Fes: Best Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert Dunes, 3 Days Tour
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Fez, Morocco
- 3 days (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Following a circuitous route from Fez to Marrakech is worthwhile for taking you through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and desert—but can be tricky to arrange independently. Make it easy with this shared-group 3-day tour, which includes transport and accommodation. Traverse mountains, stay overnight in Erg Chebbi’s dunes, take camel treks, admire the Todra Gorge, and experience mud-built kasbahs, lush oases, and the high Tizi n’Tichka pass before arriving in Marrakech.
- 3-day Fez to Marrakech tour through the stunning Atlas Mountains and desert
- Multi-stop adventure: easier and more enriching by guided tour than alone
- Sleep in a tent in Erg Chebbi dunes, ride camels, and see kasbahs and gorges
- Round-trip transport, most meals, and two nights’ accommodation included
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Camel Trekking (Camel per person)
- Breakfast (2)Breakfast
- Dinner (2)Dinner
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah guide 2€ per person
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to your preferred meeting point, or request pickup.
Operating hours.7:30 am
Itinerary
Day 1
Fes - Azrou (Cedar forest) - Midelt - Erfoud - Merzouga
4 Stops
1
Fez
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Ifrane (Pass By)
2
Midelt
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
3
Erg Chebbi Dunes
10 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation: You will spend the night in a nomad tent at Merzouga desert camp
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Merzouga - Todra Gorges - Dades Gorges or Kelaat Mgouna
4 Stops
1
Merzouga Desert
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
2
Todra Gorge
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Boumalne Dades
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Vallee Des Roses
10 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation: Overnight in Dades Valley or Ouarzazate
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
Dades Valley - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah - Marrakech
6 Stops
1
Vallee Des Roses
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Vallee Des Roses
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Ouarzazate
15 hours • Admission Ticket Free
4
Ksar Of Ait-Ben-Haddou
2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Tizi n Tichka
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
6
Marrakech
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 1,211 reviews
William_S, Apr 2026
Hamza (our guide) and Ibrahim (our driver) are very good at their jobs. Hamza was very attentive to our needs, especially following an accident that led to my wife and six year old daughter being thrown off their camel while riding in the Sahara. Ibrahim is a very safe, amiable, and efficient driver. We enjoyed most of the activities that were part of the tour. Most of the other guides were also very experienced and were happy to talk about their culture.
Nevertheless, even the best staff cannot overcome some of the issues we dealt with. After my wife and daughter were thrown from the camel (no broken bones or cuts), it appeared that there was no emergency response plan. They were asked to get back on the camel or walk, which I found unacceptable. After about 15 minutes of walking through the desert, we were surprisingly picked-up in a SUV and taken to the camp. In addition, the hotel that we stayed at was no better than 2 stars. The rooms were sparse and cold, but clean. Also, in my opinion, the quality of the hotel food served at breakfast and dinner wasn't very good.
Priti_S, Apr 2026
Soufiane was an amazing tour guide! He explained everything very well, and was very knowledgable. He was really funny and made the whole tour lighthearted and fun, not to mention his taste of music was fantastic. Abdelkader navigated through many difficult mountain roads while making sure the ride was as smooth as possible. These two made an excellent pair, and it wouldn't have been better any other way. Highly recommend this tour. If you have Soufiane as a tour guide, you know you are in the best hands.
Eliezer_N, Apr 2026
Great experience overall. Hassan was a solid guide — friendly, helpful, and kept everything running smoothly. Amodo was an excellent driver and made the long drive feel easy and safe. The dunes were the highlight, and the whole trip was well organized from start to finish.
Campbell_H, Dec 2025
This excursion was everything we had hoped for. Our driver Youssef was an amazing guide, who really took the experience to the next level. He was friendly and helpful, as well as being perfectly fluent in multiple languages. His explanations were knowledgeable and added richness and depth to the experience.
Traveling in the winter meant that road closures can occur in the mountains. Luckily on the way into the desert this only added about an hour of extra driving time. Despite that we arrived in Erg Chebbi at the camel departure point on time.
Riding camels through the dunes was a bucket list experience, checked off! Nights in the desert can also get cold, but extra layers easily take care of that. The stars were spectacular. Riding back out from the camp to catch sunrise in the towering sand dunes was an unforgettable experience. From there we travelled through some spectacular countryside, with the Atlas Mountains constantly looming. There were amazing gorges and opportunities for some fascinating Berber cultural immersion. Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ksar at Ait Ben-Haiddou was simply unforgettable opportunity to learn more about the Imazighen people and their way of life.
Finally, crossing through the Atlas mountain pass of Tizi n’Tichka (2,260 m) provided some breathtaking vistas. Luckily it was open, despite lots of recent snow.
