3 Days Desert Trip From Fes Back To Fes

This 3-day Fez to Merzouga and back trip is interesting because it strings together Middle Atlas mountains and Berber desert life in one smooth roundtrip. You start with mountain towns and cedar forests, then head to Merzouga for dunes, music, and that early-morning wow-factor.

I love two things in particular. First, the stop in Ifrane, where the French-influenced town feels like a climate break from the rest of Morocco. Second, I love the Azrou cedar-forest break where you may spot macaque monkeys (people often call them Barbary apes) near the village.

One drawback to plan for: lunch is not included, and you will spend long stretches on the road in the air-conditioned minivan. Bring water and a few snacks for the gaps, so the travel time feels easier.

At a glance

• Fez roundtrip in 3 days with pickup and the trip ending back at the same meeting area
• Ifrane and Azrou cedar forests on Day 1, with a good chance to see macaques
• Ziz Valley viewpoint for a classic oasis-and-palms moment
• Merzouga sunset and sunrise time plus a camel trek into the dunes
• Berber camp with traditional meals and a real sense of night in the desert
• Small group size (up to 17), which helps the day feel less chaotic

Fez to Merzouga and back in 3 days, why this route works

If you want desert time but you do not want to spend your whole trip just getting there, this loop is a smart plan. You cover the Middle Atlas, pass through major desert-adjacent scenery, and still return to Fez after two desert nights.

The other reason this works is that it gives you both types of “desert magic.” You get the dune light during sunset and sunrise, and you also get the cultural side of Merzouga through dinner, music, and a Berber-style camp routine.

I also like that you are not stuck doing only one thing. The day-to-day rhythm moves from forests to mountain towns to oasis views, then to dunes, camel time, and desert food.

The 7:30 am start from Fontaine Batha, and how to handle the road time

Your day kicks off early, around 7:30 am, with pickup from your hotel or Riad in Fez. The official start point listed is Fontaine Batha, so even if you are picked up at your lodging, it helps to know that this is the general area the day is built around.

This tour is driven in an air-conditioned minivan with a professional driver. That matters because you will have multiple long segments, and AC turns the drive from “just tolerable” into “actually pleasant,” especially when you travel out of the morning cool.

Practical tip: pack simple comfort items. A light layer helps for mornings and evening, and if you are sensitive to motion, a small snack and water can make the road feel easier. Also, since lunch is not included, you are better off assuming you will eat on your own during the daytime stop.

Ifrane, Azrou cedar forests, and the macaque moment on Day 1

Day 1 is where you see Morocco’s “mountain face” before the desert takes over. After pickup, you head into the Middle Atlas Mountains and make a stop in Ifrane. It is famous for its French-era look and cooler feel, and it is a nice change of pace if you have been in hotter, busier Moroccan cities.

Next comes Azrou, known locally as “The Rock.” The important part here is the cedar forest setting and the chance to see macaque monkeys in a natural habitat. You should treat this like an observation, not an encounter you control. Keep your distance, be respectful, and do not expect every moment to be perfect, because these are wild animals.

You also get a lunch stop in the Mid Atlas region, including a break in Midelt, often called the City of Apples. This is the practical rhythm of the day: scenic stop, short reset, then back on the road.

One more helpful point: the itinerary lists several stops with no admission ticket costs. That means you are paying more for the transport, guiding, and the experience flow, rather than stacking entrance fees.

Midelt to Ziz Valley: the oasis viewpoint that frames the desert ahead

After the morning mountain section, you move toward the Ziz Valley. The stop here is short, but it is exactly the kind of viewpoint break that makes the day make sense. The Ziz Valley is described as the largest oasis in Africa, and you get a panorama where palms and mountains line up in the distance.

Even if you have seen desert photos before, a valley oasis view hits differently from the road. It gives your brain a “here is where we are going” cue, so Merzouga later feels like a natural arrival rather than a sudden jump.

You might also catch small Berber communities along the route. The tour is built to keep that sense of place while you are still traveling efficiently toward the dunes.

Arriving in Merzouga: kasbah nights, dinner, and music in the desert air

In Merzouga, you arrive in the afternoon and shift from daytime scenery to evening mood. The tour mentions an overnight stay in a traditional kasbah, which is a good sign if you care about authenticity in lodging style, not just “a place to sleep.”

Dinner is included, and the day closes with Saharan music. That matters because it sets the tone for the next day’s dune time. Instead of rushing from transport to camel ride, you get a proper transition into “desert night” energy.

There is also a sunset view listed as included. Depending on the timing, this often lines up with when people are best prepared to enjoy that first real dune color, without burning the whole evening to travel.

Day 2 sunrise option, then a camel trek into dunes camp

Day 2 is where the desert turns from scenery into your schedule. You start with breakfast, and you can choose to sleep in or wake up early for sunrise over the sand dunes. Since the tour explicitly recommends sunrise time, I would treat early morning as part of the experience, not an optional extra.

