4-Day Tour to the Sahara Desert from Fez to Merzouga in Morocco

This 4-day adventure takes you from the cultural heart of Fez to the golden dunes of the Sahara and back, offering a perfect combination of landscapes, history, and local culture. You will travel through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, admire the panoramic views of the Ziz Valley, and spend unforgettable nights in the desert under a starry sky. Along the way, you will discover nomadic traditions, listen to the rhythms of Gnawa music, explore ancient gorges, and ride a camel at sunset through the dunes. This trip is ideal for those seeking adventure and authentic Moroccan experiences in just a few days.

• Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Ifrane and the Azrou Cedar Forest.
• Visit to the Ziz Valley, with its palm groves and kasbahs.
• Magical experience in the Sahara Desert: camel rides, sandboarding, and nights under the stars.
• Discover the village of Khamlia and enjoy traditional Gnawa music.
• Meet a nomadic Berber family and learn about life in the desert.
• Explore the breathtaking Todra Gorges, Morocco’s most famous canyon.
• Enjoy unforgettable sunrises and sunsets over the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
• A perfect balance between driving, sightseeing, and cultural encounters.

Day 1: Fez → Middle Atlas → Cedar Forest → Ziz Valley → Merzouga Driving time and distance: ~7h30 / 550 km

The journey begins with a scenic route through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Ifrane, known as the “Little Switzerland of Morocco.” We continue to the Azrou Cedar Forest, home to Barbary macaques, where we will stop to observe them in their natural habitat.

After lunch in Midelt, we will cross the impressive Tizi N’Talghomt Pass before descending towards Errachidia and the fertile Ziz Valley, with its endless palm groves and kasbahs. We will make stops to enjoy the panoramic views and take photos.

At the end of the afternoon, we will arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Transfer to a camp in the golden dunes. Dinner and overnight stay in traditional tents under the starry sky.

Day 2: Exploring Merzouga by 4×4 & Camel Ride Driving time and distance: ~1h30 / 55 km

After breakfast, we begin exploring the desert surroundings. The day starts in the village of Khamlia, where the descendants of sub-Saharan Africans keep the rhythms of Gnawa music alive.

We will continue through black volcanic landscapes, visiting an old mining town from the French era and local quarries that are still in use.

Then, visit a nomadic Berber family in their tent, where you will be welcomed with tea and learn about their way of life.

In the afternoon, prepare for the most special moment: a camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Watch as the desert is bathed in golden hues. At the camp, you can try sandboarding before enjoying a Moroccan dinner. The evening continues with drums, Berber songs, and time around the campfire under a starry sky.

Day 3: Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorges Driving time and distance: ~3 hours / 124 miles

Wake up early to admire the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, depart for Rissani, an ancient trading town in the Sahara, where the local market still brings together vendors and nomads. You can visit a Berber shop and try on traditional clothing for photos.

After lunch, the route will take us to the impressive Todra Gorges, where the cliffs rise up to 300 meters and the river flows through a fertile valley of palm trees and kasbahs. Free afternoon to walk, explore, or relax by the canyon. Overnight stay in a nearby guesthouse or kasbah.

Day 4: Todra Gorges → Aït Hani → Middle Atlas → Fez Driving time and distance: ~9 hours / 310 miles

On the last day, we return to Fez via the mountain roads of Aït Hani and Agoudal, a route known for its spectacular scenery and remote Berber villages. This will be an opportunity to take photos and enjoy Morocco’s natural diversity.

At midday, we connect with the main road in Er-Rich and continue north, stopping for lunch and rest breaks. We arrive in Fez in the late afternoon, marking the end of your 4-day adventure in the Sahara.