5 days excursion to the desert from Fez: an unforgettable adventure

Set off on a soul-stirring excursion to the desert from Fez, a 5-day journey through some of Morocco’s most stunning and diverse landscapes. From the cool shadows of the cedar forests in the Middle Atlas to the sun-drenched dunes of the Sahara, each day reveals a new facet of the country’s natural beauty and cultural depth. Along the way, you’ll discover peaceful oases hidden among palm groves, cross timeless Berber villages where tradition still lives, and share heartfelt moments with nomadic families over a glass of freshly brewed mint tea. Let the rhythm of camel steps guide you across the golden sand at sunset, before falling asleep beneath a sky ablaze with stars in the heart of a traditional desert camp. This is more than a simple getaway — it’s a moving encounter with the true essence of Morocco.

Highlights of the trip :

✔️ Cross the magnificent cedar forest and meet the Atlas monkeys
✔️ The authentic experience of a camel ride over the Erg Chebbi dunes
✔️ Spectacular sunsets and sunrises in the Sahara desert
✔️ Picnic in a remote desert oasis
✔️ Immersion in nomadic culture with a meeting and shared tea in the tent
✔️ 4×4 safari through varied desert landscapes and rocky plateaus
✔️ Exploring the Ziz Valley and its enchanting palm groves
✔️ Trekking through the impressive Todra gorges

Detailed itinerary:

🗓 Day 1: Fès – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

Your excursion to the desert from Fez starts at dawn, leading you south through some of Morocco’s most breathtaking and diverse landscapes. The first stop is in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” where European-style chalets nestle among pine trees and clean, flower-lined streets offer a striking contrast to the arid lands ahead. The journey continues through the majestic cedar forest of Azrou, home to playful Barbary macaques that appear suddenly from the trees—always a delight for travelers.

Winding through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the journey takes you past peaceful Berber villages and the town of Midelt—famous for its cool mountain climate and flourishing apple orchards. Soon the scenery transforms as you descend into the breathtaking Ziz Valley, where thousands of palm trees stretch across the horizon like a lush ribbon of life through the desert stone. After taking in the panoramic views, the route leads to Erfoud—renowned for its fossils and desert charm—before reaching Merzouga at the edge of the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes. Your evening concludes with a peaceful night in a traditional kasbah-style hotel, where the silence of the desert begins to whisper its magic.

🗓 Day 2: Merzouga – Mfis Mines – Rocky Desert – Meeting the Nomads – Erg Chebbi Dunes

After enjoying a generous traditional breakfast, the second day of your excursion to the desert from Fez invites you to delve deeper into the wild beauty surrounding Merzouga. Aboard powerful 4×4 vehicles, you’ll venture off the beaten path to explore the ancient mines of Mfis—silent witnesses of Morocco’s colonial past, nestled in the middle of stark, mineral-rich terrain.

As the landscape shifts to the surreal textures of the black desert, with its volcanic stones and haunting silence, a truly special encounter awaits: a stop at a nomadic Berber family’s camp. Under their woolen tent, far from the modern world, time slows down as you share an authentic moment around a steaming glass of mint tea—an invitation to experience the heart of desert hospitality.

In the afternoon, your path turns golden as you ride a camel through the soft curves of the Erg Chebbi dunes. With every step, the silence grows, and the sky widens. As the sun dips behind the sands, painting the horizon in amber and fire, you’ll arrive at your desert bivouac. There, under a blanket of stars and to the rhythm of Berber drums, you’ll enjoy a night filled with warmth, music, and timeless serenity.

🗓 Day 3: Merzouga – Safsaf Oasis – Tisserdmine – Return to Merzouga

Wake up at first light and step outside your tent to witness one of the most magical moments of your excursion to the desert from Fez—the sunrise over the dunes. As the first rays of the sun caress the golden sands of Erg Chebbi, the desert transforms into a living canvas of light and shadow—an unforgettable sight that leaves a lasting impression on the soul.

After a hearty breakfast, the journey continues to a hidden treasure deep in the desert: the Safsaf oasis. Surrounded by palm trees and lulled by the gentle sound of flowing water, this secluded paradise offers a moment of total serenity. Beneath the natural shade, you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with local flavors—a peaceful pause in a timeless setting.

