3 Day Sahara Desert Tour from Fes to Merzouga (Private)

Overview

About this tour

This round trip from Fes gives you a full day in the desert rather than just one night. With two nights in our Merzouga camp you can slow down, meet nomad families and discover the villages around the dunes.

The drive crosses the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley, some of the most varied landscapes in Morocco, and brings you back to your riad in Fes on day three.

3 Days Unique Morocco Sahara Desert Tour from Fes — private tour from Fes

Camel caravan crossing the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga

Tour highlights

Two nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes
Cedar forest, macaques and Ifrane
Visit a nomad family in their tent
Gnawa music in Khamlia
Explore the abandoned Mifis mines by 4x4
Sunsets and sunrises in the Sahara

Your route

Fes
Ifrane
Merzouga
Ifrane
Fes

Day by day

Itinerary

Day1 Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga

Leave Fes in the morning for Ifrane and the cedar forest. Lunch in Midelt, then the Ziz Valley's gorges and palm groves lead you to Merzouga. Camel trek at sunset to the camp for dinner.

Desert camp, Merzouga
Dinner

Day2 Merzouga: Khamlia, nomad families and Mifis mines

After sunrise and breakfast, explore the area by 4x4: tea with a nomad family, the Gnawa musicians of Khamlia and the old Mifis lead mines. Afternoon at leisure — sandboarding, a quad ride or simply resting in the shade — before another desert sunset.

Desert camp, Merzouga
Breakfast, Dinner

Day3 Merzouga → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes

A final sunrise over the dunes and breakfast at camp. The return journey north follows the Ziz Valley's gorges and palm oases, with a lunch stop in Midelt, then crosses the Middle Atlas through the cedar forest and the tidy streets of Ifrane. Arrival at your accommodation in Fes in the evening.

End of tour — drop-off
Breakfast

What's included

Price includes & excludes

Included

Private air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or minivan) with fuel
English-speaking driver-guide for the whole journey
Pick-up in Fes and drop-off in Fes (hotel, riad or airport)
2 nights of accommodation in hotels, riads and kasbahs
2 nights in our desert camp in Merzouga
Camel trek into the dunes at sunset
4x4 excursion around Erg Chebbi (nomads, Khamlia, Mifis)
Breakfasts and dinners as shown in the itinerary

Not included

Lunches and drinks
Entrance fees to monuments and museums
Local city guides (optional — we can arrange them)
Optional activities such as quad bikes or sandboarding
Tips for your driver and camp staff
Flights and travel insurance

Where you sleep

Night 1Desert camp, Merzouga
Night 2Desert camp, Merzouga

Practical information

Good to know

Private & flexible

Only your group travels in the vehicle. Ask your driver to stop for photos whenever you like, and tell us if you want to change the route or add days.

Your desert camp

Our camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes has comfortable tents with real beds and blankets. Your big luggage stays in the 4x4 — take a small bag for the night.

What to pack

Sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf for the wind, comfortable shoes and a warm layer: desert nights are cold from November to March.

Best time to travel

October to May is ideal. In summer we start early and rest at midday to avoid the heat. Every season has its own beauty.

Food & diets

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are possible. Just tell us when you book or let your driver know on day one.

How to book

Send us your dates and number of travellers. We reply with a price for your group. A small deposit confirms the tour; the balance is paid in cash on the first day (euros, dollars or dirhams).

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Which vehicles do you use?

Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles adapted to your group: 4x4 Land Cruisers or minivans for small groups, and Mercedes Sprinter minibuses for groups of 8 or more.

How far in advance should we book?

As early as possible, especially for spring, autumn and holiday periods. Last-minute requests are welcome too — contact us and we will do our best.

How do I pay for the tour?

We ask for a small deposit when you book. The balance is paid in cash to your driver on the first day of the tour, in euros, dollars or Moroccan dirhams.

What happens to my luggage in the desert?

Your suitcases stay safely in the vehicle or are brought to the camp by 4x4. You only need a small backpack for the camel ride.

I don't want to ride a camel. Can I still sleep at the camp?

Of course. We can take you to the camp by 4x4 instead of camel.

Can we change the itinerary?

Yes. All our tours are private, so we can add nights, change hotels, include activities or adjust the route to your wishes.

Is the tour suitable for children and older travellers?

Yes. We adapt the pace, the stops and the accommodation for families and for travellers who prefer an easier rhythm.