Journey Overview: Delve deeper into the magic of the Sahara with this comprehensive 3-day, 2-night round-trip tour from Fes. This itinerary is perfectly crafted for those who want more than just a glimpse of the desert. It includes a full day to explore the diverse landscapes of the Merzouga region, from meeting nomadic families to experiencing vibrant local culture, alongside the unforgettable highlights of a sunset camel trek and a night in a traditional Berber camp.
Tour Highlights:
Day 1: Fes → Ifrane & Cedar Forest → Ziz Valley → Merzouga & Camel Trek Your desert adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your accommodation in Fes. We will journey south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, making our first stop in Ifrane, a charming town often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” We’ll then continue to the ancient cedar forests of Azrou to meet the friendly Barbary macaque monkeys. After lunch in Midelt, we travel onwards, following the spectacular Ziz Valley with its vast palm groves that create a stunning ribbon of green through the arid landscape. In the late afternoon, we arrive at the edge of the Sahara in Merzouga. Here, you will leave your vehicle behind and embark on a memorable camel trek into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. After witnessing a spectacular sunset from a high dune, you will arrive at your desert camp for a traditional Moroccan dinner, an evening of Berber music, and an overnight stay in a private tent.
Day 2: Full Day Sahara Exploration: Nomads, Music & Oases After waking up to a beautiful desert sunrise and enjoying breakfast at the camp, you will have a full day dedicated to exploring the wonders of the Sahara. We’ll set off on a 4×4 excursion to discover the diverse landscapes of the region, including ancient eyeliner mines and seasonal wild lakes. A highlight of the day is visiting a local nomadic family in their hand-woven tent to share a cup of tea and learn about their unique way of life. Next, we travel to Khamlia, a village renowned for its inhabitants’ powerful Gnawa music and dancing performances. After lunch at a local restaurant, you can take a stroll through a tranquil palm grove before we check into your hotel or riad at the edge of the dunes for dinner and a second peaceful night in the desert.
Day 3: Merzouga → Rissani Market → Ziz Valley → Fes Enjoy another stunning sunrise before a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Today, we begin our return journey to Fes. Our first stop is the historic town of Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet region. If your visit coincides with a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday), you can experience its incredibly vibrant and authentic local souk. We’ll then stop in Erfoud to visit a workshop showcasing the area’s famous fossilized marble. The drive continues north, retracing our path along the Ziz Valley and through the Middle Atlas Mountains, with a lunch stop en route. Your immersive 3-day desert tour concludes in the early evening with a drop-off at your hotel or riad in Fes.
