Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: A Real Review of the 3-Day Adventure

Planning a trip from Marrakech to Fes? You’re probably thinking about that epic 3-day desert tour, right? A lot of people ask if it’s really something they should consider, what the highlights are and so on. So, is it worth taking time out of your Morocco trip for it, what do you really experience out there, and what memories can you expect to come away with?

Setting Off From Marrakech: The Start of an Adventure

The expedition kicks off bright and early in Marrakech. Getting picked up is easy, and you get the feeling pretty quickly you’re about to go see some awesome things. It’s a really scenic drive heading out of Marrakech, passing through the High Atlas mountains. Too it’s almost like you’re stepping into a completely different story from what you’d experience in a busy city. The tour guides often share insights regarding Berber culture and local villages. Keep in mind the drive on the first day tends to be a longer one, but with plenty of stops at viewpoints and places to grab food. Still, don’t forget water.

A Visit to Ait Benhaddou: More Than Just a Photo Op

Ait Benhaddou! Ever watched a film and said wow that looks like somewhere I would like to go? Chances are, that film was filmed here. What it actually is, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many famous movies and TV programs are filmed here, which kind of adds to the excitement. So you might have to pretend to be a star for five minutes! You can check out the history of the Kasbah and it makes for great photo opportunities, of course. I feel like it is much more rewarding, anyway, if you appreciate that this is someplace real with some significant culture, rather than viewing it as some old film set. Get lost in all the narrow streets for the best experience.

Camel Trekking and Desert Camping: The Heart of the Tour

Let’s get to one of the best bits. The camel trek to the desert camp is an awesome highlight. Camel rides are often what people picture when they dream of seeing Morocco’s desert, and is that, for most, an hour or so into the Sahara is a truly unique experience. So there’s nothing quite matching riding a camel when the sun dips below the dunes. When you arrive at the camp, most of them come equipped with cozy tents and pretty impressive food. You might see a few musicians, but just relaxing, sitting round with other guests and stargazing will do the trick. The desert nights are remarkably silent, offering an amazing escape. If you happen to be sensitive to sounds at night, I suggest bringing some earplugs. Most people sleep well though and, in the morning, getting up to catch the sunrise is one of those memories you won’t forget anytime soon.

Quad Biking Adventures: An Adrenaline Rush

Fancy switching from camel to quad? Some tour operators offer the choice of a quad biking adventure in the desert and that can be really exhilarating. Getting a quad really gives you the ability to explore some bigger spaces. So zooming across those sand dunes creates an exhilarating sensation. I suggest booking your spot well ahead, and maybe give yourself some time to try it out for a couple of minutes first! One tip: Don’t be scared to get covered in sand!

The Road to Fes: Winding Through Scenic Routes

As you drive from the desert toward Fes, you pass by even more awesome landscapes. I’d say the Ziz Valley in particular is a sight that stands out. Keep your cameras ready to take lots of pics! The tour guides usually stop at interesting viewpoints and offer a bit of the history as you head back into more populated regions. So you’ll notice the world gets more green and lush when compared to the desert landscapes you’ve been cruising through.

What to Keep in Mind When You Go On A Tour

Here are some pointers:

1. Be prepared for some seriously long drives: Some of these rides go on for many hours. Remember to factor in travel time when booking!
2. Dress Comfortably: This might seem obvious, but wear comfy clothes to sit in for long times and layers in case you go from baking to freezing when the sun sets!
3. Bring extra batteries/power bank: Photo opportunities are constant, especially if the group are all in selfie mode every five minutes!
4. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat: Sun protection should be priority one.
5. Check reviews, or ask friends, to find an awesome local guide.A great guide brings all the sites to life!
6. Haggle respectfully: Bargaining is totally acceptable in markets, so be sure to haggle, but keep it nice, people are trying to make a living.
7. Try to respect local customs: Dressing modestly when you are out and about shows consideration for their ways.
8. Don’t be too ambitious in the time you allow per destination. It is very, very easy to become overly ambitious when trying to factor in seeing as much of a place as possible, but a more realistic approach tends to bring better results!

Is This Trip For You?

So this adventure tends to attract different types. People who are keen on scenic drives and gorgeous natural features. Someone who’s fascinated by cultural encounters and wants something authentic out of their travels. It’s basically a good value way to cram in as many locations and sights as possible! If you find yourself limited on time, or restricted by funds, this kind of package gets a big thumbs up! Having said all of that, just to add to the real-world feeling of my opinions, maybe factor in extra time in places such as Fes, where there is much more to explore than might seem possible at first. The tour provides you with just a very quick taster.

Some Common Questions