Fes to Merzouga desert tour – 2 days
- Duration
- 2 days
- Tour category
- Morocco desert tours from Fes
- Languages
- English, French, Spanish
Tour highlights
- Depart Fes early for a scenic desert journey.
- Visit Ifrane, known as “The Little Switzerland of Morocco.”
- Explore Errachidia (the gateway to the Sahara) with its fascinating Ziz Oasis.
- Arrive in Erfoud, experience the vastness of the deser.
- Reach Merzouga, ride camels into the Fes to Merzouga Sahara desert.
- Watch the stunning sunset over the Merzouga sand dunes.
- Enjoy a traditional dinner with nomads music and stay overnight in a desert camp.
Route at a glance
2 days · Fes → Merzouga
- Fes Starting point
- Merzouga
About this tour
Morocco’s vast Sahara desert offers an experience unlike any other. For those with limited time, Fes to Merzouga desert tour sand is the perfect way to explore the region.
This scenic route takes you through the charming towns of Ifrane, Midelt, Errachidia, and Erfoud, offering a unique chance to discover the diverse landscapes of Morocco. From the cool mountain air of Ifrane to the vast, golden sands of Merzouga, this journey is filled with history, culture, stunning natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences. Your 2 day trip – Fes to Merzouga desert tour will leave you with lasting memories of Morocco’s enchanting desert.
Day by day itinerary
Print this itinerary-
Day 01
Day 1 of 2
Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane, Midelt, Errachidia and Erfoud:
Included highlight Stunning views over Ziz Valley, Camel ride, Sunset and Sunrise
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Start time 7:30 AM
Your desert trip from Fes to Merzouga begins early to better enjoy the day ahead. Prepare to be mesmerized by Morocco’s ever-changing landscapes, as you leave behind the narrow streets of Fes and enter open, vast terrain.
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Start time 9:00 AM
Stop at Ifrane: The Little Switzerland of Morocco
Around 1.5 hours from Fes, you’ll arrive in Ifrane. Known as “The Little Switzerland of Morocco,” this Mountain town surprises with its alpine-style architecture. Take a quick stroll through its lush parks, enjoy a coffee in a cozy cafe before head to the next spot.
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Start time 10:00 AM
Witness The wild Barbary Macaques
Leave Ifrane and continue your way followed by a short break to witness the wild Babary Macaques living in the Azerou cedar forest.
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Start time 11:30 AM
Arrive to Midelt the city nown as Apple town
Drive toward Midelt, a town marking the transition from the fertile Middle Atlas Mountains to the expansive desert. The rocky Mountains and valleys create a picturesque route. Stop for a short break to stretch your legs and enjoy a traditional snack.
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Start time 1:00 PM
Lunch stop at a local restaurant
Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch. Choose from hearty tagine, slow-cooked lamb, or chicken with seasonal vegetables, Couscous, and Chicken or beaf meat skewers
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Depart for Errachidia
Continue toward Errachidia. The terrain gradually shifts from lush to more barren desert landscapes. The 2-hour journey passes by the Ziz River, a vital watercourse flowing through the desert and sustaining the nearby oases.
Errachidia, the gateway to the Sahara, is known for its Berber culture and historical significance. Take a brief stop to witness the beautiful views overlooking its breathtaking palm grooves oasis. -
Start time 5:00 PM
Arrive at dunes area in Merzouga
By 4 PM, you’ll arrive in Erfoud, the next stop on your desert adventure. Erfoud provides a first taste of the vastness of the Sahara. If interested, stop to visit the fossil markets that highlight the town’s paleontological heritage.
From Erfoud, drive a short distance to Merzouga, located at the base of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, your true desert adventure begins. at 5:00 PM arrive just before sunset, the perfect time to start your camel trek into the dunes.
As you ride your camel, feel the crisp desert air against your skin. Watch the shifting sands reflect the golden hues of the setting sun. It’s an unforgettable moment, giving you a sense of the vastness and serenity of the Fes to Merzouga Sahara desert. -
Final stand of your jouney from Fes to Merzouga
Arrive at your Berber-style desert camp in Merzouga after a short trek. The desert night comes alive with the sounds of the crackling campfire and the twinkling stars above. Enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars, featuring local dishes like couscous and tajine. Spend the night in the heart of the desert, connecting with the timeless Berber traditions in this mystical land.
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Day 02
Day 2 of 2
Merzouga - Return to Fes
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Start time 5:00 AM
Sunrise in the Sahara desert - Start your day early, as the magic of the desert is best experienced at sunrise. A camel ride back to the top of the dunes offers the perfect vantage point to witness the sun rise over the endless sand, creating a peaceful and awe-inspiring moment in the Fes to Merzouga Sahara desert.
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Start time 7:00 AM
Return to the camp for breakfast
After soaking in the early morning beauty, return to camp for a traditional Moroccan breakfast. Enjoy mint tea, fresh bread, jams, and fruit to energize for the journey ahead.
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Depart Merzouga
It’s time to begin your journey back to Fes. As you leave, the desert remains vast and silent. The road home offers fresh perspectives on your desert trip-Fes to Merzouga sand dunes, giving you time to reflect on the incredible landscapes you’ve experienced.
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Scenic drive back via Errachidia
From Merzouga, drive back toward Errachidia, retracing your path through the stunning desert landscape. The scenery continues to amaze as golden dunes transform into rugged rock formations, leading to lush oases that dot the region.
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Lunch in Midelt or at your preferred location
Take a well-deserved break for lunch in Midelt. This is an opportunity to reflect on your desert trip-Fes to Merzouga sand dunes while enjoying a relaxing meal surrounded by the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains.
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Arrival in Fes
After a full day of travel, you’ll arrive back in Fes by late afternoon, around 4 PM. Your Fes to Merzouga Sahara desert journey ends, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the incredible landscapes and rich experiences encountered along the way.
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What's included
Included
- Private transportation in air conditioning vehicle - Van or 4wd
- Professional driver speaking your language
- Local experiences
Not included
- Tips and gratuities
- Lunches