This 3-Day Desert tour from Fes to Merzouga offers a remarkable journey through the Ziz valley, showcasing the southeastern region’s key attractions. Explore Berber villages and the captivating landscapes of the Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll also experience a camel ride and spend a night in a Berber tent in the Merzouga Sahara.
From your accommodation
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Your adventure begins as we pick you up at 8 a.m. and set off toward the desert. We’ll traverse the enchanting Middle Atlas Mountains on our way to Merzouga. Our first stop takes us through Ifrane, a charming town often likened to “Little Switzerland.” As we continue, we’ll delve into the Azrou cedar forests, home to native wild monkeys, offering excellent opportunities for capturing Morocco’s natural beauty.
A midday stop in a small Berber village awaits, allowing us to savor a local lunch. We’ll then proceed south, journeying through the captivating landscapes of Medilt and Rich. As we approach Errachidia, you’ll feel the transition into the Saharan terrain. Don’t miss the chance to capture the panoramic views of the Ziz Valley before we reach Merzouga, where our first night will be spent in a comfortable hotel.
Today promises a full day of desert adventure. We’ll begin by visiting the seasonal lake of Merzouga (if it’s filled with water during your visit) to admire its stunning backdrop of golden dunes against a vivid blue sky, often graced by pink flamingos and other birdlife. Our journey continues to Khamlia, a village with ancestral roots in Mali and Sudan, known for its Gnaoua music—a unique African percussion genre.
Next, we’ll venture to M’fis, known as the “French village,” and explore the fascinating fossil mines. We’ll then travel across the rocky desert to reach a small mountain, offering breathtaking views of the dunes to the right and the brown mountains marking the Moroccan-Algerian border to the left. Here, you’ll discover fossilized water animals that lived in the area millions of years ago.
Our adventure continues to the last remaining nomad families in the desert. You’ll have the opportunity to visit their traditional tents and mud-brick homes, gaining insight into their daily life and customs. Lunch can be enjoyed with them or in the shade of a nearby acacia tree. After lunch, we return to Merzouga for the highlight of your day—a camel trek into the dunes. Witness the enchanting desert sunset before reaching the camp, where you’ll be welcomed with tea. Enjoy free time on the dunes for a peaceful walk or try your hand at sandboarding. After dinner, gather around the bonfire as our local guide plays Berber music on the drums, creating a memorable night under the starlit desert sky.
Wake up early to catch the awe-inspiring sunrise over the desert (optional). Following breakfast and a refreshing shower, embark on a morning camel ride back to Merzouga, where you’ll reunite with your driver. Our journey back to Fes retraces the same picturesque route as the first day, with opportunities for photos and breaks for refreshments or lunch along the way.
Conclude your unforgettable desert adventure as we return to Fes, filled with cherished memories of the Moroccan landscapes and the desert’s magical allure.
As a solo traveler, I felt very safe and included in all activities during the 3-Day Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour. The group dynamics were great, and the landscapes stunning.