From there, it was more picturesque scenery all the way into Marrakesh.
Finally, the traffic and narrow roads in parts of the old city made us appreciate Youssef’s knowledge and driving skills, as he dropped us off right in front of where we were staying.
This was an unforgettable experience that we would recommend to any adventurous souls.
Ivone_D, Dec 2025
My daughter and I traveled to Morroco for my birthday. From the time we were picked up in Fes to the drop off in Marrakech everything was well organized and delivered. Our trip included 3 days traveling through the desert with our great guide, Mehdi. The adventure was amazing and it was thanks to Mehdi. He shared his beautiful countryside, his heritage, culture and kept us safe and worry free even in difficult times of bad weather. Since it was my birthday, he went out of his way to make my time special including ordering a beautiful cake for me. His funny personality, thoughtfulness and attentiveness to our group made everyone feel included and safe. I am very grateful for this incredible unforgettable journey. Highly recommend.
Nishita_S, Nov 2025
We had a wonderful experience with our guide, Maidi. He was fluent in English, knowledgeable about the Merzouga Sahara and Atlas region, and incredibly accommodating to all our requests. His warm personality and professionalism made the journey smooth and memorable. Highly recommended!
Louis_D, Oct 2025
There is a lot of driving. The first day pickup from Fez to the desert dune camel ride and tents was 9 1/2 hours. We arrive around sunset and the scene was chaotic. It wasn’t clear what luggage to take and what to leave; you simply needed an overnight bag but it wasn’t clear. We then immediately got on camels for the thirty minute rides to the tents. I felt exhausted by the time dinner was served.
Dimitris_S, Oct 2025
The overall experience in the desert and the other places we visited was great! Our driver/guide and the other guides we had over the 3 days were also fantastic. From the other hand I prefer to be treated as a guest and not as a tourist! I don’t like being given restaurant options with only options the set menus with fixed prices and exactly the same food every time in a buffet style. And I don’t like visiting places where all they want from me is to buy something. Both the tent experience in the desert and the hotel room could be cleaner overall and more comfortable. Having the standard tour and not the luxury one doesn’t mean not clean or uncomfortable! I would definitely recommend the 2N/3D tour but make sure you know the details of the driving hours per day, the facilities you are staying at and the meals options.
DanHung_B, Sep 2025
Great tour with the driver Mehdi. I can recommend this trip. The Sahara dessert was a great experience.
Danie_G, Sep 2025
Transport vehicle was very good, accommodation was very good. The whole experience was special. We enjoyed the desert and the mountains. We selected the luxury option, however, the driver could not communicate in English whatsoever. This created embarrassing situations where people demanded money for included options and the driver could not explain anything before, during or after such incidents. He could not understand or answer any questions or give any information on the route in English. He dropped us off 200m from the closest drop off point to our riad wìth no explanation. He would stop for lunch at an isolated place which only serves a buffet meal which was not ready, and dissappear.
The included meals were a big disappointment.
This was a good experience and with a little more attention to detail it will be outstanding.
Tatiana_H, Jul 2025
Our desert trip in Morocco was absolutely fantastic. The hospitality was top-notch, and our tour guide, Mehdi, was amazing—so kind and helpful, especially when one of the children wasn't feeling well. He truly went above and beyond to make our trip special. He also gave us a surprise birthday cake for one of our group.
The views from the desert were breathtaking, and the entire experience was unforgettable. Highly recommended!
Igor_H, Jul 2025
Amazing experience, a real "must do" if you are planning a visit to Marocco. The trip was very well organized and Mehdi, our driver (and guide I suppose), was extremelly carefull with the group, making the trip nice and smooth.
paola_l, Jun 2025
Beautiful experience, driver Dakar was very kind and focus on our needs.It was my bday and he bought a cake for me with written Happy bday Fabio!
I must unfortunately a very bad experience during the night in the desert camp: we choosed standard solution but I have to say that it was really a thing not accettable.
My partner was not well for her period and the showers were really disgusting, and the general conditions of the bathroom was in a disgraceful condition : little and very hot water came out of the taps and they were without final part.
Also most of the toilets did not flush and you can imagine the situation in hot desert without flash.
Aaron_A, Jun 2025
This was a wonderful tour. Mehdi was a great guide and made it a wonderful experience for us. It was a good opportunity to see a lot in a short period of time. I would recommend it.
Yami_C, Jun 2025
Our driver Simo is very kind and took care of us. The camel ride was legit and really good amount of time! It’s not just an experience of riding camels, instead, we used the camels as our transportation through the desert. The tent is doable because it’s in the dessert, but the hotel was amazing! It has a pool and amazing view. We enjoyed so much! Definitely recommend!
