3 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Merzouga

Your driver will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel or riad in Fes. The journey begins by crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains, where the scenery quickly changes from urban landscapes to green hills and cedar forests. Your first stop will be in Ifrane, a charming town often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its European-style architecture and clean streets. A little further, you will stop at the cedar forest of Azrou, home to playful Barbary apes. You will have time to walk among the tall cedar trees and take pictures before continuing on the road.

Afterwards, the route takes you through the Tizi n’Talghamt Pass and into the town of Midelt, known for its apple orchards and mountain views. Here, you will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing south. In the afternoon, the scenery becomes more dramatic as you enter the Ziz Valley, where thousands of palm trees line the river, and traditional kasbahs stand proudly along the road. The landscapes here are breathtaking, and photo stops will be made. You will then pass through Erfoud, famous for its fossils, before finally reaching Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert.

Upon arrival, your camels will be waiting to take you on a trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, some of the highest in Morocco. The ride takes you to your desert camp where you will watch a magical sunset over the dunes. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner, Berber music around the fire, and a night under the clear starry sky of the Sahara. Overnight in a traditional or luxury desert camp.

The second day is dedicated to exploring the wonders of the Merzouga region. After breakfast at the camp, you will set out on a 4x4 desert excursion to discover the diverse landscapes and culture of the Sahara. The first visit will be to Khamlia village, known for its community of people originally from Mali. Here, you will enjoy a live performance of Gnawa music, a spiritual and rhythmic tradition passed down for generations.

You will then continue to visit nomadic families living in tents on the edge of the desert. This is a unique opportunity to learn about their way of life, hospitality, and traditions. The excursion also includes stops at small oases, fossil fields, and panoramic viewpoints over the Erg Chebbi dunes. Lunch can be enjoyed in a local restaurant or shared with a nomadic family.

In the afternoon, you return to Merzouga for some free time to relax or explore on your own. Later, you will once again ride camels into the dunes to admire another unforgettable sunset. The colors of the sand changing with the light of the setting sun create a magical atmosphere. Dinner and overnight in the desert, either at the camp or at a desert riad/hotel, depending on your preference.

On your final day, wake up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, one of the most breathtaking sights of the entire trip. After breakfast at camp, you ride camels or take a 4x4 transfer back to the village of Merzouga where your driver awaits. The road back to Fes will follow a different rhythm, allowing for more stops along the way.

The first visit will be to Rissani, a historic town that once served as a major trading post for caravans traveling across the Sahara. If time allows, you can stroll through its traditional market, full of spices, dates, and handicrafts. Continuing north, you will pass once more through the stunning Ziz Valley with its palm groves and dramatic gorges, before reaching Midelt for lunch.

In the afternoon, the journey continues across the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing by Azrou and Ifrane once again. You may stop for coffee or a short walk before the final drive back to Fes, where you will arrive in the evening. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of your 3 days desert adventure from Fes to Merzouga.