3 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Merzouga
Overwiev of the 3 days tour from Fes
This 3-day desert journey from Fes to Merzouga offers a perfect blend of Morocco’s diverse landscapes, cultural encounters, and Sahara Desert magic. Traveling through the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, lush palm-filled valleys, and historic desert towns, the tour gradually leads you from cool mountain scenery to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Along the way, you’ll discover charming towns like Ifrane and Midelt, witness the beauty of the Ziz Valley oasis, and experience the timeless lifestyle of the desert. The adventure reaches its peak with a camel trek at sunset and an unforgettable overnight stay in a traditional Sahara desert camp, followed by a magical sunrise before returning to Fes.
Tour Highlights
Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains with stops in Ifrane and Azrou
Visit to Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” with its alpine-style architecture
Walk through the Cedar Forest of Azrou and encounter wild Barbary macaques
Panoramic views of the Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s largest palm oases
Exploration of Erfoud and Rissani, gateways to the Sahara with rich history
Sunset camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
Overnight in a traditional desert camp with Moroccan dinner and Berber music
Spectacular sunrise over the Sahara dunes
Optional desert activities such as sandboarding and short desert walks
Comfortable return journey to Fes through changing landscapes
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Your desert adventure begins early in the morning with a departure from Fes, traveling south toward the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is Ifrane, a clean and charming mountain town known for its alpine-style houses and cool climate, offering a surprising contrast to traditional Moroccan cities. Continuing through forested landscapes, you’ll reach the Cedar Forest near Azrou, where ancient cedar trees and wild Barbary macaques create a peaceful natural setting ideal for short walks and photos. The journey continues to Midelt, where you’ll stop for lunch and a break between the Middle and High Atlas ranges. In the afternoon, the scenery changes dramatically as you drive through the spectacular Ziz Valley, lined with thousands of palm trees and traditional villages clinging to the hillsides. By late afternoon, you arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert, where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise before you. You’ll mount your camel and ride across the dunes at sunset, arriving at your desert camp in time for dinner, Berber music, and a magical night under the stars.
Day 2: Merzouga Desert Exploration – Nomads – Erg Chebbi Dunes
After an early wake-up to admire the sunrise over the dunes, enjoy breakfast at the camp before returning by camel to Merzouga village. Today is dedicated to exploring the Sahara Desert region, traveling by 4×4 around the Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll visit nomadic families to learn about their traditional lifestyle, explore desert landscapes shaped by wind and time, and stop at Khamlia village, known for its Gnawa music and Sub-Saharan heritage. The day also includes time to relax in the dunes, with opportunities for sandboarding or quiet walks on the sand. In the afternoon, you return to your accommodation near the dunes to enjoy a relaxed evening, dinner, and overnight stay, surrounded by the silence and beauty of the desert.
Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Fes
Following breakfast, the journey back to Fes begins. You’ll travel through Rissani, a historic trading town and the former capital of the Tafilalt region, where traditional markets and desert culture remain deeply rooted. Continuing to Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops, you’ll see how ancient marine life has been preserved in stone. The route then leads once again through the lush Ziz Valley, offering scenic stops for photos and rest. As you climb back into the Middle Atlas Mountains, the landscapes gradually shift from arid desert to green forests and cool mountain air. With breaks along the way for lunch and refreshments, you’ll arrive in Fes by late evening, marking the end of an unforgettable Sahara desert experience.
You might also be interested in the 4 days desert tour from Marrakech
- Included services
- Private transport AC minibus with English speaking guide/driver
- We will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation
- 1 night in a desert camp in private tents
- Camel trekking in the Sahara Merzouga
- Dinner and breakfast
- Excluded services
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Entrance fees, other personal expenses and pocket money