MarieSoleil_R, May 2025
Ayoub is very kind, patient and knowledgeable. He will take good care of you and the tour is well constructed too. My mom and I loved it. Highly recommend!
Jenna_S, May 2025
This was an amazing trip and a highlight of our entire vacation! The tour went from Fez, to the desert, through the Atlas Mountains, and to Marrakech. Truthfully, it was a lot of driving (more than I expected) but it is the only way to see the full country. We probably drove 8hrs the first day with a couple stops; ending at the desert camp in Erg Chebbi. We rode camels to the camp with a 90 minute pit-stop on the dunes to sandboard and watch the sunset. The camp was really fun and ended with singing and dancing around the firepit. We chose to ride ATV's out the next morning which I'd 100% recommend. The next day was closer to 6hrs of driving with stops around old cities, and the Gorge. This had a lot more chance to walk around and see different views. The Riad that night was very modern and nice. The final day was probably 4-6hrs of driving with the Valley of Roses, more ancient cities, and Ourzazate.
Abdul was our driver and guide the entire journey and was incredible. Very kind and suggested different tours and stops along the way to get the most out of the country.
I think most people tour Marrakech to Fes, but I'm very happy we went this way. It was less busy and it got the hardest/longest day out of the way first.
James_E, Apr 2025
This was a great trip. The people in our group helped make it great! The actual camel rides are only about 1/2-3/4 hr going into camp and coming back out the next day. However, this is plenty long enough if you're not used to riding. We opted for the luxury camp and it was very well done! Be prepared for a lot of driving. You stop a couple times a day for small tours of various attractions. Be prepared: there are a lot of stairs. Our driver Ali was wonderful! He spoke English and made sure we were well taken care of.
Lena_B, Apr 2025
ayoub is an amazing guid, he was taking care of us, showing us and teaching us so many of the land, the people and the culture. would recomend this very much but be prepared it’s intense and takes a lot of energy but it’s very worth it!
thank you ayoub <3
Josephine_B, Apr 2025
Yosef was a terrific guide for our 3 day trip to the Desert. He explained the itinerary every day and ensured that all of our needs were met. The accommodations at the Luxury Camp exceeded expectations.
George_L, Apr 2025
Ayoub is a very fun driver, made lots of jokes and easy going, accommodating. We had a wonderful experience and the group we were with were so friendly and kind. We had the best time! All the places we were taken to were very interesting and educational. Highly recommended tour!
Arfak_S, Mar 2025
Overall, very nice experience with our driver Mohamed who was very attentive to our needs and present throughout the whole time.
But be prepared to a lot of road as it takes a long time. The good point is that you see amazing views of the east of Morocco (mountains, rivers, desert...)
Kush_B, Feb 2025
I was initially sceptical about the tour as it was considerably cheaper on the local agency's website but forgot about it quickly as every stop had something different to offer. The luxury desert camp was as per the pictures and was a breathtaking experience. The dishes were repetitive as we are in the remote parts of the country but the hospitality was honest and warm. Our driver/guide Hesham was amazing and extremely knowledgeable. He helped everyone out with their needs beyond the tour. Overall definitely recommend if you want to explore the different terrains of Morocco in a short span of time.
Malte_B, Jan 2025
This tour hits some of the must-do things when in Morocco. The reason I don't give it five stars is as follows:
For the life of me I simply do not understand the organization of the tour. I was the only one out of the group that didn't have the 'luxury accommodation' option. That meant that I had to be separated from the rest of the group in the evening and it was all very chaotic with limited information as to what the program held for me in comparison. This meant that I had to sit and wait in a rest area for two hours while my group was off doing other things.
With this being the most popular tour in Morocco, it should be possible not to mix standard travelers with luxury travelers.
Furthermore, the food stops along the route. I understand that the drivers take tourists to places that can accommodate all tastes but the price/quality ratio of these places is horrible. Two cans of Whiskas would be a better investment for lunch.
The drivers obviously gets a commission from these places but I would rather cover the driver's commission if he would go to a local place with actually edible food.
Either way, I still found it to be a worth while trip to do.
Anna_O, Jan 2025
Easy way to see outside the main cities of Morocco. Everything is organised for you so it makes it all very simple.
As per other reviews, there is little contact from the company until the day before so don’t stress about that. You can always WhatsApp them using the number on their website.
Pick up was easy from near my riad in Fes.
Youssef was a great guide. He was friendly, a safe driver, and always made sure we were safe when out and about.
The van was modern and comfortable. Morocco has processes in place to ensure tourist vans are driven safely and there are road stops, plus the roads are really good.
The camel ride was the highlight of the tour but Todgra Gorge and Ait Benhaddoud were also beautiful and interesting.
