Best 3 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga: Experience the Desert Adventure

Key Takeaways

• This 3 day / 2 night private sahara desert tour from Fes to Merzouga covers approximately 900-1,000 km round-trip, crossing the middle atlas mountains to reach the golden dunes of erg chebbi near the Algerian border.

• The itinerary includes Ifrane, Azrou cedar forests, Midelt, the ziz valley, Erfoud, Rissani, todra gorges, and the merzouga desert, with highlights such as a sunset camel ride and overnight in a luxury desert camp.

• Main experiences include watching Barbary macaques in ancient cedar woods, panoramic views of palm-filled valleys, a campfire evening with Berber music, and sunrise over the sand dunes.

• This Fes desert tour runs year-round, is fully private and customizable, and includes door-to-door transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide.

• Contact Morocco Classic Tours to tailor your 3 day sahara desert tour From Fes to your preferred dates, accommodation level, and special interests.

Overview of the 3 Day Sahara Desert Tour from Fes

The journey begins in the ancient medina of Fes and heads south through dramatically shifting landscapes. Your route traces a path through the middle atlas, where alpine-style towns give way to cedar forests inhabited by wild monkeys, then descends through rugged passes into the palm oases of the ziz valley. From there, the road continues past fossil-rich Erfoud and the historic market town of Rissani before reaching the towering erg chebbi dunes—Morocco’s most spectacular sahara desert gateway.

This Fes sahara desert tour covers around 900-1,000 km round-trip over three days, with each leg offering distinct scenery and cultural encounters. Day one takes you through mountain passes and valleys to the todgha gorges, where 300-meter canyon walls create a dramatic overnight setting. Day two ventures deeper into the desert, culminating in a camel trek timed perfectly for sunset and an overnight stay in a merzouga luxury camp beneath star-filled skies. The final day returns you through the same stunning terrain with fresh perspectives and different photo stops.

Key highlights of the 3 days tour from Fes to Merzouga include:

• Spot barbary apes in the atlas mountains near Azrou, one of North Africa’s largest remaining cedar stands

• Photograph panoramic views of the ziz valley with its estimated 10 million date palm trees

• Explore the towering todra gorges on foot

• Experience a sunset camel ride into the dunes of erg chebbi

• Spend the night in a desert camp with traditional Berber music and stargazing

• Watch sunrise paint the sand dunes in golden and amber hues

Morocco Classic Tours offers this experience at different comfort levels, from standard desert camps to luxury options with private bathroom facilities. Every departure is a private fes desert tour, meaning your group travels independently with a dedicated driver-guide who adjusts the pace to your interests, supported by custom private tours and luxury travel packages tailored around your preferences.

Comparing this with other options: a 2 day desert trip from Fes feels rushed with minimal time in the dunes, while a 4-5 day itinerary allows adding Ouarzazate, the dades valley, and a connection through to a marrakech desert tour or other Morocco tour packages around the country. The 3 day format strikes an ideal balance for travelers who want meaningful Sahara immersion without dedicating an entire week.

Detailed Itinerary – 3 Days Fes Desert Tour Experience

This section outlines a typical Fes to sahara desert tour 3 days program, with approximate timings and major stops to help you plan your adventure. Departures typically begin around 08:00, with driving times varying between 4-8 hours daily depending on stops and route variations.

Timings shift with the seasons—summer departures may start earlier to avoid midday heat, while winter drives account for shorter daylight hours and potential snow on high atlas mountains passes. Morocco Classic Tours customizes the exact route based on your interests, whether that means extra time for photography, cultural visits in various berber villages, or a morning walk in the todra gorges.

Two main variants exist for this itinerary. The first places Night 1 in the todra gorges area and Night 2 in a merzouga desert camp. The second drives directly to Merzouga for both nights, allowing more relaxed time in the dunes. This outline focuses on the popular Todgha plus Merzouga combination, which offers the most diverse landscapes and mirrors our best 3 days tour from Fes to Merzouga program.

Throughout the journey, you travel in a comfortable air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan with an English-speaking driver-guide. Regular stops for coffee, photos, and stretching ensure the drives remain enjoyable rather than exhausting.

