The 4 Day Desert Tour from Fes takes you from the medieval alleys of Morocco’s cultural capital to the golden dunes of the Sahara and back again, passing through cedar forests, palm‑filled valleys, and dramatic gorges. This compact round‑trip offers a perfect balance of mountain scenery, Berber encounters, and desert magic.
You’ll begin by traveling south through Ifrane (“Morocco’s Little Switzerland”) and the cedar forests of Azrou – home to playful Barbary macaques – before crossing the Ziz Valley oasis to reach Merzouga. On day two, you’ll explore the Erg Chebbi region by 4×4, visit Khamlia village for Gnawa music, share tea with a nomadic family, and end with a sunset camel trek to a desert camp.
After a spectacular sunrise over the dunes, you’ll continue to the towering Todra Gorge and the scenic Dades Valley for an overnight stay. Your final day takes you back through the Ziz Valley, past Midelt, and through the Middle Atlas forests to Fes.
We’ll collect you from your hotel or riad to start our journey south toward the Sahara. Our route takes us through Ifrane, nicknamed “Morocco’s Little Switzerland,” and ascends into the Middle Atlas Mountains. We’ll pause in the ancient cedar forests near Azrou, home to troupes of wild Barbary macaques – a perfect photo opportunity. Enjoy the changing mountain scenery as we drive toward Midelt for our lunch break. Afterwards, the adventure continues through the stunning Ziz Valley, a vast palm oasis, passing Erfoud and Rissani as we approach Merzouga. On arrival at the desert’s edge, enjoy a welcoming cup of mint tea before settling into your hotel or riad for the night.
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on an exciting 4×4 tour around the Erg Chebbi dunes at approximately 9:00 AM. Visit Khamlia village, where you can experience the unique culture and soulful Gnawa music of its inhabitants – descendants of sub‑Saharan slaves. Our exploration continues to a desert oasis and includes a visit with a local nomadic family, sharing mint tea in their traditional tent to learn about their way of life. Return to Merzouga village for lunch. In the afternoon, prepare for the quintessential Sahara experience. Meet your camels and embark on a memorable trek (around 1‑1.5 hours) into the heart of the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Arrive at your traditional Berber desert camp, settle into your tent, and witness a spectacular sunset over the sand sea. Enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner under a canopy of stars, often accompanied by local music around a campfire.
Rise early this morning to witness a truly spectacular sunrise over the Merzouga dunes – often cited as the highest in Morocco. Watch as the changing light casts dramatic shadows and colors across the vast sea of sand. After experiencing this unforgettable sight, return to your desert accommodation for breakfast. Following breakfast, our journey continues toward Tinghir and the stunning Todra Gorge, renowned as Morocco’s highest and narrowest canyon. Here, you’ll have time to explore – perhaps taking a walk along the river or simply relaxing amidst the towering rock walls. After enjoying lunch within the gorge, drive through the scenic Dades Valley. Your day concludes here as we check into a hotel strategically located for impressive views, where you’ll spend the night.
After enjoying a delicious local breakfast, begin your journey from the Dades Valley. Our route takes us through verdant palm groves as we follow the scenic Ziz Valley. Pause at a panoramic viewpoint to enjoy mint tea and admire the stunning oasis landscape stretching before us. Continuing northward toward Midelt, mountains will frame our drive, and you might spot traditional nomadic settlements with their distinctive goat‑hair tents. After stopping for lunch, our tour proceeds into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Travel through forests, making a stop in the cedar woods near Azrou to observe the playful Barbary macaques. Our final break will be for coffee in the charming alpine town of Ifrane before continuing toward Fes. End of services.
Lunches and drinks Entrance fees to optional sites Tips for guides and drivers
