3 Days Tour from Fez to Merzouga

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Fez to Merzouga on this 3-day desert adventure, a tour that guides you through the stunning Middle Atlas Mountains, the cedar forests of Azrou, the warm hospitality of Moroccan villages, and the majestic dunes of the Sahara Desert. This itinerary blends breathtaking scenery with rich cultural experiences and promises an adventure to remember.

Tour Overview

This tour starts in Fez and spans three days, taking you through diverse landscapes, from lush mountains to the golden dunes of the Sahara. Highlights include visiting Ifrane, exploring the cedar forests, experiencing camel trekking, and spending a night under the starry desert sky. This tour is ideal for travelers who wish to experience Morocco’s natural beauty, traditional Berber culture, and the serenity of the desert.

Detailed Itinerary for the 3 Days Tour from Fez to Merzouga

Day 1: Fez – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga

Early Morning Departure from Fez

The tour begins with an early departure from Fez, traveling south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. As you leave the city behind, you’ll pass through picturesque countryside with rolling hills and traditional Berber villages.

Stop in Ifrane: Morocco’s Alpine Town

Your first stop is in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its cool climate and European-style architecture. Located in the Middle Atlas, Ifrane is a unique destination with charming parks, clean streets, and beautiful alpine-style buildings.

Cedar Forests and Barbary Apes

Continuing the journey, you’ll enter the cedar forests near Azrou, home to Morocco’s indigenous Barbary macaques. Take a break here to enjoy the natural beauty of the forests, feed the monkeys, and stretch your legs on a scenic walk.

Midelt: Lunch Stop in the Middle Atlas

Arrive in Midelt for a lunch break. This small town, known as Morocco’s “Apple Capital,” is nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. It’s a great place to enjoy a delicious meal and relax in the cool mountain air.

Drive to Merzouga via Erfoud

After lunch, continue south, leaving the green mountains behind as the landscape changes to arid plains. Pass through Erfoud, a town famous for its fossils and as the gateway to the Sahara. Here, you’ll start to feel the desert climate and see the first signs of the dunes on the horizon.

Arrival in Merzouga and Camel Trek to the Desert Camp

Arriving in Merzouga by late afternoon, you’ll begin an exciting camel trek across the golden sands of Erg Chebbi to reach your desert camp. Watch as the sun sets over the dunes, painting the sky in vivid colors, and enjoy the serene beauty of the Sahara.

Overnight in a Desert Camp

Settle into your traditional Berber desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a hearty Moroccan dinner. The evening is spent around a campfire, listening to Berber music, sharing stories, and marveling at the star-filled desert sky before retiring to your tent for the night.

Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

Sunrise Over the Dunes and Camel Trek Back

Wake up early to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the Sahara dunes, a magical experience that bathes the desert in golden light. After breakfast at the camp, return to Merzouga by camel.

Rissani: A Traditional Market Town

The next stop is Rissani, an ancient town with a vibrant souk that is particularly bustling on market days. The market here is known for its spices, crafts, and local produce, offering a fascinating glimpse into traditional Moroccan life.

Erfoud Fossils and Local Crafts

Returning through Erfoud, you’ll have the chance to explore shops selling fossils, minerals, and local crafts, a specialty of this region. Many fossils here date back millions of years, and the town has several workshops where you can observe artisans at work.

Todra Gorge: A Natural Wonder

Journey on to the breathtaking Todra Gorge, a natural canyon with sheer rock walls that rise over 300 meters. Enjoy a scenic walk along the riverbed, surrounded by cliffs, and relax in the shaded areas by the river. The gorge is a popular spot for rock climbing and offers incredible views for photography.

Dades Valley: The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs

Continue through the scenic Dades Valley, also known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” famous for its rugged landscapes, rock formations, and traditional mud-brick kasbahs. Spend the night in a charming guesthouse in the valley, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and the hospitality of a local family.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Fez

Morning Drive through Rose Valley

After breakfast, head towards Rose Valley, known for its lush rose gardens and the annual Rose Festival held in May. Here, you’ll find cooperatives producing rose water, oils, and other rose-based products, providing a unique shopping opportunity.

Skoura: The Oasis of Palms

Passing through Skoura, you’ll see lush palm groves that stretch across the landscape, dotted with old kasbahs. This oasis town is famous for the Kasbah Amridil, a historic fortified residence that offers insight into traditional Berber architecture.

Ouarzazate: The Gateway to the Sahara

Arriving in Ouarzazate, also known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” you’ll have time to explore the famous Atlas Film Studios where films like Gladiator and The Mummy were shot. Nearby, the Kasbah Taourirt is a striking example of Moroccan clay architecture, showcasing beautiful views and cultural history.

Return to Fez

As the day concludes, begin the journey back to Fez through the stunning scenery of the Atlas Mountains. This route offers plenty of opportunities for scenic stops and photos before finally arriving back in Fez in the evening, where the tour ends.

Highlights of the 3-Day Tour from Fez to Merzouga

• Camel Trekking in Erg Chebbi: Ride through the Sahara on camelback and experience a beautiful sunset and sunrise over the dunes.
• Todra Gorge: Explore this awe-inspiring canyon with towering cliffs and scenic walking paths along the river.
• Traditional Moroccan Villages and Markets: Visit the vibrant souks of Rissani and Erfoud, where you can find unique local crafts and fossils.
• Berber Hospitality: Stay in a desert camp and a guesthouse, where you’ll experience Moroccan hospitality and delicious cuisine.

Why This Tour is an Unmissable Experience

The 3-day tour from Fez to Merzouga is a compact yet comprehensive journey into Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultural richness. Whether it’s the allure of the Sahara, the captivating mountain scenery, or the warm hospitality of the Berber people, this tour offers something for everyone, combining adventure with comfort for an unforgettable Moroccan experience.