3 Day Tour From Fes To Merzouga And Back 

BEST 3-DAY FES → MERZOUGA DESERT TOUR

3 Day Tour From Fes To Merzouga And Back 

This 3-day Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour is one of the most complete Sahara itineraries you can experience in Morocco. It combines mountains, oases, local culture, desert landscapes, and an authentic camel trek experience in the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes. Whether you want to return to Fes or continue your journey to Marrakech, this tour is designed to be flexible, comfortable, and rich in unique Moroccan experiences.

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Leaving the busy streets of Fes behind, the road climbs toward Ifrane, a clean alpine-style town often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its European architecture, green parks, and cool weather. It is one of the most surprising stops on the journey, offering a full contrast from the northern cities.

Just a short drive away, the Cedar Forest of Azrou introduces you to Morocco’s famous Barbary macaques. These monkeys live freely in the wild and are often seen jumping between the tall cedar trees. Travelers enjoy taking photos and observing them in their natural habitat. As you continue the road south, the scenery transitions from forests to rocky plateaus, mountains, and desert-like views.

Near the town of Midelt, the landscape becomes more dramatic. You cross the High Atlas plateau, an elevated region marked by harsh weather, nomadic families, and endless views. As you descend toward the Sahara, the climate becomes warmer, and the first palm oases appear. The road then enters the Ziz Valley, one of the longest date-palm valleys in Morocco. From panoramic viewpoints, you can admire the green ribbon of palm groves contrasting beautifully with the surrounding desert terrain.

By late afternoon, you arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara dunes of Erg Chebbi. After a warm mint-tea welcome, you settle into your hotel at the edge of the desert. This first night allows you to relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for your full Sahara experience on the next day.

Day two is dedicated to discovering the Merzouga region. In the morning, a 4×4 tour takes you around the dunes to meet nomadic families, explore the black volcanic desert of M’Fis, learn about old mines, and visit small oases hidden between the dunes. You also stop in Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa musicians and their spiritual desert music. Lunch is usually served in a traditional Berber home or a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you return to your hotel for rest or swimming before preparing for the highlight of the day: your camel trek. As the sun begins to set, your camels carry you across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, creating one of the most memorable moments of any Morocco trip. Sandboarding is available for those who want extra fun. Your desert camp awaits with private tents, dinner, Berber music, and one of the clearest night skies you will ever see.

On day three, you wake up early if you want to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast and a shower at the desert lodge, you begin your journey back north through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains. You arrive in Fes in the late afternoon. If you prefer, the tour can end in Marrakech instead, making it a flexible option depending on your travel plans.

This 3-day Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour is perfect for travelers who want a deep Sahara experience in a short time, without rushing and without missing the cultural and natural highlights of Morocco.