3 Days Desert Tour from Fes

This compact 3-day adventure takes you from the cultural heart of Fes to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. Experience Morocco’s diverse landscapes as you cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, explore ancient kasbahs, and spend a magical night under the stars in a luxury desert camp. Perfect for travelers short on time but craving an authentic Sahara experience.

✓ Perfect short Sahara escape from Fes
✓ Authentic desert experience
✓ Comfortable luxury camping
✓ Small group experience
✓ Expert local guides

Day 1: Fes → Ifrane → Cedar Forest → Ziz Valley → Merzouga

Your desert adventure begins with a morning departure from Fes, where you’ll leave behind the medieval medina for the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is Ifrane, a charming town known as “Morocco’s Little Switzerland” for its alpine-style architecture and cool climate. Continuing through fragrant cedar forests, you’ll have the chance to spot troops of wild Barbary macaques before descending into the dramatic Ziz Valley. Watch as the landscape transforms from fertile plains to lush palm oases and eventually to the golden dunes of Merzouga. Arriving in late afternoon, you’ll mount camels for a serene sunset trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, arriving at your luxury desert camp as the sky turns brilliant shades of orange. Enjoy traditional Berber hospitality with a delicious tagine dinner under a canopy of stars, accompanied by rhythmic desert music around the campfire.

Day 2: Merzouga Desert Exploration

Awake before dawn to witness the magical Sahara sunrise, when the dunes glow in soft golden light. After breakfast at camp, embark on a desert discovery tour visiting nomadic families to learn about their traditional lifestyle in this harsh yet beautiful environment. Continue to Khamlia village, where you’ll experience the soulful rhythms of Gnawa music, originally brought from sub-Saharan Africa. The afternoon offers free time to relax at your camp or try sandboarding down the silky dunes. As evening falls, you’ll have the choice between another magical night in the desert camp or returning to a comfortable hotel in Merzouga, both options offering their own unique charm under the vast Saharan sky.

Day 3: Merzouga → Rissani → Erfoud → Fes

After a final sunrise over the dunes and breakfast, begin your journey back to Fes with stops at two fascinating desert towns. First visit Rissani’s lively traditional market, where locals trade everything from spices to livestock in a scene unchanged for centuries. Continue to Erfoud, known as Morocco’s fossil capital, where you can observe artisans transforming ancient stone into beautiful artworks. The return drive through the Ziz Valley offers one last chance to admire the stunning contrast between palm oases and desert landscapes before arriving back in Fes by early evening, filled with unforgettable memories of your Saharan adventure.