4 Days Tour From Fes to Merzouga
An amazing adventure in the south of Morocco
Morocco VS Your Time
Check the time difference before you book or call.
Your local time
(detecting…)
Morocco (Casablanca)
Africa/Casablanca
-
Award-Winning Tours
- TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice 2025
- TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice 2024
- TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice 2023
- TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice 2022
Talk to a local expert in just a few clicks
Not sure what your best option is? Share a few details and one of our local specialists will walk you through your choices with clear, honest guidance - no pressure, no jargon.
Overview
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the soul of Morocco, this 4-day tour from Fes to Merzouga is your gateway to it all. This isn’t just a trip; it’s a full immersion into the landscapes, culture, and rhythm of Morocco’s heartland.
From the cultural richness of Fes to the golden silence of the Sahara, this journey winds through cedar forests, Berber villages, deep gorges, and endless desert dunes. Over four unforgettable days, you’ll witness Morocco in its raw beauty.
| Duration | Departure Time & Location | Arrival Time & Location | Price Per Guest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 days and 3 nights | 8:30 AM from Fes | 18:00 in Fes | From 185 EUR |
Top Highlights of the Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour
The following are the top highlights of the Fes to Merzouga desert tour 4 days:
- Ifrane’s Alpine Charm: Stop in the mountain town often called “Little Switzerland” for its clean streets and European-style architecture.
- Azrou Cedar Forest & Barbary Apes: Wander among towering cedar trees and spot playful Barbary macaques.
- Ziz Valley Vistas: Take in the sweeping views of palm groves and ancient kasbahs lining the lush Ziz Valley.
- Erg Chebbi Dunes: Marvel at the towering golden dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
- Camel Ride at Sunset: Ride a camel deep into the Sahara and catch the sunset painting the dunes in warm hues.
- Desert Campfire Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner and Berber drumming beneath the stars at your Merzouga desert camp.
- Overnight in a Desert Tent: Spend the night in a Berber-style tent surrounded by silence and starlight.
- Nomadic Life Experience: Visit a local nomad family and learn about their desert lifestyle and traditions.
- Todra Gorge Exploration: Walk along the towering canyon walls and enjoy the refreshing breeze of the Todra River.
- Dades Valley Landscapes: Discover dramatic rock formations and the winding “Monkey Fingers” road carved into the cliffs.
Tour Gallery
Itinerary for the 4-Day Tour from Fes to Merzouga
Below is the complete itinerary for the 4 days tour from Fes to Merzouga:
Day 1: Drive From Fes to Merzouga via Ziz Valley
Route, Distance & Key Stops
Route: Fes ➜ Ifrane ➜ Azrou ➜ Midelt ➜ Ziz Valley ➜ Erfoud ➜ Merzouga
Distance: Approx. 467 km
Key stops:
- Ifrane
- Azrou Cedar Forest
- Midelt
- Ziz Valley
- Erfoud & Rissani
- Merzouga
Day Highlights & Experiences
Hotel Pickup (Morning)
Your adventure begins right at your doorstep in Fes. Our driver-guide will meet you early in the morning, introduce the day’s route and highlights, and we’ll begin.
Stop in Ifrane
We’ll take a relaxing break in Ifrane, Morocco’s charming alpine town. Known for its European feel, clean streets, and snow in winter, this stop gives you a unique perspective on Morocco’s diversity.
Meet Barbary Macaques in Azrou Cedar Forest
Next, we’ll continue to the cedar forest near Azrou, where you’ll meet the famous Barbary macaques. We’ll guide you through the wooded paths and help you capture some great photos of these playful primates.
Lunch in Midelt
By midday, we’ll stop in Midelt, a highland town known for apples and scenic mountain views. Here, we’ll help you choose a cozy spot for lunch and introduce you to regional flavors before continuing our drive south.
Drive Through Ziz Valley
In the afternoon, we’ll guide you along the breathtaking Ziz Valley, with opportunities to stop and admire the endless palm groves and kasbah-dotted hillsides. You’ll learn stories of the valley’s importance in local life and trade.
Passing Through Erfoud & Rissani
As we approach the desert, we’ll pass through Erfoud, famous for its fossils, and the ancient town of Rissani, once a bustling stop for Saharan caravans. We’ll point out landmarks and explain the deep history of the area as we make our way toward the dunes.
Arrival in Merzouga
We’ll arrive in Merzouga by sunset, where you’ll be welcomed with traditional tea. Our team will assist you with check-in at your desert hotel or riad and prepare you for the days ahead in the Sahara.
