3 days Sahara desert trip from Fes to Merzouga

Get ready for an incredible 3-day journey! Ride a camel from Fes to Marrakech and camp out in the desert in authentic Berber tents. Scroll down for all the details.

Main info:

Departure location:

Fes

Returne location:

Fes

Departure Time:

08:00 AM

Itenerary duration:

3 days/2 night

Tour Highlights:

Explore the monkeys at Azrou forest.
Overview of the biggest valley in Morocco, Ziz valley.
Camel trekking on the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
Visiting the nomadic family around the dunes.
Camping as Berbers in one of our camps

Tour overview:

This tour is customized for 3 days from Fes to the Sahara desert, Merzouga, a full experience of the nomadic life.

The trip itinerary starts from Fes, the cultural city with beautiful sceneries on the way to Merzouga. Therefore, different stops will be made for exploration and photos. To start with, we will stop at Ifrane, where there is a statue of the extinct atlas lion. Second, we will stop at the cedar forest in Azrou, we will visit the Barbary macaque monkeys.

Along the way, we will pass through the Atlas Mountains, from a city to a town, and to a village. Then, we will arrive in the Merzouga desert, the first day doesn’t include any activity in the Sahara. Therefore, we will check-in at a hotel/Riad around Erg Chebbi dunes.

The second day of our 3 days desert tour will be the full experience of Merzouga. We will start by visiting the Gnaoua people at Khamlia. Then, we will head to the Berber nomads who live in tents. There, we want to explain to you about their lifestyle because later you will experience the same thing. Eventually, we will take you to experience the camel ride and the feeling of an overnight at Berber camp.

Overall, we plan this 3 days desert tour from Fes to Merzouga is to provide you with an experience of camel trekking and camping at Erg Chebbi.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Fes to Merzouga across the Atlas Mountains

Once we’ve arranged a meeting spot, one of our drivers will pick you up in Fes. The drive to Merzouga is packed with amazing sights! We’ll make a stop in Ifrane, where our driver will tell you about the Atlas lion statue while you take photos. About 30 minutes later, you’ll get to explore the Azrou cedar forest and see the Barbary macaque monkeys. We’ll also pass through the beautiful Ziz Valley, known for its huge palm groves. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Merzouga and get you checked into your room to relax before day two of your adventure.

Day 2: Merzouga desert tour

On this day, we’ll dive into the best of what Merzouga has to offer. Our adventure begins with a visit to the Morocco National 4×4 Auto Museum, where you can see a collection of old and unique cars. Next, we’ll head to Khamlia, a nearby village where we’ll meet a local Gnaoua family. They’ll entertain us with a performance of their traditional music. From there, we’ll go off-road to visit a Berber nomadic family in their tents. We’ll share stories and give you a glimpse into their unique way of life. Afterward, we’ll stop in the village of Hassi Labied to visit a small oasis and see how agriculture is sustained in the desert. Desert Activities and Camp In the afternoon, you can choose to ride ATVs for a thrilling experience. If you prefer, we’ll take you on a camel trek. Our camel guides will be waiting to lead you on an adventure across the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Depending on our timing, you’ll either watch the sunset from the dunes on your way to the camp or once you arrive. To make the night even more special, the guides will light a fire and play music on drums. We highly recommend climbing a dune to enjoy the magnificent view of the starry night sky.

Day 3 : Merzouga back to Fes

On your final morning, your camel leaders will guide you back to where you started the trek. From there, we’ll begin the return journey to Fes along the same road. However, we’ll make a special stop in Erfoud. This town is famous for its fossils, and we’ll visit a museum where you can see and learn about the ancient marine life that once existed here. We’ll also take you to a local market, or souk, known for its delicious dates. Finally, our driver will drop you off at your accommodation or at the airport in Fes, concluding your 3-day Sahara desert tour.

Tour includes:

Tour excludes:

Testimonials:

The Adventurer:

Booking our desert trip with Morocco Sahara Path was the best decision we made! From the moment our driver picked us up in Fes, the adventure began. The drive was stunning, especially seeing the wild Barbary apes in the cedar forest. But the real highlight was the desert. Riding camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset was a moment I’ll never forget. The overnight camp was magical—the drumming, the stars, and the clear desert air made it a truly unique experience. The team was fantastic and the whole journey was perfectly organized. Highly recommend this for anyone looking for a thrilling and unforgettable trip!

Mark R

The Family Traveler:

Our family had the most wonderful time on this tour with Morocco Sahara Path. It was a perfect mix of sightseeing and adventure that kept both the kids and us adults entertained. Visiting the fossil museum in Erfoud was a huge hit, and the camel ride was a first for all of us and a memory we’ll treasure forever. The overnight stay in the desert was the best part—the kids were amazed by the stars and the drumming around the campfire. Everything was handled professionally and with great care for our comfort and safety. A huge thank you to the team for an incredible family holiday.

The Chen Family

The Culture Seeker:

If you’re looking for a deep dive into Moroccan culture and history, this is the tour for you. The journey to the desert was filled with fascinating stops, from the statues in Ifrane to the Gnaoua music village of Khamlia. Our driver, booked through Morocco Sahara Path, was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing stories about the Berber nomadic families and their way of life, which made the experience feel so authentic. The trip was more than just a beautiful scenic tour; it was a genuine cultural exchange. Waking up to the sunrise over the dunes and then heading back to Fes via the date souk was the perfect ending. It was a truly enriching experience.

Jessica L

The Solo Traveler

As a solo traveler, I was a little nervous about booking a tour, but this trip with Morocco Sahara Path exceeded all my expectations. The group was friendly, and the staff made me feel comfortable and safe from the very beginning. The desert scenery was breathtaking, and I felt completely immersed in the beauty of Morocco. The quiet of the desert at night and the stunning view of the stars were exactly what I was hoping for. The trip was well-paced, and I appreciated the balance between guided activities and free time. I came away with some amazing photos and unforgettable memories. I highly recommend this tour to anyone, especially other solo travelers!

Carlos A

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