3 days tour Fes to desert

This 3 days Fes to Fes tour is perfect for travelers seeking an immersive experience through Morocco’s mountains, deserts, and historic sites without changing their starting point. You will journey from Fes across the Middle Atlas Mountains, explore traditional Berber villages, witness the vast Sahara Desert in Merzouga, and return through scenic gorges and historic kasbahs. Along the way, you will enjoy camel trekking, learn about Berber culture, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and take in the stunning landscapes of Morocco’s diverse regions. This short but rich itinerary combines culture, history, adventure, and natural beauty, offering a compact yet unforgettable Moroccan experience.

Highlights 3 days tour Fes to desert

Explore the ancient medina of Fes and its historical sites
Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane and Azrou
Visit the fertile Ziz Valley and traditional Berber villages
Camel trekking in the Sahara Desert (Merzouga Erg Chebbi dunes)
Explore Rissani, an historic desert trade town
Walk through the dramatic Todra Gorges and Dades Valley

3 days tour Fes to desert itinerary

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga

Depart early from Fes and head south toward the Sahara Desert, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains. The journey begins with a scenic drive through cedar forests, rolling hills, and traditional Berber villages. Stop in Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its alpine-style buildings and pristine streets. Stroll through this charming town, admire the landscaped gardens, and enjoy the European-style ambiance. Continue to Azrou, famous for its cedar forests and the wild Barbary monkeys that roam freely in the area. This is a great opportunity to learn about the local Berber communities, their traditions, and their connection to the land. Continue the journey to Midelt, a small town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, known for its mineral resources and as a stopover for travelers crossing the mountains.

As you descend into the southern plains, the scenery gradually changes from lush forests to arid landscapes dotted with palm groves, kasbahs, and desert villages. Enter the Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s most fertile oasis regions, lined with date palms and historic mud-brick architecture. Stop for photographs and admire the contrast between green palm groves and surrounding desert hills. Continue through Erfoud, a town famous for fossils and ancient caravan routes. Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon and prepare for a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Watch the sunset over the golden sands, arrive at your Berber desert camp, enjoy a traditional dinner, and experience Gnawa music under the starlit sky. Overnight in Merzouga.

Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Wake early to witness the sunrise over the Sahara dunes, one of Morocco’s most magical moments. After breakfast, explore the desert surroundings, visit small nomadic Berber villages, and learn about traditional desert life, including camel herding and local crafts. Depart Merzouga and drive through Rissani, an historic town that once served as a key trade hub along the Sahara’s caravan routes. Explore the bustling markets and experience the local culture.

Continue to the Todra Gorges, where massive cliffs rise hundreds of meters above the canyon floor. Take a walk along the gorge, marvel at the towering rock formations, and capture stunning photographs. Proceed to the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” with mud-brick fortresses dotting the hillsides and riverside. The valley offers an incredible mix of natural beauty and Berber history. Explore a few of the kasbahs, meet local villagers, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the valley. Overnight in Dades Valley.

Day 3: Dades Valley to Fes via Tinjdad – Ziz Valley

After breakfast in the Dades Valley, depart early for your return journey to Fes, taking the scenic route through the heart of southern Morocco’s desert and mountain landscapes. Drive along the winding roads of the Dades Valley, enjoying the striking views of the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” where traditional mud-brick fortresses and ancient villages cling to the cliffsides, reflecting centuries of Berber and Glaoua heritage. Continue through Tinjdad, a small town known for its palm groves and traditional oasis life, where date cultivation and local markets give insight into the region’s agricultural culture.

Enter the Ziz Valley, a lush oasis stretching along the Ziz River, lined with towering palm trees and mud-brick ksars, offering a striking contrast between green vegetation and the surrounding arid hills. Stop to capture photos and explore small Berber villages along the valley, witnessing traditional rural life, irrigation systems, and the unique architecture adapted to desert and semi-arid conditions. Continue the journey north, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains with their cedar forests and scenic passes, gradually descending toward Fes. Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon or early evening, completing a rich journey through mountains, valleys, historic towns, and desert oases. Check into your riad or hotel, and take the evening to relax, reflect, and enjoy the cultural atmosphere of Morocco’s ancient imperial city.