Day 2: Merzouga Desert Exploration & Camel Trekking
Route, Distance & Key Stops
Route: Merzouga (Local desert circuit)
Distance: Approx. 45 km
Key stops:
- Khamlia Village
- Mifis Mines
- Local Nomads Family
- Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Desert Camp
Day Highlights & Experiences
Visit to Khamlia Village
Our first stop is the village of Khamlia, home to a vibrant community of Gnawa musicians descended from Sub-Saharan Africa. You’ll be introduced to their spiritual music, rooted in centuries-old traditions, and welcomed with live performances and warm hospitality.
Explore Mifis Mines
Next, we’ll head toward the lesser-known Mifis Mines, an old site once used for salt and kohl extraction. Perched between stark rocky paths and rolling sand, this spot offers spectacular desert panoramas.
Tea with a Nomadic Berber Family
Behind the dunes, we’ll visit a local nomadic Berber family living in traditional tents. Our guide will translate as you sip tea, learn about their way of life, and hear firsthand what it means to live in harmony with the desert.
Camel Trekking into Erg Chebbi Dunes
In the afternoon, after a short rest, our camel caravan awaits. We’ll mount our camels and begin a slow trek into the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi. You’ll enjoy a beautiful desert sunset while riding your camel.
Overnight in Berber Tent Camp
As night falls, you’ll arrive at our desert camp located among the dunes. We’ll help you settle into your private Berber-style tent before gathering around the fire for a traditional dinner. Expect live Berber drumming, stories under the stars, and a sky filled with silence and starlight.
Day 3: Drive from Merzouga to Dades Valley
Route, Distance & Key Stops
Route: Merzouga ➜ Erfoud ➜ Ziz Valley ➜ Todra Gorge ➜ Dades Valley
Distance: Approx. 255 km
Key stops:
- Erfoud
- Todra Gorge
- Dades Valley
Day Highlights & Experiences
Sunrise Over the Dunes
We begin before dawn, waking you just in time to witness the Sahara come alive. With our team on hand, you’ll climb a nearby dune to catch the sun casting gold and rose tones across the sand.
Drive Toward Todra Gorge via Erfoud and Ziz Valley
As we leave Merzouga, we pass through Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops, and continue into the green ribbon of the Ziz Valley. Along the way, there’s time to pause for photos or simply soak in the silence of this scenic drive.
Explore Todra Gorge
We reach Todra Gorge by early afternoon. Towering limestone cliffs rise nearly 300 meters above a narrow riverbed, perfect for an easy hike or a refreshing walk by the water. We’ll take you to some of the best viewpoints and guide you through the area’s geology and traditions.
Arrival in Dades Valley
In the late afternoon, we wind through the famous hairpin bends of the Dades Valley, one of Morocco’s most photogenic drives. With dramatic rock formations and rugged landscapes, this part of the journey is a favorite for photographers and nature lovers. You’ll spend the night in a guesthouse perched above the Dades Valley.
Day 4: Drive from Dades Valley to Fes
Route, Distance & Key Stops
Route: Dades Valley ➜ Midelt ➜ Azrou ➜ Ifrane ➜ Fes
Distance: Approx. 472 km
Key stops:
- Ziz Valley
- Midelt
- Nomadic Tents & Cedar Forest
- Ifrane
- Fes
Day Highlights & Experiences
Morning Departure from Dades Valley
After breakfast at your hotel, we’ll set off early through the winding roads of Dades. The morning light on the cliffs offers one last chance for stunning valley photos before heading north.
Stop at Ziz Valley & Midelt
We’ll drive through the scenic upper Ziz Valley, with panoramic stops for tea and photos. Then we’ll pass through Midelt, an apple-farming town tucked in the High Atlas, where you can enjoy a peaceful lunch with a mountain view.
Nomadic Tents & Cedar Forest
As we continue, keep an eye out for nomadic Berber tents dotting the hillsides. Soon, we’ll reach the cedar forest near Azrou. Stretch your legs, snap a few photos, and enjoy a breath of fresh mountain air.
Enjoying the Beauty of Ifrane
Before the final stretch, we’ll pause in Ifrane, a tidy alpine town known for its European-style architecture and chilled cafés. It’s the perfect coffee break before heading back to city life.
Return to Fes
We’ll arrive in Fes by late afternoon, where we’ll drop you off at your accommodation. This marks the end of this unforgettable 4-day Fes to Merzouga tour.
