From Ouarzazate to Fes with 2 nights in the Sahara
Quick answer: the 3 day tour from Ouarzazate to Fes via Merzouga drives through the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorges to the Erg Chebbi dunes on day 1, spends 2 nights in the Merzouga desert with a full day to explore, and on day 3 heads north through Erfoud, the Ziz Valley, Midelt and Ifrane to your riad in Fes.
This is the classic way to cross Morocco from south to north with the desert in the middle. The second day in Merzouga lets you enjoy the dunes without rushing: Khamlia and its Gnawa music, the Rissani market and optional quad or 4×4 rides.
It’s a private desert tour from Ouarzazate to Fes: pick-up at your hotel in Ouarzazate, drop-off in Fes, only your group and your own driver.
Highlights of the 3 day tour from Ouarzazate to Fes
3 day Ouarzazate to Fes desert tour: itinerary
Day 1Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga
Pick-up at your hotel in Ouarzazate around 8:00. We drive through the Skoura palm grove and the Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley, then to Tinghir and the Todra Gorges. We continue via Erfoud to Merzouga and ride camels at sunset into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Dinner and night in the desert camp.
Day 2A full day in the Merzouga desert
Sunrise over the dunes and breakfast. We visit Khamlia to listen to Gnawa music, the market of Rissani and nomad families around Erg Chebbi. Optional quad, buggy or 4×4 ride. Second night in the desert camp.
Day 3Merzouga – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes
Early breakfast and departure north via Erfoud and the Ziz Valley gorges and palm groves. We cross the High Atlas to Midelt, then the Middle Atlas cedar forests near Azrou, home to Barbary macaques, and the alpine-style town of Ifrane. Arrival in Fes in the evening and drop-off at your riad.
What’s included in the 3 day Ouarzazate to Fes tour price
✔ Included in the price
- Pick-up at your hotel in Ouarzazate
- Drop-off at your riad or hotel in Fes
- Private air-conditioned transport
- English & Spanish speaking driver
- Fuel
- 2 nights in a Merzouga desert camp
- 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Camel ride (one camel per person)
✖ Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Quad, buggy or 4×4 rides (optional)
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Local guides (optional)
- Tips (optional)
- Travel insurance
Photos of the 3 day tour from Ouarzazate to Fes
Route map: Ouarzazate – Merzouga – Fes
Travel with a local agency specialising in the Sahara
FAQ about the 3 day tour from Ouarzazate to Fes
How much does the 3 day tour from Ouarzazate to Fes cost?
The price depends on group size, season and type of camp. As a private tour, the more travellers, the lower the price per person. Message us for a free quote.
How far is Fes from Merzouga?
About 470 km, around 8 hours with stops in the Ziz Valley, Midelt and Ifrane.
Why 2 nights in the desert?
So you have a full day in Merzouga without long drives, and you split the long Ouarzazate to Fes journey into comfortable stages.
Is it a private tour?
Yes: only your group, in an air-conditioned vehicle with your own English or Spanish speaking driver.
Can I end the tour in Marrakech instead?
Yes. See the 4 day tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Merzouga.