5 Days from Fes to Merzouga Desert

Morning – Departure from Fes

Our journey begins in Fes, from where we head to Midelt. We will pick you up from your accommodation in Fes in the morning.

Crossing the Middle Atlas

We pass through the stunning landscape of the Middle Atlas mountains. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountains as we advance toward the desert.

We will pass through:

• Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco, with its alpine style architecture
• The Cedar Forest, one of the largest remaining cedar forests in Africa
• Wild Barbary macaques, which you can observe from a safe distance

We make several stops for panoramic photographs.

Afternoon – Arrival in Midelt

Midelt is a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas mountains. It is known for its apples, fossils, and stunning mountain views.

Evening – Overnight in Midelt

You will spend the night in a hotel or riad in Midelt. Enjoy dinner and rest after your first day of travel.

Morning – Journey to Merzouga

Today, we head to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Stop in Erfoud

On the way, we will make a stop in Erfoud, where you can explore a local market and immerse yourself in Berber culture. Erfoud is known for its fossil industry. The desert around Erfoud is rich in marine fossils, dating back to when the Sahara was under water.

You will have time to:

• Explore a fossil workshop or showroom
• Visit a local market (depending on the day)
• Learn about the region's prehistoric past

Afternoon – Arrival in Merzouga

We arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Your desert adventure will begin.

Late Afternoon – Camel Ride into the Dunes

You will enjoy a camel ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Each person receives their own camel. Your experienced guide will lead you across the soft golden sand.

The camel trek is timed to arrive at a high dune just as the sun begins to set. Admire the majestic sunset over the Sahara.

Evening – First Night in a Berber Camp

You will spend the night in a traditional Berber camp under the stars. You will be welcomed with mint tea. The camp consists of comfortable tents with mattresses, blankets, and pillows. Shared bathroom facilities are available.

Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner. After dinner, live Berber music around the campfire.

Early Morning – Sunrise in the Desert

Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the golden dunes. This is one of the most beautiful moments of the entire journey.

After sunrise, enjoy breakfast at the camp.

You will have the entire day to explore the Merzouga desert, enjoy camel rides through the golden dunes, explore the surroundings, and admire the majestic sunset in the Sahara.

Activities and Experiences

• Walk through the dunes. Climb the highest dunes for panoramic views.
• Enjoy another camel ride through different areas of the dunes.
• Visit nomadic families living in traditional tents. Share mint tea and learn about their way of life.
• Explore Khamlia village to hear traditional Gnawa music.
• Discover hidden oases tucked between the dunes.

Optional Activities (additional cost)

• Quad biking on the sand dunes
• Sandboarding down the high dunes
• 4x4 excursion to remote desert locations

Afternoon – Relaxation and Sunset

Simply relax in the dunes and enjoy the serenity of the desert. Watch the colors of the landscape change as the sun moves across the sky.

Enjoy another spectacular sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Evening – Second Night in a Berber Camp

By night, you will immerse yourself in Berber culture in a camp under the stars. Enjoy another delicious dinner and another evening of Berber music around the campfire.

Early Morning – Sunrise and Departure

After enjoying a final sunrise over the dunes and breakfast at the camp, you will ride your camel back to Merzouga village (or take a 4x4 transfer if you prefer).

Morning – Visit to Rissani

Leaving Merzouga, we head toward the Todra Gorges. On the way, we will make a stop in Rissani, where you can visit its market and experience the authenticity of desert life.

Rissani was the ancient capital of Morocco and the home of the Alaouite dynasty, the current ruling family. The traditional souk is authentic and not tourist oriented. You will see:

• Spices, dates, and dried fruits
• Traditional Berber rugs and textiles
• Handmade pottery and metalwork
• Livestock market (on certain days)

This is a fascinating glimpse into real desert life.

Afternoon – Arrival at Todra Gorges

We continue to the Todra Gorges, a stunning canyon of red rock, carved by the Todra River over thousands of years. The canyon walls rise up to 300 meters high, in some places only 10 meters apart.

You will have time to:

• Walk through the narrow canyon between the towering cliffs
• Take spectacular photographs
• Watch rock climbers scaling the vertical walls

Evening – Overnight near Todra Gorges

You will spend the night in a hotel or riad near the Todra Gorges, surrounded by the dramatic canyon walls. Enjoy dinner.

Morning – Departure to Fes

Today, we say goodbye to the Todra Gorges and begin the return journey to Fes.

Crossing the Middle Atlas

You will once again appreciate the beautiful landscape of the Middle Atlas before arriving at your starting point.

We will pass through:

• The Ziz Valley, a dramatic oasis of thousands of palm trees
• The Cedar Forest, with opportunities to see Barbary macaques
• Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco

We make several stops for photographs and rest breaks.

Afternoon – Arrival in Fes

We arrive in Fes in the late afternoon or early evening. Your driver will drop you off at your accommodation.

Your 5 day adventure from Fes to the Merzouga Desert concludes here.