Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Sahara Desert of Merzouga

After breakfast, you will depart from Fes, traveling towards Merzouga via Midelt and the Ziz Valley. Today’s journey will take you through Ifrane, a charming mountain town often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its Alpine-style architecture.

Throughout the journey, you’ll experience stunning views of the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountains, passing through many Berber villages nestled within the famous cedar forest — the largest in Morocco — where you’ll have the opportunity to spot Barbary apes.

Your adventure then continues to Midelt, set among the impressive hills and mountains of the Atlas. After enjoying lunch in Midelt, you’ll travel through the fascinating Tizi N’Talghamt Pass and the breathtaking Ziz Gorge, taking in panoramic views of the High Atlas plateau. As you approach Errachidia, a province in the southeast, you’ll begin to see the landscape slowly transform, hinting at the nearby desert.

You’ll then follow the lush Ziz Valley, making stops for panoramic views along the way toward Erfoud and Rissani.

By afternoon, you’ll arrive in the village of Merzouga, where you will embark on a camel ride across the dunes of the Sahara Desert of Merzouga to reach your desert camp.

Overnight stay at a desert camp nestled in the heart of the Sahara dunes.

Sahara Desert of Merzouga – Sahara Desert of Merzouga

After breakfast, you’ll set off on a tour around the Erg Chebbi dunes. On your way, you’ll visit Khamlia village, a Moroccan Berber settlement renowned for its Gnawa music performances.

Next, you’ll visit the Oasis of Merzouga, where an ancient irrigation system is still preserved, before heading to Rissani to explore ancient Ksours and Kasbahs.

After enjoying a typical local lunch, you’ll return to the hotel around 4:00 PM. Here, you will swap vehicles for friendly camels and embark on another camel trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

You’ll spend the night in a bivouac (camp), enjoying Berber music around a campfire, before retreating to your nomadic tent made from camel hair to sleep under the starry sky.

Sahara Desert of Merzouga – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes

Today, you’ll need to wake up very early to witness what might be the most spectacular sunrise of your life.

You’ll climb atop the dunes of Erg Chebbi to watch the magical sunrise over the Sahara. After this unforgettable experience, you’ll head back to the camp for breakfast.

Then, you’ll enjoy a peaceful camel trek back to the village of Merzouga, admiring the beauty of the dunes as they change colors with the morning light.

Upon arrival in Merzouga, you’ll meet your driver once again and begin your journey back to Fes, concluding your desert adventure.