This 3 Days Desert Tour from Errachidia offers two remarkable options: travel onward to Fes in the north, or to Marrakech in the west. Whichever you choose, the first day and a half is identical — a journey through the Ziz Valley, an arrival at the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, a camel ride to the desert camp, and a night under the Saharan stars. The itineraries then diverge on Day 2, each offering a distinct and equally rewarding experience.
The Fes option dedicates a full day to exploring the Merzouga desert — including a nomadic family visit, a Gnawa music experience, and a 4×4 excursion — before heading north through the Ziz Valley, Midelt, and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas.
The Marrakech option heads westward on Day 2 through the Todra and Dades Gorges — two of Morocco’s most spectacular natural environments — before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech on Day 3.
Both routes begin in Errachidia and conclude in either Fes or Marrakech, with full private service throughout.
– Travelling through the breathtaking Ziz Valley with a panoramic viewpoint stop
– Stopping in Erfoud — Morocco’s fossil capital
– Riding camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes to the desert camp at sunset
– Spending a night under the stars with Berber hosts
– Watching the golden desert sunrise from the dunes
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS — FES OPTION
– Dedicating a full day to exploring the Merzouga desert by 4×4
– Visiting a nomadic Berber family near the Moroccan-Algerian border
– Experiencing Gnawa music and culture in a local desert village
– Travelling through the Ziz Valley, Midelt, and the Middle Atlas Mountains
– Spotting Barbary macaques in the cedar forest near Azrou
– Stopping in Ifrane — Morocco’s alpine mountain town
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS — MARRAKECH OPTION
– Walking beneath the 300-metre cliffs of the Todra Gorge
– Exploring the dramatic scenery of the Dades Gorges
– Visiting the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou — a UNESCO World Heritage Site
– Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
DAY 1 (BOTH OPTIONS): ERRACHIDIA → ZIZ VALLEY → ERFOUD → MERZOUGA
Pick-up from Moulay Ali Cherif Airport or anywhere in Errachidia. The journey heads south through the magnificent Ziz Valley — a lush corridor of date palms and ancient mud-brick villages following the course of one of Morocco’s great rivers. A scenic viewpoint stop offers sweeping views across the palmery below.
Continuing south through Erfoud — the regional capital of fossilised marine life, where artisans craft extraordinary fossil sculptures from local stone — the road pushes on to Merzouga. At the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes, camels and their experienced guide await. The half-hour ride through the dunes brings you to the desert camp as the sun descends in brilliant colour.
A traditional Moroccan dinner, an evening of Berber music around the campfire, and a private tent beneath an infinite starlit sky complete the first day.
OPTION A — FES ITINERARY
DAY 2 (FES): FULL DAY TO EXPLORE MERZOUGA DESERT
After the desert sunrise and breakfast at the camp, a camel trek back to Merzouga town launches a full day of Sahara exploration. A 4×4 vehicle takes you deep into the Erg Chebbi on an off-road excursion through the most remote and extraordinary parts of the desert.
The day includes a visit to a nomadic Berber family living near the Moroccan-Algerian border — welcomed with tea and genuine warmth, you gain a rare insight into a way of life entirely defined by the rhythms of the desert. The excursion also includes a visit to a Gnawa village — descendants of sub-Saharan Africans whose distinctive percussion music and ceremonial traditions represent one of Morocco’s most original cultural expressions. Overnight at your Merzouga hotel.
DAY 3 (FES): MERZOUGA → ZIZ VALLEY → MIDELT → AZROU → IFRANE → FES
Departing Merzouga after breakfast, the road heads north along the Ziz Valley. Lunch in Midelt is followed by the climb into the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, where Barbary macaques may be spotted in the trees near Azrou. A stop in Ifrane — known as Morocco’s “Little Switzerland” for its alpine architecture — precedes the final drive to Fes. Drop-off at your hotel or riad.
OPTION B — MARRAKECH ITINERARY
DAY 2 (MARRAKECH): MERZOUGA → RISSANI → TODRA GORGES → DADES GORGES
After the desert sunrise and breakfast, a camel trek back to Merzouga begins the day’s drive west. The historic market town of Rissani — ancestral seat of Morocco’s ruling Alaouite dynasty and a crossroads of trans-Saharan caravan routes — is a brief stop before continuing to the Todra Gorge near Tinghir.
The gorge’s sheer walls, rising 300 metres on either side of a shallow mountain stream, create one of Morocco’s most dramatic natural corridors. A walk through the canyon is unforgettable. The afternoon drive continues westward to the Dades Gorges, where your hotel is set among spectacular canyon scenery. Dinner and overnight here.
DAY 3 (MARRAKECH): DADES GORGES → OUARZAZATE → AIT BEN HADDOU → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → MARRAKECH
After a morning walk in the Dades Gorges, the drive continues west to Ouarzazate — Morocco’s Hollywood — and then to the legendary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site of earthen towers has featured in Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. After exploring the kasbah, the road climbs through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and descends into Marrakech in the evening.
– Your preferred ending destination (Fes or Marrakech) must be chosen at booking.
– The itinerary is fully customisable — contact us to adjust any element.
– Please inform us of dietary requirements when booking.
– All vehicles are air-conditioned and regularly maintained.
– Nomadic family and Gnawa visits may vary depending on access on the day.
– Pick-up from Errachidia airport or hotel
– Drop-off at accommodation in Fes or Marrakech (chosen at booking)
– Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
– Camel trekking to the desert camp
– Private tent in the desert camp
– 2 nights accommodation
– Breakfasts and dinners
– Lunches and beverages
– Entrance fees where applicable
– Tips (optional but appreciated)
Please fill out the form below to contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible. For a faster response please send a WhatsApp: +212 668-342513 message or call us at +212678099129 . We look forward to connecting with you. Email: info@merzougadunestours.com
Paying for your tour is straightforward. A small upfront deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot — this can be sent via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The outstanding balance is then settled directly with your driver or guide on the first day of your trip, accepted in euros, US dollars, or Moroccan dirhams.
Morocco’s official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While major hotels and larger establishments tend to accept credit cards, smaller markets and towns generally operate on a cash-only basis, so it’s advisable to carry local currency.
Absolutely. The tour can be fully tailored to match your preferences — whether that means adding extra destinations, upgrading your accommodation, or switching to alternative transport such as a private 4×4 vehicle.
Yes, camel rides are commonly included in desert tour packages, typically used to cross the dunes on the way to your overnight camp.
Camel rides are a standard part of desert experiences and are used to reach the overnight camp by crossing the dunes.
Guests stay in traditional Berber-style tents within a desert camp setting. Amenities include comfortable bedding, warm blankets, shared or private bathroom facilities (depending on the camp category), and a shared dining area for meals and socializing.
The policy varies based on how far in advance you cancel relative to your departure date. A booking deposit is required to hold your reservation, and partial or full refunds may apply depending on the notice given.
