Sahara Discovery: A 5-Day Desert Loop from Fes

Overview

Dive deep into the magic of the Moroccan desert with our 5-day Sahara Discovery Loop. This comprehensive journey, starting and ending in Fes, is designed for the traveler who wants more than just a glimpse of the dunes. You'll journey south through the Atlas Mountains to the golden expanse of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, where you'll spend two nights—one in a hotel at the dune's edge and one in a traditional desert camp. This allows for a full day of desert exploration, from visiting Gnawa musicians to sharing tea with nomads. The return journey offers different landscapes, making for a complete and unhurried Sahara experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fes → Ifrane → Azrou Cedar Forest → Midelt Our journey begins as we leave Fes and head into the Middle Atlas Mountains. We'll stop in Ifrane, "Morocco's Little Switzerland," and then the cedar forests of Azrou to see the native Barbary macaque monkeys. We continue through stunning mountain landscapes to Midelt, a town known for its apple orchards and fossil trade, where we'll spend the night.

Day 2: Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga After breakfast, we cross the Tizi n'Talrhemt pass and descend into the magnificent Ziz Valley, a vast canyon filled with palm groves. We continue through Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops, before arriving in Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. You'll spend the night in a comfortable hotel with a pool, overlooking the dunes.

Day 3: Full Day Desert Exploration & Camel Camp Today is dedicated to the Sahara. You'll take a 4x4 excursion to explore the area, visiting the village of Khamlia for Gnawa music and meeting a nomadic family. In the afternoon, you'll embark on a camel trek into the heart of the dunes to a traditional Berber camp. Enjoy a spectacular sunset, a delicious dinner, and a night of music under the stars.

Day 4: Merzouga → Rissani → Erfoud → Fes Wake up to a desert sunrise. After breakfast at the camp, we begin our return journey to Fes. We'll stop at the historic market in Rissani. The long but scenic drive takes us back through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas, offering a new perspective on the landscapes we crossed. We arrive back in Fes in the evening and check into your riad.

Day 5: Departure from Fes After a final Moroccan breakfast in Fes, your tour concludes. Depending on your travel plans, you may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping before your departure from Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ).

What is Included

• Private, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver/guide.
• Pick-up and drop-off in Fes.
• 4 nights' accommodation in riads/hotels and a desert camp.
• All breakfasts and dinners in Midelt and the desert.
• Camel trek and 4x4 excursion in the Sahara.
• All transport costs.

What is Not Included

• Lunches and drinks.
• Entrance fees to monuments.
• Tips for guides and drivers.
• Flights.

Why Choose This Tour?

This 5-day loop is perfect for travelers based in Fes who want a deep and immersive Sahara experience without feeling rushed. With two nights in the Merzouga area, you get to truly explore the desert culture and landscapes. It's a comprehensive and comfortable way to experience one of Morocco's most iconic destinations.