Discover the magic of southern Morocco with our 3-Day Ouarzazate to Fes Desert Tour, a journey rich with scenic landscapes, cultural encounters, and unforgettable Sahara desert experiences. This private tour includes two nights in the desert, offering you time to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the dunes, enjoy traditional tea with nomads, and experience live Gnawa music under the stars.
Perfect for those who want a deep dive into the desert life while making their way north to the vibrant capital of Fes.
Ouarzazate to Fes 3 Days Tour Highlights:
- Discover the palm groves and historic kasbahs of Skoura Oasis
- Drive through the fragrant Rose Valley and the dramatic landscapes of Boumalne Dades
- Explore the towering Todgha Gorges and its winding canyon trails
- Experience a sunset camel trek over Erg Chebbi dunes
- Spend two nights in Merzouga with time to explore the desert
- Visit a nomadic family and share traditional tea
- Enjoy a live Gnawa music performance in Khamlia village
- Discover the Ziz Valley and its palm groves
- Travel through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains and cedar forests
Itinerary of the 3-Day Ouarzazate to Fes Desert Tour:
Day 1: Ouarzazate to Merzouga via Skoura, Rose Valley, Dades & Todgha Gorges
Ouarzazate → Skoura → Rose Valley → Boumalne Dades → Todgha Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga
After breakfast, depart Ouarzazate and head east toward Skoura Oasis, known for its sprawling palm groves and historic kasbahs. Continue through the Rose Valley, famed for its rosewater cooperatives and stunning scenery, especially in spring.
Pass through Boumalne Dades with its dramatic rock formations before arriving at the majestic Todgha Gorges, where you’ll enjoy a short walk through the towering canyon.
Continue toward the Sahara Desert via Zia Valley and Erfoud, arriving in Merzouga by late afternoon. Rest and prepare for your desert experience.
Camel Trek or 4WD Transfer to Camp:
- 1-hour camel trek with sunset stop OR
- Comfortable 4WD transfer
Enjoy a traditional dinner, Berber music around the campfire, and stargazing.
🚗 Driving Distance: 470 km (292 miles)
⏳ Estimated Driving Time: 7 hours (excluding stops)
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Luxury Desert Camps in Merzouga
Day 2 : Merzouga Desert exploration, optional excursions
Camel Trek to Oasis: This full-day excursion involves walking with your camels across the dry river to visit a Nomadic family. Share tea with them and learn about their life. Ride your camel across the dunes to Obira Oasis, set under a high dune where you can relax and play. Overall, there’s approximately 45 minutes of walking and 90 minutes of camel trekking.
4WD Desert Exploration and Tea with Nomads: After breakfast, meet the desert nomads in their tents and discover their way of life. Drive along the high plateau of the rocky desert with panoramic views of the sea of dunes and varied desert landscapes to the “Ghost Town” of Mifis, an abandoned mining village where they used to excavate the ancient eye cosmetic of Kohl and quartz. Here, you can still spot turtles, trilobites, ammonites, and orthoceras fossils from creatures that inhabited this ancient sea millions of years ago.
Continue your journey to Khamlia Village, home to the descendants of ex-slaves from Senegal and Sudan. In Khamlia, experience the unique Gnawa music from the locals, a blend of African rhythms and Moroccan traditions.
Additional Activities (Optional):
- Quad Biking or Dune Buggy Riding: For adventure seekers, take an adrenaline-pumping ride across the dunes on a quad bike or dune buggy.
- Extra Camel or Horse Riding: For those looking to spend more time exploring the desert on horseback or camelback, additional rides can be arranged.
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Luxury Desert Camps in Merzouga
Day 3: Merzouga to Fes via Ziz Valley & Middle Atlas
Merzouga → Erfoud → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes
Wake up early to witness a spectacular desert sunrise. After breakfast, leave Merzouga by 4WD or camel (your choice) and begin your journey north.
Drive through Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops, and then follow the picturesque Ziz Valley, a green ribbon of palm groves in the heart of the desert.
Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Midelt, Azrou (with its cedar forests and Barbary apes), and Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco.”
Arrive in Fes by late afternoon or early evening. Drop off at your hotel/riad.
What’s Included?
✔️ Transportation : 3 Days Private 4×4 vehicle or minibus with an English-speaking driver
✔️ 2 nights in a luxury desert camp (private tent)
✔️ Camel trek or 4WD transfer to the camp (pre-arranged)
✔️ Breakfast & dinner daily
✔️ Traditional Berber music show around the campfire
✔️ Sandboarding (free & optional)
✔️ Travel insurance 3 days (within the vehicle)
❌ What’s Not Included?
❌ Lunches & drinks
❌ Entrance fees to optional attractions
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Optional quad biking or dune buggy transfer in Merzouga