3-day tour from Fes to Merzouga desert (Erg Chebbi)

We will pick you up at 8 a.m. and start our trip to the desert, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains on the way to Merzouga. Along the way, we will pass through Ifrane, known as the "Switzerland of Morocco," and visit the Azrou cedar forests, where wild Barbary monkeys live. This is a great chance to take beautiful photos of Morocco’s natural scenery.

We will stop for lunch in a small Berber village, where you can enjoy the local culture and traditional food. After lunch, we will continue south through the beautiful Medilt region to the town of Rich, near Errachidia. Here, the landscape changes, and you will start to see the Sahara Desert.

Before arriving in Merzouga, we will stop at a viewpoint with a stunning view of the Ziz Valley. That evening, instead of staying in a hotel, you will spend the night in a real desert camp. This way, you can fully enjoy the calm desert atmosphere and the starry night sky.

Accommodation:
Standard: Mouhou Standard Camp or similar
Superior: Mouhou Luxury Camp or similar

Today we will spend a full day exploring some amazing places in the desert. Our first stop is at the seasonal lake near Merzouga, but only if there is water during your visit. This spot offers a beautiful view of golden sand dunes with a bright blue sky above, often filled with birds like pink flamingos.

Next, we visit the village of Khamlia, known for its community originally from Mali and Sudan. Here, you can walk around and meet locals who perform Gnaoua music, a traditional African percussion style.

Afterward, we continue to M'fis, sometimes called the French village. There, we will see fossil mines and learn about the area's ancient history. We will then travel across the rocky desert to a small mountain, where you can look out over dunes on one side and brown mountains on the other. These mountains mark the border between Morocco and Algeria. Nearby, you can find fossilized remains of sea creatures that lived millions of years ago.

Later, we will visit some of the last nomad families living in the desert. You’ll get to see their tents and mud homes, learning about how they live day by day. You will also have the chance to share lunch with them or relax under the shade of an acacia tree.

In the afternoon, we return to Merzouga for a camel ride into the dunes. You will watch a stunning sunset before spending the night at a desert camp. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with tea and shown to your tent. You will have free time to explore the dunes or try sandboarding.

After dinner, a local guide will play traditional Berber drums around a campfire. You can enjoy dancing and music under the starry night sky. Keep in mind that the campfire takes place only during cooler months or when the weather is calm, due to the heat and occasional desert storms.

Accommodation:
Standard: Mouhou Standard Camp or similar
Superior: Mouhou Luxury Camp or similar

If you wish, we will wake you early to watch the breathtaking sunrise over the desert. This is optional but highly recommended, as it creates a truly unforgettable memory. After enjoying the calm colors of dawn, you will have a fresh breakfast and some time to shower.

Then, you will take a gentle camel ride back to Merzouga. The slow pace of the camels allows you to relax and enjoy the desert landscape one last time. Upon arrival in Merzouga, your driver will be ready to pick you up.

From Merzouga, you will start the journey back to Fes, following the same route as your arrival. During the drive, we will stop several times so you can take photos of the stunning scenery and stretch your legs. There will also be a break where you can rest and enjoy a drink or lunch at a local restaurant.

This return trip is a great opportunity to relax and reflect on your desert experience while enjoying the changing views as you travel from the Sahara desert back toward the mountains and towns on the way to Fes.