After that, the day gives you room for choice. You can explore around the region at your own pace, including areas linked to the Tafilalt Oasis. The plan also suggests Rissani and Merzouga-area palm groves as possible add-ons.

Then comes the evening camel trek. You travel by camel to a Berber campsite in the dunes, far from the busier world. Once you arrive, hosts prepare traditional desert meals, including Madfona. That is a concrete detail, and it is exactly the kind of meal you remember because it tastes like the place, not like a standard set menu.

One thing to be ready for: camel trekking can feel physically different from regular walking, even if it is not long. Wear closed-toe shoes, and keep expectations simple. This is about the ride and the arrival to camp at the right time of day.

Khamlia Gnawa music: the cultural stop that makes Merzouga more than dunes

Besides the sunrise and camel trek, Day 2 includes a cultural angle. The itinerary lists Gnawa music in Khamlia village as a potential activity.

This is valuable because Merzouga is not only about the Sahara as scenery. It is also about living traditions, song, and community gatherings that happen even when tourists are not thinking about them.

If music is your thing, this stop is often the best counterbalance to the physical quiet of the dunes. If music is not your thing, you still get downtime around the camp area, which helps the desert feel restful rather than exhausting.

Day 3 dune sunrise again, then a practical return to Fez

You have another shot at sunrise on Day 3. After the desert camp night, the plan is to wake early for that second view of the dunes, described as one of the best sunrises. Sunrise is always best when you do not rush it, and the tour builds the morning for that.

Then you return to the camp, refresh, and gather your belongings. The itinerary specifically mentions a refreshing bath, which is a small but important comfort after the desert night. It makes the long drive back to Fez feel less grim.

After that, the return journey starts with your driver. Day 3 is listed at about 8 hours, which is a lot of time on the road, but it is still the clean, efficient way to return without adding another overnight along the route.

Price and logistics: what $197.73 buys you, and what to watch for

At $197.73 per person for a 3-day, 2-night desert trip, the cost can feel fair once you compare what is included. You get an AC minivan with a professional driver, camel ride, two nights of accommodation, two breakfasts, and two dinners.

You also get the “scenery package” of multiple stops: Middle Atlas towns like Ifrane, cedar forest time near Azrou macaques, the Midelt apple region stop, the Ziz Valley viewpoint, and Merzouga dunes time with sunset and sunrise.

What you do not get is lunch and drinks. That means your real daily budget might be a bit higher once you pay for food on the go. Build in some extra cash so you do not feel squeezed when you hit the lunch breaks.

Group size is capped at 17 travelers. For a desert route, that is a sweet spot. Big enough for energy, small enough that the schedule is usually easier to manage, and you are not stuck watching a dozen seatbacks at once.

Who should book this tour, and who might want a different style

This tour suits you best if you want the desert highlights with a clear structure. If you like the idea of a camel trek plus a Berber camp plus sunrise, and you also care about breaking up the drive with meaningful stops like Ifrane, Azrou, and the Ziz Valley, this fits your style.

It can be less ideal if you hate early mornings or if you want lots of free time with no schedule. You do have choices, like sunrise timing on Day 2, but the trip is still a moving, guided route.

Also, if you are picky about desert food or prefer vegetarian-only meals, the details here are limited beyond mention of Madfona and traditional desert meals. You should plan to eat what is served at the camp unless you have specific dietary needs and can confirm in advance.

Should you book this 3-day desert tour from Fez?

I think you should book if your goal is to see a wide slice of Morocco between Fez and the Sahara in a short time, without the headache of planning every transfer. The combination of Atlas scenery, a chance to see Azrou’s macaques, a Ziz Valley stop, and Merzouga dunes with camel time makes it a strong value for the money.

I would also feel good booking because the feedback highlights care and patience from the guide, with Mohammed specifically praised for being attentive and answering questions. When you are crossing big distances, that kind of calm guidance makes a real difference.

Skip it or consider another option if you mainly want a relaxing desert stay with minimal driving. This one gives you desert nights, but it is still a route with multiple long road segments, and lunch is on you.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It is listed as 3 days (approx.).

What time does the tour start in Fez?

Pickup is at about 7:30 am.

Where is the meeting point in Fez?

The meeting point is Fontaine Batha, Fez, Morocco.

What are the main included meals?

The tour includes breakfast for 2 days and dinner for 2 days. Lunch and drinks are not included.

Is a camel ride included?

Yes, a camel ride is included.

Do I get to see sunrise over the dunes?

Yes. Sunrise is suggested on Day 2, and the plan also includes waking up early on Day 3 for sunrise.

Do I have to pay admission fees at the stops?

Admission tickets are listed as free.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 17 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount is not refunded.