From Marrakech: 3-Day Trip to Fes via Merzouga Desert

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Marrakech to Fes, traversing the captivating Merzouga Desert. This 3-day adventure promises a unique culture and breathtaking scenery, as you explore the High Atlas Mountains, UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, and the dramatic Todra Gorges. Experience the thrill of camel trekking across the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend enchanting nights under the stars in a Berber camp. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and authentic Moroccan cuisine, this trip offers a chance to discover the heart of Morocco’s mesmerizing landscapes. Embark on an unforgettable adventure and uncover the secrets that lie between these two captivating cities.

Key Points

• A 3-day adventure from Marrakech to Fes, featuring scenic drives through the High Atlas Mountains, culture, camel treks, and overnight stays in a hotel and Berber camp.
• Highlights include visiting the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, exploring the Todra Gorges, and experiencing the beauty of the Erg Chebbi desert dunes.
• Participants will have the opportunity to witness stunning desert sunrises and sunsets, as well as explore traditional Berber villages.
• The trip includes pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, private accommodation, and most meals, with vegetarian options available.
• Participants should be aware of the physical demands, such as camel riding and sleeping in tents, as well as potential motion sickness during the scenic drives.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview

The trip from Marrakech to Fes via the Merzouga Desert is a 3-day adventure that promises scenic drives, culture, and exploration of the Saharan landscape. Priced at $174.39 per person, this tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and caters to small groups of up to 16 participants.

Offering pickup from your accommodation, the package includes an air-conditioned vehicle, English/French-speaking driver, and overnight stays in a private hotel room and Berber desert camp.

Highlights include traversing the High Atlas Mountains, visiting the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, and embarking on camel treks to witness stunning desert sunrises and sunsets.

With meals, entrance fees, and water/drinks provided, this immersive experience is suitable for most travelers, except those with mobility issues or pregnant women.

Itinerary Highlights

This 3-day journey kicks off with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech to Fes, traversing the Tizi nTichka Pass along the way.

The first day’s highlights include a visit to the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village known for its impressive adobe buildings. Travelers will then continue on to Ouarzazate and Tinghir, where they’ll enjoy a dinner and overnight stay.

On the second day, the focus shifts to the stunning Todra Gorges and Berber villages, followed by a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi Desert and an overnight in a Berber camp.

The final day begins with a sunrise camel ride before the journey continues through the Ziz Valley and Midelt en route to the historic city of Fes.

Marrakech to Fes

This 3-day journey commences with a scenic drive from Marrakech to Fes, traversing the winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains along the Tizi nTichka Pass.

The first stop is the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, a well-preserved fortified Berber village. Next, the route continues through the desert town of Ouarzazate, known as the ‘Hollywood of Africa’ for its film studios.

Afterward, the trip ventures into the stunning Todra Gorges, where towering limestone cliffs create a dramatic landscape.

Finally, the journey passes through the lush Ziz Valley and the alpine town of Ifran before arriving in the historic city of Fes.

1. Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains

2. Visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou

3. Explore the Todra Gorges and Berber villages

4. Journey through the Ziz Valley and Ifran

Tinghir to Merzouga

After exploring the Todra Gorges and charming Berber villages, the journey continues towards the captivating Merzouga Desert. Travelers will venture into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes, preparing for an unforgettable camel trek across the sweeping sands. As the sun dips below the horizon, you will settle into a traditional Berber camp, taking in the breathtaking views of the desert landscape under a blanket of stars. The evening will be spent indulging in delicious Moroccan cuisine and sharing stories with their fellow adventurers before retiring to their comfortable tents for the night.

