5 Days
Private Tour
48 H
English, Multilingual
One of our most booked trips is the 5-day desert tour from Fes to the south, from the old city of Fes to the big dunes of Merzouga. This journey takes you through small towns, green valleys, and the quiet Sahara Desert. It’s a perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure.
The trip starts as you leave Fes and drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains. You’ll stop in Ifrane, a clean and quiet town that looks like a European village. In the nearby Azrou cedar forest, you may see wild monkeys in the trees. The road then passes through Midelt, a town renowned for its apples, and descends into the Ziz Valley, where palm trees and rivers cut through the dry landscape.
By the evening, you’ll see the golden dunes of Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Here, you’ll ride camels into the dunes at sunset and stay overnight in a desert camp. You’ll sleep in a traditional Berber tent, enjoy music around the fire, and look up at a sky full of stars.
The next day is all about exploring the desert. You’ll visit the old Mfis mines, meet nomad families who live in tents in the desert, and take a 4×4 trip to secret places like the green Safsaf oasis and the empty village of Tisserdmine. These places demonstrate the strength and simplicity of desert life.
After leaving the dunes, you’ll stop in Rissani, an old market town, and Erfoud, known for its stone fossils. Then the road leads to Todra Gorge, a deep valley with tall rock walls and a river running through it, perfect for pictures and short walks.
On the way back to Fes, you’ll pass through Berber villages and return to the cooler Middle Atlas Mountains, where forests and hills replace the desert. By the time you arrive back in Fes, you’ll have seen a whole new side of Morocco.
This trip is more than just sightseeing—it’s a real experience of Morocco’s land and people. From quiet desert nights to busy towns, every part of the journey brings something special.
| Day | Departure | Arrival | Distance |
| #1 | Fes | Merzouga | 470 km |
| #2 | Merzouga | Merzouga Desert | 45 km |
| #3 | Desert | Erg Chebbi | 50 km |
| #4 | Merzouga | Todra Gorges | 200 km |
| #5 | Todra Gorges | Fes | 430 km |
Our adventure starts as we travel to Merzouga, a magical desert town with golden dunes and stunning sunsets. Along the way, we see Morocco’s incredible natural beauty and rich culture.
Our first stop is Ifrane, nicknamed "Morocco’s Switzerland." This town looks different from the rest of Morocco with its clean streets, European-style houses, and cool weather. It’s a great place to take pictures and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before moving on.
Next, we visit Azrou, a town known for its thick cedar forests. Here, we can walk among tall, ancient trees and see wild monkeys called Barbary macaques. These playful animals sometimes come close to visitors. One famous tree, the Cedre Gouraud, has stood here for hundreds of years.
As we leave the mountains, we arrive in Midelt, a town famous for its delicious apples. The fresh mountain air and fertile land make this area perfect for growing fruit. We stop here to rest and maybe try some local apples or a warm Moroccan meal.
The trip continues through the Ziz Valley, where the road takes us over the Tizi N’Talghamt Pass. From here, we see an incredible view—a huge oasis of palm trees surrounded by rocky cliffs. We pause to take photos and admire the scenery before moving on.
Finally, we reach Merzouga, where the huge dunes of Erg Chebbi rise from the desert. As the sun sets, the dunes turn golden, creating a magical sight. We spend the night in a hotel near the dunes, resting before the next day’s adventures—maybe a camel ride or a night in a desert camp under the stars.
Accommodation:
Standard: Mouhou Standard Camp or similar
Superior: Mouhou Luxury Camp or similar
Today, we’re heading out on an unforgettable 4WD off-road safari through the stunning Erg Chebbi desert. Get ready for a day full of amazing sights, cultural experiences, and thrilling desert exploration!
Our first stop is the Merzouga seasonal lake (if there’s water during your visit). This magical place offers a breathtaking view—golden sand dunes reflecting on the water’s surface, with pink flamingos flying against a bright blue sky. It’s a perfect photo spot!
Next, we drive to Khamlia, a small village originally settled by people from Mali, Sudan, and other African countries. Here, we’ll take a short walk, enjoy a cup of refreshing mint tea, and listen to the soulful rhythms of Gnaoua music—a traditional African-Berber style that fills the desert air with energy.
Continuing our adventure, we’ll visit the mineral mines in M’fis, an old village from the French colonial era. Then, we’ll go off-roading through the black desert, climbing rocky paths to one of the highest peaks. From here, you’ll get a panoramic view of the Erg Chebbi dunes and might even discover some ancient fossils in the rocks!