Tour Itinerary Map
Tour Includes & Excludes
Price Includes:
- Pick-Up & Drop-Off: From and to your accommodation in Fes
- Private Transportation: Modern air-conditioned vehicle with fuel included
- Experienced Driver/Guide: English-speaking local driver throughout the trip
- Accommodation: 2 nights in hotels or guesthouses and 1 night in a Berber-style desert camp
- Meals: 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners
- Camel Trekking: One camel per person for the ride to the desert camp
- 4×4 Desert Transfer: To and from the camp as an alternative to a camel ride
Price Excludes:
- Meals: Lunches & drinks
- Tips: Gratuities for your driver or guides
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, snacks, and any extra services not mentioned in the itinerary
Available Tour Options
5 Best Experiences on the Fes to Merzouga Desert Trip
5 Best Experiences on the Fes to Merzouga Desert Trip
On this compact yet immersive journey across Morocco’s interior, these five highlights stand out as unforgettable moments along the way.
Sunrise Over the Erg Chebbi Dunes
Waking up before dawn to climb the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi is worth every step. It’s a quiet, otherworldly experience that captures the magic of the Sahara.
Camel Trek & Overnight in a Desert Camp
No trip to Merzouga is complete without a camel ride into the heart of the dunes. Dinner under the stars and warm Saharan hospitality make the overnight stay one to remember.
Explore the Towering Walls of Todra Gorge
Carved by nature and polished over centuries, the vertical cliffs of Todra Gorge offer a dramatic setting for a short hike or riverside stroll.
Meet the Barbary Macaques in Azrou Cedar Forest
The cedar forest outside Azrou is a peaceful stop in the Middle Atlas, where you’ll likely encounter the region’s most famous residents, Barbary macaques. This stop is both scenic and playful, especially for nature lovers and photographers.
Visit Khamlia Village for Gnawa Music
This small desert village near Merzouga holds a rich cultural surprise: the spiritual rhythms of Gnawa music. Originally from sub-Saharan Africa, this musical tradition is deeply rooted in community, rhythm, and history.
Quick Tips for Your 4-Day Fes Morocco Desert Tour
Quick Tips for Your 4-Day Fes Morocco Desert Tour
- Book in Advance: Reserve your tour early, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.
- Pack Smart: Bring layered clothing, sturdy shoes for walking, and a scarf or turban for sand protection.
- Stay Charged: Carry a power bank.
- Cash Is Key: ATMs can be scarce, so bring enough Moroccan dirhams for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
- Prepare for the Camel Ride: Wear long pants and bring a light backpack to carry essentials during the trek.
- Respect the Culture: Dress modestly and ask before taking photos of locals.
- Health & Comfort: Stay hydrated, bring any necessary medications, and consider taking motion sickness remedies for mountain drives.
- Pro Tip: Pack a lightweight jacket; the desert can be surprisingly cold after sunset.
FAQs Answered
Bring a small backpack with essentials like a warm jacket for the chilly desert night, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and a headlamp or flashlight.
Yes, the 4×4 ride is included and used to transfer you to and from the desert camp, ensuring a smoother journey through the dunes.
This is a private tour, meaning your group will have a dedicated driver and vehicle, allowing for flexible timing, personalized stops, and a more intimate travel experience.
While not mandatory, we highly recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected situations like trip cancellations, medical needs, or lost luggage, especially when traveling through remote desert areas.
Yes, the tour can accommodate children and older travelers, but please inform us in advance so we can adjust the pace, choose suitable accommodations, and ensure comfort during the camel ride or offer a 4×4 alternative.
Locking in your tour with us is easy. Simply reach out and choose the tour that grabs your interest. After making your selection, secure your reservation with a small deposit. Be sure to check our booking policies for all the details you’ll need.
Our Customers Reviews
Such a great experience!
My sister and I did the 4-day desert tour from Fes to Merzouga. This was hands down the best part of our stay in Morocco.
Said was very responsive in the run-up to our trip and Ali, our driver was great. He was super friendly, flexible, and shared lots about life in the desert.
The hotels were all great and the tent set-up in the desert was incredible. I would recommend a trip with Morocco Tours Agency.
Great experience - highly recommend!
My boyfriend booked the group tour but ended up just the two of us with our awesome guide and driver.
The journey was fabulous. The sceneries were magnificent and the activities were great. From nourishing the monkeys to riding dromedaries and walking through the Dades valley, everything was perfect.
Thank you so much Said and Mohamed for those imperishable memories!
Book Now & Pay Later
We typically reply within 24 hours.
What's Next?
Ready for more fun? Explore these incredible day trips, ideal for enhancing your journey either before or after your primary adventure.
Related Tours From Fes
Important Note:
We are experts in adapting our Fes tours to align with your specific interests and needs. Connect with us at your convenience, and we’ll create a customized itinerary for you.