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PRIVATE TOUR — Book 3 Days Desert Tour From Ouarzazate To Fes Via Merzouga
On this 3 days Merzouga desert tour from Ouarzazate to Fes, you’ll take in a wealth of highlights across 3 days and 2 nights. Visit the Todra Gorges and the Merzouga Sahara, where you ride camels, watch a magical sunset and sunrise, and spend the night in a desert camp. You’ll also explore the Merzouga desert by 4×4, visit the traditional market in Rissani and the fossil town of Erfoud, then Ifrane — the “Switzerland of Morocco” — and the cedar forest where Barbary macaques live, before the tour finishes in Fes.
Highlights
– Walking through the towering red cliffs of the Todra Gorges
– Riding camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga
– Watching sunset and sunrise over the Sahara
– Spending two nights in a luxury desert camp with Berber drums around the campfire
– Exploring Erg Chebbi by 4×4 — nomad tents, Khamlia’s Gnaoua music, and the seasonal Merzouga lake
– Visiting the traditional souk in Rissani and a fossil workshop in Erfoud
– Enjoying a panoramic view over the Ziz Valley
– Watching Barbary macaques in the cedar forest and stopping in Ifrane
Know Before You Go
– This is a private tour — only the travellers in your party join.
– The camel ride runs about 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the camp. If you’d rather not ride, the camp’s 4×4 can take you and your luggage in and out; ATVs can be arranged at extra cost.
– During the camel ride you take only what you need; the rest of your luggage travels to the camp by 4×4 and is waiting for you on arrival.
– The best times to visit are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), though winter is great in the southern/desert region.
– The tour involves roughly 6 and 7 hours of driving on the long days. Vehicles are new and comfortable with regular stops, but if you’re not used to that much travel, consider a longer or customised tour.
– Let us know any dietary preferences in advance so we can arrange lunch stops and notify the camp (dinners are included).
– Vehicles: a 4×4
Here’s the plan. Feel free to customise it to match your interests.
Day 1: Ouarzazate -> Todra Gorges -> Merzouga dunes -> camel trekking -> overnight in a luxury camp
We pick you up early in the morning from your accommodation or the airport in Ouarzazate, then drive through the Todra Valley, where the Todra River has carved a grand canyon through the mountains, leaving high red cliffs on either side. Take your time to wander the gorges and appreciate the landscape. Afterwards, we drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, with free time for lunch along the way.
In the afternoon, we reach the Merzouga Sahara, where you switch to camels to cross the dunes. We stop so you can enjoy a magical sunset from the top of a high dune, then continue to the luxury desert camp, where you can enjoy Berber drumming and dancing around the campfire beneath a vast, star-filled sky. Dinner and overnight in the camp.
Day 2: Explore Merzouga -> nomads -> Khamlia (Gnaoua village) -> Merzouga lake -> Erg Chebbi -> palm grove
After breakfast, we dedicate the day to exploring the Merzouga desert (Erg Chebbi), an area of sand dunes, a seasonal wild lake, fossil sites, small mines, and beautiful oases — ideal for light outdoor activities.
We start with an off-road drive to an old kohl (eyeliner) mine, then visit nomads in their woven tents to learn about their way of life over a cup of Berber tea. Next, we continue to Khamlia to enjoy Gnaoua music and dance; many residents have roots in Mali, Sudan, and Niger. There’s free time for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, stroll through a palm grove and drive a few kilometres to the wild lake of Merzouga (often called the flamingos’ lake).
Later, switch to camels to cross the dunes, stopping on a high dune for sunset, then continue to the luxury camp. Enjoy Berber drumming around the campfire under a sky full of stars. Dinner and overnight in the camp.
Day 3: Merzouga dunes -> Erfoud -> Midelt -> cedar forest -> Ifrane -> Fes
On the last day, wake early to take in a beautiful sunrise in the middle of the desert. After free time for breakfast, you return by camel to Merzouga, where the driver is waiting. We then leave the desert for Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet and still a major trading centre, with a large souk that comes alive on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After a stroll through the Rissani souk, we continue to Erfoud to visit one of the fossilised-marble workshops.
We then drive along the Ziz River, stopping for a panoramic view of the Ziz Valley, with free time for lunch in Midelt. Continuing on, we reach the cedar forest, home to Barbary macaques — feel free to watch and feed them as you wander. Afterwards, we visit Ifrane, famous for its cool temperatures, winter snow, and alpine-style houses, which earn it the nickname “the Switzerland of Morocco.” Finally, we drop you off at the airport or your accommodation in Fes, ending the 3 days Ouarzazate to Fes desert tour.
