This 3 days tour offers an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s landscapes, combining the charm of ancient cities, the beauty of the Sahara Desert, and the culture of Berber communities. Travel from Fes to Merzouga and return, experiencing the vibrant towns, dramatic valleys, and iconic desert dunes.
Your hotel
8:00 AM
Depart from Fes early in the morning, heading south towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. First, stop in Ifrane, known as “Morocco’s Switzerland” for its alpine beauty. Then, travel through the Azrou cedar forests, where you can spot Barbary macaques. Continue to Midelt and follow the scenic Ziz Valley, filled with palm groves and ancient kasbahs. After passing through Erfoud, famous for fossils and dates, arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert.
Enjoy a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness the stunning desert sunset. Spend the night in a traditional desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner, music, and the tranquil desert night sky.
After a peaceful night in the desert camp, start your day with an early morning sunrise camel trek to witness the changing colors of the Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun rises over the vast Sahara. Return to camp for breakfast, then embark on a full-day exploration of the Merzouga Desert.
Visit the nearby nomadic Berber villages to get a glimpse of the traditional desert lifestyle and hear the fascinating stories of local families. Continue to Khamlia, a small village known for its Gnawa music—a rich cultural blend of African and Moroccan influences. Here, enjoy a live performance and learn about the musical traditions of the region.
In the afternoon, enjoy a 4×4 desert tour, driving through the sand dunes and visiting places like fossil sites, oases, and hidden desert landscapes. You can also try sandboarding or simply relax and take in the breathtaking desert scenery.
Return to your desert camp in the late afternoon, where you’ll have time to rest and enjoy the quietude of the desert. End the day with a traditional Berber dinner and music under the stars.
After breakfast in Merzouga, begin your return journey to Fes. Your first stop is Rissani, a historic market town that once served as a key crossroads for camel caravans. Explore the vibrant local souks, where you can find spices, textiles, and traditional Berber crafts. If it’s market day, enjoy the lively atmosphere of traders and locals coming together to exchange goods. You might also visit the Rissani Mausoleum, the final resting place of the founder of the Alaouite dynasty.
Next, head to Ziz Valley, a lush oasis known for its extensive palm groves and dramatic landscapes. As you drive through the valley, take in the panoramic views of the winding Ziz River, with its green palms contrasting against the surrounding arid desert hills. Stop at a viewpoint to capture photos of the stunning valley and the ancient kasbahs that dot the landscape.
Continue your drive north, passing through charming Berber villages nestled in the foothills of the middle Atlas Mountains, and enjoy beautiful views of the rugged terrain. As you approach Fes, the landscape becomes more verdant, and the drive provides beautiful views of the Moroccan countryside.
Arrive in Fes by the evening, marking the end of your 3 days adventure through the desert and mountains.