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Todgha Gorges

Your Fes desert trips adventure begins with an early morning pick up from your riad or hotel in Fes, typically around 08:00. The vehicle heads south through the outskirts of the city, quickly climbing into the middle atlas mountains where temperatures drop and the landscape transforms from arid plains to forested hillsides.

The first major stop is Ifrane, often called the swiss village of Morocco for its European-style architecture, manicured gardens, and remarkably clean streets. Built by French colonial authorities in the 1920s at approximately 1,665 meters elevation, the town feels like a transplanted alpine resort. Take a short walk to photograph the famous stone lion statue and enjoy the pine-scented mountain air before continuing.

Roughly 30 minutes from Ifrane lies Azrou and its magnificent cedar forests. These atlas mountains woodlands represent one of North Africa’s largest remaining stands of Atlas cedars, some trees centuries old and towering overhead. The real attraction here is the wild Barbary macaque population—endangered primates that roam freely through the cedar woods. Your guide will find a good spot where you can observe and photograph these fascinating creatures at a safe distance. This is also an excellent place for a coffee break amid the fresh mountain atmosphere.

Lunch typically happens in Midelt, a rugged market town nestled between mountain ranges at about 1,500 meters. Known locally for its apple orchards, Midelt offers traditional restaurants serving tagine with tender meat and vegetables or grilled kebabs with fresh bread. The surrounding hills provide a scenic backdrop while you refuel for the afternoon drive.

After lunch, the route descends dramatically through passes like Tizi n’Talghomt, where the landscape transitions from green highlands to the ocher and rust-colored terrain approaching the Sahara. The highlight of this descent is the ziz valley, Morocco’s second-longest river oasis stretching over 340 kilometers. Stop at panoramic viewpoints near Errachidia to photograph the palm groves, fortified ksour villages, and houses built from red earth that line the valley floor.

Late afternoon brings arrival in the todra gorges area near Tinghir, where towering canyon walls rise approximately 300 meters above a small river running through the bottom. The dramatic geology here has made it a destination for climbers and photographers alike.

The day concludes with check-in at a traditional riad or boutique guest house in the valley. Dinner features Moroccan cuisine—typically harira soup, a flavorful tagine, fresh bread, and seasonal fruit—followed by an overnight stay in the calm mountain atmosphere. The contrast between the day’s varied landscapes, from cedar forests to palm-lined canyons, sets the stage for tomorrow’s journey into the desert.

Day 2: Todgha Gorges – Erfoud – Rissani – Camel Trek – Merzouga Desert Camp

Begin with an early breakfast at your accommodation, then take an optional morning walk along the Todgha riverbed. The early light illuminates the canyon walls beautifully, and you may encounter local inhabitants starting their day—farmers tending small plots, children heading to school, and craftsmen opening their workshops.

Departure heads toward the Sahara through landscapes that grow increasingly arid. The route passes through many berber villages where traditional irrigation systems called khettaras have sustained agriculture for centuries. Palm trees line the roadsides, and occasional kasbahs rise from the terrain, their mud-brick walls blending into the desert palette.

A worthwhile stop in Erfoud introduces you to Morocco’s remarkable fossil industry. This region produces an estimated 90% of the world’s commercial fossils, primarily Devonian trilobites and orthoceras dating back 400 million years. Visit a small fossil workshop to see artisans polishing these ancient marine creatures into tabletops, bowls, and decorative items. The displays offer a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric sea that once covered this now-arid landscape.

Continuing south, Rissani appears—a historic market town founded in the 17th century as the origin point of Morocco’s ruling Alaouite dynasty. The traditional souk here bustles with local inhabitants trading spices, textiles, dates, and livestock. If time permits, a walk through the market offers authentic glimpses into daily lives of the regional population. The dates here are exceptional, and your guide can recommend the best varieties to sample.

Mid-afternoon arrival at the meeting point near Merzouga brings your first views of the erg chebbi dunes rising dramatically from the flat desert floor. These golden dunes stretch approximately 50 kilometers long and 20 kilometers wide, with some peaks reaching 150-300 meters—among the tallest in Morocco. You’ll have time to freshen up at a kasbah-style lodge before the main event begins.

