5-Day Fez to Fez Sahara Tour via Ramlia and Tafraout Sidi Ali

Discover a different side of southern Morocco on this private 5-day journey from Fez to the Sahara Desert and back to Fez. The route crosses the Middle Atlas Mountains, follows the palm groves of the Ziz Valley and reaches the Erg Chebbi dunes before continuing towards the remote desert regions of Ramlia and Tafraout Sidi Ali. Along the way, you will experience traditional towns, rocky desert landscapes and isolated settlements far from the busiest tourist routes. The off-road sections must be organised with a suitable 4×4 vehicle and an experienced local driver. Careful planning is essential, particularly for the return to Fez, which may require an impractically long driving day. The exact route and stops should be confirmed according to track conditions, weather and available travel time.

5-Day Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt

Depart from Fez in the morning and travel towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is Ifrane, a town known for its green spaces, well-kept streets and distinctive architecture. Continue to the cedar forests around Azrou, where you can enjoy the woodland scenery and, when conditions allow, observe Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. The journey then crosses mountain landscapes and Atlas communities before reaching Midelt, located between the Middle and High Atlas ranges. Several scenic stops can be arranged for photographs and rest breaks along the way. On arrival in Midelt, you will have time to relax before dinner. This overnight stop divides the journey from Fez and prepares you for the drive south towards the Sahara the following day.

Overnight: accommodation in Midelt.

Day 2: Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga

After breakfast, continue south through mountain scenery towards the Ziz Valley. Stop at a viewpoint to admire the palm groves, traditional villages and the contrast between the green valley and the surrounding arid mountains. Continue to Erfoud, a town known for its fossils and desert surroundings, before travelling to Merzouga near the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes. On arrival, enjoy the atmosphere of the Sahara and views of the golden sands. Depending on your arrival time and the booked arrangements, a camel ride around sunset may be possible. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at a desert camp, where you can experience the quiet atmosphere of the Saharan landscape.

Overnight: desert camp in Merzouga.

Day 3: Merzouga – Taouz – Ramlia

After breakfast, begin the journey towards the more remote parts of the Sahara. Leave Merzouga in the direction of Taouz and continue along desert tracks towards the Ramlia region. This section crosses arid terrain, rocky landscapes and wide open spaces that reveal a less-visited part of southeastern Morocco. The exact route and driving time depend on track conditions, weather and the driver’s local knowledge. On arrival in Ramlia, discover the atmosphere of this small Saharan settlement and its surrounding oasis landscape. Travel with a driver who knows the area well, and make sure that sufficient drinking water is available for the journey. The afternoon can be spent exploring the nearby surroundings and resting after the off-road drive.

Overnight: local accommodation in Ramlia or the surrounding area, subject to availability.

Day 4: Ramlia – Tafraout Sidi Ali – Desert Region

After breakfast, continue towards Tafraout Sidi Ali using the tracks that are accessible in the region. The route passes remote landscapes, rocky plains and small settlements separated by considerable distances. This is not a conventional tourist road, so the exact itinerary must be checked in advance with an experienced local driver. Stops along the way offer opportunities to observe rural life and the scenery of this isolated area. The time available for visits depends on track conditions and the arrival time. To keep the trip within five days, this section and the following day’s departure require careful coordination. Overnight accommodation should be arranged in Tafraout Sidi Ali or another accessible settlement in the region, depending on the confirmed route and local availability.

Overnight: local accommodation in Tafraout Sidi Ali or the surrounding region, subject to route feasibility and availability.

Day 5: Tafraout Sidi Ali – Return to Fez

The final day is intended for the return journey to Fez. Tafraout Sidi Ali is remote, and the distance involved may make a comfortable return in a single day impractical. Before confirming the tour, the driver must verify the accessible route, realistic driving time and connection to a suitable main road. If a direct return is not reasonable, we recommend adding an overnight stop and extending the itinerary to six days. If the route and schedule allow the transfer to be completed, rest stops should be planned throughout the journey. The tour ends in Fez at the agreed drop-off point.

Included

• Private transport throughout the tour.
• Pick-up and return in Fez, subject to the feasibility of the confirmed itinerary.
• Experienced driver for the road journey and planned desert tracks.
• One overnight stay in Midelt.
• Accommodation in the Merzouga area and around Ramlia and Tafraout Sidi Ali according to the confirmed booking.
• Breakfasts and dinners where included by the booked accommodation.
• Scenic stops and visits included in the confirmed itinerary.

Excluded

• Lunches and drinks.
• Optional activities not specified in the booking.
• Personal expenses and tips.
• Quad biking and buggy excursions.
• Additional costs resulting from route changes caused by weather or terrain conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions