Experience the Magic of the Sahara on a 3-Day Adventure

Embark on a breathtaking journey from Fes to Merzouga and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sahara Desert. Ride camels across the golden dunes, spend a night under the stars in a traditional desert camp, and explore the unique landscapes and culture of southern Morocco.

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Your adventure begins in the morning with a pick-up from your hotel or riad in Fes. As you leave the bustling city behind, the road winds through the Middle Atlas Mountains, offering stunning views of cedar forests and picturesque landscapes.

The first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its European-style architecture and clean streets. From there, you continue to Azrou’s Cedar Forest, home to the famous Barbary macaques. Here, you can take a short break to see the playful monkeys and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

The journey continues south through the breathtaking Ziz Valley, known for its thousands of towering palm trees and traditional mud-brick villages. As you approach Merzouga, the desert landscape begins to unfold, signaling your arrival at the gateway to the Sahara.

Upon reaching Merzouga, you’ll be welcomed with traditional Moroccan mint tea before embarking on a camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun sets over the golden sands, the scenery becomes truly magical. Arriving at your desert camp, you’ll enjoy a delicious Berber dinner, followed by live music around a campfire under the star-filled sky.

Day 2: Merzouga – Nomadic Villages – Khamlia – Erg Chebbi Exploration

Wake up early to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the dunes, a sight you’ll never forget. After breakfast, the day is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region, known for its rich culture and stunning desert scenery.

The first stop is a 4×4 desert excursion, where you’ll visit nomadic families living in traditional tents, offering a glimpse into their simple yet fascinating way of life. You’ll then head to the M’fis mines, an old French mining village with a unique history.

Next, visit Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa people, who are descendants of sub-Saharan African slaves. Here, you’ll enjoy a performance of traditional Gnawa music, a spiritual and rhythmic sound that is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture.

Afterward, you’ll explore a seasonal desert lake (Dayet Srij), which, when full, attracts migratory birds like flamingos. In the afternoon, you can relax at your camp or try some sandboarding on the dunes before enjoying another peaceful night in the desert.

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Fes

After breakfast, it’s time to leave the desert behind and begin the journey back to Fes. The first stop is Rissani, a historic town known as the gateway to the Sahara. Here, you’ll visit one of Morocco’s most authentic traditional markets (souks), where locals trade spices, dates, and handmade crafts.

The drive continues through the Ziz Valley, offering breathtaking panoramic views of lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs. As you re-enter the Middle Atlas Mountains, you’ll pass through Berber villages and scenic landscapes before arriving back in Fes in the evening, where the tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel or riad.