3 days through the desert from Fez to Merzouga

Day 1: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga

The journey begins early in Fez, Morocco’s oldest imperial city, recognized for its walled medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After departure, we head south through the mountainous Middle Atlas region.

Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco: this elegant mountain town surprises visitors with its European-style architecture and pristine cleanliness. In winter, its snowy landscapes resemble the Alps.

Azrou Forest: we continue toward this lush cedar forest, home to the famous Barbary macaques, where we stop to observe these animals in the wild.

Ziz Valley: after crossing Midelt, we enter the High Atlas region, where the Ziz River winds through endless palm groves and traditional kasbahs. This valley is one of the most fertile in southern Morocco.

Erfoud: known for its date production and ancient fossils, it serves as the gateway to the desert.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Here, camels await to take us across the Erg Chebbi dunes, where we enjoy an unforgettable sunset. Overnight in a luxury or traditional Berber camp, under a unique starry sky.

Day 2: Exploration of the Merzouga Desert

The second day is dedicated to fully experiencing the Sahara. We wake up early to admire the sunrise over the dunes, a natural spectacle of golden and reddish hues.

Camel or 4×4 ride: we start the day with a route to explore the surroundings of the desert.

Visit to Berber nomads: we discover their ancestral way of life, learn about their hospitality, and share a cup of mint tea.

Khamlia, Gnawa village: known for its inhabitants of sub-Saharan origin, it welcomes us with traditional gnawa music that conveys history and spirituality.

Hassi Labied Oasis: surrounded by palm trees and crops, it is the perfect place to learn about the ingenious traditional irrigation system used in the desert.

In the afternoon, we wander freely through the Erg Chebbi dunes, some of the highest in Morocco, reaching up to 150 meters. At sunset, we return to the camp for another magical evening under the stars, accompanied by Berber drums and a unique atmosphere.

Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Fez

On the third day, we begin the journey back to Fez, but the return also offers extraordinary landscapes.

After saying farewell to the desert, we once again pass through Erfoud and the Ziz Valley, where the contrasts between green oases and arid mountains create stunning panoramas.

In Midelt, we enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch surrounded by mountains and fresh air.

The trip continues through the Middle Atlas, passing Berber villages and mountain landscapes before reaching Fez, where the route concludes.

What makes this itinerary unique

• Diversity of landscapes: in just three days, we travel from the snow-capped mountains of the Middle Atlas to the golden dunes of the Sahara.

• Cultural encounters: meeting nomads, enjoying gnawa music in Khamlia, and exploring Berber villages connect us with Morocco’s cultural richness.

• Authentic desert experience: spending the night in a camp under the stars, listening to drums around the fire, and riding camels create unforgettable memories.

• History and tradition: from the kasbahs and palm groves of the Ziz Valley to ancient caravan routes, this itinerary transports us to times past.

The 3-day trip from Fez to Merzouga is an experience that captures the essence of Morocco: ever-changing landscapes, cultural richness, and the unmatched magic of the Sahara. It is a perfect route for those who want to discover, in a short time, the country’s natural and human diversity while living the adventure of sleeping under the stars in the desert.

If you dream of a journey that combines history, culture, and nature at its finest, this itinerary is the ideal choice to immerse yourself in authentic Morocco.