DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT ERRACHIDIA → MERZOUGA

Your tour begins with a pick-up at Errachidia airport (ERH) or your hotel in town. From there it’s a direct drive south through the Ziz Valley to Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes — around two hours of straightforward road. Dinner and overnight in Merzouga.

A note on flights: Ryanair operates domestic flights from Marrakech three days a week (morning or early afternoon arrivals), and Royal Air Maroc flies daily from Casablanca (arriving late at night). The Day 1 timing can be adjusted around your arrival.

Approximate driving distance/time: 120 km / 2 hours

DAY 2: FULL DAY IN THE MERZOUGA DESERT

After breakfast, the day is dedicated to exploring the Erg Chebbi region. A 4×4 takes you off-road to the old galena mines (galena was once used to make kohl), then on to a nomadic family at the edge of the dunes for tea in a traditional Berber tent.

Next comes Khamlia, a small village famous for its Gnawa music — the tradition traces back to Sub-Saharan communities from Mali, Sudan, and Niger who settled here generations ago. You’ll hear live music and dance performances before a free lunch at a local restaurant.

The afternoon includes a drive through a palm grove and a stop at Merzouga’s seasonal lake (known locally as the “flamingo lake” when water levels attract them). In the late afternoon, you’ll switch to camels for the ride across the dunes to your luxury camp, pausing on a high ridge for sunset. Dinner at the camp is followed by drumming around the campfire under a full night sky.

Approximate driving distance/time: around 60 km of 4×4 touring

DAY 3: MERZOUGA → RISSANI → ERFOUD → MIDELT → CEDAR FOREST → IFRANE → FES

A sunrise over the dunes is worth the early wake-up. After breakfast, you’ll return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4 and meet your driver for the long drive north.

The first stops are Rissani (for the traditional souk if it’s a Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday) and Erfoud, where a fossil workshop shows the region’s geology at close quarters. The route then follows the Ziz Valley north with a panoramic viewpoint stop before reaching Midelt — a mountain town known for its apple orchards — where you’ll break for lunch.

The drive then climbs into the cedar forest near Azrou, home to the region’s wild Barbary macaques. There’s time to walk among them before continuing to Ifrane — a small alpine-feeling town often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its European-style architecture and mountain climate.

The final leg is the drive from Ifrane to Fes, with a drop-off at your accommodation. The tour typically concludes between 5 and 7 p.m. End of the tour.

Approximate driving distance/time: around 470 km / 7 hours (plus stops)

IMPORTANT NOTES

– Driving times don’t include stops for lunch and sightseeing.
– Day 3 is a long drive — the tour suits travellers comfortable with around seven hours on the road (in a modern air-conditioned vehicle with regular stops). If you’d prefer a more relaxed pace, the itinerary can be extended with an overnight en route.
– Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated — please mention this when booking.
– Prefer not to ride a camel? A 4×4 will take you into and out of the camp at no extra cost.
– Your main luggage is transported to the camp by 4×4 while you ride camels.
– Alternative endings available: Marrakech (see the 3 Day Errachidia to Marrakech Tour) or a round trip back to Errachidia (see the 3 Days Errachidia to Merzouga Tour).