We’ll then visit nomad families who still live in traditional tents. You’ll learn about their daily life, customs, and how they survive in the desert. If you’d like, we can enjoy a simple lunch with them or at a local restaurant on our way back to Merzouga.
In the afternoon, the real desert magic begins—a camel ride across the dunes! You’ll spend about an hour trekking through the golden sands before stopping to watch a spectacular sunset over the Sahara.
Finally, we’ll arrive at our desert camp, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea. As night falls, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by live Berber music around the campfire. You can even try playing the drums yourself!
Accommodation:
Standard: Mouhou Standard Camp or similar
Superior: Mouhou Luxury Camp or similar
After waking up early in the morning to watch the breathtaking sunrise, and after breakfast and a refreshing shower, you’ll start the morning camel trek.
Next, we’ll begin our journey to Safsaf Oasis, passing through the vast Black Desert with its stunning landscapes. Along the way, we’ll go off-roading among acacia trees and small oases before arriving at Safsaf—a peaceful oasis filled with palm trees, small lakes, and a winding stream.
Here, you can take a leisurely walk, soak in the serene atmosphere, and enjoy a delicious lunch under the shade of the trees.
Before sunset, we’ll head to Tisserdmine, another charming oasis near the dunes. After a short visit, we’ll return to Merzouga, completing your unforgettable desert adventure.
Accommodation:
Standard: Mouhou Standard Camp or similar
Superior: Mouhou Luxury Camp or similar
We'll leave Merzouga in the morning, heading first to Rissani—home to the largest traditional market near the Sahara. This lively souk is where nomads trade livestock, sell handmade goods, and stock up on supplies. Experience the authentic sights, sounds, and smells of desert life as we explore!
Next, we drive to Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops and museums. The region is rich in ancient marine fossils, and you’ll see stunning stone creations—from tabletops to intricate carvings—made from these prehistoric treasures.
Continuing north, we pass through charming Berber villages like Jorf, Tinjdad, and Tenghir, watching the landscape shift from desert to lush valleys. Before reaching the Todra Gorges, we'll stop to admire the breathtaking Tenghir Oasis—a sea of palm trees surrounding traditional mud-brick villages, with the Atlas Mountains towering in the distance.
Finally, we arrive at the Todra Gorges, where 300-meter-high cliffs rise dramatically on either side of a narrow river. You'll have time to walk through the canyon, feeling the cool breeze and marveling at nature’s power. As the sun sets, we check into a nearby hotel, ready to rest after a day of adventure.
Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Day Ayour or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Bab Todra or similar
After breakfast, we’ll leave the stunning Todra Gorges behind and begin our journey back to Fes. The drive takes us through the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains, where winding roads reveal lush valleys, cedar forests, and traditional Berber villages.
Along the way, we’ll make photo stops to capture the breathtaking landscapes—rolling hills, apple orchards, and maybe even wild monkeys in the cedar forests near Azrou. We’ll also pause for lunch or a refreshing drink in a charming mountain town, enjoying local flavors before continuing our trip.
As we descend toward Fes, the scenery slowly shifts from green mountains to the historic urban charm of Morocco’s oldest imperial city. We’ll arrive by evening, giving you time to relax and reflect on an incredible journey—from desert dunes to mountain peaks—before exploring Fes’s ancient medina the next day.
Yes, ATMs are available in major cities like Fes and Erfoud, where you can withdraw Moroccan Dirhams (MAD). However, carry enough cash when traveling to rural areas, as ATMs may be scarce.
Yes, the roads are well-maintained, but some sections are mountainous and winding. You’ll be accompanied by professional drivers/guides who know the routes well.
The price of our 5-day desert tour from Fez depends on:
You can upgrade your stay with luxury hotels and premium desert camping for a more comfortable experience. For exact pricing and more details, feel free to contact us!
Yes! We’ll stop at a few special places along the way, including Khamlia—a charming desert village known for its vibrant Gnawa music and friendly nomad communities. We’ll also likely visit Todra Gorges, where you can marvel at the dramatic canyon walls and take in the breathtaking scenery.
The camel ride lasts about 1 hour (usually at sunset or sunrise). If you prefer not to ride, a 4x4 vehicle can take you to the desert camp instead.
Essentials include:
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