3 Days Tour From Fes To Merzouga - Details
Overview: 3 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga
Begin an unforgettable 3 days tour from Fes to Merzouga, a journey that takes you through the diverse landscapes and cultural treasures of Morocco. This tour is perfect for travelers looking to explore the stunning Middle Atlas Mountains, the charming Berber villages, and the breathtaking Sahara Desert.
On the first day, the journey begins in Fes, heading south through the cedar forests of Ifrane and Azrou, where you may spot Barbary macaques. Continue through the scenic Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views and photo opportunities before arriving in Merzouga. Here, you’ll prepare for a magical camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, leading to your desert camp. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars with Berber music and storytelling around the fire.
The second day of the 3 days tour from Fes to Merzouga is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region. Visit the nomadic families, the Gnawa village of Khamlia, and nearby oases. Discover local customs and enjoy the vast desert landscape. In the afternoon, relax or take an optional ATV ride over the dunes before another peaceful night in the camp or a local guesthouse.
On the final day, after a beautiful sunrise and breakfast, you’ll ride camels back to Merzouga and begin your return to Fes. Along the way, stop at picturesque towns and enjoy a scenic drive through the High Atlas.
This 3 days tour from Fes to Merzouga offers an immersive experience filled with adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Whether it’s your first visit to Morocco or you’re returning to explore more, this desert tour is a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation in the heart of the Sahara.
Highlights of the 3 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga:
- Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Ifrane (known as “Little Switzerland”) and Azrou cedar forests
- Spotting Barbary macaques in the wild
- Panoramic views of the Ziz Valley and palm groves
- Arrival in Merzouga, gateway to the Sahara Desert
- Camel trek through the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset
- Overnight stay in a traditional Berber desert camp with music and local cuisine under the stars
- Exploration of the Merzouga region: nomadic families, Khamlia village with Gnawa music, and desert oases
- Optional activities like sandboarding or ATV rides on the dunes
- Spectacular sunrise over the Sahara
- Return journey with scenic stops and cultural encounters
3 days from fes to merzouga
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
The 3 days tour from Fes to Merzouga kicks off with an early pickup from your hotel or the airport in Fes. You’ll head south through Imouzzer to visit Ifrane, known for its cool weather, snow, and alpine-style homes often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Next, stop at the cedar forest in Azrou, home to Barbary macaques. You can feed them and enjoy a short walk through the trees.
Continue your journey toward Midelt, a quiet mountain town, where you’ll stop for lunch. Afterward, the drive continues through the dramatic Tizi-n-Tilghmt Pass and along the lush Ziz River Valley, with panoramic views and fortified villages. By late afternoon, you’ll reach the edge of the Morocco Sahara Desert in Merzouga.
From Merzouga, you’ll switch to camels for a scenic ride across the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Stop on a tall dune to watch the breathtaking sunset. Then continue to your Morocco desert luxury camp, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea. Enjoy traditional Berber drum music and dancing around the campfire under a star-lit sky. Dinner and overnight stay in the camp.
- Driving Distance: Approx. 470 km (292 miles)
- Driving Time: Around 8–9 hours (including sightseeing stops)
Day 2: Discover Merzouga – Nomads – Khamlia – Merzouga Lake – Erg Chebbi – Palm Grove
Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes, a peaceful and magical moment in the Sahara. After breakfast, ride camels back to Merzouga, where your driver will be waiting to begin a full day of exploration in and around the area. This day is dedicated to discovering the natural and cultural richness of the region, including sand dunes, a seasonal wild lake, fossil sites, ancient mines, and lush oases.
Start your desert journey with a visit to an old kohl mine, offering insight into traditional mining practices. Then, stop by a nomadic camp, where you’ll be welcomed with Berber tea and learn about the lifestyle of desert nomads. Continue on to Khamlia, a village famous for its Gnaoua music and dance traditions, performed by descendants of former sub-Saharan slaves from Mali, Sudan, and Niger.
After a flavorful lunch at a local restaurant, take a relaxing walk through a palm grove, a refreshing contrast to the desert landscape. In the afternoon, visit Merzouga’s wild lake (Dayet Srji), a seasonal body of water that, when full, attracts flamingos and other migratory birds.
End the day with a scenic drive back to your accommodation in Merzouga. Enjoy a traditional dinner and spend the night at a comfortable hotel or riad.
- Driving Distance: Approx. 50–60 km (31–37 miles)
- Driving Time: Around 3–4 hours (spread throughout the day, with many scenic and cultural stops)
Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Ifrane – Fes
Rise early to enjoy another breathtaking desert sunrise a serene and unforgettable start to your day. After breakfast, ride camels back to Merzouga, where you’ll reunite with your driver and begin the return journey to Fes.
The first stop is Rissani, a historic town that was once the capital of the Tafilalet region and an important caravan trading center. Explore its traditional souk, which is especially lively on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, offering a vibrant look at local life and culture.
Next, head to Erfoud, a town known for its fossil industry. Visit a workshop specializing in fossilized marble, where ancient marine fossils are crafted into decorative items and furniture. From there, drive along the scenic Ziz River, stopping at a viewpoint to take in panoramic views of the lush Ziz Valley.
Continue north through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, keeping an eye out for Barbary macaques along the way. Pass once more through Ifrane, then drive the final stretch to Fes, where the tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
- Driving Distance: Approx. 470 km (292 miles)
- Driving Time: Around 8–9 hours (including sightseeing stops)
3 days from fes to merzouga
Price includes
✅A private 4×4 or air-conditioned minibus
✅Fuel included
✅Driver who speaks English or Spanish
✅One night at a Merzouga hotel
✅One night in a desert camp
✅Camel ride experience
✅Breakfasts provided
✅Dinners included
Price Does Not Include
❎Lunches & Drinks
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Map of the tour 3 Days Tour From Fes To Merzouga
3 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga Price
The 3 days tour from Fes to Merzouga typically ranges from €180 to €350 per person, depending on the level of comfort, group size, and season. For private tours, prices are higher but include personalized service, a dedicated driver/guide, and flexible scheduling. Budget options offer standard accommodations and shared camel treks, while mid-range and luxury packages include upgraded hotels, a desert luxury camp, private camel rides, and more exclusive experiences.
The price usually covers transport in an air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus, two nights of accommodation (one in a desert camp), camel trekking, meals (breakfasts and dinners), and sightseeing stops along the route. Extras like lunches, drinks, ATV rides, or tips are not typically included.
This tour offers excellent value for those seeking a culturally immersive and scenic journey from Fes to the Sahara Desert. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak travel seasons
Frequently Asked Questions
Camel rides are a unique experience. While they may not be very comfortable for long periods, most treks last about 1–1.5 hours and are manageable for most travelers.
Yes, most tours offer the option to transfer to the camp by 4×4 vehicle if you prefer not to ride camels.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable clothing, a jacket for cool evenings, a scarf for dust, and a camera. Warm clothing is essential in winter.
Yes, most tour providers accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Yes, it is family-friendly and suitable for most age groups, with optional modifications like skipping the camel ride or staying in a nearby hotel.