Desert camp is very cold in winter - lots of blankets in the deluxe tents but we still slept in beanies and woollen base layers.
The accommodation on the second night was pretty basic - roadside hotel.
If you want to head to the desert but not sure how to do it, this tour is a good idea.
Marta_S, Dec 2024
The experience in the desert was amazing.
Also the stop we made during the way have been a great opportunity to discover the berber culture.
Special thanks to our driver Omar: his driving skills are super and he was always checking if we were good and happy and making sure that we were having the best time..the best driver at all!
Ahmed_M, Dec 2024
It was great tour, everything was arranged, accommodation was good, food was tasty.
Our driver Abdul is very helpful and friendly, he brought us to the places according to time schedule. I would recommend this tour to everyone who has time in Morocco and want to experience its beauty in a local way.
Ash_R, Nov 2024
Iddir & jawd were very nice, easy to communicate and clear throughout the trip. Just wait for them to give you a text for pick up location so don't worry about it until the day before.
Apart from that the trip takes you through north morrocco and is a great & affordable way of seeing the country. The sahara is weather dependant so if the weather is lovely the sunrise and sunset can also be stunning. The rest of the trip takes you to some really great sites like the ben hadou and not so great stuff like the atlas hotel. It's also weather dependant for the valley of rose so keep that in mind.
Anthony_O, Nov 2024
3 day desert tour starting Fes and finishing Marrakesh. Great and easy way to see the desert while also travelling from Fes to Marrakesh (so no need to start and finish same city).
The main difference between the economy and luxury accomodation in the desert is air conditioning, so not worth the price difference unless during summer. Breakfasts and dinners were included in the trip and plenty of food available (buffet). There are stops on the route in service stations/shops to use toilets and where you can buy water etc. Lunches are extra and stops are at places that cater mainly for tour companies/tourists and cost around 120-130 dirhams for 3 course lunch menu with optional drink costing 15-25 dirhams extra. Some students on the trip shared one three course menu between two so could be done if two people are travelling on budget. So need to bring at least 500 dirhams with you in cash to cover lunches and bottles of water etc. 3 course lunches each day and they they each took 2 hours between time arrive and leave. Could definitely be more efficient, the 2 hours for lunch the first day meant it was already dark for the camel ride to the tent the first evening. Also 2 hours the last day meant we didn’t see the argan oil co-op. Considering that the restaurants already seem to be decided beforehand, the lunch menu of the day could already be communicated on the bus beforehand so that people can already chose what they want and this can be passed on to the restaurant so they can start to prepare the food when the bus is nearly at the restaurant. This would save a lot of time as it seemed to take at least 30 mins at each restaurant before the food was even ordered. As indicated in the advert, the price for the tour in Ait Benhaddou isn’t included in the tour price, so need to bring 20 dirhams for that. Considering all the other tours are included, it would make sense to simply increase the price of the trip itself by €2 so that this tour is also covered and save the need to make sure to have change etc.
Part of the trip includes a walking tour in tinghir. Not sure if it the same guide is used everyday though out of our 90 minute tour of the town, we spent a full 45 mins in a rug shop being first made to wait to drink the mint tea before being followed by a demonstration of some rugs. Guy started by saying no pressure to buy and hospitality is free though still asked for tips at the end when no one was interested to buy anything. Simply a shop so carpets aren’t even made there so not so interesting. For me, personally this carpet sale show should be removed from the walking tour or people warned in advance so that they can do something else while waiting. Can get this carpet show in any carpet shop in any town where the same carpets will be available. A carpet stop would be much more interesting in a place where carpets are actually made.
So in summary, I enjoyed the tour, practical way to see desert and plenty of other things (as listed in the advert) on the way from Fes to Marrakesh. I was impressed with the accomodation and food provided. Our driver and tour guide Hadid were friendly and accommodating if we had any questions.
As explained above, I think there should be improvement regarding the organisation of the lunches to speed things up so that other later activites aren’t negatively affected as a result, as was the case during our trip. Also feel the tour of tinghir could be better off without the carpet shop.
The tour picks you up and drops you off as near as possible to your accomodation before and afterwards which is useful as some other tours, don’t so worth to check for this.
I recommend this tour.
Jakub_B, Oct 2024
Nice trip, but the tour operator doesn't replay for any messages.
We had problem with extremely poor service during lunch (which make down whole group) and tour agent didn't bother replay and apologise for situation.
For 5 days I wanted know details about pick up from hotel, and no replay (I tried by viator, customers service aviator, whatsup, messager...). Late evening tour agent send info aboit pick up..
I would suggest different tour agent who has better customer sevice.
From $225.88
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