This Fes To Merzouga Desert Tour 3 Days takes you through Morocco’s beautiful landscapes. You’ll visit Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland,” and explore the Cedar Forest near Azrou, home to friendly monkeys. The trip continues through the scenic Ziz Valley before arriving at the Sahara Desert in Merzouga, where you’ll stay in a desert camp under the stars.
You’ll enjoy a camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes, visit nomad families to learn about their way of life and explore Khamlia, a village known for its unique music. This trip combines adventure, culture, and the beauty of the desert, with a scenic drive back to Fes to end your trip.
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Starting Location: Fes
- Ending Location: Fes
Depart Time: | 7:00 AM |
Arrival Time: | 17:00 Pm |
Tour Type: | Private Trip |
Price: | Starts at €150 per person |
- Visit Ifrane, a European-style town.
- See monkeys in the Cedar Forest.
- Drive through the Ziz Valley with palm trees.
- Ride camels in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Sleep under the stars in the desert.
- Watch the sunrise in the Sahara.
- Meet desert nomads.
- Enjoy Gnaoua music in Khamlia.
- Explore Rissani’s local market.
- Discover fossils in Erfoud.
Itinerary of the Fes To Merzouga Desert Tour 3 Days:
Day 1: Fes → Ifrane → Cedar Forest → Midelt → Ziz valley → Merzouga Desert
We’ll pick you up from your riad in Fes in the early morning after enjoying your breakfast, heading towards Ifrane, a town that looks like it belongs in Europe because of its pretty, neat houses.
After that, we’ll stop at the Cedar Forest near Azrou, where you can see monkeys playing in the trees, which is always fun. Then, we continue to Midelt, a small town known for growing delicious apples, and we’ll take a break there for lunch.
After lunch, we’ll continue our drive and pass through the beautiful Ziz Valley. This valley is famous for its many palm trees and wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a great place to stop and take some photos before we continue our trip.
We’ll end the day by arriving in Merzouga, a small town at the edge of the Sahara Desert. where, you will have a tasty dinner and relax for the night at a local riad/hotel, getting ready for our desert adventure the next day.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 470 Km
- Approx. 7 Hours (Including Stops)
- Accommodation Details:
- Options for Standard Camp:
- 1. Merzouga Standard Camp
- 2. Nomad Standard Camp
- 3. Erg Chebbi Standard Camp
- Options for Luxury Camp:
- 1. Africa Luxury Camp
- 2. Caravanserai Luxury Camp
- 3. Desert Luxury Camp
Day 2: Full day to explore Sahara desert (Erg Chebbi → Nomads → Khamlia "Gnaoua " → M'ifis Mines → Merzouga lake → palm grove forest)
We’ll begin the day by exploring the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you can enjoy the large, golden sands of the Sahara. We’ll visit nomad families who live in the desert, giving you a chance to learn about their simple, traditional way of life. After that, we head to the village of Khamlia, famous for its Gnaoua music, where you can enjoy the unique sounds and culture of the region.
Next, we’ll visit the M’ifis Mines, an interesting spot where you can learn a bit about the local mining history. From there, we move on to Merzouga Lake, a quiet and beautiful spot where you might spot some wildlife, especially birds. We’ll also visit the palm grove forest, a lovely area filled with palm trees, adding to the beauty of your desert adventure.
In the evening, we’ll return to our desert luxury camp, where you’ll have Berber dinner and music around the campfire. and enjoy the peace of the desert under the stars, relaxing after a full day of exploring,
- Estimate Distance (Km): Local Exploration
- Approx. Minimal Travel
- Accommodation Details:
- Accommodation Options:
- 1. Riad Dar Hassan
- 2. Riad Serai
- 3. Riad Madu
Day 3: Merzouga Desert → Rissani → Erfoud → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Fes
We’ll begin early by watching the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, we ‘ll ride camels back to the hotel, freshen up, and then start our journey. Our first stop is Rissani, where you can explore the local market and see traditional Moroccan life. After that, we’ll visit Erfoud, known for its fossils and local craftsmanship.
We then drive through the beautiful Ziz Valley, filled with palm trees and stunning views. After passing through Midelt, we’ll stop in Boumia, a town famous for its grilled dishes, where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch.
