3-Day Fez to Merzouga Desert Tour

The approach to the Sahara from Fez offers a different landscape to the route from Marrakech. Instead of the Tizi n'Tichka and the kasbah valleys, this route crosses the Middle Atlas plateau, the cedar forest at Azrou, the high plains near Midelt, and then descends through the Ziz Valley, one of Morocco's most extensive palm groves.

The driving distance on the first day is significant, but the road is mostly straight and open, which many travellers find more comfortable than mountain bends.

Travellers staying in Fez or in the north who want to reach the Sahara without first travelling to Marrakech.

• The cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques are often seen along the road
• Ifrane, a mountain town built in the 1930s with architecture unusual for Morocco
• The viewpoints of the Ziz Valley, where the palm grove fills the floor of the canyon
• A night at a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dune field

1. Day 1 — Fez → Ifrane → Azrou → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga

   A long but uneventful day. The road climbs through the Middle Atlas past Ifrane and the cedar forest, crosses the high plains near Midelt for lunch, then follows the gorges and palm grove of the Ziz south through Errachidia and Erfoud. You reach the edge of the dunes in the late afternoon and continue on to Erg Chebbi for sunset and the night at the camp.

   This is the longest driving day of the trip. Winter snow occasionally affects the Midelt stretch; we adjust departure times accordingly.

2. Day 2 — Merzouga Area

   Sunrise over the dunes and a slower-paced day around Merzouga: the village of Khamlia, the dry bed of Lake Dayet Srji where flamingos appear after rain, Rissani and the nearby desert tracks. A second night in the desert region.

3. Day 3 — Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Fez

   The return north retraces the Ziz corridor and the Middle Atlas, with stops for views and lunch. Arrival in Fez in the late afternoon or evening.

Moderate — Two long driving days on either side of a lighter day in the desert.

Spring and autumn. The Middle Atlas stretch is genuinely cold in winter and can see snow.

Two nights in the Merzouga area, at least one under canvas in the dune field. We confirm available accommodation when preparing your quote.

Private vehicle with driver. The vehicle type is confirmed when preparing your quote.

• Warm clothing for the Middle Atlas and desert nights
• Sun protection
• Comfortable shoes
• Cash for lunches