3-Day Fes to Merzouga Sahara Desert Tour & Return to Fes 

Tour Details

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert 

Your desert adventure begins in Fes, where you ll head south through the winding roads of the Middle Atlas. The first stop is Ifrane, a picturesque town famed for its European architecture and pristine environment a refreshing contrast to the arid landscapes that lie ahead. Continue toward the cedar forests of Azrou, where you ll encounter the lively Barbary macaques leaping among centuries-old trees. The route then leads to Midelt, a tranquil mountain town known for its apple orchards and breathtaking views of the High Atlas peaks. After lunch, the journey descends through the Ziz Valley, a magnificent corridor lined with palm groves and dramatic rock formations. Scenic viewpoints offer opportunities for stunning photographs before the landscape gives way to the desert plains. By late afternoon, you reach Merzouga, where your camel caravan awaits to lead you across the glowing sands of the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun sets in a blaze of color, you ll arrive at your Berber desert camp, where a warm welcome, traditional dinner, rhythmic drum music, and an unforgettable night beneath a canopy of stars await. 

Day 2: Merzouga Desert Exploration – Rissani – Erg Chebbi Dunes 

Awaken early to witness the ethereal sunrise over the dunes a breathtaking moment as the desert transforms with light and shadow. After breakfast, begin a day of exploration around the Merzouga region. You ll visit Khamlia village, home to the descendants of Sudanese musicians, where you ll enjoy traditional Gnawa music. Continue to meet nomadic Berber families who live in the desert s fringes, gaining insight into their ancestral lifestyle. You ll also have the chance to explore fossil fields and visit Rissani, an ancient market town once a key stop on Saharan caravan routes, famed for its vibrant souk and historical kasbahs. Return to your accommodation near the dunes for a tranquil afternoon, where you can relax, enjoy desert vistas, or take an optional ATV ride over the sand waves. Dinner and overnight stay in a desert hotel or camp, depending on your preference. 

Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes 

After breakfast, bid farewell to the desert and begin your scenic journey back toward Fes. The route once again crosses the Ziz Valley, with its lush oases framed by rugged cliffs, offering final glimpses of the landscapes that define Morocco s desert frontier. You ll pause in Midelt for lunch before ascending once more into the Middle Atlas Mountains. A final stop in Ifrane allows for a leisurely stroll or coffee break before continuing onward to Fes, where your driver will escort you to your accommodation or the airport, marking the end of your memorable three-day Sahara adventure.