From Fez: 3-Day Merzouga and Ouarzazte Tour to Marrakech

Set out on a captivating 3-day adventure from Fez to Marrakech, exploring the stunning landscapes of the Middle Atlas mountains and the Sahara Desert. This tour offers an unforgettable experience, taking you through the charming town of Ifrane, the historic kasbah of Ouarzazate, and the breathtaking Ait Ben Haddou. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to learn about the local culture, try your hand at camel trekking in the Merzouga dunes, and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the region. With professional guides and comprehensive transportation, this tour promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you eager to discover more of Morocco’s hidden gems.

Good To Know

• A 3-day tour from Fez to Marrakech, covering the Middle Atlas mountains, Merzouga desert, and the UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou.
• Includes transportation, professional driver, camel trekking, overnight stays, and meals, priced at around $159 per person.
• Highlights include scenic drives, visits to Ifrane and Midelt, camel riding in the Sahara, and exploring Ouarzazate’s film studios.
• Overall rating of 3.9/5 from 27 reviews, with positive feedback on guides and camel rides, but concerns about hotel quality.
• Recommendations to consider 4 or 5-day tours for a more leisurely pace and deeper cultural engagement.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The 3-day Sahara desert tour from Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga, Ouarzazate, and Ait Ben Haddou is priced from $158.85 per person.

This 3-day tour provides a comprehensive experience, covering Middle Atlas mountains, Ifrane, Midelt, Merzouga’s camel trekking, Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs, and the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou.

The package includes transportation, a professional driver, a local camel guide, pick-up and drop-off services, fuel, and various meals.

While the overall rating is 3.9/5 based on 27 reviews, customers have highlighted positive experiences with guides and camel rides, but some concerns about hotel quality and unexpected entertainment during the desert stay.

Itinerary Details

What does the 3-day Sahara desert tour itinerary entail?

The tour departs from Fez at 7:30 am on the first day, traveling through the Middle Atlas mountains and Ifrane.

After a lunch stop in Midelt, the group arrives in Merzouga for camel trekking and an overnight stay at an equipped desert camp.

The second day begins with an early camel trek to a hotel for breakfast, followed by a journey to the Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, and an overnight in Ouarzazate.

On the final day, the tour visits Ait Ben Haddou before continuing through the Atlas Mountains and dropping off in Marrakech.

Included in the Tour

The tour package typically includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional driver, and a local camel guide for the Merzouga desert experience.

Plus, the tour covers:

• Pick-up and drop-off services at your location
• Fuel costs
• An overnight stay in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga
• Meals, including 1 dinner and 1 breakfast in Merzouga, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast in Ouarzazate, plus lunches and drinks throughout the tour

The inclusions aim to provide a comprehensive package, allowing you to focus on the journey and learn about the Saharan landscapes and cultural experiences.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Based on the information provided, the 3-day tour from Fez to Marrakech has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars, according to 27 customer reviews.

Customers praised the transportation, giving it a 4.1/5 rating, but felt the value for money could be better at 3.8/5.

Highlights included positive experiences with guides, camel rides, and desert stays, but some customers expressed concerns about the hotel quality in Ouarzazate, lack of detailed guidance, and unexpected music during the desert evening.

For a more relaxed pace, the article recommends considering 4 or 5-day trips and engaging with local guides for cultural insights and bargaining tips.

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Recommendations and Tips

For a more leisurely journey, travelers may wish to consider a 4 or 5-day tour itinerary. This allows for a more relaxed pace to fully immerse in the desert landscape and local culture.

When embarking on this 3-day tour, some recommendations include:

• Engage with local guides to gain deeper cultural insights and bargaining tips
• Be prepared for varying conditions and amenities, as some accommodations may differ in quality
• Check for any additional costs not included in the tour price, such as entrance fees to the Atlas Studios
• Pack layers of clothing to adapt to the changing temperature and weather conditions
• Stay flexible and embrace the spontaneity of the journey for an authentic Moroccan experience.

Exploring the Middle Atlas Mountains

Departing from Fez, the 3-day tour journeys through the captivating Middle Atlas mountains. This rugged and scenic region is home to the charming town of Ifrane, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Morocco."

Along the way, the tour makes a stop for lunch in Midelt, a city nestled between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas ranges. The drive through the Middle Atlas offers breathtaking views of cedar forests, green valleys, and snow-capped peaks.

Travelers can expect to see a diverse array of wildlife, including the iconic Barbary macaque monkeys. This picturesque landscape sets the tone for the rest of the Saharan adventure to come.

Camel Trekking in Merzouga

Upon arriving in Merzouga, the tour takes participants on an unforgettable camel trekking experience into the heart of the Sahara Desert.

Riding these gentle giants, travelers can:

• Marvel at the breathtaking dunes and ever-changing landscape
• Appreciate the tranquility and solitude of the desert
• Learn about the Berber culture and traditions from expert guides
• Capture stunning photographs as the sun dips below the horizon
• Unwind under the countless stars in a luxurious desert camp

The camel trek provides an authentic taste of nomadic life, allowing visitors to disconnect from the modern world and enjoy the timeless beauty of the Sahara.

Discovering Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou

After the tranquil experience in the Sahara, the tour moves on to explore the captivating cities of Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou. Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa," is a popular filming location, home to impressive kasbahs and studios. Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient fortified city that has been the backdrop for many famous films.

Highlights	Details
Ouarzazate	Impressive kasbahs, film studios
Ait Ben Haddou	UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient fortified city
Optional Visits	Atlas Studios, Taourirt Kasbah
Photography	Stunning architecture and landscapes
Meals	Lunch and dinner provided

The tour then continues through the Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking views, before arriving in the lively city of Marrakech.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Travel Insurance Included in the Tour Package?

The tour package does not include travel insurance. Travelers would need to purchase their own travel insurance separately to cover any unexpected expenses or emergencies during the trip.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. However, most small-group tours in Morocco limit the number of participants to around 12-15 people to ensure a more personalized experience and easier logistics during the journey.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Fit Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to fit specific interests. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who can tailor the itinerary and activities to accommodate individual needs and interests within the overall 3-day framework.

How Do I Request Vegetarian or Dietary-Restricted Meals?

Travelers can request vegetarian or dietary-restricted meals when booking the tour. The tour operator will accommodate these preferences and ensure appropriate meals are provided throughout the 3-day journey.

Are There Any Additional Activities or Excursions Available for an Extra Cost?

Yes, there are additional activities and excursions available for an extra cost, such as visits to the Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate. Travelers should check with the tour operator for details and pricing on these optional add-ons.

The Sum Up

This 3-day tour from Fez to Marrakech offers an unforgettable adventure through Morocco’s stunning landscapes. Travelers will explore the Middle Atlas mountains, trek the Sahara Desert on camels, and discover the historical kasbahs of Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou. With professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and comprehensive transportation, this tour provides an exceptional opportunity to experience the best of central Morocco.

You can check availability for your dates here: