Discover the magic of the Moroccan Sahara on this 3 days round-trip tour from Fes to Merzouga. Travel through the stunning Middle Atlas Mountains, walk among cedar forests, and ride camels into the vast dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a peaceful night in a Berber desert camp, watch the sunrise over golden sand, and return to Fes with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s desert beauty and hospitality. Ideal for travelers short on time but eager for the full Sahara experience.
Your hotel
8:00 AM
Depart Fes in the morning and head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in the European-style town of Ifrane for photos, then drive through Azrou’s cedar forests, where you may spot Barbary macaques. Continue through the rocky terrain of the Mid Atlas to Midelt for lunch. In the afternoon, travel down through the lush Ziz Valley with palm groves and kasbahs, arriving in Merzouga before sunset. Settle into your hotel or guesthouse on the edge of the desert, enjoy dinner, and rest in preparation for the desert adventure.
After a relaxed breakfast at your riad or guesthouse in Merzouga, you’ll have some free time to explore the village or visit nearby attractions, such the quaint Khamlia village, home to a small community of Gnawa musicians with roots in Sub-Saharan Africa. Here, you can enjoy a short live performance of spiritual and rhythmic Gnawa music over a cup of tea.
In the afternoon, the real desert adventure begins. You’ll meet your camel caravan, guided by a local camel handler, and set off into the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes, some of which tower up to 150 meters high. As you ride gently across the golden sands, the changing colors of the dunes—from deep gold to fiery orange—create an unforgettable natural show, especially during the golden hour before sunset. You’ll have stops along the way for photos, sand play, and to stretch your legs on the soft dunes.
Upon arrival at your Berber desert camp, you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and warm hospitality. Settle into your private nomadic-style tent, which can range from traditional basic tents to luxurious en-suites, depending on your booking. As the sun dips below the dunes, enjoy a walk to a nearby high point to take in the sunset panorama.
Dinner is served around a communal table and typically includes Moroccan. After dinner, gather around the campfire where local Berber guides will entertain you with drumming, singing, and desert folklore beneath the stars. Far from city lights, the Sahara offers an unrivaled stargazing experience—a sky full of constellations and occasional shooting stars.
Wake up early for a breathtaking desert sunrise. After breakfast at camp, ride camels (or 4×4) back to the village and begin your return trip to Fes. Retrace your route through the Ziz Valley, Midelt, and Azrou, with breaks along the way for photos, snacks, and rest. Arrive in Fes by evening, and drop-off at your hotel/riad concludes your desert adventure.