The sunset camel ride into the dunes represents the emotional centerpiece of this Merzouga Desert tour From Fes in 3 days. Mounting your camel, you join a small caravan that winds through the sand for 60-90 minutes as the sun descends. The shifting light transforms the sand dunes from gold to amber to deep orange, with long shadows creating dramatic patterns. Guides stop at a high dune for photographs before continuing to your camp.

The desert camp welcomes guests with traditional mint tea and shows you to private tents equipped with comfortable beds, Berber rugs, and either shared or private bathroom facilities depending on your chosen accommodation level. The luxury desert camp option includes ensuite bathrooms with solar-heated showers.

Dinner unfolds under the stars—tagine, couscous, or grilled meats accompanied by fresh salads and bread. Afterward, the camp team brings out traditional drums for Berber music around the campfire. The singing and rhythms connect to centuries of nomadic culture, while the clear desert sky reveals the Milky Way with remarkable clarity. The night in your merzouga desert camp passes peacefully, far from light pollution and urban noise.

Day 3: Merzouga – Middle Atlas – Return to Fes

For those who wish, a very early wake-up call allows you to climb a nearby dune and watch sunrise over erg chebbi. The experience rewards early risers with changing colors as the sun crests the horizon—deep blues giving way to pinks, then warm golds spreading across the endless sand. The long shadows of early morning create a completely different atmosphere than yesterday’s sunset.

Return to camp for breakfast, then either ride camels back to the lodge or take a 4x4 transfer depending on your preference and timing. Morocco Classic Tours can arrange either option. After quick showers and packing, you depart the merzouga desert for the journey north.

The return route retraces the path through Rissani and Erfoud, then follows the ziz valley with its date palm trees and scattered kasbahs packed along the riverbanks. Different viewpoints than Day 1 offer fresh perspectives on this remarkable oasis landscape. The valley has historically served as a crucial stop on trans-Saharan trade routes, and its palms still produce about 20% of Morocco’s dates.

Crossing back through Errachidia, the road climbs again into the middle atlas region. Lunch typically happens in Midelt or another roadside town, with restaurants offering tagine, grilled meats, or lighter options depending on appetite. The afternoon continues past Azrou’s cedar forests—perhaps with another opportunity to spot barbary apes if they weren’t cooperative on Day 1—and through Ifrane toward Fes.

Early evening arrival in Fes, typically between 17:00-19:00, concludes your 3 day sahara desert tour from fes to merzouga. Your driver drops you at your hotel, riad, or the airport depending on your onward plans. Though Day 3 involves significant driving, the scenic route and regular breaks make it comfortable, and the private tour format allows stops whenever something catches your interest.

What’s Included and Tour Options

Understanding exactly what your 3 days tour from fes to merzouga covers helps with planning and budgeting. Morocco Classic Tours maintains transparent pricing with clear inclusions and exclusions.

Included in the tour:

• Private transport in air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan

• English, Spanish, or French speaking driver-guide

• 1 night accommodation in riad/hotel near todra gorges (dinner and breakfast included)

• 1 night in desert camp near Merzouga (dinner and breakfast included)

• Camel trekking to and from the camp

• Pick-up and drop-off at your Fes accommodation

• Fuel, tolls, and road taxes

Not included:

• Lunches during the tour

• Drinks beyond mint tea at camp

• Personal expenses and souvenirs

• Tips for driver-guide and camp staff

• Optional local guides in todra gorges or fossil workshops

• Travel insurance

Available upgrades:

• Luxury camp with private ensuite bathroom and upgraded amenities

• 4x4 transfer to camp instead of camel ride (ideal for guests with mobility concerns)

• Additional activities: sand boarding, ATV/quad biking in the dunes

• Extra nights in Merzouga for more relaxed desert exploration

• Extension to skoura oasis, dades gorges, kasbah ait ben haddou, and Marrakech or even an Agafay Desert tour near Marrakech

Best Time to Travel, Weather & Practical Tips

Best seasons to visit:

Season	Conditions	Notes
Spring (March-May)	Moderate temperatures, occasional rain	Ideal conditions, book early for peak weeks
Autumn (Sept-Nov)	Warm days, cool nights	Excellent visibility, comfortable camel trek
Winter (Dec-Feb)	Cold nights, occasional mountain snow	Fewer tourists, dramatic skies, warm layers essential
Summer (June-Aug)	Very hot (up to 45°C)	Early morning activities, AC essential
What to pack:

