3 Days Tour From Fes to Merzouga
The perfect round trip starting from Fes
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Overview
If you’re looking for the perfect short escape into Morocco’s desert landscapes, this 3-day tour from Fes to Merzouga delivers just that. From winding mountain roads to the vast silence of the Sahara, every stop along the way reveals a new side of the country.
This journey isn’t just about seeing the dunes, it’s about experiencing Morocco’s natural beauty, rich culture, and traditional Berber life up close. Whether you’re chasing desert sunsets, exploring hidden valleys, or connecting with local communities, this tour packs a lot into just three days.
| Duration | Departure Time & Location | Arrival Time & Location | Price Per Guest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days and 2 nights | 8:30 AM from Fes | 18:00 in Fes | From 150 EUR |
Best Highlights Of the 3-Day Tour from Fes to Merzouga
Here are the top highlights of the 3-day tour from Fes to Merzouga:
- Middle and High Atlas Mountains: Drive through captivating mountain landscapes dotted with small Berber villages.
- Azrou Cedar Forest: Stroll among ancient cedar trees and encounter friendly Barbary apes.
- Ziz Valley: Wander through the lush palm groves of this green oasis within Morocco’s desert.
- Erg Chebbi Dunes: Experience a camel ride across breathtaking desert dunes at sunset.
- Berber Camp Stay: Spend the night in a traditional desert camp, with dinner and music around the campfire.
- Cultural Exploration: Visit nomadic families and the village of Khamlia, known for Gnawa music.
Tour Gallery
Itinerary For the 3-Day Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour
The following is the tour itinerary for the 3 days Fes to Merzouga desert tour:
Day 1: Drive from Fes to Merzouga
Route, Distance & Key Stops
Route: Fes ➜ Azrou ➜ Midelt ➜ Erfoud ➜ Merzouga
Distance: 467 km
Key stops:
- Azrou Cedar Forest
- Midelt
- Erfoud
- Rissani
Day Highlights & Experiences
Scenic Drive through the Middle Atlas
Our journey begins with a scenic drive from Fes, passing through the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its Alpine-style architecture and clean, well-maintained streets.
Explore the Azrou Cedar Forest
We continue to the Azrou Cedar Forest, where you’ll have the chance to stroll through towering cedar trees and spot the playful Barbary apes that live in the area. This is a great place to capture some beautiful photos.
Lunch in Midelt – A Quiet Mountain Town
After leaving the forest, we head towards Midelt, a small town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. You will have your lunch here with tasty local dishes.
Discover Erfoud’s Fossils
After lunch, we drive through the stunning Ziz Valley, known for its vast palm groves. We’ll also pass through Erfoud, famous for its fossils and marble carvings, giving you a glimpse into the region’s unique geological history.
Stroll Rissani’s Historic Local Souk
Before reaching the desert, we stop in Rissani, home to the largest souk in the area. This bustling town offers a peek into traditional Moroccan life, with its vibrant market and rich history.
Camel Trek and Overnight in at a Desert Camp
We arrive in Merzouga, where your desert guide will lead you on a camel trek across the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun sets. The day ends at a traditional Berber camp, where you’ll enjoy dinner and music under the stars before settling into your tent for the night.
Day 2: Merzouga Desert Excursion
Route, Distance & Key Stops
Route: Merzouga ➜ Erg Chebbi ➜ Nomad Families ➜ Merzouga
Distance: 50 km
Key stops:
- Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Khamlia Village
- Nomad Families
Day Highlights & Experiences
Sunrise over the Erg Chebbi Dunes and Breakfast at the Camp
Our second day begins early as you wake up to the sight of sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After that, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast at the desert camp and have time to freshen up before heading out for the day’s adventure.
Once breakfast is done, you’ll mount your camel for a gentle ride back across the dunes to the departure point.
Visit Khamlia Village for an Authentic Gnawa Music Experience
Next, we head to the nearby village of Khamlia, where you’ll be treated to the unique sounds of Gnawa music. This village is known for its authentic cultural heritage, and you’ll experience traditional performances that blend African, Arab, and Berber influences.
Explore Lake Sirji and the M’ifis Mines
After the musical experience in Khamlia, we explore the seasonal Lake of Merzouga, also known as Lake Sirji. Depending on the time of year, this lake fills with water and attracts a variety of migratory birds, including flamingos.
We’ll also stop by the M’ifis mines, where you can learn about the region’s mining history and see remnants of the old mining operations.
Meet Nomadic Families in the Desert
After that, we’ll have a visit to nomadic families who live in the area surrounding the desert. Here, you’ll gain insight into their traditional way of life, their homes, and how they’ve adapted to the harsh desert environment.
Free Time in Merzouga and Overnight Stay
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Merzouga, where you can enjoy some free time to relax or explore on your own. You’ll end the day with a comfortable stay at a local hotel or riad, ready for the final leg of your desert adventure.
Day 3: Drive from Merzouga Desert to Fes
Route, Distance & Key Stops
Route: Merzouga ➜ Ziz Valley ➜ Midelt ➜ Fes
Distance: 467 km
Key stops:
- Ziz Valley
- Midelt
- Ifrane
Day Highlights & Experiences
Sunrise over the Sahara and Breakfast at the Hotel or Riad
The final day of your desert adventure begins with another spectacular sunrise over the Sahara dunes. After enjoying this magical moment, you’ll sit down for breakfast at your hotel or riad before saying goodbye to the enchanting dunes of Merzouga.
