2 DAY MERZOUGA DESERT TOUR FROM OUARZAZATE TO FES - Homepage: Morocco Desert Tours

OVERVIEW

PRIVATE TOUR — 3 DAYS MERZOUGA DESERT TOUR FROM ERRACHIDIA TO MARRAKECH

OVERVIEW

This 3 day tour is the perfect itinerary for travelers looking to connect southern Morocco with the cultural capital of Fes. Starting in Ouarzazate, the route takes you through the spectacular Todra Gorge before reaching the sweeping dunes of the Merzouga Sahara. You will enjoy two nights in a luxury desert camp with a full day of 4×4 exploration in between. On the final day, the journey heads north through the Ziz Valley, into the Middle Atlas Mountains, and past the famous cedar forests of Ifrane, culminating in a drop-off in Fes.

Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.

DURATION: 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
START: OUARZAZATE
END: FES
TOUR STYLE: PRIVATE

HIGHLIGHTS

Walking beneath the towering cliffs of the Todra Gorge
A camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes
Sunset and sunrise over the Sahara
Two nights in a luxury desert camp
A full day exploring the Merzouga desert by 4×4
Visiting a nomadic Berber family in their tent
Hearing traditional Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia
The traditional souk of Rissani and a fossil workshop in Erfoud
Panoramic views of the Ziz Valley
Feeding Barbary macaques in the cedar forests
A stop in Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco”

ITINERARY

DAY 1: OUARZAZATE → TODRA GORGE → MERZOUGA

Your tour begins with an early pick-up from your accommodation or the airport in Ouarzazate. The drive takes you through the Todra Valley to the magnificent Todra Gorge, where you can wander through the high, red cliff-sided canyon.

Following a drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad and free time for lunch, you will arrive at the Sahara desert of Merzouga in the afternoon. Here, you’ll switch from your vehicle to camels, crossing the sandy dunes and pausing to watch the sunset from a high peak. The camel trek ends at your luxury camp, where you’ll be treated to a traditional dinner and Berber drum music around the campfire. Overnight in the camp.

DAY 2: FULL DAY IN THE MERZOUGA DESERT

After breakfast, your day is dedicated to experiencing the Erg Chebbi region. A 4×4 off-road excursion will take you to an old kohl mine before visiting local nomads in their woven tents to learn about their lifestyle over Berber tea.

The tour then takes you to Khamlia to enjoy live Gnawa music and dance performances. After free time for lunch in a local restaurant, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through a lush palm grove and see the wild lake of Merzouga (the flamingo lake). You will then return to your luxury camp for dinner and a second night under the stars.

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

Wake up early to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the desert dunes. After breakfast, you will return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4 to meet your driver. The northbound journey begins with a stop in Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet (home to a major souk on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays), followed by Erfoud to visit a fossilized marble workshop.

The drive continues along the Ziz River, stopping for panoramic views of the Ziz Valley, before reaching Midelt for lunch. In the afternoon, you will cross into the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at the cedar forest to see the wild Barbary macaques. The final stop is Ifrane—famous for its alpine-style architecture and winter snow—before you are dropped off at your accommodation or the airport in Fes. End of the tour.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Driving times don’t include stops for lunch and sightseeing.
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.