• Layers for cold desert nights (November through March temperatures drop significantly)

• Hat, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen

• Scarf or turban for wind and sand protection

• Comfortable walking shoes for gorges and dunes

• Sandals for camp relaxation

• Small backpack for daily essentials

• Camera and power bank (limited charging at camp)

Daily driving times (approximate):

• Day 1: 7-8 hours with stops (Fes to todra gorges)

• Day 2: 4-5 hours plus camel trek (Todgha to Merzouga)

• Day 3: 8-9 hours with breaks (Merzouga to Fes)

This desert tour suits couples seeking romance, families with children, groups of friends, and older travelers. Ride camels at a gentle pace, or request a 4x4 transfer if you have back, knee, or mobility concerns. Children typically enjoy the camel experience with appropriate supervision.

Regarding meals, Moroccan cuisine forms the foundation—expect tagines, couscous, grilled meats, fresh salads, and seasonal fruit. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Inform Morocco Classic Tours of dietary needs when booking.

Payment typically involves a deposit to confirm your booking with the balance due before departure. Moroccan dirham is the local currency, though euros are sometimes accepted at tourist establishments.

Responsible Tourism and Environmental Impact

Morocco Classic Tours is committed to responsible tourism practices that minimize environmental impact and preserve the unique desert ecosystem. The company encourages guests to respect local customs, avoid littering, and use water sparingly, especially in the arid Sahara region. Camps are designed to blend with the landscape and use solar energy where possible, while camel treks are organized to avoid overburdening animals and sensitive dune areas.

Supporting Local Communities

By booking with Morocco Classic Tours, you directly support local Berber communities. The company partners with family-run riads, employs local guides and drivers, and sources food and supplies from regional markets. This approach ensures that tourism revenue benefits the people who call the desert and mountain regions home, helping to sustain traditional ways of life and create new opportunities for younger generations.

Desert Conservation Efforts

Morocco Classic Tours participates in desert conservation initiatives, including dune restoration projects and educational programs about the fragile Sahara environment. Guests are encouraged to learn about the challenges facing the desert, such as erosion and water scarcity, and to contribute positively by following Leave No Trace principles during their visit, with further inspiration and destination ideas shared on their Morocco travel blog.

Celebrating Morocco’s Cultural Heritage

The 3 day Sahara desert tour from Fes is not just a journey through landscapes, but also an immersion in Morocco’s rich cultural heritage. From the music and cuisine of Berber camps to the architecture of kasbahs and the vibrant markets of Rissani, every aspect of the itinerary is designed to showcase the traditions and stories that make this region unique. Morocco Classic Tours works to preserve and celebrate these cultural treasures, ensuring that travelers leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Moroccan life.

Why Book with Morocco Classic Tours

Morocco Classic Tours operates as a locally based travel agency in Fes, specializing in private morocco desert tours including this merzouga desert tour from fes in 3 days. The team brings firsthand knowledge of every route, accommodation, and experience described in this itinerary.

Advantages of booking with a local specialist include carefully vetted riads and camps, reliable well-maintained vehicles, and drivers who navigate the middle atlas mountains passes confidently in all seasons. The staff knows which viewpoints offer the best panoramic views, where to find authentic local restaurants, and how to time the camel trek for optimal sunset lighting.

Flexibility defines the Morocco Classic Tours approach. Adjust your pick up time to suit your schedule, extend time at the todra gorges for hiking, spend longer with the monkeys in Azrou, or upgrade accommodation for a honeymoon or special celebration. Whether traveling as a couple, family with children, or group of friends, the private format means the itinerary adapts to you rather than forcing you into a fixed group schedule.

Safety and comfort receive serious attention. Drivers are familiar with winter conditions when snow occasionally affects high passes, vehicles undergo regular maintenance, and 24/7 assistance remains available throughout your journey. This attention to detail explains why returning clients and referrals form a significant portion of bookings, whether guests are planning repeat Sahara experiences or exploring coastal destinations like those covered in our Agadir complete travel guide.

Ready to experience the Sahara? Contact Morocco Classic Tours to customize your fes desert trips, add a marrakech late afternoon extension via the dades valley and various kasbahs, or expand to a 4-5 day journey including unesco world heritage site locations like kasbah ait ben haddou where various hollywood movies were filmed.