Journey Through the Beautiful Ziz Valley
Leaving the desert behind, the journey takes us through the breathtaking Ziz Valley. This lush oasis is lined with towering palm groves, a welcome contrast to the arid desert. We’ll then drive through the Tafilalet Oasis where you will have a perfect photo opportunity.
Lunch Stop in Midelt or Zaida
Midway through the journey, we’ll reach the charming town of Midelt, nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. You will have your delicious lunch here. If time allows, we might also stop in the nearby town of Zaida, where local cafes offer hearty meals to refuel for the rest of the trip.
Drive Through the Cedar Forests of Azrou
As we continue our journey, the road winds through the cedar forests near Azrou. You’ve already met the famous Barbary apes in this ancient forest, and with a bit of luck, you might spot them on the way back.
Pass Through Ifrane, “Little Switzerland” of Morocco
The last stop on our way back to Fes is the beautiful town of Ifrane. With its European-style architecture, alpine climate, and well-manicured gardens, Ifrane is a surprising and charming place to visit. It’s also a popular ski resort in the winter, but remains a delightful stop year-round.
Arrival in Fes
As the day comes to an end, we’ll arrive back in Fes in the late afternoon. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or riad in Fes, concluding your unforgettable journey from the Sahara back to the city.
Tour Itinerary Map
Tour Includes & Excludes
What’s Included:
- Transportation: Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation including pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or riad in Fes
- Accommodation: One night at a traditional nomad desert camp and another night at a charming hotel or riad in Merzouga
- Meals: Daily breakfasts and dinners
- Camel Trek: A guided camel trek through the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes
- Guidance: An English-speaking driver and guide
What’s Excluded:
- Meals: Lunches and drinks
- Personal Expenses: Any shopping or personal purchases
- Entrance Fees: Entry fees to monuments, attractions, or museums
- Tips: Gratuities for your guide and driver.
Available Tour Options
5 Things You Cannot Miss on the Fes to Merzouga Tour
5 Things You Cannot Miss on the Fes to Merzouga Tour
This adventure captures the best of Morocco’s landscapes, culture, and unique desert magic. Here are the five things you must experience on the way.
Azrou Cedar Forest
As you pass through the Middle Atlas, stop at Azrou’s cedar forest, home to ancient trees and friendly Barbary apes. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy mountain views and maybe have a picnic.
Camel Ride across the Erg Chebbi Dunes
A camel trek through the towering sand dunes of Erg Chebbi is a classic desert experience. It connects you to the old nomadic way of life and offers a unique way to explore the Sahara.
Sunrise in the Merzouga Desert
Catch the sunrise over the dunes in Merzouga for a truly magical moment. The shifting colors and calm desert air make it perfect for reflection and photography.
Visit Khamlia Village for Gnawa Music
Visit Khamlia to hear live Gnawa music. It is an unforgettable mix of African and Berber rhythms. It’s a powerful way to connect with the region’s deep cultural roots.
Explore the Ziz Valley and Palm Groves
This lush valley, lined with palm trees and ancient kasbahs, is a refreshing contrast to the desert. It’s ideal for a scenic walk, date tasting, or a quick photo stop.
Travel Tips For 3-Day Desert Tour From Fes to Merzouga
Travel Tips For 3-Day Desert Tour From Fes to Merzouga
- Pack Smart: Bring light layers for the day, a jacket for chilly nights, sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf (for dust), and sturdy shoes.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle and drink often.
- Prepare for Long Drives: Pack snacks, music, and use breaks to stretch and enjoy the scenery.
- Power Up: Bring a power bank as charging points can be limited, especially in desert camps.
- Carry Cash: ATMs are rare and cards often aren’t accepted in small towns or villages.
- Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly and engage respectfully with locals, especially in Berber villages.
- Camel Comfort: Wear comfy pants for the ride and hold the saddle for better balance.
FAQs Answered
Yes, Merzouga is safe for travelers. The locals are friendly, and the area is well-prepared for tourism. Just keep your belongings secure and follow basic safety precautions.
The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when temperatures are mild. Summer can be very hot, and winter nights are cold.
You’ll stay one night in a desert camp with private tents and basic facilities and another night in a hotel or riad in Merzouga with more amenities like en-suite bathrooms.
Pack warm clothing for the cold nights, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and personal items like a flashlight and toiletries.
Yes, Merzouga is part of the Sahara, specifically the Erg Chebbi dunes, offering an authentic desert experience.
Securing a tour with us is straightforward. First, reach out to pick the tour that catches your interest. Once you’ve made your choice, lock in your reservation with a small deposit. Don’t forget to take a look at our booking policies for any further details.
Our Customers Reviews
A Wonderful Country!
We had Hassan as our driver and guide. He was excellent, friendly, and very informative. He was also very responsive to our requests. A very pleasant person to spend days with.
The desert camp was well run, clean and organized. The bedding was fresh and the food tasty. The other accommodation provided was also very good.
By the end of the tour we were sad to say goodbye to our guide. Awesome experience, we will definitely be recommending this tour to all our friends.
Amazing Trip, Friendly People!
We took part in the Sahara tour from Fes to the desert. Our driver was very friendly and could answer every our questions. The landscape we drove through is amazing, everything was organized very well.
The places we stopped in (either to take photos or to have lunch), were very touristic, it could be a little more individually to be a private tour.
This tour was nevertheless a great and easy possibility to see a big part of Morocco in a few days.
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What's Next?
Looking for more thrills? check out these incredible day trips, ideal for experiencing before or after your main adventure.
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Important Note:
We’re here to tailor our tours from Fes to your exact preferences and needs. Whenever you’re ready, contact us, and we’ll plan a perfect itinerary for you.