3-Day Merzouga Desert Private Day Trip

This 3-day adventure to Merzouga from Fez is perfect for those eager to immerse themselves in the true essence of the Moroccan Sahara Desert and explore its rich cultural heritage.

Details of the 3-Day Tour

Day 1: Journey from Fez to Merzouga via Ifrane and Azrou

Embark on your journey from Fez at 8 am, leaving the city's vibrancy behind. Traverse the stunning Middle Atlas Mountains, renowned for their lush cedar forests, which are home to Barbary monkeys. This mountain range stretches 350 kilometers, connecting Morocco's southeast and northeast.

Your route will take you through the picturesque town of Ifrane, perched at an altitude of 1,650 meters. Often referred to as “Little Switzerland” due to its alpine-style architecture, Ifrane is also a well-known ski destination. The charming town of Azrou lies on the path as well.

Continue through the enchanting Ziz Valley and its scenic gorges, passing by villages such as Midelt and Erfoud. The last leg involves a dirt road leading to Merzouga, where you will spend the first night in a hotel on the cusp of the vast desert.

Day 2: Exploring the Merzouga Desert

On the second day, venture into the most breathtaking sections of the Eastern Sahara. Hop into a 4x4 vehicle to visit nomadic communities, wander through stunning oases, and marvel at the magnificent golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Your next stop is the quaint village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa community. Descendants of Central African slaves, the Gnawa are celebrated for their enchanting folk music, blending traditional Islamic Sufism with their cultural roots.

As dusk approaches, return to your hotel where camels will be ready to guide you into the heart of the dunes, where you’ll spend a night in a comfortable Berber tent.

Day 3: Return Journey through Rissani and the Ziz Valley

Awaken before dawn and ascend a dune to witness a stunning sunrise. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and refresh yourself with a shower before embarking on a camel ride.

As you make your way back to Fez, you’ll pause in Tafilalt and Rissani, a city with a captivating history tied to the Alawite dynasty. Don’t miss the chance to feed the wild monkeys that roam the forests of Azrou.

Your excursion concludes in Fez by late afternoon.

Transportation Arrangements

The tour includes transportation via a Toyota Land Cruiser, with air-conditioning in all vehicles, and your driver will be proficient in English.

Accommodation Options

The tour is available with two distinct hotel categories: standard (2 or 3 stars) and luxury (4 stars).

Standard Category:

• First Night in Merzouga: Riad Mamouche / Dar Tafouyte.
• Second Night in Merzouga: Amazigh desert camp.

Luxury Category:

• First Night in Merzouga: Riad Nezha / Merzouga Guest House / Dar el Janoub / Riad Madu / Riad Azawad.
• Second Night in Merzouga: Luxury desert camp equipped with private bathroom.

The standard desert camp accommodates up to 4 guests per tent, while the superior option can host up to 5. Both types include private bathrooms. Note that the camps are distinctly separated, with variations in cuisine and interior decor. Not all camps provide Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning in luxury camps incurs an extra charge of 30 EUR per tent.

During high season, such as during Easter or Christmas, you may be placed in camps featuring shared bathrooms within the standard category.

Single occupancy is not available in any of the accommodations. Bookings for individuals will incur an additional fee. You won’t share rooms or tents with others, but triple or family accommodations can be arranged, ensuring similar distinctions based on category.