Experience the best of southern Morocco on this 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech. Journey through the Middle Atlas, visiting Ifrane and spotting Barbary apes in the Azrou Cedar Forest, before reaching the Sahara. Enjoy an unforgettable camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend a night in a comfortable luxury desert camp with private facilities. The next day, explore the impressive Todra and Dades Gorges, famous for their dramatic scenery. On the final day, visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah before crossing the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, concluding your adventure in vibrant Marrakech.
Your 3-day desert adventure begins at 8:00 AM with a departure from your accommodation in Fes. We’ll journey south towards the Sahara, traveling through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, known as Morocco’s “Little Switzerland” for its alpine architecture. Next, we venture into the Cedar Forests near Azrou, where you’ll have the chance to see wild Barbary apes in their natural habitat. We’ll pause for lunch in Midelt, a town renowned for its apple orchards, nestled between the Middle and High Atlas ranges. Continuing south, we’ll follow the impressive Ziz Valley, a vast oasis known for its millions of palm trees, traditional kasbahs, and striking gorges. Upon reaching the edge of the Sahara Desert in the late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Merzouga and check into a comfortable hotel near the dunes for the night, resting before your desert immersion tomorrow.
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll embark on an exciting 4×4 tour around the Erg Chebbi dunes at approximately 9:00 AM. We’ll 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. We’ll return to Merzouga village for lunch. In the afternoon, prepare for the quintessential Sahara experience: you’ll 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.
Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise painting the dunes with colour – a truly magical sight. After sunrise, enjoy your camel ride back to Merzouga village. Upon arrival, you’ll have breakfast and the opportunity for a refreshing shower at the hotel or camp facilities. We then begin our return journey towards Fes. Our first stop will be Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet region and home to one of Morocco’s largest traditional souks (market days are typically Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday). Next, we pass through Erfoud, known for its fascinating fossil discoveries and workshops. We’ll travel back through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping again in Midelt for lunch. We expect to arrive back in Fes by late afternoon or early evening, where your driver will drop you off at your accommodation, concluding your unforgettable desert adventure.
