Ifrane
A mountain town with European-style houses on the way south.
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3 Days • Private Desert Morocco Tour
The 3 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga leaves from your Fes accommodation, gives you two nights in an Erg Chebbi desert camp and brings you back to Fes on the third evening.
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Departure
Fes
Tour Type
Private round-trip tour
Destination
Fes → Merzouga → Fes
Transport
Private 4x4 or air-conditioned minivan
Availability
Daily, flexible start time
Overview
The 3 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga is a simple return trip for travelers based in Fes who want real time in the Sahara rather than a quick overnight. You drive south with a private English-speaking driver through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas and the palm groves of the Ziz Valley. Two nights in the same Erg Chebbi camp mean no packing on the middle day, which is spent around the dunes, the Gnawa village of Khamlia and the market town of Rissani. It works well for couples and families who want the desert without moving on to Marrakech.
Two calm nights in the dunes and a full day to enjoy the desert at your own pace.
What to expect
Stop for cedar forests and macaques near Azrou
Ride a camel to camp at sunset
Listen to Gnawa musicians in Khamlia
Browse the dates and spices of Rissani market
Watch sunrise from the top of a dune
Day by day
1
Fes → Midelt → Merzouga
Approx. distance: 470 km
Pickup is around 8 am from your riad or hotel in Fes. You climb into the Middle Atlas through Ifrane, with its chalet-style houses, and the cedar forest near Azrou, a good place to see Barbary macaques.
Lunch is in Midelt at your own cost. The afternoon road follows the Ziz Valley and its palm gardens, then flattens out towards Erfoud and Merzouga. A camel caravan meets you at the edge of the dunes and walks you to camp as the light fades. Dinner is served in the camp.
KEY STOPS: Ifrane, Azrou cedar forest, Midelt, Ziz Valley
STAY: Desert camp in Erg Chebbi
MEALS: Dinner
2
Merzouga → Khamlia → Merzouga
Approx. distance: 80 km
An optional early climb rewards you with sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast your driver takes you to Khamlia, a small village where descendants of West African families play Gnawa music over mint tea.
Continue to Rissani to see the busy market and the old ksour around the town. The afternoon is free for rest, a nomad family visit, or paid extras such as quad biking or sandboarding. You return to the same camp for dinner and a second night under the stars.
KEY STOPS: Khamlia, Rissani
STAY: Desert camp in Erg Chebbi
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
3
Merzouga → Midelt → Fes
Approx. distance: 470 km
Watch the last sunrise, then have breakfast before the drive north. The road retraces the Ziz Valley with a stop at a viewpoint over the palm gorge, then crosses the high plateau to Midelt for lunch, not included.
In the afternoon you pass Azrou and Ifrane again as the scenery turns green. You reach Fes in the early evening and your driver drops you at your accommodation.
KEY STOPS: Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou, Ifrane
STAY: Drop-off at your Fes riad or hotel
MEALS: Breakfast
The route
A mountain town with European-style houses on the way south.
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Date palms and red cliffs along the road to the desert.
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A desert village known for its Gnawa music and welcome tea.
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Tall golden dunes and your camp for both nights.
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Photography
Practical details
Pickup and drop-off at your Fes accommodation
Private vehicle, fuel and English-speaking driver
2 nights in an Erg Chebbi desert camp
2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
Camel ride in Erg Chebbi
Lunches and drinks
Quad biking, 4x4 or sandboarding extras
Tips and personal expenses
Enquiry
Share your dates and how many people are travelling, and we will confirm availability. We are happy to change the camp level or add activities on the free day.
Good to know
Why choose two nights in the desert?
The second night gives you a full relaxed day near the dunes, with sunset and sunrise twice and no rushed drive after a short sleep.
What is included in the 3 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga?
Private transport with an English-speaking driver, two nights in a desert camp, two breakfasts, two dinners and the camel ride.
How long is the drive from Fes to the desert?
It is about 470 km each way, roughly 8 hours with stops for photos, coffee and lunch.
Can I add quad biking or a 4x4 trip?
Yes. Both are easy to arrange on day two and are paid locally or added to your booking.
What kind of camp will we stay in?
You can pick a standard camp with shared bathrooms or a luxury camp with private tents and en-suite bathrooms.
Can we end in Marrakech instead?
Yes. Our three and four day crossings continue west through Todra Gorge and Aït Ben Haddou to Marrakech.
What should I bring?
Warm layers for cold desert nights, a scarf, sunscreen, sunglasses, a small torch and comfortable shoes.
More journeys
Send us your travel dates and we will plan the trip with you. Questions are welcome before you book.