Booking & Payment
How early should I book my Morocco tour?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially if you’re travelling during spring, autumn, or holiday seasons. Early reservations guarantee better availability, a wider choice of accommodations, and more flexibility to personalise your itinerary.
How do I pay for my tour?
Booking is simple. We require a small deposit to secure your reservation, which can be paid via PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer. The remaining balance is paid directly to your driver-guide in cash on the first day of your tour. We accept Euros (€), US Dollars ($), and Moroccan Dirhams (MAD).
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. Our cancellation terms are clearly explained on our Cancellation Policy page. We recommend reviewing the policy before confirming your reservation.
Can I create my own itinerary?
Absolutely! Every private Morocco tour can be fully customised. Whether you want to change destinations, extend your trip, upgrade hotels, or add unique experiences, we’ll design an itinerary that perfectly matches your travel style, schedule, and budget.
Transportation
What type of vehicles do you use?
We use modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles depending on your group size.
Every vehicle is professionally maintained to ensure a safe and comfortable journey across Morocco.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes. We can collect you from any Moroccan airport at the beginning of your trip and drop you off at the end. Your driver will be waiting with your name upon arrival. Flights are not included in the tour price.
Which airport should I fly into?
Most international travelers arrive in:
You can also start your tour from:
We’ll help you choose the best airport based on your itinerary.
Driver-Guides
Who will be our guide?
Our professional driver-guides are experienced locals who know Morocco inside and out. They don’t just drive—they introduce you to Moroccan culture, history, traditions, hidden places, and local life, making your journey much more meaningful.
Do your guides speak English?
Yes. English is our standard language. We can also arrange guides who speak French, Spanish, Italian, German, or other languages upon request, depending on availability.
Accommodation
What type of hotels do you offer?
We carefully select quality accommodations throughout Morocco, including:
Every accommodation is chosen for comfort, cleanliness, excellent service, and authentic Moroccan charm.
Are the desert camps luxury?
Yes. We only work with luxury desert camps.
Every tent includes:
We do not use standard camps with shared facilities.
Can I choose my hotels?
Of course. We’ll provide several carefully selected accommodation options based on your budget. If you already have a hotel or riad you’d like to stay in, we’ll gladly include it whenever possible.
Sahara Desert & Activities
How far is the Sahara Desert from Marrakesh?
The Merzouga Sahara Desert is approximately 560 km (348 miles) from Marrakesh. Because of the distance, our tours include scenic overnight stops, allowing you to enjoy the journey rather than spending an entire day driving.
How far is the Sahara Desert from Fes?
The drive from Fes to Merzouga covers approximately 500 km (310 miles).
How far is Casablanca from Merzouga?
Casablanca is about 660 km (410 miles) from the Sahara Desert. We usually recommend a 5-day (or longer) itinerary to enjoy the journey comfortably.
Do I have to ride a camel?
Not at all.
If camel riding isn’t for you, we’ll transfer you to your luxury desert camp by comfortable 4×4 vehicle at no additional cost.
What activities can I do in the Sahara?
Besides the famous camel trek and overnight desert camp experience, you can also enjoy:
Can I add extra activities to my trip?
Absolutely.
Popular additions include:
Tour Experience
What’s the difference between a private tour and a shared tour?
Private Tour
Shared Tour
Both options provide excellent service—the choice simply depends on your travel style and budget.
Is 7 days enough to visit Morocco?
Yes.
A well-planned 7-day itinerary allows you to experience many of Morocco’s highlights, including:
It’s one of the most popular trip lengths for first-time visitors.
What can I see in one week?
In seven days, you can explore:
Which 7-day itinerary is best?
The best route depends on your arrival airport.
Popular options include:
We’ll recommend the ideal itinerary based on your flight schedule.
Why book with us?
As a local Moroccan tour operator, we offer:
Meals
Are meals included?
Most desert tours include:
Lunches are generally not included, giving you the freedom to choose where you’d like to eat during the day. Each tour page clearly lists what’s included.
Can you accommodate special diets?
Yes.
We happily accommodate:
Simply let us know your dietary requirements when booking, and we’ll make the necessary arrangements throughout your journey.