FAQ – 3 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga

Is the 3 day from Fes 2 night desert trip to Merzouga enough time to enjoy the Sahara?

Three days and two nights represents the minimum ideal duration from Fes to fully experience erg chebbi with both sunset and sunrise in the dunes while also seeing the middle atlas and todra gorges. This format provides meaningful desert immersion without requiring a full week away. However, travelers wanting a slower pace or hoping to continue to Ouarzazate and arrive in marrakech late afternoon often choose 4 or 5 day extensions. Morocco Classic Tours can arrange these longer itineraries, adding stops at the dades gorges, skoura oasis, and ait ben haddou kasbah—a unesco world heritage site featured in hollywood movies including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Can the Fes desert tour with 2 nights in Merzouga be arranged instead of staying in Todgha Gorges?

Yes, Morocco Classic Tours regularly adjusts the itinerary so both nights are spent in the Merzouga area. This variant typically places Night 1 in a kasbah or hotel near the dunes and Night 2 in the desert camp itself. While this means a longer first day driving directly to reach Merzouga, it allows more relaxed time for activities on Day 2—including options like sand boarding, visiting Khamlia village for Gnawa music, or exploring nomadic Berber camps behind the dunes. Discuss your preferences when booking to determine which structure best fits your interests.

What level of fitness do I need for the camel trek on the 3 day Sahara tour from Fes?

Camel trekking is generally suitable for most healthy adults and older children comfortable sitting for 60-90 minutes. The camels walk at a gentle pace with experienced handlers, and the route to camp avoids extremely steep dunes. No prior riding experience is necessary. For guests with back, knee, or balance issues, Morocco Classic Tours can organize a 4x4 transfer to the camp instead—you still arrive for sunset views, dinner, and the full camp experience without the physical demands of riding.

Is it possible to finish the Fes to Sahara Desert Tour 3 Days in Marrakech instead of returning to Fes?

A one-way route from Fes to Merzouga then continuing to Marrakech typically requires 3 full days of driving plus 2 nights, but with a different daily structure from the round-trip itinerary. This version usually incorporates the dades valley, tizi ntichka pass through the high atlas mountains, and the ait ben haddou kasbah with its kasbahs packed along hillsides and connections to various hollywood movies. Morocco Classic Tours can propose a custom route upon request—simply specify your start and end points along with travel dates.

How far in advance should I book my Merzouga desert tour from Fes in 3 days?

Booking 4-6 weeks ahead is recommended for peak seasons (March-April and October-November) to secure your preferred camp category and riad accommodations. Popular luxury camp options and well-reviewed properties in the todra gorges fill quickly during these periods. Last-minute requests can sometimes be accommodated, but choices become more limited. For travel during major holidays or festivals, even earlier booking helps ensure availability.

Can you go to the desert from Fes?

Absolutely. Fes serves as one of Morocco’s most popular starting points for sahara desert tour itineraries. The city’s location in northern Morocco means desert trips head south through the middle atlas mountains, arriving at erg chebbi near Merzouga after approximately 470 kilometers. This journey showcases remarkable landscape diversity—from imperial city to mountain forests to palm oases to golden dunes—making the fes to merzouga desert tour a complete Moroccan experience in a compact timeframe.

How far is the desert from Fes?

The sahara desert at Merzouga lies approximately 470 kilometers south of Fes, requiring 7-9 hours of driving depending on stops and road conditions. The route crosses the middle atlas mountains at elevations exceeding 1,600 meters before descending through the ziz valley toward the dunes. While the distance is substantial, the journey itself forms a highlight of the tour, with constantly changing scenery from forests to canyons to desert plains.

Can you ride camels in Fes?

Camel riding is not typically offered in Fes itself, as the city is an urban imperial capital rather than a desert environment. To ride camels in Morocco, you need to travel to the sahara desert regions—either near Merzouga (erg chebbi) or M’Hamid (erg Chigaga). The 3 day tour from fes to merzouga specifically includes a sunset camel ride into the dunes as a core experience, making it the ideal way to combine visiting Fes with authentic camel trekking in proper desert terrain.