Embark on a captivating 3-day journey from the imperial city of Fes to the golden dunes of the Sahara. This tour takes you through the diverse landscapes of Morocco, from the cedar forests and alpine towns of the Middle Atlas to the vast palm groves and dramatic desert of Erg Chebbi.
Experience the thrill of a camel trek, spend a night in a desert camp under a blanket of stars, and immerse yourself in the rich cultures of Berber and Gnaoua communities.
Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from your Fes accommodation. We’ll depart at 8 a.m. and drive south towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is the charming alpine town of Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” known for its unique European-style architecture. Continuing through the hills, we’ll enter the ancient cedar forests, home to troops of wild Barbary macaques. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to stop, take photos, and feed these friendly apes in their natural habitat.
Lunch will be served in the town of Midelt, nestled between the Middle and High Atlas mountains and known as the “apple and fossil capital” of Morocco. As we journey south, the scenery shifts dramatically. We’ll cross the Tizi-n-Talghemt pass and descend into a desert plain, following the lush Ziz Valley with its seemingly endless palm groves and fortified villages, known as ksours.
Our route takes us through the oasis town of Erfoud, famous for its fossilized marble and date production, before we finally arrive in the village of Merzouga. Here, at the foot of the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing glass of mint tea. After settling into your hotel, you’ll have time to relax or take a short hike in the sand dunes to witness your first breathtaking Sahara sunset. If time permits, we might make a detour to explore the authentic, non-touristic Rissani Souk for a genuine glimpse into local life. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel right next to the dunes.
Today is dedicated to exploring the heart of the Sahara. We’ll venture deeper into the Erg Chebbi dunes and the surrounding rocky desert (hamada). Our first stop is the village of Khamlia, with a rich history as a settlement for former slaves from Sub-Saharan Africa. Today, its inhabitants are renowned for their vibrant Gnaoua music, and we’ll have the chance to listen to their spiritual and rhythmic songs.
Our off-road journey continues to more remote areas like Mirdani and M’fis, where small villages are scattered across the arid landscape. We’ll have a unique opportunity to connect with local nomadic families, sharing a cup of traditional tea and learning about their centuries-old lifestyle in the desert. We’ll then off-road our way back towards Khamlia, passing through terrain that once hosted the famous Dakar Rally.
Around noon, we’ll enjoy a delicious Berber pizza for lunch before returning to the hotel for some well-deserved rest. Later in the afternoon, you’ll prepare for the highlight of your trip: a camel trek. You’ll mount your dromedary and ride for about an hour into the vast sea of sand. As the sun sets, watch the colors of the Erg Chebbi dunes shift from gold to deep orange and red. You’ll arrive at a traditional desert camp, where a delicious dinner will be served, followed by an evening of Berber drumming and music around the campfire under the brilliant desert stars.
Wake up early to witness a truly magical Sahara sunrise. Take a peaceful stroll to the top of a nearby dune to watch the first light of day illuminate the desert landscape. After this unforgettable experience, you’ll enjoy breakfast at the camp before riding your camel back to Merzouga, where you can freshen up with a shower.
We then begin our journey back to Fes. Our first stop is the bustling Rissani Market, the largest and most lively souk in the region. Here, you can wander through the stalls, observe local daily life, and see traditional crafts and goods. We’ll continue our drive through Erfoud and once more along the scenic Ziz Valley, making our way to Midelt for a lunch stop.
After lunch, we’ll cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, making a brief rest stop in the alpine town of Ifrane. The final leg of our journey will take approximately 1.5 hours, and we will arrive in Fes in the late afternoon or early evening. We will drop you off at your hotel or Riad, marking the end of your 3-day desert tour.
End of Tour
A: We recommend comfortable walking shoes, warm layers (the desert gets cold at night, especially October–March), sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, scarf for dust protection, camera, power bank, and swimsuit if your hotel has a pool.
Yes. Families often choose this route. The drives include frequent stops and the pace is flexible. Please inform us of any specific needs so we can adjust accordingly.
Yes, a 20% deposit is required to secure your booking via credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer. The remaining balance is paid on Day 1 of the tour in cash (Euros or Moroccan Dirhams).