Experience	Description	Duration
Todra Gorges	Explore the dramatic limestone cliffs and oases of this natural wonder	1-2 hours
Berber Villages	Immerse in the traditional way of life of the indigenous Berber people	1-2 hours
Camel Trek	Ride the "ships of the desert" across the undulating dunes of Erg Chebbi	1-2 hours
Berber Camp	Relax in a cozy desert camp, enjoying Moroccan hospitality and starry skies	Overnight

More Great Tours Nearby

Merzouga to Fes

Travelers wake early for a final camel trek to witness the magnificent desert sunrise before departing Merzouga and continuing their journey towards Fes. The drive through the Ziz Valley and Midelt offers scenic views of the changing landscapes. Along the way, they’ll pass through the town of Ifran, known as the ‘Little Switzerland of Morocco’ for its charming architecture and alpine-like setting.

Upon arrival in Fes, travelers have the opportunity to:

1. Explore the UNESCO-listed Medina, one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world.

2. Visit the famous Chouara Tannery to witness the age-old leather dyeing process.

3. Savor local cuisine in the vibrant food stalls of the Fes el-Bali marketplace.

4. Discover the intricate tilework and architecture of the Bou Inania Madrasa.

Included in the Trip

The trip includes a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable and immersive experience for participants.

Pickup and drop-off at accommodation are provided, along with an air-conditioned vehicle and an English/French-speaking driver.

Participants will enjoy a private hotel room on the first night and an overnight stay in a Berber camp under the stars on the second night, complete with toilet and shower facilities.

Meals include 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners, with vegetarian options available.

Camel rides for sunset and sunrise are also included, as well as entrance fees to all sites and bottled water.

The tour company strives to deliver a seamless and enriching journey from Marrakech to Fes.

Participant Considerations

In an article titled ‘From Marrakech: 3-Day Trip to Fes via Merzouga Desert’, it is important to note that this tour may not be suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments, as the itinerary includes activities that could prove challenging for those with physical limitations.

Prospective participants should consider the following:

1. The camel treks, both at sunset and sunrise, require the ability to mount and dismount the camels, which may be difficult for those with mobility issues.

2. The overnight stay in the Berber desert camp involves sleeping on the ground in tents, which may not be comfortable for all.

3. The scenic drives through the High Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley involve some winding roads, which could be uncomfortable for those prone to motion sickness.

4. The overall pace of the trip may be too demanding for those seeking a more relaxed experience.

Customer Feedback

Based on the reviews, customers have overwhelmingly praised the comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides, finding the experience to be highly immersive from a cultural standpoint.

Travelers appreciated the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes, from the High Atlas Mountains to the captivating Erg Chebbi Desert. Many commented on the unforgettable camel treks, both at sunset and sunrise.

While the included group meals were generally well-received, some customers expressed a preference for more individual dining options. Plus, some reviewers noted that the lack of included drinks during meals could be improved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Approximate Group Size for the Excursion?

The group size for the excursion is limited to 16 participants. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience throughout the 3-day journey from Marrakech to Fes via the Merzouga Desert.

Are Any Activities Included During the Free Time in Merzouga?

The trip includes a camel trek in the Erg Chebbi Desert during the overnight stay in Merzouga. Travelers have free time to explore the desert and Berber villages on their own or with the group.

Can the Trip Be Customized to Accommodate Specific Dietary Needs?

The tour operator can accommodate specific dietary needs for the included meals. Vegetarian options are available, and they’re willing to modify meals to meet other dietary requirements if requested in advance by participants.

Is There an Option to Extend the Trip Beyond the 3 Days?

Yes, the trip can be extended beyond the 3 days. Travelers can customize the itinerary to add extra days, allowing more time to explore the desert, villages, and cities along the route at their own pace.

Are Single Travelers Able to Participate Without Additional Fees?

Single travelers are able to participate without additional fees. The tour accommodates solo travelers and assigns them to shared hotel rooms and the desert camp. There’s no surcharge for traveling alone on this 3-day trip.

The Sum Up

This 3-day excursion from Marrakech to Fes offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the captivating Merzouga Desert.

Travelers will traverse the High Atlas Mountains, visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, and explore the dramatic Todra Gorges.

Camel trekking across the Erg Chebbi dunes and overnighting in a Berber camp under the stars promise a unique culture and breathtaking scenery.

With comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides, this adventure is a must-do for those seeking to discover the heart of Morocco.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby