Shared Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

(1140 Reviews)

Overview:

Embark on the Shared Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour, a budget-friendly, three-day adventure perfect for couples and small groups of friends. Priced at 169 Euros per person, this tour caters to groups of up to 17 participants and covers 530 kilometers from Marrakech to Fes. The journey includes historical stops at Kasbahs, traditional Berber villages, and breathtaking sites like the Merzouga desert, Ziz Valley, and the Middle Atlas Cedar forests. Highlights include crossing the High Atlas Mountains, exploring the Rose Valley and Todra Canyons, and venturing through Ifran, known for its alpine scenery. Each night’s accommodation is private, with the first night in the scenic Dades Valley and the second in a magical Sahara desert camp within the Erg Chebbi dunes. Led by expert guides, this tour combines cultural depth with natural splendor, offering a memorable and immersive Moroccan experience.

Shared Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Highlights:

  • Cross the High Atlas Mountains: Travel over the scenic Tizi N'tichka pass and visit the historic Kasbah Ait Ben Hadou.
  • See the Rose Valley: Admire the colorful landscapes and traditional villages on your way to the Dades Canyons.
  • Visit Todra Canyons: Explore the towering rock formations after a walk by the Tinghir oasis stream.
  • Camel Ride in Merzouga: Enjoy a sunset camel ride over the dunes and camp under the stars in the Sahara.
  • Discover the Middle Atlas: Journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains and cedar forests on your way from Merzouga to Fes.

Group 3-Day Desert Tour Itinerary from Marrakech to Fes:

  • Day 1 : Marrakech → Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou → Boumalne Dades ( 7 Hours Drive )

    Your shared Marrakech to Fez desert tour will start in the morning with pick up from your hotel or the nearest accessible point to your riad. After driving past Marrakech suburbs, full of small towns and different farms, we start driving uphill to cross the High Atlas Mountains. You will make a quick stop for coffee and a toilet before you reach the famous Tizi Ntichka pass (2260 m high).
    Numerous stops will be made to take photos and stretch your legs before the landscape dramatically changes upon approaching Kasbah Air Ben Hadou. This UNESCO classified village is one of the most visited landmarks in Morocco. It is famous for having been -and still is- used for different Hollywood epics (Game of Thrones, Kingdom of Heaven, Gladiator)
    If you wish, you can hire a local guide with the rest of the group ( optional ) to visit the village before choosing a local cafe for lunch.
    In the afternoon, we continue to Dades Valley past Ouarzazate, Skoura Oasis, and Klaa Mgouna; the latter is famous for its Damascus rose plantation and distillation. The journey between Ouarzazate and Dades is “The road of 1001 Kasbahs.”
    Upon arrival at Boumalne Dades, deviate to a minor road driving past amazing scenery of Dades River, with different fortified Berber villages in the backdrop.
    Arrive at your Dads Hotel just before it gets dark, and enjoy your dinner.

    Accommodation Details:
    Hotel le chateau

  • Day 2 : Boumalne Dades → Tinghir - Merzouga → Erg Chebbi ( 5 Hours Drive )

    After breakfast at your hotel, get ready for an amazing journey. First, you will arrive at Tinghir oasis, where you will have the chance to walk along the stream under the shade of palm and olive trees, witnessing local Berbers taking care of their crops or herding their cattle.
    The walk will lead you to the majestic cliffs of Todgha Gorges, where you will have the opportunity to take some photos and enjoy the silence.
    After lunch at leisure at one of the local cafes, you will continue to Rissani past various small towns, oases, and Ksours (fortified villages). You can spot the pink dunes approaching over the horizon.
    Upon arrival in Merzouga, meet your camel caravan, and start an hour-long camel ride over Erg Chebbi sand dunes, marveling at one of the best sunset views.
    Continue your camel trek to your Sahara desert camp. A delicious Moroccan dinner will be served tonight at your Bedouin camp, and your nomad hosts will be entertaining you around the campfire with their drums under the crystal clear sky.
    Overnight at your Merzouga desert camp.

    Accommodation Details:
    Comfortable Camp
    Deluxe Camp

  • Day 3 : Merzouga → Midelt → Ifran → Fes ( 8 Hours Drive )

    After an early sunrise camel ride crossing Erg Chebbi dunes, arrive at the camp operator’s lodge in Merzouga for breakfast, shower, and maybe a quick swim. Meet your new driver, who will be taking you to Fes today. The journey will take you across the Ziz Valley, dotted with thousands of date palm trees, enjoying superb views of some of the greatest oases of Morocco.
    Next, you will cross the Middle Atlas Mountains to Midelt, a small town halfway to Fez, where you will stop for lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, you will drive past the cedar forests where you might have the opportunity to spot wild monkeys ( also known as Barbary apes ) before you reach the small town of Ifran, which is famous for being a popular winter resort for Moroccans.
    Your estimated time of arrival to Fes is 17h00, and your shared 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes will come to an end with a drop-off at your hotel or the nearest accessible point to your Riad.

Shared Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour price:

Price per person: Days of operation: Number of participants:
169 € Daily 17 Max

Included in your Group Marrakech to Fes tour:

  • Air-conditioned modern minibus transport
  • Bilingual driver fluent in English and French.
  • Overnight at Le Vieux Chateau with dinner, breakfast, and private room amenities.
  • Sunset camel trek across Erg Chebbi's dunes.
  • Night in a Sahara desert camp, including a traditional Moroccan dinner.
  • Refresh with a shower and breakfast at the Merzouga lodge.
  • Flexible drop-off at your chosen location in Fes.

Not included

  • Drinks during the tour.
  • Lunch meals while en route.
  • Any personal spending.
  • Optional local guide at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou for a 3 Euros fee.

Marrakech to Fes Group Tour Itinerary Map:

Map outlining the route from Marrakech to Fes through key Moroccan landmarks like Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Dades, Tinghir, and Merzouga.

Know Before You Go

  • Driving Time: The itinerary doesn't count pauses for sightseeing, meals, drinks, or photo ops.
  • Tour Type: Ideal for laid-back travelers; those seeking more personalized experiences may prefer a private tour.
  • Luggage: Your bags will be securely stored in the van when you're at the desert camp.
  • Packing: Bring a small bag for the camel ride and overnight stay at the desert camp.
  • Camp Essentials: Supply your own toiletries and towel; blankets provided in winter but pack warm sleepwear.
  • Clothing: Opt for a hat, sunglasses, sturdy walking shoes, and consider wet wipes for convenience.
  • Camel Ride Gear: Wear jeans or long shorts for a comfortable camel trek in the dunes.
  • Sandboarding: Sandboards are available upon request at the lodge for use in the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Frequently Asked Questions

On the shared Marrakech to Fes tour, will my accommodation in Dades Valley for the first night be private?

Absolutely, you’ll enjoy a private room with an ensuite bathroom and air conditioning for your first night in Dades Valley.

Do I get a private tent at the Erg Chebbi desert camp during the second night of the group desert tour to Fes?

Yes, you will be provided with a private tent at the Erg Chebbi desert camp for your second night’s stay.

On the shared desert tour to Fes, are the bathroom facilities private within the Merzouga Sahara desert camp?

The bathroom facilities at the Merzouga Sahara desert camp are communal, with Western-style flushable toilets and sinks situated externally from your tent. Showers can be accessed the next morning at the camp operator’s lodge in Merzouga. An upgrade to the deluxe camp is available if you prefer a tent with a private bathroom.

How do i get from Merzouga to Fes on day 3?

You’ll embark on a sunrise camel ride back to the camp operator’s lodge from Erg Chebbi. After breakfast and a refreshing shower, a new driver will be ready at the lodge to transport you from Merzouga to Fes.

 

 

 

Are there any scheduled stops during the journey from Merzouga to Fes?

Indeed, the trip from Merzouga to Fes includes stops, notably for observing the Barbary Apes in the Middle Atlas Mountains, should they be spotted along the way. Additionally, there’s a planned pause in Midelt where you can enjoy lunch.

