3-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Merzouga

Day 1: Fes – Azrou – Midelt

Departing from Fes in the morning, your journey takes you through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is in Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its Alpine-style architecture and cool climate. After a brief exploration, continue to the cedar forests near Azrou, where you may spot Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. Afterward, you’ll drive through the stunning landscapes of the Middle Atlas, passing Berber villages and rolling hills, eventually reaching Midelt for a lunch break. In the afternoon, the journey continues through the dramatic Ziz Gorge and the lush Ziz Valley, famous for its vast palm groves and traditional kasbahs. As you approach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert, the landscape transforms into arid plains. Upon arrival in Merzouga, you’ll leave your vehicle and embark on a camel trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunset. You’ll spend the night at a desert camp, enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner, Berber music, and sleeping under the starry sky.

Day 2: Merzouga

Wake up early to catch the magical sunrise over the dunes, an unforgettable experience. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the desert further. You can visit the nearby village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa musicians, or explore the surrounding desert landscapes by 4×4, discovering hidden oases, ancient fossils, and traditional Berber nomad camps. The afternoon is free for you to relax or continue exploring the dunes. As the day comes to an end, you’ll return to your desert camp for another night under the stars, enjoying the tranquility of the Sahara.

Day 3: Merzouga – Fes

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a camel trek back to Merzouga, where you’ll begin your return journey to Fes. The drive takes you back through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains, offering new perspectives on the landscapes you passed on your way to the desert. You’ll have opportunities to stop along the way for photos, and refreshments, and to visit any sites you might have missed earlier. As you travel through the picturesque Berber villages and scenic vistas, you’ll reflect on the incredible experiences of the past few days. The tour concludes as you arrive in Fes in the late afternoon or early evening.