3-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Merzouga

This multi-day desert journey from Fes offers an immersive exploration of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Traveling through the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, fertile valleys, and vast Saharan dunes, the tour combines scenic drives with authentic local encounters.

Along the way, you’ll discover mountain towns, palm-filled oases, and traditional villages before reaching the golden dunes of Merzouga. A camel trek across the desert, a night under the stars, and a full day of desert exploration provide a true Sahara experience. The journey then continues back through the Ziz Valley and alpine-style mountain regions, creating a perfect balance between nature, culture, and adventure.

• Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains.
• Visit to Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture.
• Walk through cedar forests home to Barbary macaques.
• Panoramic views of the Ziz Valley and palm oases.
• Camel trek across the dunes of Merzouga at sunset.
• Overnight desert experience under a star-filled sky.
• Full day of desert exploration around Erg Chebbi.
• Visit nomadic communities and learn about desert life.
• Discover fossil-rich areas and desert oases.
• Experience live Gnawa music in a traditional village.

Day 1: Fes ➝ Middle Atlas ➝ Merzouga Desert ➝ Camel Trek & Desert Night

Your journey begins with a departure from Fes, heading south through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. The route leads to Ifrane, a mountain town known for its alpine-style architecture and fresh mountain air, often compared to Switzerland. Continue toward Azrou, where you’ll walk through expansive cedar forests inhabited by Barbary macaques.

The drive continues through rolling mountain landscapes to Midelt, a town nestled between mountain ranges, where a break is made before continuing onward. After Midelt, the scenery gradually transforms as you cross mountain passes and follow the dramatic Ziz Gorge, offering sweeping views of plateaus and deep valleys. As you approach Errachidia, signs of the desert begin to appear.

Travel through the lush Ziz Valley, stopping at panoramic viewpoints overlooking palm groves and oasis villages, before continuing to Erfoud and Rissani. By late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara. After a traditional welcome with mint tea, set off on a camel trek guided by an experienced local, riding across the golden dunes as the sun sets. Dinner is served in the desert, followed by an overnight stay beneath the stars.

Day 2: Merzouga Desert ➝ Nomadic Encounters ➝ Tissardmin Oasis ➝ Khamlia ➝ Erg Chebbi

The day begins early with an optional walk up a nearby dune to witness a breathtaking desert sunrise. Afterward, return by camel for breakfast before setting out on a full day of desert exploration.

Travel around the vast Erg Chebbi dunes, home to some of the highest sand formations in Morocco. Follow ancient desert tracks once used for rally routes, passing through landscapes where sand meets rocky desert plains. Stop at the Tissardmin oasis, an area known for fossil-rich terrain, before continuing through remote regions where nomadic families still live. Here, you’ll learn about their traditions and daily life.

Pause at a scenic viewpoint to take in a wide panorama of the dunes, then continue to Khamlia Village. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea while listening to live Gnawa music, performed by local musicians whose heritage traces back to sub-Saharan Africa. The afternoon is free to explore the nearby dunes or relax before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay in Merzouga.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert ➝ Ziz Valley ➝ Cedar Forests ➝ Fes

After breakfast, begin the return journey north, passing through the vast palm groves of the Tafilalet region, one of the largest oasis areas in the world. Continue along the Ziz Valley, where the river nourishes miles of palm trees and agricultural land. Stop at an elevated viewpoint overlooking the valley and surrounding villages for photos and relaxation.

The route leads back through Midelt, where time is allowed for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, drive once more through the cedar forests near Azrou, with opportunities to spot Barbary macaques among the trees.

The final stop is Ifrane, a well-planned mountain city set high in the Middle Atlas, known for its wide streets, green spaces, and European-style architecture. After a short visit, continue to Fes, arriving in the early evening, marking the end of the tour.

• Private transportation with a professional local driver
• Hand-picked accommodations (riads, kasbahs, boutique hotels or desert camps, depending on itinerary)
• Breakfasts included in most accommodations throughout the trip
• Dinners in the desert and remote regions, when applicable
• Cultural and heritage activities listed in your itinerary
• Local certified guides at major historical sites and selected cities
• Camel ride in the Sahara for desert tours
• Assistance from our dedicated team throughout your stay

• International flights to and from Morocco
• Lunches and beverages, unless specified
• Entrance fees to certain monuments or optional activities
• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Tips for guides and drivers (at your discretion)