3 Days tour from Fes to Merzouga Desert
The most popular private Fes to Merzouga tour
Recommended by 92% of travelers visiting Morocco
3 Day Fes desert tour to Merzouga
Overview
A 3-Day tour from Fes to Merzouga Desert and Return. Three days and two nights in which to discover many incredible sites across a span of time too small to do justice to all they have to offer. Leaving Fes, the cultural capital of Morocco, we travel through Ifrane-Morocco, the Switzerland of Morocco, and on to the nearby cedar forest. Next, we stop for lunch in Midelt. The route now goes spectacularly into Ziz Valley, and you arrive at the Sahara Desert, Merzouga, camel riding, and overnight in a desert camp under a dune. Don’t miss those magnificent sunset and sunrise views across the Sahara. We also discover the Merzouga desert by 4×4, then take some time to visit the authentic market in Rissani, with Erfoud known for its fossils. The final stage is our travel back to Fes, thus completing the 3-Day desert tour.
Highlights
- Driving across the Middle Atlas Mountains and watching Barbary monkeys in a cedar forest
- Seeing an oasis full of palm trees
- Camel trekking across Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Watching a fantastic sunset and sunrise from a high dune
- Enjoying an evening of Berber music and drumming around a campfire
- Sleeping under the stars in a luxury camp
- Walking in the Todra Canyon
- Exploring Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Driving over the High Atlas Mountains while enjoying its splendid views
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Itinerary
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedars forest- Midelt – Ziz valley – Merzouga Sahara
The 3-day tour from Fes to Merzouga Sahara Desert will start with an early pickup from the airport or your lodgings in Fes. From here, we will set off south, passing through Imouzzer to stop in Ifrane, famous for chilly weather, snowfalls, and its architecture with alpine-style houses, so the name “Switzerland of Morocco.” From here, we begin heading toward the cedar forest, where the Barbary Macaques live. During your stroll in the woods, feel free to give them a few peanuts. Afterward, we drive to Midelt for lunch. From there, we press on to the Sahara, crossing the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and following the Ziz River.
In the afternoon, on arrival at the Sahara region of Merzouga, you will switch to camels and trek across the sands. From there, we shall head to a vantage point on a high dune for breathtaking views of the sunset. Afterward, they will lead you to a luxury desert camp for an evening of drumming, dancing around the bonfire, and stargazing. Dinner and the overnight stay will be in the camp.
Day 2: Explore Merzouga region – Nomads – Khamlia – Merzouga lake – Erg Chebbi – Palm Grove
The morning sun illustrates an immense beauty over the unmoving desert expanse, and rising before dawn is the way to see it. Breakfast follows. Our camel ride returns us to Merzouga, where our vehicle will be waiting. We shall spend the day discovering the Merzouga surroundings, from towering dunes to a serene wild lake, from mining ruins to solid fossil sites, and some spectacular oases are great for a lot of outdoor activities.
The Merzouga exploration heads off-road to an ancient mine for kohl mining. Please stop to engage in some local nomadic activities in their traditional tents; here, you can learn about their lifestyle and share some Berber tea. The next stop is the village of Khamlia, where participants will be entertained with Gnaoua music and dance performances. These people originate from sub-Saharan countries like Mali, Sudan, and Niger. Lunch will be at a local restaurant, followed by a stroll through a palm grove. Driving for a short distance will take us to Merzouga wild lake, also known as flamingos lake. We then go for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Ziz valley – Ifrane – Fes
After breakfast, we depart from the desert and head towards Rissani town, previously the capital of Tafilalet. Rissani still is, even nowadays, an important commercial center of the area with a lively market on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. After discovering the Rissani souk, we continue our trip to Erfoud to visit a factory for fossil marble.
Then we drive along the Ziz River, stopping at viewpoints to admire the stunning panorama of the Ziz Valley. We continue through the cedar forest and Ifrane and reach Fes. Here, the Ziz River Adventure ends as we drop you off at the airport or your accommodation. Thus, we are done for the next 3 Day Sahara Tour.
The tour ends in Fes. If you want to go on to Marrakech, you may check other options for: 3 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech.
Standard Tour
Great value for travelers prioritizing experience over amenities.
- Comfortable hotels/riads (private room)
- Standard desert camp (shared bathroom facilities)
Luxury Tour
Ideal for honeymooners or anyone wanting more space/comfort.
- Upscale hotels/riads
- Luxury desert camp with ensuite bathroom, larger private tents, upgraded dining
Mixed Tour
A smart balance of comfort and cost.
- A well-equipped luxury desert camp.
- Standard hotels/riads (private room)
Included
- For 3 days: snag private 4x4 or a minivan with A/C + Fuel
- Pick-up & Drop-off at your Riad or any Location in Marrakech
- And have a Private Driver/Guide Client speaks English.
- 1 night in Excellency Hotel/Riad.
- Overnight in Luxury Camp in the Desert, Private Bathroom.
- Camel ride - one ride per person, or transfer with a 4WD as an alternative.
- Sandboards Available at the Camp.
- Dinners and Breakfasts
Excluded
- Lunches & Drinks.
FAQ Hub
About 45 – 90 minutes each way, depending on camp location and sunset/sunrise timing. A 4×4 transfer is available if you’d prefer not to ride.
Absolutely. We can arrange a 4×4 transfer directly to the camp for sunset/sunrise.
Nighttime calls for warm layers, while daytime requires light layers, closed shoes, and optional layers for a cool breeze-a good cap or scarf. Sun glasses, sunblock, and a headlight or torch, plus power bank!
Standard camps typically include communal amenities.
Private ensuite tents are a feature of luxury campgrounds.
We supply warm blankets, but pack layers because winter (November to February) nights can drop to about 5 °C (41 °F) or below.
Absolutely. Select our Marrakech → Merzouga → Fes itinerary when booking.
The International Rose Festival normally takes place in early May (dates change each year), and blooms usually occur from April to May.
Livestock trading takes place early on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
Moments Captured
Discover the spirit of our journeys through a vibrant collection of photos capturing stunning landscapes, cultural moments, and unforgettable experiences. Explore the beauty, adventure, and authentic charm that await you on every tour.
