This 3 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga and back to Fes is ideal for travelers who want to experience the Sahara Desert without going to Marrakech. It is one of the most authentic and scenic journeys in Morocco. This Fes desert tour takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, and the beautiful Ziz Valley. The trip continues to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. It offers adventure, peace, and cultural experiences. You will enjoy camel rides, desert camping, and meeting local people. This itinerary is perfect for a Fes Morocco trip. It is also one of the best choices for a Fes Sahara tour. It provides comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable memories in the desert.
Highlights: 3 Days Fes to Merzouga and Back to Fes
- Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the Swiss-like town of Ifrane
- Visit the cedar forest of Azrou and see Barbary macaques in their natural habitat
- Explore the panoramic Ziz Valley with its endless palm groves and dramatic gorges
- Ride camels into the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset
- Spend a night in a desert camp under a sky full of stars
- Enjoy traditional Berber music around the campfire
- Visit Khamlia village and discover Gnawa spiritual music
- Enjoy optional sandboarding and 4×4 desert exploration
- Experience both sunrise and sunset over the Sahara dunes
- Return to Fes through picturesque landscapes and mountain villages
Itinerary: 3 Days Fes to Merzouga and Back to Fes
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert
Your adventure begins as you leave the bustling city of Fes and drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where fresh air, pine forests, and scenic roads define the landscape. The first stop is Ifrane, a charming town known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” because of its clean streets, European-style houses, and winter snow. You continue toward the cedar forest of Azrou, famous for its massive ancient trees and the Barbary macaques that live freely among them, offering great photo opportunities.
The journey then leads through Midelt and across the High Plateau before descending into the Ziz Valley, a spectacular stretch of palm groves, traditional mud-brick villages, and long oases shaped by the river. In the afternoon, you arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. After a short rest, you embark on a camel trek led by a local guide who takes you deep into the dunes to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in Morocco. Your desert camp awaits with dinner, music, and a sky full of stars, creating the perfect end to the first day of your Fes Sahara tour.
Day 2: Merzouga Desert Exploration or Erg Chebbi Activities
This day is dedicated entirely to exploring the desert region and discovering the culture and landscapes that make Merzouga unique. You may begin with a sunrise over the dunes before returning to the camp or hotel for breakfast. The day offers many options depending on your interests. You can visit Khamlia, a village known for its traditional Gnawa music, where musicians perform spiritual desert rhythms passed down through generations.
You may also explore the old mines of M’fis, visit nomadic families living in tents on the edge of the desert, or drive around the Erg Chebbi dunes by 4×4 to reach panoramic viewpoints and fossil sites. Another option is simply relaxing at the camp or hotel, enjoying the silence and beauty of the Sahara. In the afternoon, you can take an optional camel ride once again to enjoy a second sunset, or try sandboarding on the dunes. Dinner and another peaceful night under the stars complete the second evening of your Fes desert tour.
Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes
After breakfast, you start the journey back to Fes. You follow the same scenic road through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains. The morning light reveals beautiful views of palm groves and rocky desert ridges. The road climbs again toward Midelt, passing mountain villages and wide open landscapes. You continue to the cedar forest of Azrou, where you can stop and enjoy the calm nature. The drive then leads through Ifrane and toward Fes. You arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. Your driver drops you at your accommodation, marking the end of your Fes Morocco trip. It is a journey that captures the spirit, silence, and beauty of the Sahara Desert.
Included:
- Private comfortable transportation with A/C
- Professional English / Spanish / French-speaking driver
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Fes
- 1 night in a desert camp (standard or luxury) with dinner and breakfast
- Camel trekking experience at sunset and sunrise
- Sandboarding (if available)
- Fuel, tolls, and all local taxes
Excluded:
- Lunches and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Entrance fees (if visiting any paid sites)
- Tips for staff and driver
3 Days Fes to Merzouga and Back to Fes – FAQs
1. What is included in the 3 Days Fes to Merzouga desert tour?
Our 3 days Fes to Merzouga desert tour typically includes:
- Pick-up and drop-off in Fes
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver/guide
- 1 night in a hotel in Dades Valley or near Todgha Gorges
- 1 night in a desert camp in Merzouga
- Camel trekking experience in Erg Chebbi
- Dinner and breakfast
- Sandboarding (optional)
This Fes to Sahara desert tour is one of the most popular Morocco travel packages for travelers with limited time.
2. How long is the drive from Fes to Merzouga?
The distance from Fes to Merzouga is approximately 460 km (about 7–8 hours driving time).
However, during your 3 day Morocco desert tour from Fes, the journey is divided into scenic stops including:
- Ifrane (known as the Switzerland of Morocco)
- Azrou cedar forest (home to Barbary monkeys)
- Midelt
- Ziz Valley
This makes the road trip comfortable and enjoyable.
3. Is the camel trek included in the Fes to Merzouga 3 days tour?
Yes, the camel trekking experience in the Sahara desert is included.
You will ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, enjoy sunset views, and spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp under the stars.
This is one of the highlights of the Fes to Erg Chebbi tour.
4. What type of desert camp do we stay in?
You can choose between:
- Standard desert camp (private tent, shared bathroom)
- Luxury desert camp (private tent with private bathroom and hot shower)
Both camps are located in the heart of the Sahara Desert near Merzouga and include dinner, breakfast, and traditional music around the campfire.
5. Is the 3 days Fes to Merzouga tour suitable for families?
Yes, this Morocco desert tour from Fes is suitable for families, couples, and small groups.
However, since there is long driving time, we recommend this tour for children over 5 years old.
Private tours are more flexible and comfortable for families.
6. What should I pack for the Sahara desert tour?
For your 3 day Fes to Merzouga desert tour, we recommend:
- Comfortable clothes
- Light jacket (desert nights can be cold)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Closed shoes for camel trekking
- Small backpack for overnight in the desert
Temperatures vary depending on the season.
7. When is the best time to do a Fes to Merzouga desert tour?
The best time for a Sahara desert tour Morocco 3 days is:
- Spring (March–May)
- Autumn (September–November)
Summer can be very hot in Merzouga, while winter nights can be cold, but the desert is beautiful year-round.
8. Can this tour be customized?
Yes, our Fes to Merzouga and back to Fes tour can be customized. You can:
- Upgrade to luxury camp
- Add quad biking in Merzouga
- Extend to 4 days
- End the tour in Marrakech instead of returning to Fes
We offer fully customizable Morocco travel packages to match your budget and travel style.
9. Is this a private or shared desert tour?
We offer both options:
- Private Fes to Merzouga 3 days tour (recommended for comfort and flexibility)
- Shared group desert tour (budget-friendly option)
Private tours allow more photo stops and flexible timing.
10. How do I book the 3 Days Fes to Merzouga desert tour?
You can book directly through our website by:
- Filling out the contact form
- Sending us a WhatsApp message
- Requesting a custom quote
We recommend booking in advance, especially during high season.
