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Activities in Fez

3 Day Merzouga Desert Private Tour

  • 56 reviews | 528 travellers
    Excellent experience with this excursion, 100% recommended. The journey from Fez to the desert and back is very long, so the 3-day excursion is much more worth it than the 2-day one. Special mention to our driver and guide Ayman, he was super attentive to us and made it easy for us. we had a great time. We brought a new friend from Morocco. In the desert another guide named Youssef took us in a 4x4 to see a lot of things and he was also very nice.
    10 Silvia
  • Free cancellation up to 3 days before
  • Hotel pickup
  • Free cancellation up to 3 days before
Per group from
US$ 2,430
See availability

The 3-day excursion to Merzouga from Fez is ideal if you want to experience the authentic Moroccan Sahara Desert and learn about its people and culture.

The 3-day excursion to Merzouga from Fez is ideal if you want to experience the authentic Moroccan Sahara Desert and learn about its people and culture.

Description

Day 1: Fez - Ifrane - Azrou - Erfoud - Merzouga

Leave the hustle and bustle of Fez behind as you head to the small village of Merzouga at 8 am. Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and its beautiful cedar woods, full of barbary apes. This mountain chain extends 350 kilometres from the southeast to the northeast of Morocco.

On your way, you will admire the city of Ifrane, situated at a height of 5,460 meters above sea level. This town is also known as Morocco’s “Little Switzerland”, because of its architecture and as it is one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the country. Azrou, a charming town in the heart of the Atlas, is also on the route.

Cross the Ziz Valley and dramatic gorges and drive past villages like Midelt and Erfoud. From Erfoud, take a dirt road until you arrive at Merzouga. Here, you will spend the first night in a hotel on the edge of the endless desert. 

Day 2: Enjoying Merzouga Desert

On the second day of the excursion, you will visit the most spectacular part of the Eastern Sahara. Board a 4x4 and visit the nomad settlements, various stunning oases and explore the beautiful golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Next, visit the little village of Khamlia, where the Gnawa live. The Gnawa population are descents of Central African slaves and are famous across the world for their beautiful folk music that combines classic Islamic Sufism and their traditions.

In the evening you will be driven back to your hotel where camels will be waiting for you to take you into the heart of the dunes to spend a night in a Berber tent.

Day 3: Rissani - Ziz Valley - Middle Atlas - Fez

Wake up in the dark and sit on top of a dune to witness a breath-taking sunrise. Afterwards, climb back on a camel and return to the small village of Merzouga, where you will have breakfast and a refreshing shower (depending on the type of camp, your breakfast and shower might be before the camel ride). 

On your way back to Fez, you will stop at Tafilalt and Rissani. This last city has a fascinating past as it was home to the Alawite dynasty. In the forests of Azrou, you will stop to feed the wild monkeys that live here.

The tour comes to an end in Fez in the late afternoon.

Transport

The tour price includes transportation by Toyota Landcruiser. All vehicles have air-conditioning and your chauffeur will speak English

Accommodation

We offer this tour with two different hotel categories: standard (2 or 3 stars) and luxury (4 stars).

Standard category:

  • Merzouga (first night): Riad Mamouche / Dar Tafouyte.
  • Merzouga (second night): Amazigh desert camp

Luxury category:

  • Merzouga (first night): Riad Nezha / Merzouga Guest House / Dar el Janoub / Riad Madu / Riad Azawad.
  • Merzouga (second night): Luxury desert camp with private bathroom.

Both hotels and tents are double occupancy only, there are no single rooms. You can however ask for a triple room or a family room if you prefer. The standard category rooms have communal showers in the camp, while the superior category rooms have a private bathroom in the haimas and showers in the camp. Also, please keep in mind that the use of air-conditioning in the luxury camps has an additional charge of 30 (US$ 90) per person.

Discounts

This excursion is half the price for children from 5 to 10 years old. If you are travelling with children up to 10, please contact us, so we can apply the discount.

View complete description

More Information

Duration

3 days.

Language

The activity takes place with a driver that speaks in English. The activity takes place with a driver that speaks in English.

Included

Pickup and drop–off from your hotel, riad, or the airport

Transport by 4x4 or minibus

English–speaking chauffeur

2 nights accommodation with breakfast and dinner

Fuel, tolls and other related expenses

Camel ride

Towels in the accommodation

Shampoo (only in the superior category)

Wifi (only in the superior category)

Private and exclusive tour, there won't be anyone else in your group

Not included

Lunches and drinks

Air conditioning in the deluxe haimas: 30 (US$ 90) per person

When to book?

You can book up until 24 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability conditions

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.

Pets

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - How many people are in the groups?

    A - This depends on the number of participants, but it's normally between 6 and 16.

  • Q - Can we bring luggage?

    A - Yes, backpacks are allowed on the back of the camels and the rest of the luggage can be stored in the vehicles used for the excursion.

  • Q - Is there WiFi available on the campsite?

    A - WiFi is available in the luxury category, but you should be aware that it only works for receiving and sending messages. Therefore, we recommend that you purchase a SIM card for Internet access.

  • Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

    A - Maroc Expedition Corporate name: Maroc Expedition Travel S.A.R.L Registered Office: apar 13 rue ibn khaldoun Medina, Marrakech, Morocco Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 06990568 Contact information Email: marocexpedition@gmail.com Phone: +212 666161604

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

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