Marrakech to Fes 3 Day Desert Tour: A 2025 Review
So you are thinking about that Morocco trip, you know, the one that goes from Marrakech all the way to Fes through the desert. It is actually a very popular path for good reason. I mean, you get to see a huge slice of the country in just a few days. Is it actually as amazing as the pictures look? Well, this review is here to give you a really honest look at what you can expect in 2025. It’s almost a point-A-to-point-B trip that shows you a part of Morocco that is just completely different from the big cities. You see landscapes that feel like they are from another planet, honestly. This is the kind of experience that stays with you, so it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into.
Day 1: Winding Roads to the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs
Alright, so day one kicks off pretty early from your spot in Marrakech, which is actually a good thing. You basically say goodbye to the city’s lively chaos and watch the world outside your window begin to shift. The buildings sort of fade away and are replaced by plains, and then, almost suddenly, you start to go up. We are talking about the High Atlas Mountains here, you know. The road, the Tizi n’Tichka pass, is a series of hairpin turns that offer some seriously unbelievable views. In a way, you feel so small looking out at the deep valleys and little Berber villages that are kind of just clinging to the mountainsides.
The main event of the day, really, is your stop at Ait Benhaddou. Seriously, this place is something else. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you can totally see why. Walking through it is like you have been dropped onto the set of a movie, which, in fact, has happened many times here. Think Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You will likely get a local guide to walk you through the old mud-brick city, and it is almost worth it just for the stories they share. The view from the very top, looking out over the old kasbah and the new town, is honestly incredible. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ait Benhaddou Tours). After that, there is typically a quick stop in Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco,” before you continue your drive. The day usually finishes up as you pull into the Dades Valley, a place known for its amazing red rock formations that look like they’ve been sculpted by hand.
Day 2: From Gorges to the Golden Heart of the Sahara
Okay, so on the second morning, you will likely wake up to some really lovely views in the Dades Valley. After some breakfast, you get back on the road, and the first major stop is just fantastic. We are talking about the Todra Gorge, right. The river has carved this massive canyon with rock walls that are, I mean, hundreds of feet high on either side. You get some time to walk along the riverbed, and it’s a pretty humbling experience to be honest, feeling so small between these huge stone walls. Some people are even there rock climbing, which is kind of wild to watch.
After the gorge, the drive gets really interesting, as a matter of fact. The landscape just starts to flatten out and get more arid, and you know you are getting closer to the real desert. Then it happens. You arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. This is probably the moment you’ve been waiting for. You will almost certainly leave your big bags behind and meet your camel. The camel trek into the dunes is a real highlight, you know. The way the camels move, the complete quiet, and just the sight of endless waves of golden sand is seriously something special. The light in the late afternoon just makes everything look soft and kind of magical.
Finally, you get to your Berber desert camp just as the sun is starting to set. These camps can range from fairly simple to quite luxurious, but they all offer an incredible experience. That night, you will probably have a traditional tagine for dinner, sit around a campfire, and listen to the local guys play drums under a sky that is just filled with stars. The lack of light pollution means you see a night sky that is, honestly, just unbelievable. It is very quiet, very peaceful, and a moment you’ll likely never forget.
Day 3: A Sahara Sunrise and the Big Push to Fes
So, the third day starts before the sun is even up, but it is totally worth it, you know. Waking up in the cool desert air and climbing up a sand dune to watch the sunrise over Erg Chebbi is an absolutely core memory from this trip. The colors, like, change from purple and deep blue to orange and gold as the sun appears over the horizon, casting these really long shadows across the dunes. It is a very quiet and beautiful moment. After that, you’ll typically have breakfast back at the camp and then ride your camel back to Merzouga to meet your driver.
Now, to be honest, you should be ready for this day. Day three is mostly about driving, and it is a pretty long haul to Fes. I mean, it is a very long drive, so it is a good idea to have a book or some podcasts ready. The scenery, however, keeps on changing, which helps a lot. You will pass through the Ziz Valley, which is this amazing river of palm trees that just cuts through the dry landscape. Then, you head up into the Middle Atlas Mountains, which feel completely different from the High Atlas. Near a town called Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” you will drive through these cedar forests. And yes, you will probably get to see the Barbary macaque monkeys that live there, which is a pretty cool little stop. The temperature gets cooler, and the buildings look more alpine; it is a very strange and neat contrast to the desert you just left.
Is This Tour Actually for You? An Honest Perspective
Okay, so let’s get down to it: is this 3-day trip from Marrakech to Fes the right choice for you? It really depends on what you’re looking for, to be honest. If you are a bit short on time but still want to see the Sahara desert and a lot of the varied Moroccan scenery, then it is an absolutely fantastic option. It is so efficient. You cover a huge amount of ground and see mountains, gorges, kasbahs, and, of course, the big sandy desert without ever needing to go back on yourself. It basically connects two of Morocco’s most famous cities in a really interesting way.
For the traveler wanting to see it all without backtracking, it is pretty much a perfect solution. You just have to be prepared for the pace.
On the other hand, if you are the kind of person who really does not like long car rides, you might want to think twice. Seriously, you spend a lot of time in the vehicle. While the views are often amazing, the hours do add up, especially on that last day. So, if you prefer to take things slow and really soak in one spot for a few days, this whirlwind tour could feel a little rushed for you. It is more about getting a taste of everything instead of a deep study of one particular area. Read our full review: Marrakech to Fes 3 day tour Full Review and Details.
Practical Tips for Your 2025 Desert Trip
Alright, if you have decided to go for it, here are a few practical things to keep in mind for your 2025 adventure. Choosing the right tour operator is kind of a big deal. You will find options ranging from big group bus tours to private 4×4 experiences. A smaller group or private tour often gives you more flexibility to stop for photos or stay a bit longer somewhere you really like. Honestly, just make sure to read very recent reviews before you book anything.
When it comes to packing, you have got to be a little strategic. Here are some things you will definitely be glad you brought:
- Layers of clothing: You know, the desert is hot during the day but gets surprisingly chilly at night. A warm fleece or jacket is pretty much a must-have for the evening.
- A scarf or headwrap: This is seriously useful. It protects you from the sun during the day and can be wrapped around your face if the wind kicks up sand on the camel ride.
- Sun protection: This is a no-brainer, really. Bring sunglasses, a good hat, and plenty of sunscreen.
- Cash: You will want some dirhams for things like drinks, snacks, tips for guides, and any souvenirs you might want to pick up along the way. Not every place will take a card.
- A power bank: While some camps have electricity, it is always a good idea to have a backup for your phone or camera, just in case.
Finally, just be ready to be flexible. This is adventure travel, after all. Things might not always go exactly as planned, but that is sort of part of the fun, right? Go with an open mind, be ready for some long but beautiful drives, and you will have an absolutely incredible time.
