Sahara · 3 days
Fes to the Sahara
Three days from the medina to the dunes of Merzouga
Duration
3 days
Group size
1–6 travellers
Difficulty
Moderate
Languages
English, French, Berber
From / person
$560
Overview
The classic three-day run from Fes to the great dunes of Erg Chebbi — over the Middle Atlas via Ifrane and the cedar forest, through the Ziz gorges, a camel trek and a night in a desert camp.
This is the great overland journey from Fes to the Sahara and back, and one of the most rewarding things to do from the city. Day one crosses the Middle Atlas through Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou, descends past Midelt and follows the dramatic Ziz gorges and palm valley down to the desert town of Merzouga at the foot of Erg Chebbi.
The second day is the heart of it: as the afternoon cools, you ride camels into the dunes to a Berber camp, watch the sunset from a high dune, and spend the night under the stars with drumming and a campfire, waking for sunrise over the sand. The third day is the long, scenic drive back north to Fes.
Trip highlights
- Cross the Middle Atlas via Ifrane and the cedar forest
- The Ziz gorges and palm valley
- Camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset
- Overnight in a Berber desert camp
- Sunrise over the great dunes
- Drumming, campfire and a star-filled sky
Photo gallery
Inside the trip.
Day-by-day itinerary
Fes → Fes
- 1
Day 1 · Fes → Midelt → Merzouga
Middle Atlas & Ziz valleyClimb through Ifrane and the cedar forest of Azrou, lunch in Midelt, then follow the Ziz gorges and palm valley south to Merzouga at the edge of Erg Chebbi.
Auberge near Merzouga B · D - 2
Day 2 · Erg Chebbi dunes
MerzougaA relaxed morning, optional 4x4 around the dunes and nomad villages, then an afternoon camel trek to the desert camp for sunset, dinner and music under the stars.
Berber desert camp B · D - 3
Day 3 · Merzouga → Fes
Return northSunrise over the dunes and camel ride back, breakfast, then the long scenic drive back over the Atlas to Fes, arriving in the evening.
B
Cities & regions on this trip
You'll experience 4 destinations.
Each stop has its own deep-dive guide — geography, history, best season, things to see, and other tours that visit it. Tap any card to open its dedicated page.
Imperial city · Northern Morocco
Fes
Morocco's spiritual and artisan capital — the world's largest car-free medieval city, and the heart of everything we do.
Open guideErg Chebbi · Southeast Morocco
Sahara & Merzouga
Real Sahara: 150m dunes, camel caravans and luxury camps — and Fes is the classic northern gateway in.
Open guide
Middle Atlas · Ifrane Province
Ifrane
Fes's alpine neighbour — a cedar-forested 'Little Switzerland' an hour south, the first stop on the scenic road toward the desert.
Open guide
Middle Atlas · High Atlas crossroads
Midelt
The natural midpoint of the Fes–Sahara drive — an apple-town crossroads between the two Atlas ranges, gateway to the Cirque Jaffar.
Open guideThe route
Map of Fes to the Sahara
5 stops across Sahara. Distances and timings are flexible — every itinerary is reshaped to your pace.
- 1
Fes
Start
- 2
Ifrane
- 3
Midelt
- 4
Merzouga
Erg Chebbi
- 5
Fes
End
What's included
- Private English-speaking driver-guide for the duration
- Vehicle (sedan, 4x4 or minivan) with fuel, tolls and parking
- All listed accommodation in hand-picked riads, kasbahs or desert camps
- Daily breakfast and meals as noted in the itinerary
- All listed entrance fees and guided activities
- Airport pickup and drop-off with flight tracking
- Bottled water and snacks on board
- 24/7 WhatsApp concierge based in Fes
Not included
- International flights to/from Morocco
- Travel insurance (we recommend a provider)
- Alcoholic drinks and personal shopping
- Optional activities marked “add-on” in your quote
- Tips for driver, guides and camp staff
What to bring
Pack light, pack smart.
- Comfortable walking shoes (medina cobblestones)
- Layers — even desert nights can drop to 5°C
- Sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+
- Modest cover-up for mosques and conservative areas
- Reusable water bottle (we refill on the road)
- Adaptor for Type C/E plugs (220V)
Frequently asked
Questions about this tour.
Is "Fes to the Sahara" private or a group tour?
100% private. Just you and the people you book with — your own driver, vehicle and pace from start to finish. We never pool travellers.
Can I change the dates or itinerary?
Yes. Every itinerary is a starting point. Add a day, swap a riad, change the start city — we'll re-quote in 24 hours and lock the price in writing before any deposit.
How fit do I need to be?
Easy. Light walking on medina cobblestones, plus optional activities you can opt in or out of on the day.
When should I book?
For high season (Oct–Apr) and any trip involving the Sahara or hot-air balloon, book 8–12 weeks ahead. Last-minute (under 14 days) is usually still possible with a phone call.