How is our luggage managed during the Erg Chebbi camping experience before we depart for Fes?

Your luggage will be securely stored at the camp operator’s lodge in Merzouga. You’ll retrieve it there before meeting your new driver for the onward journey to Fes the next day.

Does the price of the Shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour vary based on the number of participants?

The tour price is fixed, as long as there is a minimum of 2 participants joining the Shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour.

Can quad biking be included in the itinerary of the Shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour in Merzouga?

Yes, you can opt for quad biking in Merzouga during the tour. Simply inform the camp operator when you check in, and they can arrange for a quad bike adventure lasting an hour in the morning, which can replace the scheduled camel ride.

 

 

 

What is the duration of the camel ride in Erg Chebbi during the tour?

The camel ride in Erg Chebbi typically lasts about an hour for the sunset trek and another hour for the sunrise ride the following day. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the season, daylight saving changes, and the specific times for sunset and sunrise.

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1140 Reviews
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Fiina. A

Couple Traveller

I can’t recommend this shared 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes enough—it was a standout experience during my time in Morocco! From the outset, everything was seamlessly organized. Ibrahim was not only punctual but also great at keeping us informed about all the details, ensuring we knew exactly where to meet. Originally, I had booked a luxury camp for the desert segment, but upon realizing I would be the only one there, I switched to the regular camp just before the transition. Nidal ,in the Marrakech office, was incredibly accommodating about the change.
Ibrahim was fantastic throughout the trip—funny, engaging, and genuinely committed to making sure we all enjoyed ourselves without any issues. There were numerous interesting stops along the way that enriched the experience further. If you’re considering a tour in Morocco, go ahead and book this one—you won’t be disappointed!

April 10, 2024

Kevin. L

Couple Traveller

Our 3-day group tour from Marrakech to Fes via Morocco Sahara Desert was exceptionally well-organized, striking the perfect balance between sightseeing and travel time. We never felt like we were staying too long at any one spot, nor were we rushed. The team was very knowledgeable, which made the journey enjoyable. The meals provided were both tasty and affordable. I highly recommend the camel rides to reach the desert tents, and taking a quad bike ride at dawn to see the sunrise. Both activities were exhilarating and reasonably priced. Overall, this was a fantastic experience, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure.

March 19, 2024

Emily R. Johnson

Couple Traveller

The Sahara Desert was absolutely stunning! Our guide was fantastic and even took our phones to capture some cool photos and videos of us riding camels on our way to the campsite. We visited in August, and surprisingly, you don’t actually need a scarf to shield you from the sun as they might suggest, although they do look great in pictures! The camel trek itself wasn’t as lengthy as we had initially thought. This is understandable considering the camels’ ride is only about an hour. The camp was simple but perfectly fine, and the meal was really delicious. They even had a lovely fire-side music session with traditional drumming and took time to teach us how to play. All in all, a very positive experience!

August 30, 2023

Olivia L. Mitchell

Solo Traveller

The best part of my Morocco trip! The van was new and comfy. The driver was both safe and friendly. Since I’m a photography enthusiast, I managed to capture countless incredible photos. The ancient village visit and camel ride through the Sahara dunes were definitely my favorite stops.The camel trek itself wasn’t as lengthy as we had initially thought. This is understandable considering the camels’ ride is only about an hour. The camp was simple but perfectly fine, and the meal was really delicious. They even had a lovely fire-side music session with traditional drumming and took time to teach us how to play. All in all, a very positive experience!

August 26, 2023

Benjamin T. Anderson

Group Traveller

We had an incredibly enjoyable time with the group and our driver. He took care of everything, even accommodating our choice to head to Fes instead of returning to Marrakesh afterward. We explored many wonderful places, and even the drive itself was exhilarating due to Morocco’s stunning landscapes. The desert experience was a highlight for me, and the traditional music played in the evenings was a definite treat. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour!

August 23, 2023
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