After lunch, we continue our drive back to Fes, passing through the Middle Atlas Mountains. We arrive in Fes by the evening, ending our 3-day adventure filled with desert landscapes and cultural experiences.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 560 Km
- Approx. 9-10 Hours (including Stops)
Included:
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Fes
- Private, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, minibus, or van
- English-speaking driver (or your native language).
- Camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes
- 1-night stay in Riad in Merzouga desert (dinner and breakfast included).
- 1 night in a desert luxury camp with dinner and breakfast
- Moroccan mint tea at the camp.
- Fuel and all taxes
- Sandboarding in the desert (Optional)
Excluded:
- Lunches during the trip
- Drinks (soft drinks, water, etc.)
- Entrance fees to monuments
Gallery:
Know Before You Go:
1. Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothes for both warm days and cooler nights in the desert. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Nights can be cold, so bring something warm.
2. Camel Ride: The camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes takes about 45 minutes. If you’re not comfortable with camels, you can choose a 4×4 vehicle to get to the desert camp.
3. Meals: Dinner and breakfast are included in the tour, but you will need to buy your own lunch and any drinks. It’s a good idea to have some snacks or extra water with you for the journey.
4. Desert Camp: You’ll stay in a desert camp for one night. Some camps offer private bathrooms, but others may have shared facilities, so check with your tour provider in advance.
5. Weather: Be prepared for the heat during the day and cold temperatures at night, especially in winter. A jacket or sweater will help keep you warm in the evenings.
6. Electricity: Some desert camps have limited electricity, usually for charging phones or cameras. Bring a portable charger just in case you need extra battery life.
7. Travel Time: Each day involves about 7 hours of driving with several stops to explore and take breaks. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel through mountains, valleys, and deserts.
8. Luggage: Only pack what you need for the desert stay. You can leave any extra bags at the hotel in Merzouga before heading to the camp.
9. Money: Bring some cash with you, especially for small purchases, meals, or tips. ATMs may not be available in remote areas, so it’s better to have local currency on hand.
10. Health: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during the hot desert days. Stick to bottled water to avoid any health issues.
11. Monkey Feeding in Azrou: In the Cedar Forest near Azrou, you’ll have the chance to see and feed the wild Barbary monkeys. It’s fun to feed them, but remember not to touch them as they can become aggressive. Local sellers often offer food for the monkeys, and it’s common to pay around 1 euro for it.
12. Market Days in Rissani: If your trip passes through Rissani on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, you can visit the lively local market. It’s a great place to experience local life and shop for souvenirs like spices and handmade crafts.
Accommodation Options: Luxury Vs Standard
Camps:
In the desert, you can stay in either a Standard Camp or a Luxury Camp. The Standard Camp offers simple Berber tents with shared bathrooms. It’s basic but comfortable, and you’ll enjoy dinner and breakfast under the stars. For more comfort, the Luxury Camp provides private tents with bathrooms and electricity. It’s a great way to relax in the desert while still enjoying some extra amenities.
Riads/Hotels:
In Merzouga, you can stay in a Standard Riad/Hotel or a Luxury Riad/Hotel. The Standard Riad gives you a clean room with traditional Moroccan decor and a private bathroom. It’s cozy and includes meals. The Luxury Riad offers more comfort, with modern amenities like air conditioning, beautiful decor, and sometimes extra services like a pool or spa. Meals are included, giving you a relaxing stay.
Note: If these camps And riads are fully booked, other excellent alternatives are available to ensure a memorable desert experience in Merzouga.
Pricing Overview for the 3 Days Desert Tour From Fes
The 3-day desert tour Fes to Merzouga costs €150 per person. The final price may vary depending on the number of people in your group and any upgrades you choose, such as staying in a luxury camp. Larger groups often get a lower price per person. For an exact quote, it’s best to contact the tour provider directly.
Group Size | Estimate Price (Per person) |
6 People | From €140 |
5 People | From €145 |
4 People | From €150 |
3 People | From €160 |
2 People | From €170 |
1 Person | From €200 |
- Prices include transportation, camel trek, and accommodation (standard or luxury camp).
- Dinner and breakfast are included in the camp.
- Upgrading to luxury camps or adding activities like sandboarding may increase the price.
- Prices may change depending on the season and availability.
