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This three-day tour explores the desert area around Merzouga on the way from Errachidia to Fes, weaving in some of the country’s most striking settings: the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, Khamlia the Gnawa village, the Merzouga wildlife lake, an old eyeliner mine, the palm grove, Rissani, Erfoud the fossils town, Midelt, the Middle Atlas cedar forest, and Ifrane. You visit the nomadic Berber families in their tents, enjoy Gnaoua music and dance performances by the Khamlia people, take a look at an old eyeliner mine, stroll through a palm grove, ride camels, and enjoy the magical sunset and sunrise over the sand dunes. You spend a night in a camp located in the middle of the Sahara desert, visit the Rissani traditional market and Erfoud the fossils town, then discover the Switzerland of Morocco, Ifrane, and the cedar forest where the Barbary macaques live. The tour ends in Fes.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO ERRACHIDIA -> MERZOUGA
On the first day of your tour, we pick you up from Errachidia (ERH) Airport or your accommodation and drive south to the Sahara dunes of Merzouga. Overnight in Merzouga.
Flight option:
Domestic flights from Marrakech operate 3 days a week (Ryanair), arriving between 7am and 3pm.
Domestic flights from Casablanca operate 7 days a week (Royal Air Maroc), arriving at midnight.
(We can modify the itinerary to suit your arrival time.)
Approximate driving distance/time: 2 hours
DAY 2: EXPLORE MERZOUGA REGION -> NOMADS -> KHAMLIA (GNAOUA VILLAGE) -> MERZOUGA LAKE -> ERG CHEBBI -> PALM GROVE
After breakfast, we dedicate the day to exploring the Merzouga region. The area offers many remarkable sites — from sand dunes and a seasonal wild lake to small mines, fossil areas, and beautiful oases — ideal for light outdoor activities.
We start with an off-road drive to an ancient kohl (eyeliner) mine, then visit nomads in their handwoven tents and learn about their lifestyle over a cup of Berber tea. Our next stop is Khamlia, where you will enjoy Gnaoua music and dance performances. Many inhabitants originate from sub-Saharan countries such as Mali, Sudan, and Niger. Free time for lunch in a local restaurant. Afterward, take a stroll through a palm grove, then drive a few kilometres to the wild lake of Merzouga, often called the flamingos’ lake.
In the afternoon, switch to camels and cross the sandy desert, stopping on a high dune to enjoy the sunset before continuing to the luxury camp. In the evening, enjoy Berber drumming around the campfire under a vast, star-filled sky. Dinner and overnight in the camp.
Approximate driving distance/time: 2 hours
DAY 3: MERZOUGA DUNES -> RISSANI -> ERFOUD -> MIDELT -> CEDAR FOREST -> IFRANE -> FES
On the last day of your tour, wake up early to contemplate the beautiful sunrise in the middle of the desert. After breakfast, return by camel to Merzouga, where your driver awaits. We then leave the desert to visit Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet and still a major trading centre with a lively souk on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After a stroll in the souk, continue to Erfoud to visit a workshop of fossilised marble.
Afterward, drive along the Ziz River and stop for a panoramic view of the Ziz Valley. Enjoy free time for lunch in Midelt. Continue to the Cedar Forest, where the Barbary macaques live — feel free to feed them while wandering in the forest. Next, visit Ifrane, famous for its low temperatures, winter snow, and alpine-style houses — no wonder it is called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Finally, we drop you off at any location within Fes. End of the tour.
Approximate driving distance/time: 7 hours
IMPORTANT NOTES
THE PRICE
The price varies depending on the number of travelers. The more people join the tour, the lower the price per person can be. Transportation costs are fixed and shared between the travelers. The final price also depends on the accommodation category you choose, such as standard or luxury. Contact us for an exact quotation based on your group size, travel dates, and preferences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the tour private or shared?
The tour is a completely private experience. You will travel exclusively with the members of your own group, without joining other tourists. This gives you greater flexibility with the schedule, stops, pace, and overall experience.
How long is the camel ride? What is the alternative to camels?
The camel ride usually takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours to reach the desert camp, depending on the camp location and conditions. If you prefer not to ride a camel, you can be transferred to the camp by 4×4 vehicle at no additional cost. Quad biking and buggy excursions are also available at an extra cost.
Is the desert tent private? Does it have a private bathroom and shower?
Yes. Our luxury desert camp offers private tents equipped with private en-suite bathrooms, including a shower and hot running water.
What happens to our luggage during the camel ride?
During the camel ride, you only need to carry a small backpack with the essentials you need for the night. Your main luggage will be transported by the camp’s 4×4 vehicle and will be waiting for you at your tent when you arrive.
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best times to visit Morocco are generally spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, when temperatures are usually pleasant across much of the country. Winter can also be an excellent time to travel, especially for exploring the southern desert regions.
What type of vehicles are used?
We use modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles:
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes. We can accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific requests. Please let us know when booking so we can arrange the included meals and stops along the route accordingly.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is suitable for travelers of different ages. Please note that the final day involves a longer drive to reach Fes. Our vehicles are comfortable, and regular stops can be made during the journey.
Where does the tour start and finish?
Pick-up is available directly from Errachidia (ERH) Airport or your accommodation on the first day. The tour ends in Fes, with a drop-off at the airport or your accommodation on the final day. If preferred, the itinerary can also start or finish in another city upon request.
Expenses and additional costs
Currency exchange: Euros and US Dollars can be exchanged for Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) at banks, airports, and exchange offices. ATMs are also widely available throughout Morocco.
Cost of meals: Lunches are not included in the tour price and generally cost around 5–20 EUR per person, depending on the restaurant and location.
Bargaining: Negotiating prices in souks and traditional markets is a normal part of shopping culture in Morocco.
BOOKING PROCESS
1. Contact us
Contact us through our contact form, email, or WhatsApp and provide the number of travelers, your approximate travel date, and your preferred accommodation category.
2. Confirm your booking
A small deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Payment can be made through PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer.
The remaining balance can be paid in cash in EUR, USD, or MAD directly to the driver upon arrival.
WHY CHOOSE A PRIVATE MOROCCO TOUR?
A private tour allows you to travel at your own pace, with greater flexibility over departure times, sightseeing stops, breaks, activities, and accommodation choices.
You will have an experienced private driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group, giving you more freedom and comfort throughout the journey. Whether you are traveling as a couple, family, group of friends, or a small private group, the itinerary can be adapted around your interests and travel preferences.
Esperienza fantastica con tutta la famiglia. Questo tour di 3 giorni nel deserto da Errachidia a Fes è vario e mai noioso. Ben organizzato.
We had wonderful days in Morocco. the Gnaoua music in Khamlia and the Erg Chebbi dunes were loved by the whole family.
Beautifully paced. the Erg Chebbi dunes, the Gnaoua music in Khamlia and the cedar forest near Azrou were the standouts. Everything ran smoothly.
An authentic experience from start to finish. the flamingo lake and the Gnaoua music in Khamlia moved us. We would do it all again without hesitation.
Organizzazione ottima e grande attenzione ai bambini. la foresta di cedri vicino ad Azrou e la musica Gnaoua a Khamlia sono stati i preferiti dei piccoli.
