Three days takes you from Fes to the Sahara and back, with a full day in the Merzouga region between the drives. Along the way you take in Ifrane, the cedar forest, the Ziz Valley, the Merzouga desert, Rissani, and Erfoud.
You start in Fes and cross the Middle Atlas by way of Ifrane, the cedar forest, Midelt and the Ziz Valley to the Sahara at Merzouga, with a camel trek to the camp for the sunset. The second day is given to the Merzouga region by 4×4, with nomads, Khamlia, and the flamingo lake. The last day returns through Rissani and Erfoud, back up the Ziz Valley, and through the cedar forest and Ifrane to Fes.
The tour starts with an early pick-up from the airport or your accommodation in Fes. You drive south through Imouzzer to Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, then continue to the cedar forest of the Barbary macaques. You reach Midelt for lunch, then head to the desert through the Tizi n’Tilghmt pass and along the Ziz river.
In the afternoon you reach the Sahara at Merzouga and switch to camels to cross the sand, pausing on a high dune for the sunset. You continue to the luxury camp for Berber drum music and dancing around the fire under a wide sky of stars. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Approx. 7 hours driving · Overnight: Luxury desert camp, Merzouga
An early start is a must, to watch the sunrise over the desert. You return by camel to Merzouga. The day is given to the Merzouga region — dunes, a wild lake, mines, fossil grounds, and oases.
You drive off-road to an ancient eyeliner mine, then visit a nomad family over Berber tea. Next is Khamlia village for Gnaoua music and dance. Free time for lunch. Afterwards you walk in a palm grove, then drive to the wild lake of Merzouga, the flamingo lake. Dinner and overnight.
Approx. 2 hours driving · Overnight: Hotel in Merzouga
Free time for breakfast, then you leave the desert for Rissani, with a large souk (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays). After the souk you continue to Erfoud for a fossilised-marble workshop.
You then drive along the Ziz river, stopping for a view of the Ziz Valley, then through the cedar forest and Ifrane to Fes. Finally you are dropped off at the airport or your accommodation. To continue to Marrakech instead, consider the 3-day Fes to Marrakech tour.
Approx. 7 hours driving
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It is a private experience: only the travellers who make the enquiry take part, with no one else joining. Our focus is on high-quality, personalised trips, which is why we mainly run private tours.
The camel ride runs from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on which camp you stay in. If you’d rather not ride, the camp has a 4×4 that carries people and luggage in and out. ATVs can also be arranged at extra cost.
The tent at the luxury camp is private and has a private bathroom with hot running water.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best, with mild, pleasant weather across most regions. Winter is good too, especially in the south and the desert.
Either an SUV (4×4) or a minivan, both air-conditioned. The 4×4 is a Land Cruiser Prado (up to 4 passengers); minivans are a Mercedes Vito Tourer, Ford Tourneo, or similar (up to 8 passengers). For groups larger than 8, a minibus for up to 18 can be provided.
