Desert Tour From Fes to Merzouga
(84 Reviews)
Overview
Short on time but eager to experience Morocco’s breathtaking Sahara Desert?
This 3-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga is the perfect way to combine desert adventure, cultural discovery, and stunning landscapes in one unforgettable journey.
Travel from Fes through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, explore the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi by camel, and spend a magical night in a desert camp under the stars.
Continue through dramatic gorges, lush valleys, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou before arriving in the vibrant city of Marrakech.
Please note: This itinerary is just a suggested program. If it doesn’t fully match what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to design a customized itinerary tailored to your preferences, travel dates, and duration of stay. We specialize in creating personalized tours and experiences across Morocco.
Pricing: The cost of the tour varies depending on the number of travelers, the more people joining, the lower the price per person. Since transportation is a fixed cost, it will be divided among participants. Prices also depend on the category and quality of accommodation selected.
Please contact us for an exact quote based on your group size and travel preferences.
Trip Highlights
- Discover the alpine beauty of Ifrane, Morocco’s “Little Switzerland.”
- Meet Barbary apes in the cedar forest of Azrou.
- Ride a camel through the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset and sunrise.
- Spend a night in a luxury desert camp under a starry Sahara sky.
- Stroll through the Todra and Dades Gorges, Morocco’s most scenic valleys.
- Visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Erfoud → Rissani → Merzouga
Your desert adventure begins early with a pick-up from your riad or hotel in Fes.
Travel through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane and Azrou to meet the friendly Barbary apes in the cedar forest. Continue through Midelt and the Tizi n’Talghamt Pass, where the desert landscape begins to unfold.
Stop to admire the breathtaking Ziz Valley, lined with lush palm groves, before continuing through Erfoud and Rissani to Merzouga.
Here, camels await to carry you across the dunes of Erg Chebbi for an unforgettable sunset trek.
Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, Berber drumming, and a night beneath the dazzling Sahara stars.
Day 2 – Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
Wake up early to witness a stunning sunrise over the dunes before riding camels back to Merzouga village.
After breakfast and a quick shower, depart for Todra Gorge, known for its towering red cliffs that reach up to 300 meters high.
Take a leisurely walk through the gorge, often frequented by rock climbers and travelers alike.
Continue your journey through the picturesque Dades Valley, with stops along the way to capture the beautiful scenery and unique rock formations known as “Monkey Fingers.”
Day 3 – Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech
After breakfast, travel along the scenic Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, stopping in Kelaat Mgouna, famous for its annual Roses Festival.
Continue through Skoura’s palm groves before reaching Ouarzazate, known as “Africa’s Hollywood.” Visit the Cinema Studio and Taourirt Kasbah before heading to the iconic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, Morocco’s most famous fortress village and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After exploring Ait Benhaddou, cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m), with scenic photo stops along the way.
Arrive in Marrakech in the early evening, where your 3-day desert tour concludes.
What's included
- Private transfer in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Pick-up from Fes hotel & drop-off at Marrakech accommodation
- Visit to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah with a local guide
- Visit to Cinema Studio in Ouarzazate
- 1 night in a luxury desert camp (private ensuite tent)
- 1 night in a Kasbah hotel in Dades Valley
- Breakfasts and dinners during the tour (vegetarian options available)
- Camel trekking during sunset and sunrise
- Private bathroom with hot shower & toilet in your tent
- Free time to explore Todra Gorge, Ait Benhaddou, and scenic stops
What’s Not Included
- Lunches and beverages.
- Personal expenses and optional activities.
- Entrance fees (if any) not listed as included.
Know Before You Go
- Camel rides last approximately 1–1.5 hours each way.
- Warm clothing is recommended for desert nights (October–March).
- A 4x4 transfer to/from camp is available upon request.
- Suitable for couples, families, and private groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the drive from Fes to Merzouga?
2. Are the desert tents private?
Yes — each tent includes a private bathroom with a hot shower and toilet.
3. Can I skip the camel ride?
Yes, a 4×4 vehicle can take you directly to the camp upon request.
4. Is vegetarian or vegan food available?
Absolutely — all dietary preferences can be accommodated.
5. When is the best time to take this tour?
The best months are March–June and September–November for pleasant weather.
Contact Us
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