3 Days tour from Fes to merzouga Desert: an unforgettable adventure
The 3 Days tour from Fes to Merzouga is a captivating journey that takes you far beyond the ordinary, deep into the soul of Morocco. This unforgettable adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where cedar forests and traditional Berber towns dot the landscape. As you make your way south, the scenery transforms—green valleys give way to arid plains, leading you toward the glowing dunes of Merzouga. Along the way, each village, each mountain pass, tells a story of tradition and resilience. As you reach the edge of the Sahara, a golden silence stretches before you, wrapping the landscape in a tranquil, timeless embrace. Under a sky heavy with stars, you’ll spend the night in a nomadic camp, surrounded by warmth, music, and a sense of timelessness that only the desert can offer. This is more than just a trip—it’s a heartfelt experience that connects you to Morocco’s most authentic roots.
📌Highlights of the trip
- Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and admire breathtaking panoramas.
- Visit Ifrane, nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its unique architecture and alpine atmosphere.
- Explore the Azrou cedar forest and observe Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.
- Enjoy breathtaking views over the Ziz valley.
- Contemplate a magnificent sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Experience a magical night in a desert bivouac and share a mint tea with the nomads.
- Try a camel ride through the golden dunes.
- Venture off the beaten track with a 4×4 excursion in the desert.
📌3 Days tour from Fes to Merzouga Itinerary
📌Day 1: Fès – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Errachidia – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Your 3 Days tour from Fes to Merzouga begins with a departure at 8 a.m., heading straight into the changing landscapes of the Middle Atlas. The journey opens with a stop in Ifrane, often called the “Little Switzerland” of Morocco for its clean streets, alpine-style houses, and refreshing climate—a surprising contrast to the desert that awaits. It’s the perfect place for a serene photo stop.
The journey continues into the cedar-scented forests of Azrou, where curious Barbary macaques roam freely, bringing a lively touch of wilderness to the serene landscape. These ancient woodlands, alive with the sounds of nature, offer a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Morocco’s rich biodiversity.
Around midday, you’ll reach Midelt, nestled between the Middle and High Atlas ranges. Here, in a traditional Berber village, you’ll enjoy a warm and hearty lunch, discovering the flavors of local cuisine prepared with care and authenticity. As the road stretches south, the landscapes begin to shift once more, guiding you through Errachidia and into the lush heart of the Ziz Valley—an endless sea of palm trees winding along a riverbed, framed by dramatic cliffs and quiet kasbahs.
In the late afternoon, the gates of the Sahara open before you. Merzouga welcomes you with golden light and the promise of desert magic. You’ll settle into a charming hotel at the edge of the dunes, where the silence of the sands and the comfort of your surroundings prepare you for the extraordinary adventure still to come.
📌Day 2: Merzouga – Nomadic Families – Rocky Desert – Erg Chebbi Dunes
After a delicious breakfast, the second day of your 3 Days tour from Fes to Merzouga opens the door to an extraordinary desert adventure in a 4×4. The route guides you into the secret heart of the Sahara, where silence reigns and time feels suspended beneath the endless sky. Along the way, you’ll meet semi-nomadic families who continue to live in harmony with this harsh yet poetic land. Their simplicity, resilience, and heartfelt hospitality will leave a lasting impression, offering a rare insight into a way of life rooted in authenticity.
The trail then winds through dramatic black desert plateaus and surreal, lunar-like landscapes—raw, powerful, and silent. As you approach the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s tallest and most iconic sand mountains, the scenery becomes even more majestic. Their golden curves seem to dance in the wind, inviting you to experience the desert in its most magical form.
In the late afternoon, you’ll trade wheels for hooves, joining a camel caravan that will gently carry you across the dunes. This slow, rhythmic ride leads you to a peaceful vantage point just in time for the sun to melt behind the horizon, painting the sands in fiery shades of red and gold—a moment of pure wonder.
As twilight settles, you’ll arrive at your nomadic camp nestled amid the dunes. Here, a delicious Moroccan dinner is served under the stars, followed by the hypnotic rhythm of Berber drums around the campfire. Your evening ends in a cozy, well-appointed tent where silence and starlight reign, offering one of the most serene nights of your life.
📌Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Fès
On the final morning of your 3 Days tour from Fes to Merzouga, rise early to witness one of the desert’s most soul-stirring moments: sunrise over the dunes. As the first rays of light gently illuminate the golden sands, a peaceful silence fills the air—it’s a moment of pure serenity and quiet beauty that will stay with you long after your journey ends.
After a hearty breakfast at the camp, you’ll return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4, savoring your last moments in the desert’s vast embrace. Then, it’s time to head back to Fez, retracing the scenic route through the lush Ziz Valley and the rugged beauty of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we’ll pause at some of the most breathtaking viewpoints, giving you one more chance to admire Morocco’s diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes.
By the time you arrive in Fez in the late afternoon, your heart will be full of unforgettable memories—desert sunsets, nomadic encounters, star-filled skies, and the quiet magic of the Sahara. This journey isn’t just a tour—it’s an emotional connection with Morocco’s soul.
📌Included and not included in the tour
Included in the 3 Days tour from Fes to Merzouga
✔️Private air-conditioned transportation with a professional multilingual driver.
✔️Fuel and all travel expenses.
✔️Hotel accommodation (half-board: dinner and breakfast).
✔️One night’s bivouac in the desert (half board: dinner and breakfast).
✔️Camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
✔️Sandboarding (optional).
Not included in the 3 Days tour from Fes to Merzouga:
❌Lunches and drinks.
❌Travel insurance.
❌Entrance fees to tourist sites (if applicable).
❌Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
📌FAQ : 3 Days tour from Fes to Merzouga.
📌How long is the journey from Fès to Merzouga?
The distance is approximately 417 km and the journey takes about 7 hours, with several stops along the way.
📌What kind of accommodation is included?
We offer standard accommodation, but you can opt for luxury accommodation at an additional cost.
📌Is there a luggage limit?
We recommend that you travel light to the bivouac. You can leave your luggage at the hotel before the camel ride.
📌What is the climate like in the desert?
The days can be hot (especially in summer), but the nights are cool, especially in winter. It is advisable to bring suitable clothing.
📌Is the excursion private or group?
We offer private excursions for a more personalized experience. It is also possible to join a small group, subject to availability.
Let yourself be taken on a unique adventure in the heart of the Moroccan desert and marvel at the magic of the Sahara. Book your 3-day excursion from Fez to Merzouga now and enjoy an unforgettable experience!
