Experience the ultimate Moroccan adventure with this curated 3 days Fes to Fes desert tour. This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to dive deep into the Sahara, offering two nights in the desert to truly absorb the silence of the dunes and the warmth of Berber hospitality.
Itinerary – 3 days tours Fes to Merzouga & Back
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Morning Departure. Your adventure begins with an early pickup from your Riad in Fes. You will head south toward Ifrane. A short drive away lies the Cedar Forest of Azrou, where you can stop to meet and feed the friendly wild Barbary macaque monkeys.
Into the Sahara. After a lunch break in the “apple capital” of Midelt, the landscape shifts dramatically. You will traverse the High Atlas mountains and descend into the Ziz Valley, home to one of the largest palm groves in the world. As the sun begins to soften, you will arrive at the edge of the Merzouga dunes. Here, you swap your vehicle for a camel and trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll reach your luxury desert camp just in time to witness a spectacular sunset, followed by a traditional Moroccan dinner and live Gnawa music around a crackling campfire.
Day 2: Full Desert Discovery & Nomad Life
Sunrise Magic. Wake up early to witness the sun rising over the Sahara—an experience where the dunes change from deep purple to fiery orange. After a hearty breakfast at the camp, the day is dedicated to exploring the desert’s hidden gems. You will visit a Nomad family living in traditional tents to learn about their ancient lifestyle over a glass of mint tea.
Cultural Immersion. The journey continues to the village of Khamlia, where descendants of sub-Saharan slaves share their soulful Gnaoua music. In the afternoon, you can explore the traditional market in Rissani or try sandboarding on the highest dunes. You will return to your desert camp for a second night under the stars. This extra night allows you to truly disconnect, enjoy the profound silence of the Sahara, and experience the desert at a slower, more authentic pace.
Day 3: Merzouga – Erfoud – Middle Atlas – Fes
The Journey Home. Following breakfast and one last camel trek back to the village, you begin the return leg to Fes. You will stop in Erfoud, world-famous for its fossilized marble workshops, where you can see 500-million-year-old treasures unearthed from the desert floor. The drive back through the Atlas Mountains offers fresh perspectives on the scenic gorges and valleys you passed on Day 1.
Arrival in Fes. You will make several stops for panoramic photos and coffee as you navigate the winding mountain roads. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your Fes accommodation in the early evening. This 3-day loop ensures you see the best of the Moroccan “Deep South” without the exhaustion of a rushed 2-day trip.
For a streamlined look at your 3-day Fes to Fes adventure, here is the essential list of what is typically included in your booking and what you should budget for separately.
Tour Highlights
- Crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains
- Visiting the alpine town of Ifrane
- Feeding wild Barbary macaques in the Cedar Forest
- Panoramic views of the Ziz Valley palm groves
- Sunset camel trekking in Erg Chebbi
- Sleeping in a traditional Berber desert camp
- Stargazing under clear Sahara skies
- Meeting nomadic families in their tents
- Listening to live Gnawa music in Khamlia village
- Exploring the fossil workshops of Erfoud
- Traditional shopping in the Rissani market
- Sandboarding on high golden dunes
Included: What is provided
- Private Transport: High-end 4×4 or minivan with A/C and fuel.
- Expert Driver: Local English-speaking driver/guide for the full 3 days.
- Pick-up & Drop-off: Direct service from your Fes Riad or Hotel.
- Merzouga Accommodation: 1 night in a Kasbah/Hotel and 1 night in a Desert Camp.
- Desert Tents: Private tent (Standard or Luxury) with bedding provided.
- Daily Breakfast: Morning meals at your accommodation and camp.
- Daily Dinner: Traditional Moroccan dinners (Tagines, Couscous, or Berber pizza).
- Camel Trek: Sunset and sunrise camel rides through the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Guided Activities: 4×4 desert excursion, visit to Nomad families, and Gnawa music.
- Sandboarding: Use of boards to slide down the Sahara dunes.
Excluded: What you pay for
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance Fees
- Tips: Gratuities for your driver, camel guides, and camp staff.
- Extras: Optional activities like Quad biking or Buggy rentals.
Book This Tour
Ready to start your Sahara adventure? You can easily book your 3 days Fes to Fes desert tour by reaching out to our team today. Simply send us a message via WhatsApp for an instant response or drop us an email with your preferred dates and group size. We are here to handle all the details, from camel treks to luxury camp reservations, ensuring your journey through the dunes is seamless and unforgettable.