3 Days Fes to Desert Tour
The journey combines mountain scenery, desert landscapes and unique cultural experiences. From the green forests around Ifrane to the rocky valleys near Midelt and the palm-filled landscapes of the Ziz Valley, every part of the route offers something different. Once you arrive in Merzouga, the atmosphere changes completely as the vast Sahara dunes stretch across the horizon. A camel ride at sunset, a traditional desert camp and a night beneath the stars make this three-day experience a special way to discover Morocco.
3 Days Fes to Desert Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Your adventure begins in Fes with a morning departure towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. The road takes you through the beautiful landscapes surrounding Ifrane, a charming mountain town known for its clean streets, green surroundings and European-style architecture. You then continue through the famous cedar forests, where you can enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery and, depending on the season, observe the local Barbary macaques. The journey continues towards Midelt, where you have time for a lunch break before crossing the dramatic landscapes of the Middle Atlas and entering the southeastern part of Morocco. In the afternoon, you travel through the spectacular Ziz Valley, with its green palm groves contrasting beautifully with the surrounding mountains and rocky desert landscapes. You continue towards Merzouga and arrive near the Erg Chebbi dunes in the late afternoon. Here, you begin your camel trekking experience across the golden sands. As the sun goes down, the dunes change color and create an unforgettable desert sunset. You then reach your desert camp, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and spend the evening listening to local music around the campfire before sleeping under the stars.
Day 2: Merzouga Desert Experience
Wake up early to experience one of the most beautiful moments in the Sahara: sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the first sunlight reaches the sand, the desert becomes filled with warm golden colors. After breakfast at the camp, you continue exploring the Merzouga area and discover the unique landscapes and local culture of the desert region. Depending on your interests, you can visit nearby villages, meet local communities and learn more about traditional life around the Sahara. You may also explore the desert surroundings by 4×4 and discover areas away from the main tourist routes. The day provides time to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Merzouga without rushing from one destination to another. In the afternoon, you return towards the dunes and enjoy another beautiful desert sunset. You spend a second night in the Merzouga area, giving you more time to appreciate the silence, open landscapes and spectacular night sky of the Sahara.
Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Fes
After breakfast, you leave Merzouga and begin the return journey towards Fes. The route takes you through Rissani, an important historic town in southeastern Morocco with a traditional market and strong links to the old caravan routes of the Sahara. You continue towards Erfoud, known for its fossils and distinctive desert landscapes, before travelling back through the Ziz Valley. The road then climbs gradually towards the Middle Atlas Mountains, offering beautiful views of the changing landscape along the way. After passing through Midelt, you continue towards Ifrane and the surrounding mountain forests before reaching Fes in the evening. Your three-day journey ends with a return to Fes after experiencing some of the most memorable landscapes and cultural highlights between the city and the Sahara Desert.
Included
- More time to explore places that interest you along the route.
- Private transportation in a comfortable vehicle.
- Professional local driver throughout the journey.
- Accommodation during the tour.
- Overnight stay at a desert camp in Merzouga.
- Breakfasts during the tour.
- Camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Desert experience described in the itinerary.
- Flexible stops for photographs and scenic views.
Excluded
- Lunches during the tour.
- Drinks during the journey.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the driver or local staff.
- Optional activities.
- Entrance fees to monuments, museums or attractions, unless specifically mentioned.
- Any additional services or experiences not listed in the itinerary.
Is the 3 Days Fes to Desert Tour private?
Yes, the tour can be organized as a private journey from Fes to the Merzouga Sahara. Private transportation gives you more flexibility during the route and allows you to enjoy the journey at a comfortable pace.
Does the tour include a camel ride in the Sahara?
Yes, camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes is included. The experience normally takes place around sunset, allowing you to cross the golden dunes and reach the desert camp.
Where do we sleep in the desert?
You spend the desert night in a traditional camp in the Merzouga area. The experience includes a Moroccan dinner and time to enjoy the desert atmosphere and night sky.
Can I see the sunrise in the Sahara?
Yes. An early morning sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes is one of the highlights of the desert experience. The first light creates beautiful colors across the sand and offers excellent opportunities for photographs.
Can the 3-day Fes to Desert Tour be customized?
Yes, a private itinerary can be adapted according to your interests, travel dates and preferred experiences. Stops, activities and the pace of the journey can be discussed before your trip.
Is three days enough to visit the desert from Fes?
Three days is a good option for travelers with limited time who want to experience the Sahara from Fes. The itinerary focuses on the main landscapes and experiences between Fes and Merzouga while keeping the journey within a short three-day schedule.