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Large sand dune of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, Sahara desert, Morocco

Photo: Siem / Unsplash

3 Days from Fez to Merzouga Desert

Two nights in the Merzouga dunes from Fez: the cedar forest, Ziz valley, a camel ride, Khamlia music and Rissani market.

  • Duration3 days · 2 nights
  • StartFez
  • EndFez
  • Trip typePrivate tour

Overview

This Fez to Merzouga desert tour is the best short desert trip from Fez. You drive through the Middle Atlas and its cedar forest, follow the Ziz valley and reach the dunes of Erg Chebbi. With two nights in Merzouga, you have a full day to discover the desert life around our home village, Khamlia.

You return to Fez on day 3. If you prefer to finish in Marrakech, choose our 4 days from Fez to Marrakech. See all tours from Fez.

Highlights

  • Ifrane and the cedar forest with Barbary macaques
  • Ziz valley palm groves
  • Camel ride at sunset in Erg Chebbi
  • Gnawa music in Khamlia and Rissani market
  • Two nights in Merzouga

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1

    Day 1: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou cedar forest – Midelt – Merzouga

    Your driver picks you up at your riad in Fez at about 08:00. You drive to Ifrane, a clean mountain town, then into the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques live. After lunch in Midelt, you follow the Ziz valley, a long canyon full of palm trees. In Merzouga you ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Dinner and night in a desert camp.

    Overnight: Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Day 2: Merzouga: Khamlia, Rissani and nomads

    Watch the sunrise from a dune. After breakfast you visit Khamlia, our home village, where musicians play Gnawa music. Then you go to Rissani, an old market town, to see local life, dates and spices. You may visit a nomad family for tea. In the late afternoon you can enjoy the sunset from the dunes. Second night in the camp or a hotel near the dunes.

    Overnight: Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

  3. 3

    Day 3

    Day 3: Sunrise – Midelt – Ifrane – Fez

    Wake up early for the last sunrise over the Sahara, then have breakfast. You start the drive north, back through the Ziz valley and Midelt, where you can have lunch. You cross the Middle Atlas and pass Ifrane again. You arrive in Fez in the late afternoon or early evening, and your driver takes you to your riad or the train station.

Route map

Fez → Ifrane → Midelt → Erfoud → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) → Rissani → Midelt → Fez

What's included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or minivan) with fuel
  • Private English-speaking driver
  • 2 nights in Merzouga (desert camp and camp or hotel)
  • Dinner and breakfast both nights
  • Camel ride and desert camp night in Erg Chebbi
  • Pick-up and drop-off in Fez
  • Bottled water in the vehicle

Not included

  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance tickets and local guides
  • Optional quad, sandboarding or 4x4 tour
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Tips and personal expenses

Accommodation by category

Choose your hotel category. The final hotel names are confirmed when you book, depending on availability.

NightLocationStandardSuperiorLuxury
1Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)Desert camp, tent with private bathroomComfort camp, tent with private bathroomLuxury camp, large tent with private bathroom
2Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)Desert camp, tent with private bathroomComfort camp, tent with private bathroomLuxury camp, large tent with private bathroom

Photo gallery

Frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from Fez to Merzouga?

About 7 to 8 hours with stops for photos, coffee and lunch.

Can I do this tour in 2 days?

It is possible but very tiring. We recommend 3 days, so you have time to enjoy the desert.

Is it cold in the desert at night?

From November to February, nights can be close to zero. Camps give warm blankets, but bring a warm jacket. See our Sahara guide.

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