4-Day Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour | Desert Camp & Imperial Cities

Overview

Experience the best of Morocco's cultural and natural heritage on this unforgettable 4-day journey from Fes to Merzouga. Starting in the ancient medina of Fes, you'll cross the stunning High Atlas Mountains, explore traditional Berber villages, navigate dramatic gorges, and finally reach the legendary golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Sleep under the stars in an authentic Berber camp, trek on camel through pristine desert, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Moroccan culture.

Highlights

• Fes Medina - Explore one of the world's oldest medinas with winding streets and traditional artisan workshops
• Middle Atlas Cedar Forests - Drive through lush cedar forests and encounter Barbary macaques in their natural habitat
• Ifrane - Visit "Morocco's Switzerland" with Alpine-style architecture and mountain scenery
• Todra Gorges - Navigate stunning canyon walls rising up to 300 meters high
• Erfoud & Fossil Workshops - Learn about Morocco's prehistoric past with skilled craftsmen
• Erg Chebbi Dunes - Experience the Sahara's golden sand dunes at sunrise and sunset
• Berber Camp Night - Sleep under the stars in an authentic desert camp with traditional hospitality
• Camel Trekking - Ride through the desert like a nomad and experience true Saharan life
• Stargazing - Witness countless stars in unpolluted desert skies with Berber music and storytelling

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fes to Midelt (400 km, 9-10 hours)

• Morning departure from your riad/hotel in Fes (08:00 AM)
• Explore highlights of the Fes Medina before departure if time allows
• Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains with stunning panoramic views
• Stop in Ifrane ("Morocco's Switzerland") for lunch and photos
• Visit the Middle Atlas cedar forests to spot Barbary macaques
• Arrive in Midelt in the afternoon
• Overnight accommodation in a comfortable hotel
• Meals: lunch, dinner included

Day 2: Midelt to Merzouga via Todra Gorges (280 km, 8-9 hours)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to and explore the dramatic Todra Gorges with a guided hike (1-2 hours)
• Continue through scenic mountain passes and traditional Berber villages
• Stop in Erfoud to explore fossil workshops and learn about Morocco's prehistoric heritage
• Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon (16:00-17:00 PM)
• Begin sunset camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes
• Arrive at traditional Berber desert camp
• Enjoy traditional tagine dinner under the stars with Berber music and drumming
• Overnight in a comfortable Berber tent with beds and blankets
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner included

Day 3: Full Day Merzouga Desert Experience

• Early morning (05:30 AM) sunrise camel trek with stunning desert views
• Return to camp for hearty Berber breakfast
• Rest and relax at camp with optional activities: dune climbing, sandboarding
• Afternoon: explore the desert landscape or visit nearby oasis
• Late afternoon sunset camel ride with photo opportunities
• Traditional tagine dinner and evening entertainment around the campfire
• Overnight in Berber camp
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner included

Day 4: Merzouga to Fes (400 km, 9-10 hours)

• Early breakfast at camp
• Depart Merzouga around 07:00-08:00 AM
• Drive back through the scenic Ziz Valley with lush palm groves
• Lunch stop in Erfoud or along the route
• Pass through the Todra Gorges once more with afternoon light
• Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains
• Arrive in Fes in the late evening (18:00-20:00 PM)
• Meals: breakfast, lunch included

Tour Details

What's Included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan
• Professional English/French/Spanish speaking driver/guide
• 3 nights' accommodation (2 nights in hotels, 1 night in desert camp)
• Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi dunes (one camel per person)
• Meals as per itinerary (4 breakfasts, 3 dinners)
• Mineral water in the vehicle
• All applicable taxes and service charges
• Hotel/riad pickup and drop-off in Fes
• Sandboarding in the dunes
• Local guide in Todra Gorges
• Visits to Berber villages

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Any extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Lunches during the tour

Why Choose This Tour?

• Perfect Duration - Four days gives you enough time to truly experience both culture and desert without feeling rushed
• Cultural Immersion - Start in one of Morocco's most authentic cities before heading to the wilderness
• Expert Local Guides - Berber drivers and guides born in the region with deep cultural knowledge
• Authentic Experiences - Real Berber camps, traditional meals, and genuine hospitality
• Stunning Scenery - Mountain passes, gorges, forests, and golden dunes all in one journey
• All-Inclusive Pricing - Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
• Small Groups - Maximum 8-12 people per vehicle for intimate experience
• Flexible Booking - Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure

FAQ

Q: What's the weather like?
A: Winter (Nov-Mar): 15-22°C daytime, 5-10°C at night. Summer (May-Sep): 35-45°C daytime, warm nights. Spring/Fall: 20-28°C - ideal season.

Q: Is the camel ride comfortable?
A: Yes! Modern camels are well-trained. Our experienced handlers ensure your comfort and safety. All levels welcome.

Q: Can children join?
A: Yes! Children 5+ can camel trek. Younger children ride in the vehicle. We arrange special seating for comfort.

Q: Are meals included?
A: The tour includes breakfasts and dinners as per the itinerary. Lunches are not included to allow for flexibility in food choices. We can accommodate special dietary requirements with advance notice.

Q: Is there internet/cell signal?
A: Limited to no signal in the desert camp. Part of the authentic experience - a chance to disconnect!

Q: What fitness level is required?
A: No special fitness needed. Camel riding requires no experience. The pace is leisurely and enjoyable.

Good to Know

• Physical Level: Moderate - involves walking on uneven terrain and sand dunes
• Group Size: Maximum 12 travelers for personalized experience
• Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November for pleasant temperatures
• Accommodation: Mix of 4-star hotels and luxury desert camp
• Packing Tips: Layers for varying temperatures, comfortable walking shoes, scarf for sand
• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
• Language: Arabic, Berber, French widely spoken, English in tourist areas
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1

Booking Information

Contact our travel specialists for availability, pricing, and personalized itinerary adjustments.