Discover a 3 days desert tour from Fes to Fes via Merzouga, including camel trekking, Erg Chebbi dunes, a night in a desert camp, and scenic stops across the Middle Atlas.
- 3 Days/ 2 Nights
- Start in Fes
- Ends in Fes
3 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM FES TO FES VIA MERZOUGA OVERVIEW
This 3 days desert tour from Fes to Fes takes you through the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, and traditional Berber towns before reaching the golden dunes of Merzouga. Along the way, you’ll enjoy changing landscapes, from green valleys to dramatic desert scenery, with plenty of stops for photos and short walks.
In the Sahara Desert, you’ll experience camel trekking across the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend a memorable night in a desert camp under the stars. The tour ends with a scenic drive back to Fes, offering a perfect balance of adventure, culture, and comfort in just three days.
Tour Highlights:
- Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains
- Stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco”
- Walk through the cedar forests and possible monkey sightings
- Visit traditional Berber villages along the way
- Camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga
- Sunset and sunrise over the Sahara Desert
- Overnight stay in a desert camp under the stars
- Authentic Moroccan dinner with Berber music
- Comfortable return journey from Merzouga back to Fes
3 Days Desert Tour From Fes To Merzouga Itinerary
Before diving into the detailed day-by-day program, here is a quick look at what to expect from this journey. This 3 days desert tour from Fes to Merzouga is designed to offer a smooth and well-paced experience, combining scenic drives, cultural stops, and unforgettable desert moments. Each day brings a new landscape, from the Middle Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of the Sahara, while keeping travel time balanced and comfortable.
1st Day: Fes - Ifrane - Cedars forest- Midelt - Ziz valley - Merzouga Sahara ( 7 Hours Drive )
Your 3 days desert tour from Fes to Merzouga starts early in the morning with a pick-up from your accommodation in Fes. Leaving the city behind, you’ll travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, enjoying changing landscapes of hills, forests, and small Berber villages along the way. The first major stop is in Ifrane, a charming town known for its alpine-style houses, clean streets, and cool climate, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” This is a great place for a short walk and photos.
From Ifrane, the journey continues to the cedar forests of Azrou, home to the famous Barbary macaques. You’ll have time to walk among the tall cedar trees, observe the monkeys in their natural habitat, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The drive then leads through mountain passes toward Midelt, a town located between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas ranges, where you’ll stop for lunch or a short rest.
In the afternoon, the scenery gradually changes as you head south toward the desert. You’ll pass through the impressive Ziz Valley, known for its vast palm groves, ksour, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the river and oasis landscapes. Several photo stops are made to capture this beautiful contrast between green valleys and arid surroundings. By late afternoon or early evening, you arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert, where the first sight of the golden Erg Chebbi dunes marks the beginning of your desert experience.
2nd Day : Explore Merzouga region - Nomads - Khamlia - Merzouga lake - Erg Chebbi - Palm Grove ( 2 Hours Drive )
After breakfast, the day is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region and experiencing the real life of the Sahara. You begin with a short drive around the Erg Chebbi dunes, passing through desert landscapes, fossil areas, and small villages that show the traditional way of life in this region. One of the highlights is a visit to local nomad families, where you’ll learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and how they adapt to life in the desert.
The journey continues to the village of Khamlia, famous for its Gnawa music. Here, you’ll enjoy a short live music performance and learn about the village’s history and cultural roots. Later, you visit Merzouga Lake (Dayet Srij), a seasonal lake that attracts migratory birds when filled with water, offering a peaceful contrast to the surrounding dunes. The afternoon is spent relaxing near the Erg Chebbi dunes or walking through a nearby palm grove, enjoying the calm desert atmosphere before returning to your accommodation for the night.
3rd Day : Merzouga - Rissani - Erfoud - Ziz valley - Ifrane - Fes (7 Hours Drive )
After an early breakfast in Merzouga, you begin the return journey to Fes, leaving the Sahara behind as the landscapes slowly change once again. The first stop is Rissani, an important historical town and former trading center, where you may visit its traditional market if it is a market day. This area is known for its lively atmosphere and strong connection to local Saharan culture.
The drive continues to Erfoud, famous for its fossils and date production, before heading back through the scenic Ziz Valley. You’ll stop at panoramic viewpoints overlooking palm-filled oases and dramatic cliffs, perfect for photos and short breaks. In the afternoon, you pass through the Middle Atlas Mountains and make a final stop in Ifrane to stretch your legs and enjoy the cooler mountain air. By evening, you arrive back in Fes, marking the end of your 3 days desert tour from Fes to Fes.
Fes Desert Tour To Merzouga 3 Days Price:
The price of the 3 days desert tour from Fes to Merzouga depends on several factors, including the number of travelers, the level of accommodation (standard or luxury desert camp), and the travel season. To receive an exact quote tailored to your needs, please contact us directly and we will be happy to provide a detailed price based on your preferences.
Tour Includes & Excludes:
What’s Included in the Price:
Private transportation for 3 days in a comfortable 4×4 or air-conditioned minivan, including fuel
Pick-up and drop-off from your riad or any location in Marrakech
Dedicated private driver/guide who speaks English
One overnight stay in a high-quality hotel or traditional riad
One overnight stay in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga with a private bathroom
Camel trek experience (one camel per person), with a 4WD transfer option available if preferred
Sandboarding equipment provided at the desert camp
Daily dinners and breakfasts
What’s Not Included:
Lunch meals and beverages
Tour Map
Know Before You Go:
- Weather conditions can vary greatly during your 3 days desert tour from Fes to Merzouga. While days in the desert are usually warm, evenings and early mornings can be quite cold, especially between October and March. In the Middle Atlas Mountains, temperatures can also drop, and snow is possible in winter. We recommend packing light layers so you can easily adjust to the changing weather throughout the journey.
- Comfortable clothing and footwear are essential for this tour. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. If you plan to do camel trekking, wearing long pants and closed shoes is recommended for comfort. A small backpack for personal items, a reusable water bottle, and a light jacket for the evening will make your experience more enjoyable.
- Please inform us in advance about any dietary requirements, allergies, or medical conditions so we can make the necessary arrangements. The tour involves several hours of driving each day, with regular stops for rest and photos. While the journey is long, the landscapes are diverse and scenic, making the drive an important part of the experience.