3-Day Sahara Tour from Fes to Merzouga
- Duration3 days
- Free cancellationContact us for the conditions of this tour
- Local driver & guidePick-up from your hotel or riad
- Flexible itineraryPrivate dates and changes on request
- Private Tour
- Daily departures
- 3 Days
- Free Cancellation
Tour overview
Short on time in Fes but want to see the Sahara? This 3-day private tour is the answer. Cross the Middle Atlas via Ifrane, with its alpine-style houses, and the cedar forest of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques, then follow the palm groves of the Ziz Valley to Merzouga.
Spend a full day around the Erg Chebbi dunes visiting nomad families, Gnawa musicians in Khamlia and old mines, then ride a camel to watch the sunset and spend the night in a desert camp. On day three, return to Fes with photo stops along the way.
Tour highlights
- Cross the Middle Atlas
- Panoramic views and Berber villages
- The Azrou cedar forest and the Ziz Valley
- A 4×4 tour of the Merzouga area
- Visit a nomad family
- Camel ride, sunset and sunrise in Erg Chebbi
- A night under the stars in a desert camp
Day-by-day itinerary
1Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga
Your driver picks you up in Fes at 8:30 for a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas. Visit Ifrane and the Azrou cedar forest, have lunch in Midelt, then follow the Ziz Valley to Erfoud, known for its fossils and its date festival, stopping at a viewpoint over the oasis. Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Merzouga.2Day 2: Merzouga 4x4 tour, nomads and camel ride
Explore by 4×4: the irrigation channels and gardens of the Hassi Labied oasis, the seasonal Srij lake (when there is water), Khamlia village with its Gnawa music, and the old Mifis mines. Visit a nomad family for mint tea and a glimpse of desert life. After lunch, return to the village for your camel ride (1 to 1.5 hours), stopping on a dune for sunset and sandboarding. At camp, enjoy tea, dinner, Berber drumming and a sky full of stars.3Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou – Fes
Watch the sunrise over the dunes, then have breakfast and a shower and return by camel or 4×4. Drive back north through the Ziz Valley and across the Middle Atlas, with lunch on the way and a stop in the Azrou cedar forest to see the macaques. Arrive at your hotel in Fes in the late afternoon.
What's included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle, fuel included
- Multilingual driver
- Hotel with breakfast and dinner
- One night in a desert camp with breakfast and dinner
- Camel ride
- 4×4 desert tour
- Sandboarding
- Stops for photos and coffee whenever you like
Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance fees
- Tips
Prices
- Private tour – StandardStandard hotels & riads, any start date (price for 2 travellers)€365 per person
- Private tour – LuxuryLuxury hotels & riads, any start date (price for 2 travellers)€445 per person
- Group tourShared with other travellers – departures on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays€110 per person
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Good to know
- Driving times: about 7–8 hours each way between Fes and Merzouga, broken up with stops in Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt and the Ziz Valley.
- A full day in the desert: day 2 is spent around Merzouga, so you have time to enjoy the dunes without rushing.
- Not returning to Fes? The 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech ends in Marrakech.
What to pack
- A warm jacket or fleece – desert nights are cold, especially from November to March.
- A scarf to protect your face from sun and sand.
- Sunglasses, sun cream and a hat.
- A small overnight bag for the camp; your main luggage stays in the vehicle.
- Cash in dirhams for lunches, drinks and tips.
Frequently asked questions
Can we start the tour on any day?
Yes, this private tour departs daily from your hotel or riad in Fes.
Will we see monkeys on the way?
Barbary macaques are usually easy to spot in the cedar forest near Azrou.
Can we add a second night in the desert?
Yes, ask us and we will adapt the itinerary.
Traveller reviews
4.8based on 3 reviews
★★★★★
We had an incredible time on a three-day desert trek from Fes to Merzouga. Hassan, our driver, is wonderful, patient, and knowledgeable. He taught us a lot about Berber culture. Our desert night was unforgettable. We enjoyed the camel ride (which we did twice) and the stargazing. The meal and lodging exceeded our expectations. If you visit Morocco and want to explore the desert, this is a must-do.
Helen★★★★★
We took a three-day desert trek from Fes. Ali, the company's owner, was really helpful from the start. He responded quickly to all of my queries, and the price was very reasonable. We went on the tour with Said. In Morocco, he was our guide and driver. Very kind and helpful. It made the journey much easier.
Samuel★★★★★
This tour was the highlight of our Morocco trip. Everything was extremely beautifully planned, and Aziz responded to my inquiries so quickly. We had hoped to do a group excursion, but they were all full. We're so delighted we went on a private tour now. Our drivers were Said and Hamid, and they were both fantastic! These guys go above and beyond to ensure that your experience is all you could have dreamed of. The men at camp were also fantastic. Hamid made our camel trip unforgettable and shot the most incredible photos for us. I honestly can't say enough good things about this three-day desert excursion from Fes! Thank you for a wonderful vacation to Morocco!
ArmandoQuestions before you book?
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