3-Day Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour
Embark on an unforgettable adventure. Discover Fes to Merzouga desert tour and 3-day Morocco itinerary.
3-Day Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour
Journey from Fes through the Middle Atlas Mountains to experience the majestic Sahara Desert with a magical night under the stars in Merzouga.
Departure
Fes
Duration
3 Days
Arrival
Fes
Overview
Discover the enchanting beauty of Morocco’s landscapes on this 3-day adventure from Fes to the golden dunes of Merzouga. Your journey begins in the cultural city of Fes and takes you through the diverse terrains of the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you’ll encounter charming towns and cedar forests teeming with wildlife.
As you venture deeper into Morocco’s heartland, you’ll pass through the spectacular Ziz Valley before arriving at the edge of the Sahara Desert. The highlight of your trip will be a camel trek into the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll witness a magnificent sunset and spend an unforgettable night in a traditional desert camp under the star-filled Saharan sky.
Itinerary
Fes to Midelt via Ifrane and Azrou
Morning Departure
- →Early morning departure from your accommodation in Fes
- →Drive through the picturesque Middle Atlas Mountains
- →Enjoy stunning panoramic views and traditional Berber villages
Ifrane
- →Visit Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its Alpine-style architecture
- →Stop to admire the famous stone lion sculpture
- →Enjoy the clean mountain air and beautifully maintained gardens
- →Optional coffee break at one of the charming local cafés
Cedar Forests of Azrou
- →Continue to the cedar forests of Azrou
- →Meet the playful Barbary macaques (wild monkeys) in their natural habitat
- →Take a short walk among the ancient cedar trees, some over 800 years old
- →See the famous “Cèdre Gouraud,” one of the largest and oldest cedar trees in the Atlas
Midelt and Overnight
- →Continue to Midelt, known as the “Apple Capital” of Morocco
- →Lunch in a local restaurant sampling regional specialties
- →Explore the town with its rich mining history and Berber carpets
- →Dinner and overnight at a comfortable riad or hotel in Midelt
Midelt to Merzouga Desert
Ziz Valley
- →After breakfast, depart for the spectacular Ziz Valley
- →Stop at the Ziz Gorges for panoramic views and photo opportunities
- →Marvel at the vast palm oasis stretching over 20km with more than a million palm trees
- →Observe traditional mud-brick kasbahs nestled among the palm groves
Desert Gateway
- →Continue to Erfoud, known as the “Gate of the Sahara Desert”
- →Optional visit to a fossil workshop to see how local artisans create items from ancient marine fossils
- →Lunch in a local restaurant
Sunset Camel Trek
“The sunset camel trek through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi is an iconic Moroccan experience that will transport you to another world. As you ride through the rippling sand sea, watch the colors of the desert transform with the setting sun.”
- →Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon, at the edge of the Sahara Desert
- →Prepare for your desert adventure and meet your camel caravan
- →Embark on a camel trek into the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes
- →Witness a magnificent sunset from the top of the dunes
Night in the Desert
- →Arrive at a traditional desert camp set among the dunes
- →Enjoy an authentic Moroccan dinner prepared by desert nomads
- →Experience traditional Berber music and drumming around the campfire
- →Marvel at the incredible night sky filled with stars
- →Overnight in a comfortable desert camp with private bathroom facilities
Merzouga to Fes
Desert Sunrise
- →Early morning wake-up to witness the spectacular desert sunrise
- →Time to explore and photograph the dunes in the magical morning light
- →Optional sand boarding on the dunes
- →Return to Merzouga by camel
Return Journey
The journey back to Fes is a long one, but the scenery is constantly changing and beautiful. Make sure your camera is charged, and don’t hesitate to ask your driver to make stops for photos or to stretch your legs.
- →Breakfast at a local hotel with shower facilities
- →Begin the journey back to Fes
- →Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, taking a different route for variety
- →Stop for lunch in a local restaurant (at your own expense)
- →Enjoy the changing landscapes from desert to mountains and forests
Return to Fes
Your tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Fes in the early evening. We recommend spending additional time in Fes to explore its UNESCO-listed medina, historical monuments, and vibrant culture.
What’s Included
- ✓Private air-conditioned vehicle with comfortable seating
- ✓English-speaking driver/guide throughout the tour
- ✓1 night accommodation in a hotel/riad in Midelt
- ✓1 night in a luxury desert camp with private bathroom facilities
- ✓Camel trek in Merzouga at sunset and sunrise
- ✓2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- ✓Bottled mineral water during the journey
- ✓Professional local guides where needed
- ✓All taxes and service charges
What’s Not Included
- ×Flights to/from Morocco
- ×Accommodation in Fes before/after the tour
- ×Lunches and drinks during meals
- ×Personal expenses and souvenirs
- ×Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
- ×Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- ×Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Tour Highlights
Alpine Ifrane
Visit Ifrane, Morocco's 'Little Switzerland' with its European-style architecture
Cedar Forests of Azrou
Walk among ancient cedar trees and meet the resident Barbary macaques
Ziz Valley
Marvel at the stunning palm oasis stretching for miles with traditional kasbahs
Merzouga Desert
Explore the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, some reaching heights of 150 meters
Camel Trekking
Experience traditional desert transportation with sunset and sunrise camel rides
Sahara Night
Spend an unforgettable night under the stars in a traditional desert camp
Berber Culture
Engage with local nomadic culture through music, food, and storytelling
Middle Atlas Mountains
Journey through diverse mountain landscapes and traditional Berber villages
Good to Know
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures
Summer (June-August) can be extremely hot in the desert (over 40°C/104°F)
Winter (December-February) brings cold nights in the desert but comfortable daytime temperatures
What to Pack
Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime and warm layers for cool desert nights
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals for the desert
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen
Small daypack for personal items and camera equipment
Personal toiletries and any necessary medications
Practical Information
The journey involves long driving distances (approximately 7-8 hours per day)
WiFi may be limited or unavailable in remote areas and the desert camp
ATMs are available in larger towns but not in remote areas
Tour can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice
Cultural Considerations
Morocco is a Muslim country; dress modestly in public areas
Ask permission before photographing local people
During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is discouraged
Learning a few Arabic or Berber greetings is appreciated by locals
Secure Your Adventure
Reserve your spot today with no payment required. Limited availability - our tours often sell out weeks in advance.
