Experience the Magic of Merzouga: Ifrane, Cedar Forests, Camel Treks & Luxury Camping.
Discover Morocco's Desert Beauty: Erg Chebbi Dunes, Atlas Foothills & Berber Culture
An unforgettable 3-day Morocco Sahara desert tour from Fes, a perfectly crafted trip of 3 days and 2 nights designed to showcase so many fabulous places in a short time. This adventure is ideal for those wishing to experience the magic of the Sahara without an extensive time commitment.
Firstly, we leave the cultural city of Fes to visit the charming "Switzerland of Morocco," Ifrane, and also the ancient cedars forest, home to Barbary macaques. After a stop in Midelt for lunch, we drive along the amazing Ziz valley, a stunning ribbon of green amidst the arid landscapes.
The highlight of your journey is the Sahara desert of Merzouga (Erg Chebbi). Here, you will enjoy an iconic camel ride across the golden dunes, spend an enchanting night in a luxury desert camp nestled in the heart of the desert, and witness magical Sahara sunsets and sunrises. You'll also explore the desert surroundings in a 4x4 vehicle, visit the traditional Rissani market, and discover Erfoud, the fossils town. Finally, we return you to Fes, filled with incredible memories. This is the end of your immersive desert tour.
Your Unforgettable 3-Day Trip in Morocco
Your 3-day Sahara desert tour begins with an early pick-up from your Fes accommodation or the airport. We drive south via Imouzzer to visit Ifrane, renowned for its cool climate, occasional snow, and alpine-style architecture – earning it the nickname "Switzerland of Morocco."
Next, we continue to the ancient cedars forest near Azrou, where you can observe and even feed the wild Barbary macaques. Later, we proceed to Midelt, where lunch will be served (at leisure). Our journey then takes us towards the Sahara Desert, driving through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and along the picturesque Ziz River and its stunning valley.
In the afternoon, we arrive at the edge of the Merzouga Sahara Desert (Erg Chebbi). Here, you will switch to camels for an unforgettable trek across the golden sand dunes. A stop will be made atop a high dune for you to enjoy the magical desert sunset. Continue to your luxury desert camp, where you can enjoy traditional Berber drums music while dancing around a campfire, under a vast open sky filled with stars. Dinner and an overnight stay in the camp.
Waking up early to witness the beautiful Sahara sunrise from the middle of the desert is an absolute must-do. After free time for breakfast at the camp, you will return by camel (or 4x4 vehicle) to Merzouga village, where your driver awaits. We dedicate today to exploring the fascinating Merzouga region. This area boasts many incredible sites, from vast sand dunes and wild lakes to ancient mines, fossil areas, and fabulous oases – ideal for various outdoor activities.
Our exploration begins with an off-road 4x4 desert tour to visit an ancient eyeliner mine. We then pay a visit to a local nomad family in their traditional, handmade woven tent, learning about their way of life while sharing a Berber tea. Our next stop is Khamlia village, where you will enjoy authentic Gnaoua music and dance performances by inhabitants originating from sub-Saharan countries like Mali, Sudan, and Niger. After free time for lunch in a local restaurant, we take a relaxing stroll through a palm tree grove. Later, we drive a few kilometers to see the wild lake of Merzouga, also known as the flamingos' lake (seasonal). Dinner and an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel in Merzouga.
Wake up early this morning to contemplate another beautiful Sahara sunrise. After free time for breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your driver. We then leave the desert to visit Rissani town, the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Rissani remains a major trading center in the region, with a large, lively souk (market) particularly animated on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After a stroll in the Rissani souk, we continue to Erfoud, where we visit one of the workshops renowned for its fossilized marble.
Our journey then takes us along the scenic Ziz River, stopping for a panoramic view of the expansive Ziz Valley. We then drive back towards Fes, passing through the Cedar Forest and Ifrane once more. Finally, we will drop you off at your Fes accommodation or the airport, marking the end of your memorable 3-day desert tour.
End of the tour.
This is an exclusive private round-trip tour, commencing and concluding in Fes, ensuring a personalized and comfortable Sahara experience. Your luggage will be safely transported with you in our vehicle throughout the journey.
Tour Customization: While this 3-day itinerary is optimized for a fantastic desert experience, we are happy to discuss minor adjustments to suit your preferences. Please contact Africa Excursion if you have specific requests.
Pricing Details: The cost of your 3-day Fes to Merzouga tour is determined by factors such as the number of travelers in your private group, the season of your visit, and your choice of accommodation standard (we offer options for the Merzouga hotel). For a precise and personalized quotation, please get in touch with us. The desert camp is a luxury standard.
Travel Times & Pace: Kindly note that all listed driving times are estimates. This tour involves significant driving to reach the Sahara and return within 3 days, but it's paced to maximize your desert experience.
Visualize Your Journey from Fes to the Erg Chebbi Dunes and Back
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Yes, this 3-day tour is efficiently designed to provide a rich Sahara Desert experience from Fes. It includes the scenic drive, key stops like Ifrane and Ziz Valley, a camel trek, an overnight in a luxury desert camp, a 4x4 desert exploration, and the return journey. While longer tours offer more depth, this itinerary captures the essential magic of Merzouga.
We use comfortable, modern, and air-conditioned private vehicles for our tours. Depending on your group size, this will typically be a 4x4 vehicle (like a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado) for smaller groups or a spacious minivan (like a Mercedes Vito or Hyundai H1) for larger groups, ensuring a pleasant journey.
The luxury desert camp in Merzouga features private tents equipped with ensuite bathroom facilities. This typically includes a proper flushing toilet, a sink with running water, and a shower with hot and cold water, providing a comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of the desert.
For the desert, pack light, comfortable clothing for the daytime, and warmer layers for the cool evenings and early mornings (a fleece or light jacket is recommended). Essential items include sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on sand, a small backpack for the camel trek (with essentials like water, camera, toiletries for the camp), and a scarf or head covering for sun and sand protection.
"Excellent"
A private tour is an itinerary run exclusively for you. On a private trip, you choose. Private tours allow you to travel with people you know, are more flexible when it comes to your group size, travel dates and what your trip includes. In addition, you will have your own tour guide and driver at your disposal.
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Hear from travelers who experienced the magic of Morocco with us.
"Exploring the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The local guides were knowledgeable and friendly, making our trip smooth and memorable."
"The bustling souks in Marrakech were enchanting. Shopping for spices, rugs, and crafts felt authentic, and the food stalls were delicious and budget-friendly."
"Staying overnight in a Berber tent under the stars was magical. The desert silence and the clear sky full of stars made it a peaceful and unique experience."
"The food in Fez was incredible. From traditional tagines to sweet mint tea, every meal was a delightful introduction to Moroccan flavors."
"I loved wandering through the blue streets of Chefchaouen. The town’s peaceful vibe and beautiful colors made it a perfect day trip from Fes."
"Casablanca surprised me with its modernity blended with rich history. The Hassan II Mosque was breathtaking, definitely a must-see."
"The hospitality of the Moroccan people truly made our stay special. Every host went above and beyond to share their culture and stories."
"The coastal town of Essaouira offered a relaxing break from busy cities. The fresh seafood and vibrant medina were highlights."
"Our camel trek across the dunes was both thrilling and peaceful. The sunsets in the desert are something I will never forget."
"Visiting the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis gave me a deeper appreciation of Morocco’s rich history. It was peaceful and well preserved."
