5 Days tour from Fez to Merzouga Desert

Day 1: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou Cedar Forest – Midelt – Imilchil – Todra Gorges

Your unforgettable 5-day desert journey begins in Fez, one of Morocco’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. After pickup from your accommodation or the airport, we’ll head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, often referred to as the Switzerland of Morocco, known for its alpine architecture, clean streets, and snowy winter scenes.

As we continue through the cedar-covered mountains, we’ll pause at Azrou’s Cedar Forest, home to the indigenous Barbary macaques. You’ll have the chance to interact with these wild monkeys and snap photos in this unique natural setting.

Next, we pass through Zaida, a small Berber village, where we’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch. From here, the scenic road takes us through Midelt, a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, offering stunning views of rugged cliffs and apple orchards.

Our journey continues along winding mountain passes to reach Imilchil, a remote Berber town famous for its annual marriage festival. We’ll drive through isolated valleys and hidden villages that reveal the authentic rural life of the High Atlas.

As the landscape transforms into desert canyons, we’ll arrive at the dramatic Todra Gorges, a natural wonder of towering limestone cliffs carved by the Todra River. You’ll have time to relax and take a short walk in the gorge before dinner and an overnight stay in a charming guesthouse surrounded by nature.

Day 2: Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga

After a fresh breakfast amidst the majestic cliffs of Todra, we’ll explore the gorge in more depth. You can enjoy a walk through the narrow canyon, famous among climbers for its 300-meter-high walls, and capture stunning photographs of this geological marvel.

Our drive then takes us through changing desert landscapes toward Erfoud, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Known for its fossil industry, Erfoud is a great place to learn about prehistoric sea life once buried beneath the Sahara. If time allows, we’ll stop at a local fossil workshop to see how fossil-rich stones are transformed into beautiful art pieces.

From there, we pass through the historic town of Rissani, the former capital of the Tafilalt region and a vibrant hub for local trade. You can explore the traditional souk, especially lively on market days, where locals come to sell everything from spices to donkeys.

By late afternoon, we arrive at Merzouga, a desert village on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, the highest sand dunes in Morocco. You’ll check into your hotel or riad and have free time to relax or explore the village and its surroundings. As the sun begins to set, you’ll witness the golden glow of the dunes, a magical desert moment.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Tour – Khamlia – Nomads – Camel Trekking – Desert Camp

This day is dedicated to experiencing the true spirit of the Sahara. After breakfast, we’ll embark on a 4×4 off-road adventure across the desert, visiting several unique sites:

• Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa people, descendants of Sub-Saharan African slaves. You’ll enjoy a live performance of their hypnotic spiritual music.

• A remote desert oasis, where lush palm groves and small springs emerge in the arid terrain.

• A visit to nomadic families who still live in traditional tents, offering you a glimpse into the centuries-old desert lifestyle.

After lunch in Merzouga or with a nomadic family, the highlight of your desert experience begins. You’ll mount a camel and begin your camel trek across the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, guided by experienced camel handlers. As the sun sets over the sea of dunes, the colors of the sand change dramatically, perfect for unforgettable photos.

Arrive at a luxury or traditional Berber desert camp tucked among the dunes. Enjoy a delicious dinner around a campfire under the starry sky, followed by live Berber music and drumming, storytelling, and stargazing. Sleep in a comfortable desert tent, surrounded by the silence and serenity of the Sahara.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Midelt

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, a magical and peaceful experience. After breakfast and a shower back at the hotel, we start our journey north toward Midelt.

On the way, we’ll stop again in Rissani to explore its historic architecture, including ancient ksars (fortified villages), and the Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum. Don’t miss the traditional souk, where desert dwellers trade everything from livestock to handcrafted goods.

Then, we’ll head to Erfoud, where you can take an optional stop at another fossil workshop or museum. Continuing the drive, we’ll follow the Ziz Valley, a lush ribbon of green snaking through the desert, filled with date palm groves and fortified villages. The panoramic viewpoints here offer excellent photo opportunities.

Our destination is Midelt, a quiet town nestled at the foot of the Ayachi Mountain. Known for its cool climate and beautiful natural surroundings, Midelt offers a relaxing stopover for the night. Enjoy dinner and rest at a comfortable guesthouse or kasbah-style hotel.

Day 5: Midelt – Azrou Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fez

After breakfast in Midelt, we begin our final leg of the tour, driving through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. We’ll make a relaxing stop in Azrou, where you can visit the cedar forests once more, walk among the tall trees, and feed the wild monkeys.

Next, we pass again through Ifrane, where you can stop for coffee or a walk through its European-style town center. The cool air, flower-filled parks, and alpine architecture make it a stark contrast to the desert landscape you’ve just experienced.

By the afternoon, we arrive back in Fez, where your 5 Days Fez to Merzouga Desert Tour ends. You’ll be dropped off at your riad, hotel, or airport with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s diverse landscapes, from imperial cities and mountain forests to majestic gorges and golden dunes.