From Fes · Erg Chebbi
Fes to Sahara Desert Tour
A three-day desert loop from Fes that drops through the Middle Atlas, past Ifrane and the great cedar forest, and down the Ziz Valley to Merzouga, where a camel ride and a night in a desert camp wait. One of the shortest ways to reach the Erg Chebbi and be back in time to explore Fes.
Duration
3 days
Group size
Private
Guide
Licensed
About this tour
The fastest round trip to the Erg Chebbi from the imperial city: leave Fes over the Middle Atlas past the alpine town of Ifrane and Morocco’s largest cedar forest, follow the hidden palm oases of the Ziz Valley down to Merzouga, spend a day with nomads, old mines and Gnaoua music, and ride a camel over the dunes for a night beneath the stars. Private from door to door.
Itinerary: 3 days
Fes to Merzouga
Across the Middle Atlas past Ifrane and the cedar forest’s Barbary monkeys, over the Talghemt pass and down the Ziz Valley to Merzouga for the night.
Desert sights & a camel ride
Visit a nomad settlement, the old mines and Gnaoua music at Khamlia, then ride a camel over the high dunes at sunset to a camp in the heart of the Sahara.
Sunrise and return to Fes
Ride back to Merzouga after a dune-top sunrise and breakfast, pause for lunch, then continue north to Fes and drop back at your hotel.
This is a private tour, not a fixed route: days, stops, camp type and pace are all yours to adjust.
What’s included
- Pickup & drop-off at your Fes accommodation
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide
- Your own licensed driver-guide
- Dinner & breakfast and all overnight stays
- Camel ride & a night in the desert camp
Not included
- Lunches & drinks
- International flights
- Entry fees to monuments
Price
On request
Tailored to group size and dates: we’ll send a clear quote within a day.
Duration: 3 days
Group: private, your own guide
Route: Fes round-trip
Included: transport, guide, camp, camel ride
Licensed operator · 40+ verified reviews
Desert camps & seasons
Two ways to camp and a window of best seasons under this stretch of sky.
Camp type. Choose the authentic Berber camp with traditional tents and mattresses on the sand, or a fixed comfort camp with real beds, private bathrooms and hot showers. Both are within walking distance of the Erg Chebbi dunes and include dinner and breakfast round the fire.
Best seasons. October to April is ideal, with warm days and clear cool nights. Summer is manageable with an early start: we’ll point you to the best dates for your trip.
Help & answers
Common questions
When is the best time to take this tour?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) give the most comfortable days, with crisp, clear desert nights.
Is this the shortest desert tour from Fes?
Yes, at three days it’s the fastest round trip to Merzouga and back, ideal if Fes is your base and your time is limited.
Is the camel ride and camp included?
Yes, the camel trek, the desert-camp dinner and the night in the dunes are all part of the package.
What accommodation is included?
A hotel in Merzouga on the first night and a traditional desert camp on the second, with comfort tailored to your preference.
Is the desert safe to travel in?
Yes, the route is well travelled and safe; follow your guide’s advice, keep hydrated and respect local customs.
Why book with us
A licensed tour operator with our own guides and drivers, a team that speaks Arabic, French, English, Spanish and German, and 40+ verified reviews. We plan your Moroccan Sahara trip properly, so the only surprises are the good ones.