Mesmerizing 3 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga Desert Escape

🚗 Day 1: Fes » Ifrane » Azrou » Midelt » Erfoud » Merzouga (467 km)

Your journey begins right after breakfast, as we pick you up from your hotel or riad in Fes. We’ll drive south across the charming Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop in Ifrane, often called the "Switzerland of Morocco" thanks to its alpine-style architecture and cool climate.

Shortly after, we’ll head to Azrou, famous for its lush cedar forests and playful Barbary macaques. Take some time to breathe in the fresh mountain air and snap a few photos with the monkeys!

Continuing on, we pass through Midelt, a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas ranges, known for its apple orchards and mineral mines. After a lunch break here, we journey through the dramatic Ziz Valley, where towering palm groves and ancient kasbahs line the road.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Erfoud, a gateway to the desert and famous for its fossil treasures. Then, it’s just a short drive to Rissani, a historical town where Moroccan dynasties were born.

Finally, we reach Merzouga and the edge of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you’ll meet your desert guide and prepare for an unforgettable camel trek into the golden dunes. After watching the sun set over the Sahara, we’ll reach your traditional Berber camp. Enjoy a night under the stars, savor a hearty Moroccan dinner, and listen to local drum music around the campfire.

🌅 Day 2: Merzouga Excursion » Nomads » Khamlia Village » Desert Exploration (50 km)

Rise early to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles — the magical Sahara sunrise. Afterward, return to camp for breakfast and a refreshing shower before setting off on today's desert adventure.

We begin by visiting the Khamlia village, where you’ll experience the hypnotic rhythms of Gnawa music performed by descendants of Sub-Saharan slaves. Next, we explore nearby desert mines and discover the precious fossils and minerals that make this area so unique.

Our journey continues to visit nomadic Berber families who still live traditionally in the harsh desert environment. You’ll have the chance to share tea with them and learn about their simple yet fascinating way of life.

Later, we will stop by the seasonal Lake of Merzouga (Lake Sirji), a haven for migratory birds when it fills with water.

By afternoon, we return to Merzouga where you can relax at a cozy local hotel or riad. Unwind and enjoy a leisurely evening in this magical desert village.

🏞️ Day 3: Merzouga » Rissani Market » Ziz Valley » Midelt » Azrou » Fes (467 km)

After breakfast, we leave the desert behind, but the memories will surely stay with you forever. First, we visit the lively Rissani souk, the largest traditional market in the region, where locals come to trade spices, crafts, and livestock.

From here, we head back north to Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops. Continuing through the picturesque Ziz Valley, you’ll marvel at the sweeping views of palm groves, ancient fortresses, and the meandering river.

We stop again in Midelt for lunch or, depending on timing, in the nearby town of Zaida, where you can savor fresh local dishes.

The journey then takes us through the cedar forests of Azrou, with a chance for a final encounter with the friendly monkeys.

Finally, we return to Fes, arriving by early evening, where we’ll drop you off at your accommodation. This marks the end of your enchanting 3 days tour from Fes to Merzouga, but the stories and memories will stay with you forever.