Choose Your Tour Type: Private VS Shared Trip
You can choose between a private tour for a more personalized experience or a shared tour if you want a more affordable option with a group. The table below shows the differences:
Private Trip | Shared Trip |
Customized itinerary | Fixed itinerary |
Flexible departure time | Set departure time |
Exclusive vehicle and guide | Shared vehicle and guide with others |
Luxury camp or riad accommodation | Standard room in camp or riad |
Starts From 150€ per person | Starts From 100€ per person |
Extra Activities:
We offer additional activities to make your 3-day tour even more exciting and unforgettable. Whether it’s before, during, or after your tour, we can arrange special experiences to suit your interests. Just let us know what you’d like!
Before/After The Trip | During The Trip |
Guided Tour of Fes Medina | Professional Photographer |
Day Trip to Chefchaouen | Romantic Dinner in the Desert |
Explore Volubilis | Quad Biking Activity |
Family Cooking Class | Buggy Driving Activity |
Day Trip To Atlas Mountians | Horse Riding |
Day Trip To Meknes | Picnic In Sahara Desert |
Places to Visit on You Fes Desert Tour 3 Days:
1. Ifrane:
Known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” this peaceful town has clean streets and European-style buildings. It’s a great place to take a break and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
2. Cedar Forest in Azrou:
Home to tall cedar trees and friendly Barbary monkeys. You can feed the monkeys, but be careful not to touch them. It’s a lovely spot to connect with nature.
3. Midelt:
A small town surrounded by apple orchards and views of the Atlas Mountains. A great place to stop for lunch and relax before continuing your journey.
4. Ziz Valley:
A beautiful valley filled with palm groves and rocky mountains. The green oases contrast beautifully with the surrounding desert, perfect for photos.
5. Erfoud:
Famous for fossils and dates, this town is the gateway to the Sahara Desert. You can visit workshops to see fossils being polished.
6. Merzouga and Erg Chebbi Dunes:
The stunning golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi are the highlight. Enjoy a camel ride, watch the sunset, and stay in a traditional Berber camp under the stars.
7. Rissani:
A town with a lively market, especially on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. It’s a great place to experience local life and buy souvenirs like spices and handmade crafts.
It’s a good idea to bring some cash for personal expenses like lunches, drinks, and souvenirs, as ATMs may not be available in remote areas. Most meals are included, but you will need money for extras like shopping, tipping guides, and any optional activities. Around €50-100 in local currency (Moroccan dirhams) should be enough for additional expenses during the 3 days.
No special vaccinations are required for Morocco, but it’s always good to check with your doctor before traveling. It’s important to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and drink only bottled water during the tour to avoid dehydration or illness. If you’re sensitive to changes in diet, packing some basic medications for stomach discomfort can be helpful.
Yes, if you book a private tour, you can usually customize the itinerary to suit your preferences. You can adjust the schedule, add extra stops, or extend your stay in certain locations.
The best time to take the tour is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild and comfortable. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the desert, while winters bring cold nights in the Sahara.
The tour is generally easy and not physically demanding, but it involves some walking, especially in the desert, and the camel ride can be a bit bumpy. If you’re not comfortable walking long distances or riding camels, there are alternatives like 4×4 transport to ensure you can still enjoy the trip without too much effort.
You’ll enjoy traditional Moroccan meals during your tour. Dinner and breakfast are included in the desert camp, where you can expect dishes like tagine, couscous, salads, and bread. The meals are typically hearty and flavorful. If you have specific dietary requirements, like vegetarian or vegan options, you can inform the tour provider in advance.
Yes, this tour is suitable for families with children. Kids often enjoy the camel rides and the unique experience of staying in a desert camp.
The camel ride to the desert camp typically lasts around 45 minutes to 1 hour. It’s a slow and peaceful ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes, giving you time to take in the beautiful surroundings. If you’re not comfortable with camels, there is an option to use a 4×4 vehicle to reach the camp.
Important:
You can customize the tour to fit your needs. If the schedule doesn’t work for you, you can decide how many days you want and which places you’d like to visit. If you want more stops or extra time at certain places, we can adjust the tour to match your plans.
If you want a short trip to the desert, choose our 2-day tour from Fes to Merzouga. If you want to explore Marrakech and your flight back is from there, our 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech is perfect for you.
Just let us know what you need, and we will create the perfect tour for you!
