3 days tour from Fes to Merzouga

Your journey begins in Fes, leaving the lively city behind to head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style charm and tidy streets. From there, you continue to the cedar forests near Azrou, where Barbary macaque monkeys can often be seen. The drive then takes you across dramatic mountain scenery and down into the desert plateau, passing through Midelt and later Erfoud, a town famous for fossils and dates. By late afternoon, you arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, a camel trek leads you across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, where you’ll watch the sunset and spend the night in a traditional or luxury desert camp under a starlit sky.

The second day is dedicated to exploring the magic of the Sahara. You’ll wake early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, painting the sand in shades of orange and gold. After breakfast at camp, you can enjoy optional activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, or visiting nearby nomadic families to learn about their way of life. You may also explore Khamlia village, known for its Gnawa musicians and African-influenced rhythms. Later, relax and soak in the silence of the desert, or take a short excursion to nearby oases and fossil sites. As evening falls, another camel ride or walk across the dunes lets you experience the shifting desert light, followed by dinner, drumming, and another peaceful night in the Sahara.

After breakfast, you ride back from the desert camp to Merzouga and begin your return journey. The first stop is Rissani, an ancient market town once central to the trans-Saharan caravan trade and the birthplace of Morocco’s current ruling dynasty. You can explore its vibrant souk and sample local specialties like fresh dates or the famous “Medfouna” (Berber pizza). Continuing north, the road winds through the stunning Ziz Valley, with its palm groves, mud-brick villages, and dramatic gorges. Crossing back through the Middle Atlas Mountains, you pass once again by Azrou and Ifrane before finally arriving in Fes by evening, bringing your unforgettable Sahara adventure to a close.