3 Days Morocco Sahara Desert Tour from Fes

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

From the Imperial City to the Edge of the Sahara

Your journey begins early in the morning as we depart from your accommodation in Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest and most spiritual cities. The route south takes you through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests, alpine towns, and wide valleys.

Stop in Ifrane – “Switzerland of Morocco”

Our first stop is in Ifrane, a charming town known for its Swiss-inspired architecture, clean streets, and cool climate. It’s unlike any other place in Morocco and offers a great photo opportunity.

Azrou Cedar Forest – Meet the Barbary Apes

Continue to Azrou, famous for its cedar forest and native Barbary macaques. A short walk allows you to interact with these playful monkeys in their natural habitat.

Lunch in Midelt – Gateway to the Mountains

We break for lunch in Midelt, a small city nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. This is a perfect midpoint to relax and enjoy some traditional Moroccan cuisine.

Ziz Valley – Date Palms and Desert Scenery

As the landscape transforms into arid desert plains, we enter the breathtaking Ziz Valley, known for its vast palm groves and flowing river that carves through the valley floor.

Arrival in Merzouga – Sunset Camel Ride

By late afternoon, we arrive at Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, your camel caravan awaits. Led by local camel handlers, you’ll ride through the sand dunes during golden hour, witnessing a spectacular Sahara sunset.

Overnight in Luxury Desert Camp

Arrive at your luxury Berber desert camp, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and Moroccan hospitality. After a delicious dinner, gather around the fire for traditional drumming and music under a starlit sky.

Day 2: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Exploration – Nomads – Khamlia – Sandboarding

Sunrise Over the Dunes

Rise early to witness the sunrise over the Sahara, a breathtaking moment of peace and natural beauty. After breakfast, your adventure continues with a 4×4 excursion around Erg Chebbi.

Visit Nomadic Families

Meet the nomadic Berber families who live in tents and move with the rhythm of the desert seasons. You’ll gain insight into their ancient way of life and deep-rooted traditions.

Khamlia Village – Gnaoua Music & Culture

Stop at Khamlia, a small village home to descendants of sub-Saharan Africans. Enjoy a live performance of Gnaoua music, a deeply spiritual and rhythmic art form.

Fossils, Lakes & Panoramic Views

Explore seasonal lakes (such as Dayet Srij during the wet season), fossil quarries, and panoramic viewpoints where the dunes stretch endlessly to the horizon.

Lunch & Leisure in Merzouga

Return to Merzouga village for a traditional lunch. The afternoon is free to enjoy activities such as:

• Sandboarding down the dunes

• Relaxing at your desert lodge

• Optional quad biking or buggy rides

Second Night in the Sahara

Tonight, you can choose to spend another night in the desert camp or in a comfortable desert hotel. Enjoy dinner and a second evening under the magical Sahara night sky.

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Fes

Farewell to the Sahara

After breakfast, we depart Merzouga and begin the scenic drive back to Fes, retracing our steps through the Ziz Valley, Midelt, and the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Visit Rissani – Cradle of the Alaouite Dynasty

On the way, we stop in Rissani, a historic town known for its traditional market, mudbrick ksars, and deep cultural roots. It was once a thriving caravan center and is considered the birthplace of Morocco’s current royal family.

Lunch in Midelt – Last Glimpse of the Mountains

Break for lunch in Midelt before continuing north through Azrou and Ifrane, arriving back in Fes in the late afternoon or early evening.

You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or riad with unforgettable memories of your 3-day Morocco Sahara Desert Tour from Fes.

What’s Included

• Private A/C vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide

• Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Fes

• 1 night in a luxury desert camp (private tent with en-suite)

• 1 night in a desert lodge or second night in camp (your choice)

• Camel trek at sunset & sunrise

• 4×4 tour around Erg Chebbi dunes

• Meals: 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners

• Cultural visits: Nomads, Khamlia village, Rissani souk

• All local taxes and fuel