4-Day Fez to Merzouga Tour and Back to Fez

Discover the Sahara Desert on this private 4-day tour from Fez to Merzouga and back to Fez. The journey crosses the landscapes of the Middle Atlas, cedar forests, the Ziz Valley and the spectacular dunes of Erg Chebbi. Along the way, you will see traditional villages, admire palm-filled oases and experience the Moroccan desert.

The itinerary combines scenic drives with time to explore Merzouga and its surroundings. You will spend one night at a Sahara desert camp and two other nights in accommodation in the Midelt and Merzouga areas. On the fourth day, you will return to Fez along the general route, with stops to rest and enjoy the scenery.

Itinerary: 4-day Fez to Merzouga tour and return to Fez

Day 1: Fez – Ifrane – Cedar Forests – Midelt

Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your accommodation in Fez. We will head towards the Middle Atlas Mountains, where urban scenery gradually gives way to forests, hills and small towns. Our first stop will be Ifrane, known for its distinctive architecture, gardens and well-kept streets. You will have time to walk around and take photographs before continuing the journey.

We will continue towards the Azrou region, famous for its cedar forests. If conditions allow, you may see Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. The route then leads to Midelt, a town located between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, surrounded by mountain scenery and orchards. We will take a break for lunch and rest before reaching the accommodation.

This first day introduces you to a different side of Morocco, away from the imperial cities and coastal areas. At the end of the day, you will arrive in Midelt for dinner and an overnight stay before continuing towards the desert the following morning.

Accommodation: hotel or riad in Midelt. Meals: dinner, depending on the booked option.

Day 2: Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga

After breakfast, we will leave Midelt and cross mountain landscapes towards the Ziz Valley. This region is known for its extensive palm groves, oases and traditional villages built with local materials. We will stop at a viewpoint to admire the valley from above and take photographs.

We will continue towards Erfoud, a town known for its fossils and desert surroundings. As we travel, the landscape becomes increasingly arid, signalling our approach to the Sahara. We will arrive in Merzouga, near the great dunes of Erg Chebbi, where you can experience an environment very different from the Atlas Mountains.

Depending on your booking option, you may enjoy a sunset camel ride or transfer to the camp by 4×4. Take in the changing colours of the sand, enjoy a traditional dinner and spend the evening beneath the desert stars. Staying at the camp offers a chance to experience the quiet atmosphere of the Sahara away from city lights.

Accommodation: Merzouga desert camp. Meals: breakfast and dinner, depending on the booking.

Day 3: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi – Khamlia – Merzouga

You can wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. The morning light changes the colour of the sand and creates excellent opportunities for photographs. After breakfast, you will return to Merzouga and spend the day discovering the surrounding desert region.

Depending on the available time and local conditions, the excursion may include a visit to Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa music and cultural heritage. You may also see oasis landscapes, desert terrain and small settlements in the region. During the stops, your driver can help you learn more about the surroundings and local traditions.

The day also leaves time to relax and enjoy your accommodation. If you wish to add activities such as quad biking or a buggy excursion, you can check availability in advance; these activities are not included unless explicitly confirmed. In the afternoon, return to your accommodation in the Merzouga area and enjoy dinner before the final stage of the journey.

Accommodation: hotel or riad in Merzouga. Meals: breakfast and dinner, depending on the booking.

Day 4: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fez

After breakfast, we will begin the return journey to Fez. Leaving the Erg Chebbi dunes behind, we will travel through the Erfoud region and the Ziz Valley once more. Along the way, desert landscapes give way to palm groves, valleys and mountains. We will make stops to rest, take photographs and have lunch, depending on the schedule and travel conditions.

We will continue towards Midelt and the Middle Atlas Mountains. If time allows, we may make a short stop in the cedar forest region or in Ifrane. The return journey is long, so stops will be arranged to make the drive more comfortable while keeping the expected arrival time in mind.

Arrival in Fez is expected in the afternoon or evening, depending on traffic, road conditions and the length of stops. Your driver will drop you off at your accommodation or another agreed location in the city. This concludes your private 4-day tour from Fez to the Merzouga desert and back to Fez.

Meals: breakfast, depending on the booked option.

Included

• Private air-conditioned transport throughout the tour.
• Pickup and return to your accommodation in Fez, subject to agreed access.
• Professional driver and fuel.
• One night at a Merzouga desert camp.
• Two nights in hotels or riads in the Midelt and Merzouga areas.
• Breakfasts and dinners where specified in the booked option.
• Sunset camel ride only if included in the selected package.

Not included

• Lunches, drinks and personal expenses.
• Optional activities such as quad biking or buggy excursions.
• Monument entrance fees and services not listed in the booking.
• Local guides unless specifically booked.
• Tips and any service not mentioned in the included section.

Frequently Asked Questions