- Bus, Mini Van, 4/4
- 4 Stars Hotels
- your location
- Tour,
- diner and breakfast
- English, Spanish, French, Italia
- Easy to Moderate
- 2-17
Overview
Embark on an immersive 4-day journey from the cultural city of Fes to the stunning Sahara Desert. Traverse the diverse landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains, encounter Berber culture, explore fossil-rich areas, experience the vibrant market of Rissani, ride camels across the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes, and spend two unforgettable nights under the starry desert sky.
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Fes - Ifrane - Azrou - Midelt - Ziz Valley - Erfoud/Rissani
- Morning (08:00 - 09:00): Your driver will pick you up from your hotel or riad in Fes.
- Begin your journey south, traveling through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop will be Ifrane, often referred to as "Little Switzerland" due to its alpine-style architecture and cooler climate.
- Continue to Azrou, where you'll have the opportunity to wander through the famous cedar forest, home to playful Barbary macaques.
- Midday (12:00 - 13:00): Arrive in Midelt, a town known for its apple production, where you'll stop for lunch (lunch is usually not included in the tour price).
- Afternoon (13:00 - 18:00): Continue your drive through the dramatic Ziz Valley, with its stunning gorges and palm groves stretching for miles. Stop for panoramic views and photo opportunities.
- Late Afternoon (18:00 - 19:00): Arrive in the Erfoud or Rissani area. Erfoud is known for its fossils, and you might have the chance to visit a local fossil workshop. Check into your hotel or riad for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2 :
Erfoud/Rissani - Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) - Camel Trek - Desert Camp
- Morning (09:00 - 12:00): After breakfast at your hotel/riad, you can explore Erfoud further or visit the vibrant local market in Rissani, a traditional trading hub and the historical capital of the Tafilalt region.
- Lunch (12:00 - 13:00): Enjoy lunch in Rissani or a local restaurant near Merzouga (lunch is usually not included).
- Afternoon (13:00 - 16:00): Continue your journey towards the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga. As you approach, the towering sand dunes will come into view, signaling the start of your desert adventure.
- Late Afternoon (16:00 - 17:00): Meet your camel caravan and begin a magical camel trek for approximately 1-1.5 hours into the heart of the Sahara Desert.
- Evening (17:30 onwards): Reach your traditional Berber desert camp nestled amongst the golden sand dunes. Settle into your comfortable tent and enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the Sahara. Experience the nomadic culture with a delicious Moroccan dinner served under the stars, followed by Berber music and drumming around a campfire. Overnight stay in the desert camp.
Day 3 :
Merzouga - Desert Exploration - Nomad Family Visit - Second Night in Camp
- Morning (Early): Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. Capture the stunning views as the first light illuminates the vast desert landscape. Enjoy breakfast at the camp.
- Morning/Afternoon: Today is dedicated to exploring the desert surroundings. You can choose to relax at the camp, try sandboarding on the dunes, or take a 4x4 excursion to explore the area further (optional, may incur an extra cost). This could include visiting a local nomad family to learn about their way of life and enjoying a cup of mint tea with them.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch either at the desert camp or during your desert exploration (lunch is usually not included).
- Late Afternoon: Return to your desert camp to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the Sahara.
- Evening: Enjoy another delicious Moroccan dinner under the stars, accompanied by Berber music and storytelling around the campfire. Overnight stay in the desert camp.
Day 04 :
Merzouga - Ziz Valley - Midelt - Azrou - Ifrane - Fes
Merzouga - Ziz Valley - Midelt - Azrou - Ifrane - Fes
- Morning (Early): Wake up early to enjoy a final sunrise over the dunes if you wish. After breakfast at the camp, embark on a camel ride back to the edge of the dunes where you'll meet your driver.
- Morning (09:00 - 13:00): Begin your journey back towards Fes. You'll travel back through the Ziz Valley, offering another chance to appreciate its stunning landscapes.
- Lunch (13:00 - 14:00): Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Midelt (lunch is usually not included).
- Afternoon (14:00 - 18:00): Continue your drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping again in Azrou to see the cedar forest and Barbary macaques, and in Ifrane before arriving back in Fes.
- Evening (18:00 - 19:00): Arrive back in Fes and be dropped off at your hotel or riad, concluding your unforgettable desert adventure.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel/riad in Fes.
- Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver throughout the tour.
- Accommodation for one night in a hotel/riad in the Erfoud/Rissani area (or similar).
- Two nights' accommodation in a traditional Berber desert camp in Merzouga (private tent).
- Breakfast daily.
- Dinners as specified in the itinerary (likely on all three nights).
- Camel ride for sunset and sunrise in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
The Cost Excludes
- Lunch and drinks (unless specified).
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions (e.g., fossil workshops, local markets).
- Optional activities (e.g., 4x4 desert excursion, sandboarding).
- Tips for the driver, guides, and camel handlers.
- Personal expenses and souvenirs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What about battery charging
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought.
What about internet access?
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
