3 Days Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour
Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga (2 nights) → Fes
Overview
Unlike the 2-day trip, this itinerary gives you a whole day to enjoy the desert before returning to Fes. After crossing the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley, you ride camels into Erg Chebbi for your first night at camp.
The second day is spent exploring the area around the dunes: Khamlia, a village whose community is known for Gnawa music, the old market town of Rissani, the seasonal lake of Dayet Srji when it holds water, and nomad settlements on the edge of the erg. Optional activities such as quad biking or sandboarding can be added. You return to Fes on the third day, rested and with time to have truly experienced the Sahara.
Tour highlights
- Two nights near the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Gnawa music in Khamlia village
- Rissani market and the old caravan town
- Nomad settlements around the erg
- Cedar forest and Ifrane on the way
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Merzouga desert camp
Drive through the Middle Atlas, Midelt and the Ziz Gorges to Merzouga. Camel ride into the dunes for sunset and the night at camp.
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Day 2
A full day around Erg Chebbi
After sunrise and breakfast, explore by vehicle: Khamlia and its Gnawa musicians, Rissani’s market, nomad families and, after rainfall, Dayet Srji lake. Free time for optional activities. Second night at camp or in a hotel at the edge of the dunes.
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Day 3
Merzouga – Midelt – Fes
Return north through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas to Fes, arriving in the evening.
What’s included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver who speaks English (other languages on request)
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in the departure and arrival cities
- Accommodation for every night of the itinerary (hotel, riad or kasbah and desert camp)
- Breakfast and dinner on each overnight stay
- Camel ride to and from the desert camp where the itinerary includes one
- Fuel, tolls and parking
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and kasbahs
- Local guides in medinas unless stated in your quotation
- Optional activities (quad, 4×4 excursions, sandboarding…)
- Travel insurance and flights
- Tips and personal expenses
Practical information
Accommodation
2 nights near Erg Chebbi (desert camp, or one night in a hotel at the edge of the dunes).
Transportation
Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver. Camel ride in Merzouga.
Departure & arrival
Starts: Fes · Ends: Fes
- Itineraries can be adjusted: tell us your dates, pace and interests
- Accommodation category (standard, superior or luxury) is chosen when you book
- Long driving days include regular photo, coffee and lunch stops
- Bring warm layers for desert nights, especially from November to March
- Final inclusions, price and payment terms are confirmed in your written quotation
Frequently asked questions
Is the lake always there?
No. Dayet Srji is seasonal and only holds water after rain.
Can children ride camels?
Yes, children usually love it. Tell us their ages so we can plan accordingly.
Can the tour end in Marrakech?
Yes, the 4 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour adds the full desert day and finishes in Marrakech.
Request this tour
Send your dates and group details. We reply with a personalised proposal. Your request is not a confirmed booking until we confirm it in writing.
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Tell us your dates and we will prepare a clear, personalised proposal.