3-Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Fez
A 3-day, 2-night tour from Fez to Merzouga and back to Fez. Cross the Middle Atlas and Ziz Valley, spend the first night in a desert camp and the second in a hotel or riad in Merzouga. The route includes a 4x4 excursion, Khamlia and an encounter with nomadic families. Meals are confirmed in your quotation.
About this tour
This 3-day Merzouga desert tour from Fez starts and ends in Fez. The route crosses the Middle Atlas, continues through Midelt and the palm groves of the Ziz Valley, and reaches the Erg Chebbi dunes beside Merzouga.
The trip lasts three days and two nights: the first in a desert camp and the second in a hotel or riad in Merzouga. Day two is spent exploring the Sahara surroundings by 4x4, with an encounter with nomadic families and a visit to Khamlia, known for its traditional Gnawa music.
Highlights of the Fez–Merzouga–Fez route
Middle Atlas scenery, with possible stops in Ifrane and the cedar forest near Azrou.
The palm groves and views of the Ziz Valley.
A camel ride through Erg Chebbi, with a 4x4 transfer alternative, and a night in a desert camp.
A 4x4 excursion around Merzouga, nomadic families and Khamlia.
Who is this trip from Fez for?
It suits travellers who want to visit Merzouga and return to Fez at the end of the trip. The first and third days involve several hours on the road. If you prefer to spread the route over more days, compare the four-day route from Fez. To finish in another city, see the Fez to Marrakech tour via Merzouga, which follows a different route.
Practical information before booking
Stops and timings may change with travel conditions. Ifrane and Azrou are possible stops, not guaranteed visits.
Desert nights can be cold depending on the season.
The camel ride is planned around sunset, but visibility depends on the weather. A visible sunset and clear skies are not guaranteed.
Accommodation details, meals and services will be confirmed in the quotation. Meals depend on the confirmed quotation; no universal meal plan is promised.
Keep planning your trip
Explore the destinations of Fez and Merzouga. Before travelling, read how to choose between departing from Fez or Marrakech and how to prepare for a night in the Sahara.
Frequently asked questions
Does the tour return to Fez or finish in Marrakech?
It starts and ends in Fez. This is a three-day round trip via Merzouga, rather than a journey from Fez to Marrakech.
Where are the two nights spent?
The first night is spent in a desert camp in Merzouga. The second is in a hotel or riad in Merzouga. Accommodation details are confirmed in the quotation, without guaranteeing a particular category or establishment.
What happens on the second day?
You explore the desert surroundings by 4x4, with an encounter with nomadic families and a visit to Khamlia, known for Gnawa music. You then return to a hotel or riad in Merzouga to rest and enjoy free time. Arrangements and timings are agreed for the trip.
Is there an alternative to the camel ride?
Yes. The itinerary provides for a camel ride with a 4x4 transfer alternative. Mention your preference when requesting a quote so the arrangements can be confirmed.
Which meals are included?
Only those specified in the confirmed quotation. Lunches are excluded unless the quotation includes them. Confirm meals and all other services before booking.
Request a quote for your Fez round trip
Tell us your dates, group size and preferences so we can prepare a personalised proposal. Request a quote for this tour via WhatsApp.
Itinerary
Day 1
Fez – Middle Atlas – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Morning departure from Fez across the Middle Atlas, with possible stops in Ifrane and the cedar forest near Azrou, depending on conditions along the route. Continue through Midelt and the palm groves of the Ziz Valley to Merzouga. A camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes is planned for the afternoon, with a 4x4 transfer alternative. Sunset visibility depends on the weather. The first night is spent in a desert camp in Merzouga. Meals depend on the confirmed quotation.
Day 2
Merzouga – 4x4 excursion – Nomadic families – Khamlia
Explore the desert surroundings by 4x4, with an encounter with nomadic families and a visit to Khamlia, known for its traditional Gnawa music. The route takes in Sahara landscapes and old desert tracks. At the end of the excursion, return to a hotel or riad in Merzouga to rest and enjoy free time. The second night is spent in that hotel or riad; accommodation details and meals are confirmed in the quotation.
Day 3
Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Middle Atlas – Fez
Return from Merzouga to Fez through the Ziz Valley, Midelt and the Middle Atlas. Stops are arranged according to the agreed schedule and travel conditions; a stop in Ifrane is not guaranteed. Arrival is planned for the afternoon, without a guaranteed exact time. The tour ends in Fez, the same city where it began. Meals depend on the confirmed quotation.
What is included
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- An accompanying driver throughout the route.
- Pick-up and return in Fez, as agreed.
- One night in a desert camp and one night in a hotel or riad in Merzouga.
- Camel ride, with a 4x4 transfer alternative.
- A 4x4 excursion around the desert.
- Meals specified in the confirmed quotation.
What is not included
- International flights.
- Lunches, unless specified in the quotation.
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Admission fees, tips and optional activities not specified.