- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- FAQ
4 days from Fez to Merzouga desert Trips
A 4 days from Fez to Merzouga desert Trips offers a spectacular journey from the cultural heart of Morocco to the golden dunes of the Sahara. Starting in Fes, this itinerary takes you through cedar forests, mountain landscapes, palm-filled valleys, and finally to the breathtaking dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want to combine natural beauty, authentic Berber culture, and an unforgettable desert camp experience.
🌲 Middle Atlas Mountains & Scenic Landscapes
The adventure begins by heading south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming alpine-style towns like Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and cedar forests near Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques.
As you continue, the scenery changes dramatically. The fertile Ziz Valley appears with its vast palm groves and traditional villages, offering stunning panoramic viewpoints ideal for photos.
🏜️ Arrival in the Sahara – Merzouga & Erg Chebbi
Reaching Merzouga marks the highlight of the journey. Here, the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi rise up to 150 meters high, creating one of Morocco’s most iconic desert landscapes.
In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a camel trek across the dunes, watching the sunset paint the sands in golden and orange hues. The evening is spent in a traditional desert camp with:
-
Private tent accommodation
-
Authentic Moroccan dinner
-
Berber music around the campfire
-
Incredible stargazing in the quiet Sahara
4-Day Fez to Merzouga Desert Trip – Outline
Trip Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Start / End: Fes
Destination: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi
Itineraries
Day 1
Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades valley
We will depart our 4 days desert tour at 8am from Marrakesh to Dades Valley. We drive via the High Atlas mountains Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260m high). We will have time to enjoy impressive landscapes and Berber villages, also we will enjoy break for coffee or mint tea in nice area.
In the afternoon we will get the chance to visit the Ait Ben haddou Kasbah (as it has been named by UNESCO since 1987). This Berber Kasbah is place for more than 20 films. It is also a meeting point of the camel caravans in the past.
Later we head to Ouarzazate, which is called Hollywood of Africa. After Ouarzazate we will continue to Dades valley, through Rose valley then Dades where we will spend the night.
Day 2
Dades valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast we will drive through the valley to see the amazing rock formation – “the monkey toes”. We also see the still-standing 19th century Kasbah of Ait Yul. We leave the Dades Valley towards Tinghir and the Todra gorges.
You will see panoramic views of the old mud Berber villages overlooking this valley. In the Gorge we will walk under the 300 m high red cliff, where many Rock-climbers come to enjoy this sport.
We’ll carry on to Erfoud and Rissani where we’ll have lunch before we leave to village of Merzouga where you will be welcomed with a glass of mint tea before checking into our Hotel/Riad next to the golden sand dunes.
Day 3
Merzouga – 4×4 Excursion Erg Chebbi – Camel trek
Today we will start exploring Erg Chebbi desert. We visit the village of the Gnawi people, originally slaves from Sudan. You will enjoy their music and lifestyle (Khamlia village). In winter time you can see the lake of Merzouga, with its flamingos. Later on we visit the nomad people whom still live in their tents.
In the afternoon we drive back to the hotel in order to prepare for your camel trek adventure. In this camel experience you will cross the sand dunes of Erg chebbi and enjoy beautiful sunset in top of biggest dune. The dinner will be in the camp followed by a Berber drums music.
Day 4
Merzouga – Ziz valley – Midlet – Ifrane – Fez
Your camel guide will wake you up early in early morning to watch a beautiful sunrise in desert. Then you will enjoy camel-trek back to the hotel crossing unique dunes of Erg Chebbi – changing colours with the light as the day progresses.
After tasty breakfast and shower, we will travel to Fes via Erfoud , Aoufous and Errachidia. Along the magnificent Ziz valley carved through volcanic rock and through the Tizi Ntalghamt pass to Midelt. We will stop in Zaida to enjoy the lunch, then we continue to Azrou, a Berber village in the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Here we’ll stop to see the Barbary apes (monkeys) in the famous Cedar forest. Then we drive to Ifrane – “the Switzerland of Morocco”, stopping for a pictures before we arrive to Fes ,where the 4 days desert tour ends.
· - Private SUV, 4WD throughout the tour + fuel.
· - Pick up and drop off (airport or hotel).
· - Experienced driver guide.
· - Accommodation for 3 nights.
· - 2 breakfasts & dinners (Vegetarians are welcome).
· - Kasbah Ait ben Haddou visit walk inside.
· - Camel Trek to overnight in desert camp with guide (Private tent).
· - Water for your camel trip
· – Beverages.
· – Lunches.
· – Tips
The journey is approximately 8–10 hours without stops. The itinerary is spread over Day 1 and Day 4 with scenic stops in the Middle Atlas and Ziz Valley, making the drive comfortable and enjoyable.
Yes. On Day 2, you will enjoy a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, timed for the sunset, with an overnight stay in a traditional desert camp.
Standard camp: Comfortable tents, shared or private bathrooms, traditional Berber dinner
Luxury camp: Private tent with ensuite bathroom, upgraded bedding, and premium meals
Yes. The trip is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. For those who prefer not to ride camels, a 4x4 transfer to the camp can usually be arranged.
Most tours include breakfast and dinner, particularly at the desert camp. Lunches are usually not included, giving you flexibility at scenic stops and local restaurants.
Private tours: Flexible schedule, tailored stops, and personalized service
Shared group tours: Fixed schedule, more budget-friendly
Yes. Most tour operators can provide vegetarian, vegan, or special dietary options with prior notice.
Yes. Many operators offer the option to extend your stay in Merzouga, enjoy extra camel trekking, or explore surrounding desert areas by 4x4.