afternoon is basically spent driving towards the desert. Now, the scenery flattens out, and you can just feel the Sahara getting closer. As I was saying, you eventually reach a small town called Merzouga, which is right on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. At the end of the day, this is where the magic happens. You meet your camels, and to be honest, it is a slightly awkward but really fun experience getting on one. And then, you know, you are off. You are slowly swaying through these incredible, orange-gold sand dunes. There’s really no sound except for the soft padding of the camel’s feet in the sand.

Seriously, watching the sun set over the dunes is one of those moments that you just won’t forget. The colors of the sky and the sand are sort of unreal.

After about an hour or so, you finally arrive at your Berber desert camp for the night. You’ll likely have a simple but very tasty tagine dinner under more stars than you’ve probably ever seen. Then, you might find yourself sitting around a campfire while the Berber guides play their drums. Honestly, the quiet of the desert at night, and the brightness of the Milky Way, is absolutely profound.

Day 3: A Saharan Sunrise and the Marathon to Fez

Okay, you will be woken up very, very early on day three, and frankly, you won’t want to miss it. They get you up before the sun so you can climb one of the nearby dunes to watch the sunrise. You know, seeing the sun appear over the horizon, lighting up the endless sea of sand, is just as powerful as the sunset. The colors are totally different—soft pinks and oranges. After that, it is back on the camels for the ride out of the dunes, back to Merzouga. Next, there’s usually a chance for a quick breakfast and a shower, which, let’s be honest, you will be very ready for.

Now, it’s important to be real here: day three is basically a travel day. A very, very long travel day. You will spend something like 8 to 10 hours in the vehicle driving to Fez. The drivers are definitely professionals and know the roads well, but there is no getting around the distance. Instead of just being a boring drive, the scenery does change a lot, which helps. For instance, you will pass through the Ziz Valley, which is this amazing river of green palm trees cutting through a dry canyon. Then you will climb up into the Middle Atlas Mountains, which are so different from the High Atlas. You might even see some Barbary macaque monkeys in the cedar forests near Azrou. By the way, one of the last towns you pass is Ifrane, and it’s just wild. They call it the “Switzerland of Morocco” because it has these alpine-style houses; it’s almost like you’ve been transported to a different continent. Finally, as evening approaches, you will roll into the ancient city of Fez, feeling pretty tired but also, you know, having seen so much.

What to Genuinely Expect and Pack

Right, so let’s talk about the practical stuff. You need to know that this is more of an adventure trip than a luxury vacation, particularly with the standard tour options. The minibus can get a little crowded, and the air conditioning might be, well, a bit unpredictable. You’ll be with a group of other travelers, which can be really fun or, you know, a bit of a mixed bag. As a matter of fact, bringing a good attitude is probably the most important thing to pack.

So, here is a quick list of things you should definitely bring with you:

Cash: Actually, you’ll need it for lunches, drinks, snacks, and, of course, tips for your driver and guides. So, don’t rely on cards.
Comfortable Clothes: Think light layers. It can be very hot during the day and then surprisingly cold in the desert at night. So, a warm jacket or fleece is a must.
Sun Protection: You absolutely need a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. The sun, especially in the desert, is no joke.
A Small Bag: You can typically leave your main luggage in the van and just take a small overnight bag on the camel to the desert camp.
Snacks and Water: While they stop for you to buy things, it’s a good idea to have some of your own, especially for the long drive on day three.

Is This High-Speed Moroccan Adventure a Good Fit for You?

Okay, so at the end of the day, is this trip right for you? Well, it sort of depends on what you’re looking for. If you are short on time and really want to experience the Sahara Desert, then yes, this trip is pretty much perfect. You get to see an incredible amount of the country’s diverse landscapes in a very efficient way. In other words, for the price, the value is often fantastic. You get transport, two nights of accommodation, some meals, and that unforgettable camel trek all included.

On the other hand, if you are the kind of person who likes to take things slow, who wants to spend a whole afternoon just soaking in the atmosphere of one place, this might feel a little too rushed. The schedule is pretty tight, and most of your time is spent looking out a window. It’s more of a highlights reel than a deep dive. For example, people with mobility issues or those who get uncomfortable sitting for long periods might find the travel days particularly challenging. Basically, it’s an amazing but demanding adventure. If you’re up for the fast pace and long drives, the payoff—seeing the sunset from a camel’s back in the middle of the Sahara—is completely and totally worth it.

Read our full review: Marrakesh to Fez 3-Day with Overnight Merzouga Desert Camping Full Review and Details

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