This immersive 3 days tour from Fes to the Sahara Desert is a perfect blend of mountains, valleys, history, and desert adventure. Traverse the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests, traditional Berber villages, and historic towns, before arriving at the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Experience camel trekking at sunset, visit nomadic families, explore the cultural village of Khamlia, and spend a night under the magical Saharan stars. This tour provides both adventure and cultural insight, offering travelers an unforgettable taste of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and traditions in a short time.

Highlights

Scenic drive through Middle and High Atlas Mountains
Stop at Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco”
Explore Azrou and its cedar forests with Barbary apes
Visit Erfoud and Rissani, historic desert towns
Camel trekking and overnight stay in Merzouga desert camp
Experience desert sunset and sunrise
Explore traditional Berber villages near the dunes

Day 01 :

Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga

Depart Fes early in the morning and journey south toward the Middle Atlas Mountains, a region of lush landscapes, cedar forests, and picturesque villages. Your first stop is Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” due to its European-style architecture, green parks, and clean streets. Take time to admire its unique charm and enjoy the crisp mountain air. Continue to Azrou, a town nestled in a dense cedar forest where Barbary apes roam freely among the trees. Walk among the ancient cedars, observe the monkeys, and soak in the tranquil forest setting. The road then climbs through scenic mountain passes, dotted with small Berber villages, terraced fields, and orchards. Stop in Midelt, a town famous for its apples and mountain views, for refreshments or a short break. The landscape gradually becomes more arid as you approach Erfoud, known for its fossils and dates, and then Rissani, an ancient caravan trading town with a rich history. By late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Here, camels await for a sunset trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, where the sand transforms into brilliant shades of gold and orange as the sun sets. Arrive at your desert camp for a traditional dinner, enjoy Berber music around the fire, and spend the night under a sky filled with millions of stars.

Day 02 :

Merzouga Desert – Sunrise – Nomad Visit – Khamlia Village – Desert Exploration

Wake up before dawn to witness the sunrise over the dunes, an awe-inspiring spectacle as the first light spreads across the endless desert. After breakfast, begin a full day of desert exploration. Visit nearby nomadic Berber families, who will welcome you into their tents and share stories of life in the Sahara, traditional cooking methods, and desert survival techniques. Continue to Khamlia Village, home to the Gnawa community, where you can listen to their spiritual, hypnotic music and experience an authentic slice of local culture. Spend the afternoon wandering through the desert landscapes, capturing photographs of vast sand dunes, oases, and desert flora. For those seeking adventure, optional sandboarding or short camel rides can be arranged. Return to your Merzouga camp in the evening for dinner and another night under the stars, with time to enjoy the peaceful silence and magical ambiance of the desert.

Day 03 :

Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes

After breakfast, begin the journey back to Fes, leaving the desert behind while keeping its memories vivid. Travel through Rissani, where the lively souks reveal the town’s historic role in caravan trade routes, offering dates, spices, and handcrafted goods. Continue through Erfoud and the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing traditional Berber villages, palm groves, and scenic valleys. Stop in Midelt for lunch and take a short break to stretch and enjoy the surrounding mountain views. As you continue north, revisit the cedar forests of Azrou, perhaps stopping again to observe Barbary apes and capture photos of the majestic trees. Finally, pass through Ifrane, admiring its gardens and orderly streets before descending toward Fes. Arrive in the evening, completing your 3-day adventure through mountains, desert, and traditional Moroccan culture, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Sahara and its surrounding landscapes.