Itinerary – 3 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Merzouga & Back

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erg Chebbi Dunes (7 hours drive)
Your 3 days Fes to Merzouga desert tour begins with an early pick-up from your hotel or the airport in Fes. The journey heads south, with the first stop in Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco, where you can enjoy its alpine-style town and take photos. Continue to Azrou to see the famous Barbary apes in the cedar forest.

Lunch is served in Midelt, located at the foot of the Ayachi Mountain. In the afternoon, drive through the Tizi n’Talghamt pass and enjoy the scenic views of the Ziz Gorges and Valley, famous for its palm groves and date production. Passing through Erfoud, known for fossils and dates, you may visit a local fossil workshop before reaching the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga.

Here begins your camel trek at sunset (about 1.5 hours) across the golden dunes. Along the way, stop to admire the sunset, try sandboarding if you wish, and take unforgettable photos. Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea. After dinner, enjoy a campfire with traditional music under the starry Sahara sky. Overnight in your private luxury tent.

Day 2: Merzouga Desert – Nomad Experience – Khamlia Village – Oasis Tour (3 hours drive)
Wake up for breakfast in the camp, then set off on a 4×4 desert tour around the dunes. Visit sites of volcanic rock and fossils, meet a nomad family living in traditional tents, and continue to Khamlia village, famous for the spiritual Gnawa music. Depending on the season, you may also visit Dayet Srij Lake, home to flamingos and desert wildlife in spring.

Enjoy lunch in Merzouga or Hassi Labied, then discover the old irrigation canals and take a walk through the palm groves at the edge of the dunes. Return to the luxury camp in the afternoon for a shower, relaxation, dinner, and another magical night in the Sahara.

Day 3: Merzouga – Erfoud – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes (7 hours drive)
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast and a shower at the camp. Depart at 8:00 AM, stopping in Erfoud to visit a fossil workshop, then continue through the lush Ziz Valley. Lunch is in Midelt, known as the “apple capital” of Morocco.

The journey continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Azrou to see the Barbary apes and the cedar forests, and passing again through Ifrane before reaching Fes by late afternoon. Your driver will drop you off at your riad around 7:00 PM, marking the end of your 3 days Sahara desert tour from Fes to Merzouga and back.