In the afternoon, the road leads you to Tisserdmine, a forgotten village where the remnants of ancient mines tell the story of a bygone era. Here, time seems to stand still, and the silence of the desert echoes with memories of the past. As the sun begins to set, return to Merzouga for your final night, where comfort awaits in a charming hotel at the edge of the dunes—an ideal place to reflect on the day’s discoveries and let the desert’s quiet magic linger just a little longer.

🗓 Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Tineghir – Todra Gorges

After bidding farewell to the serene beauty of the dunes, your journey continues toward Rissani, a town steeped in history and deeply rooted in Morocco’s royal heritage. Known as the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty and once a key hub of the trans-Saharan caravan routes, Rissani reveals a vibrant mosaic of tradition. A stroll through its lively souk offers a glimpse into a bygone era—donkeys still serve as local transport, and age-old customs fill the air with a sense of timeless authenticity.

The road then leads to Tineghir, where the landscape begins to change once again, giving way to the awe-inspiring Todra Gorges. Winding through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the journey takes you past peaceful Berber villages and the town of Midelt—famous for its cool mountain climate and flourishing apple orchards. Here, the silence is broken only by the gentle trickle of the river and the occasional call of a bird echoing through the rocks. Take time to wander on foot through this majestic corridor of stone—it’s a humbling experience that brings you face to face with nature’s grandeur.

As the day draws to a close, you’ll settle into a welcoming hotel nestled near the gorges, surrounded by the warm hues of the valley. A peaceful night awaits, wrapped in the tranquility of the mountains and the echoes of ancient Morocco.

🗓 Day 5: Todra – Berber villages – Middle Atlas – Return to Fès

On the final day of your excursion to the desert from Fez, we journey back through the captivating landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains, where serene Berber villages rest quietly on the hillsides. These timeless settlements, with their stone houses and terraced fields, offer a glimpse into a traditional way of life shaped by nature and history.

Along the way, we pause at stunning viewpoints to soak in the vast valleys and cedar forests, giving you the perfect moments to capture the breathtaking beauty of Morocco’s heartland. Each stop invites reflection on the rich experiences of your adventure.

As we arrive in Fez, the cultural jewel of Morocco, your unforgettable journey comes to an end. We’ll ensure you reach your accommodation comfortably, carrying with you memories that will last a lifetime and a deep connection to the soul of this extraordinary country.

What is included / not included

✅ Included in 5 days excursion to the desert from Fez:

🚗 Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver.

🏨Accommodation in hotels and campsites (half board).

🐪Camel ride in the dunes

🏜Sandboarding experience (optional)

🎒Free time to explore, take photos, relax.

Not included 5 days excursion to the desert from Fez:

🥤 Drinks and lunch.
🏡Accommodation in Fez before / after the excursion
🎟Entrances to sites and optional activities
🛡Personal travel insurance

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Excursion to the Desert from Fez:

📌 What types of accommodation are included in the tour?

Your excursion to the desert from Fez includes comfortable overnight stays in well-appointed hotels as well as a traditional Sahara camp experience. For those seeking more indulgence, upgrades to luxury hotels and exclusive bivouacs are available upon request, ensuring your journey is as comfortable and memorable as possible.

📌What is the climate like in the desert?

Desert temperatures vary dramatically throughout the year. Summers can be intensely hot, with daytime highs reaching up to 45°C, while nights in winter can become quite cool, dropping to between 5°C and 15°C. To enjoy the most pleasant weather and optimal conditions, spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for this unforgettable excursion.

📌How much does the 5 days excursion cost?

Pricing depends on factors such as group size and the level of accommodation you prefer. We invite you to contact us directly so we can provide a personalized quote tailored to your needs and preferences for this immersive excursion to the desert from Fez.

📌How do I book and pay for my trip?

Reservations can be easily made through our website or by contacting our travel experts directly. To secure your place, a deposit is required, and we offer various payment options to suit your convenience.

This remarkable 5-day tour from Fez leads you through the enchanting landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains to the endless golden dunes of the Sahara, offering a deep connection to Morocco’s natural beauty and vibrant culture at every turn.