Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour 3 Days

(4 Reviews)

Discover the Sahara on This 3-Day Fes Desert Tour

Welcome, traveler. If you feel the call of the desert, this 3-day Fes desert tour is your answer. It is a journey we have personally crafted to guide you from the ancient, bustling streets of Fes into the profound silence and breathtaking beauty of the Moroccan Sahara.

Over three unforgettable days, you will watch the world transform before your eyes, from the cool, fragrant cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains to the vast, golden dunes of Merzouga. This is more than just a trip; it is an authentic Sahara adventure.

You will ride a camel as the sun sets, share stories around a desert campfire, and sleep under a brilliant blanket of stars. This is your chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with something timeless and truly magical.

Tour Highlights – 3 Days from Fes to Merzouga

  • Cross the majestic Middle Atlas Mountains and spot wild Barbary monkeys in the ancient cedar forests.
  • Admire the unique, alpine-style architecture of Ifrane, known as Morocco’s “Little Switzerland.”
  • Drive along the dramatic and beautiful Ziz Valley, home to a lush oasis of thousands of palm trees.
  • An unforgettable sunset camel trekking in Merzouga across the towering, golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
  • Spend a magical night in our comfortable desert camp, enjoying the profound peace of the Sahara under the stars.
  • Listen to the soulful rhythms of local Berber music and stories shared around a crackling campfire.
  • Explore the diverse desert surroundings, including nomad families, unique fossil sites, and the village of Khamlia.
  • Visit the town of Erfoud, the gateway to the desert, famous for its dates and fossil discoveries.
  • Experience the stunning contrast between Morocco’s green mountain valleys and the vast, arid Sahara.

Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour Itinerary

Day 1 → Fes → Ifrane → Cedar Forest → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga

Our journey begins early this morning as your private driver picks you up from your accommodation in Fes. We leave the imperial city behind and start our ascent into the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains. The air will feel cooler and fresher as we reach Ifrane, a charming town with clean streets and alpine-style houses. Shortly after, we will enter the famous cedar forests near Azrou. Here, we will take a walk among these ancient trees, and you will have the chance to meet the friendly wild Barbary macaques who live here.

Continuing south, we will pass through Midelt, a town nestled between the mountains, before the landscape begins its stunning transformation into a more arid, pre-Saharan environment. The highlight of our drive is the magnificent Ziz Valley, where a spectacular oasis of millions of palm trees carves a green ribbon through a red-rock canyon. We will make several stops for you to take in the breathtaking views.

As afternoon approaches, you will see the first golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise on the horizon. Upon arrival in Merzouga, you will be greeted with a warm glass of mint tea before meeting your camel for a peaceful trek into the dunes.

We will time it perfectly for you to witness a spectacular sunset from atop the sand. Your day ends at our comfortable desert camp, where a delicious traditional dinner and Berber music around a campfire await you under an incredible starry sky.

Day 2 → Explore the Merzouga Desert and Surroundings

Today is all about immersion. After waking to the serene beauty of a Saharan sunrise and enjoying breakfast, you have the full day to explore the incredible desert region of Merzouga. We can embark on a 4×4 adventure to discover different facets of the desert. We can visit a local nomad family, where you will be warmly welcomed into their tent to share tea and learn about their resilient, traditional way of life. This is a truly humbling and authentic cultural encounter.

We will also drive to the village of Khamlia, where you can listen to the powerful, spiritual Gnawa music, a cultural tradition with deep roots in sub-Saharan Africa. Depending on the season, we may also visit the seasonal lake of Merzouga, which can attract flocks of flamingos and other birds. The day is yours to experience at a relaxed pace, perhaps trying sandboarding on the dunes or finding a quiet spot to simply soak in the vast silence. Tonight, you can choose to spend another magical night at the desert camp or stay in a comfortable, traditional hotel at the dune line.

Day 3 → Merzouga → Erfoud → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Fes

We recommend rising early this morning for one last incredible Saharan sunrise. After breakfast, we will begin our scenic journey back to Fes, filled with new memories. Our route takes us through Erfoud, a town famous for its dates and incredible fossil workshops. We will then travel back through the stunning Ziz Valley, enjoying its beauty from a new perspective in the fresh morning light.

The comfortable drive north takes us back into the Middle Atlas Mountains. We will stop for lunch in the quiet town of Midelt before continuing our journey through the beautiful mountain and forest landscapes. This return drive is a perfect time for reflection, a peaceful transition from the quiet magic of the desert back to the vibrant energy of the city. We expect to arrive back in Fes in the early evening, where your driver will drop you off at your accommodation, bringing your unforgettable 3 days desert tour from Fes to Merzouga: Authentic Sahara Adventure to a close.

Your 3 Days Fes Desert Tour Price Included
  • Included
  • Private transport in a comfortable vehicle with AC
  • Hotel or riad pick-up and drop-off
  • English, French, or Spanish-speaking driver
  • Sunset and sunrise camel rides
  • 1 night in a desert camp (standard or luxury)
  • 1 night in hotel/riad in Merzouga desert
  • Dinner and breakfast at the camp
  • Fuel and all road costs
  • Not Included
  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees (if applicable)
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
Tour Map

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the camel ride in Merzouga?

The camel trek from the edge of the dunes to the desert camp takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. We time it perfectly to coincide with the sunset, creating the most magical experience possible. The ride itself is gentle and suitable for most fitness levels.

What kind of accommodation is provided in the desert?

You will stay in a traditional and comfortable Berber-style desert camp. Your private tent will have proper beds with mattresses, blankets, and pillows. The camp has clean, shared Western-style flush toilets and washbasin facilities in a separate block.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?

Yes, this tour can be enjoyed by a wide range of travelers. Because the tour is private, we can adjust the pace to your needs. The main consideration is the long driving time. For anyone who prefers not to ride a camel, we can arrange for our 4×4 to take you directly to the camp.

Can the itinerary be customized?

While the 2-day timeframe is quite fixed due to the driving distance, we can certainly make small adjustments. If you have specific interests, such as photography or fossils, please let us know, and we can tailor the stops to your preferences.

What should I pack for the desert?

We recommend light layers. During the day, comfortable clothing, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are essential. For the evening and early morning, it can be cool, so a warm jacket or fleece is highly recommended, especially from autumn to spring. Closed-toe shoes are best for walking.

What’s the best time of year to take this desert tour?

This desert trip from Fes to Sahara is beautiful year-round. However, the most comfortable and popular seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when daytime temperatures are pleasant. Summer can be very hot, while winter brings cold desert nights, but the tour is fantastic in any season with the right preparation.

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4 Reviews
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Alice

Solo Traveller

I booked this tour specifically for the photographic opportunities, and it delivered beyond my wildest dreams. The 3-day itinerary is a masterclass in diverse Moroccan landscapes. The journey starts with the alpine scenery of Ifrane and the deep greens of the cedar forests, transitioning to the rugged, ochre-toned Atlas passes. The Ziz Valley lookout provides a stunning panorama of the palm oasis below. However, the real magic is in Merzouga. Our guide was incredibly accommodating, understanding my desire to capture the perfect light. The sunset camel trek allowed for breathtaking shots of the dunes, with their sharp, elegant lines and warm, golden glow. The camp’s location was ideal, with minimal light pollution, allowing for some spectacular astrophotography of the Milky Way. But the sunrise was the true masterpiece—watching the cool blue tones of dawn slowly melt into a fiery orange that kissed the tops of the dunes was a moment of pure photographic bliss. This tour is a must for any photographer wanting to capture the soul of Morocco.

August 31, 2024

Chloe

Group Traveller

What an epic trip! Our group of four had the absolute best time on this tour. Our driver, mohamed was a legend—he had great music, a fantastic sense of humor, and made the long drives fly by. The journey itself was full of laughs, from feeding the wild monkeys to taking ridiculous photos in the Todra Gorge. The absolute highlight was reaching Merzouga. The camel ride was hilarious and an amazing way to enter the desert. We arrived at our camp, which was awesome, and immediately ran up the highest dune to watch the sunset. After dark, the Berber guys started a bonfire and brought out the drums, and we all danced and sang under the stars. The next morning, we were up at dawn for the sunrise and then tried sandboarding down the dunes, which resulted in a lot of falling and even more laughing. This tour is perfect for a group of friends looking for fun, adventure, and incredible memories. 100% recommend!

August 25, 2024

Ava

Solo Traveller

This tour was less of a trip and more of a spiritual journey. From the moment we left the bustle of Fes, the landscape began to transform. We drove through the cedar forests near Ifrane (and saw the famous monkeys!), crossed the dramatic Atlas Mountains, and were mesmerized by the vast Ziz Valley, a ribbon of green palms cutting through the arid land. But nothing prepares you for the Sahara. Our guide, Ismail, was of Berber descent and shared so much about his culture and the nomadic traditions. The camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset was a peaceful, almost meditative experience. The silence of the desert is something you can feel. The camp was intimate and authentic; after a fantastic homemade tagine, we sat by the fire, listened to the rhythmic drumming of our hosts, and learned about their lives under a sky so full of stars it felt unreal. This tour goes beyond sightseeing; it connects you to the land and its people. A truly unforgettable and heartfelt experience.

June 22, 2024

Lily

Solo Traveller

After weeks of researching different companies, we chose this 3-day tour to Merzouga, and it was the best decision we made. For the price, the value is simply outstanding. The tour packs in so much: comfortable private transport in a modern 4×4, a lovely hotel with a pool on the first night, and the magical night in the Sahara. Our driver, Hamid, was professional, friendly, and an excellent guide, pointing out fascinating things along the way without overwhelming us. The desert camp itself was the biggest surprise—we were expecting something basic, but our tent was spacious, clean, and had a proper bed and even an en-suite bathroom. The included dinner and breakfast were delicious and plentiful. Yes, the final day is a long drive back to Fes, but the car was comfortable, the scenery was still beautiful, and it was absolutely worth it to experience the majesty of the Erg Chebbi dunes. If you’re looking for a well-organized, all-inclusive, and affordable way to see the desert, this is it.

June 13, 2024
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