Overview
Our 3 day desert tour from Fes is the easiest way to see the Sahara and come back to Fes. This Fes to Merzouga desert tour crosses the Middle Atlas Mountains, Ifrane and the cedar forest of Azrou, then the palm groves of the Ziz Valley to the Erg Chebbi dunes.
You spend a full day around Merzouga with nomad families, Gnawa musicians in Khamlia and the market of Rissani, then ride a camel at sunset to a luxury desert camp. This 3 days Fes desert tour round trip is perfect if your flight leaves from Fes.
Private, comfortable and authentic, it is one of our favourite Merzouga desert tours from Fes and one of the best Morocco desert tours for a short stay.
Highlights
- Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, and the cedar forest of Azrou
- The palm groves and kasbahs of the Ziz Valley
- Tea with a nomad family and Gnawa music in Khamlia
- The souk of Rissani, old caravan town
- Camel ride at sunset and night in a luxury desert camp
- Sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes
Itinerary · Day by Day
DAY1Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Gorges – Merzouga
Departure around 7:30–8 am across the Middle Atlas to Ifrane, the Little Switzerland, and the cedar forest of Azrou with its Barbary macaques.
Lunch in Midelt, the town of apples, then the Ziz Gorges and their palm-lined valley. Arrival in Merzouga for dinner and the night in a hotel with a pool and a view of the dunes.
Clean and comfortable rooms with a private bathroom and your choice of double, twin or single beds. Breakfast and dinner included. If your preferred accommodation is unavailable, we arrange a similar option of the same category.
DAY2Merzouga – Nomad Families – Khamlia – Rissani – Night in the Desert Camp
Sunrise over the dunes, then a day of discovery: tea with nomads in their tents and Gnawa music and dance in Khamlia.
Visit Rissani, its market and lunch, then your camel caravan takes you into the high dunes of Erg Chebbi for the sunset. Dinner, drums around the fire and a night under the stars in a luxury camp.
Sahara Eden Camp, or similar
Private tent with a comfortable bed and a private bathroom with a hot shower. Dinner and breakfast included, with Berber music around the campfire under the stars. We never use basic camps or shared bathrooms.
DAY3Merzouga – Erfoud – Errachidia – Midelt – Azrou – Fes
Early wake-up for the sunrise from the dunes, camel ride back and breakfast.
Drive back through the Atlas Mountains, lunch in Midelt and a stop in the cedar forest. Arrival in Fes in the evening.
End of the tour · drop-off at your riad, hotel or the airport
Gallery
Tour Map
Route: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga – Khamlia – Rissani – Merzouga – Fes
Accommodations
Choose one category for your whole trip. The desert camp is always luxury. These are our usual choices; if one is fully booked we arrange a similar hotel of the same category.
| Night | Standard | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night 1 Merzouga | Hotel Ksar Merzouga | Riad Azawad | Riad Serai Boutique Hotel |
| Night 2 Sahara (erg chebbi) | Sahara Eden Camp, or similar · luxury desert camp only | ||
Price
The “from” price is for a private group of 17 people or more in standard accommodation. The final price depends on your group size, travel dates and the hotel category you choose. Ask us for a free quote.
What’s included
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 or deluxe van for 3 days
- English or Spanish speaking local driver-guide
- Pick-up and drop-off at your riad, hotel or the airport in Fes
- 1 night in hotels or riads of your category + 1 night in a luxury desert camp
- Breakfast and dinner every day (vegetarian and vegan options)
- Camel ride in the dunes (one camel per person)
- Stops for photos and breaks whenever you want
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Personal expenses
Booking
If you’re looking to book or personalize this tour itinerary, let us know your ideas and preferences. We’ll craft an experience uniquely tailored to your vision. Our goal is to help you create the perfect Moroccan adventure. Don’t hesitate to contact us by email for more details.
If we haven’t replied to your message, please contact us on WhatsApp at +212 647-064454. We’ll be happy to help you!
Before You Go
- Bring layers: nights can be cold in the mountains and the desert, even in summer (and very cold from November to February).
- Pack sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and a scarf to protect you from sun and sand.
- For mosques and holy places, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the only one open to non-Muslims.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the medinas, gorges and kasbahs.
- Bring a small bag for the desert night; your big luggage stays safe in the car.
- Have some cash in dirhams for lunches, drinks and small shopping; card payment is rare in villages.
- Roads in the mountains are winding: tell us if you get car sick and we will stop more often.
- Mobile network works in most places, and Wi-Fi is available in the hotels.
Reviews
FAQs
Is this tour private?
Yes. The car, the driver and the guide are only for you and your group. We never mix travelers from different bookings.
Are hotels included?
Yes, every night is included in the category you choose (standard, mid-range or luxury), and the desert night is always in a luxury camp.
Are meals included?
Breakfast and dinner are included every day. Lunches and drinks are not included, so you can choose where and what to eat.
Is the airport transfer included?
Yes. We pick you up at your riad, hotel or the airport in Fes and drop you off at the end of the tour in Fes.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Of course. You can add a night, change the hotels or add experiences like a nomad family visit, a cooking class or a romantic dinner in the dunes. Tell us your wishes.
What kind of vehicle is used?
A private air-conditioned 4×4 or deluxe van, depending on the size of your group.
What is the best time for this tour?
The tour runs all year. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant. Summer days are hot, and winter nights in the mountains and the desert are cold.
