3 Days 2 Magic Night Merzouga Desert Tour From Fes & Back to Fes

Exploring the 3 Days 2 Magic Night Merzouga Desert Tour From Fes & Back to Fes offers a well-rounded journey into Morocco’s iconic Sahara. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, the consistently glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of an adventure that balances culture, natural beauty, and genuine comfort.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the diverse itinerary takes you through the majestic Middle Atlas Mountains, past lush Ziz Valley, and finally into the vast, mesmerizing dunes of Merzouga. Second, the guides, especially Mustafa and Momo, receive praise for their friendly, knowledgeable, and caring approach, making the trip more personal and engaging. Third, the value for money is notable given all included activities — from camel rides to overnight stays in traditional tents — plus the delicious Moroccan food along the way.

One potential consideration is the long driving hours, roughly 8 to 9 hours each way on the return trip. While this is typical for such a desert journey, some travelers might find it tiring, especially if they prefer more leisure or want to explore more stops in detail. This trip suits those with a sense of adventure, interest in Moroccan culture, and a desire to see breathtaking desert landscapes without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Interact with Berber communities, hear Gnawa music, and learn about local traditions firsthand.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect picturesque views of cedar forests, mountain streams, Ziz Valley oasis, and endless sand dunes.
• Comfortable Accommodations: Stay in a Kasbah hotel and a private luxury camp tent — a good balance of comfort and adventure.
• Excellent Guides: Personalized attention and insider tips from Mustafa and Momo elevate the overall experience.
• Value for Money: At around $212, the tour includes multiple meals, camel rides, and overnight stays, making it a well-priced option.
• Long Travel Days: Be prepared for roughly 8-hour returns, but with scenic stops and good company, the journey remains engaging.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: From Fez to the Sahara via the Atlas Mountains

Your day begins early, with pickup around 7:30 am from your hotel or Riad. The first stop is Ifrane, often dubbed Morocco’s Switzerland for its alpine architecture and cool climate. This town’s quirky charm makes it a delightful first impression.

Next comes the cedar forests of Azrou, where monkeys — not just any monkeys but the famous Barbary macaques — will eagerly share your lunch if you’re not careful! Several reviewers have mentioned how memorable it feels to see these macaques in their natural habitat, often stopping for photos or just watching them play.

Traveling through the Atlas Mountains, you’ll notice the landscape becoming more rugged and breathtaking, with winding mountain streams and spectacular rock formations. The guides are praised for sharing insights about local life and geography, giving you more than just a scenic drive.

Midday, you’ll pause in Midelt, known as the City of Apples. Here, you can stretch your legs and enjoy a quick lunch, soaking in the mountain town’s quiet charm. Reviewers appreciate the authentic local eateries Mustafa recommended, which offer good prices and hearty Moroccan dishes.

The journey continues with a scenic viewpoint over Ziz Valley, the largest oasis in Africa. The lush palm groves against the backdrop of desert hills create a striking contrast, which you’ll love capturing on camera.

By late afternoon, it’s into Merzouga, where the dunes await. A welcome dinner with Saharan music at your Kasbah hotel marks the start of your desert adventure. Guests note that the atmosphere is cozy, with traditional decor and friendly hosts, setting the tone for the nights to come.

Day 2: Desert Adventures and Night in the Dunes

Wake up early for the sunrise over the dunes — many reviewers describe this as the highlight of the trip, a surreal moment watching the sand glow with dawn light. After breakfast, the day is flexible: explore nearby towns like Rissani, relax in the desert, or visit the Khamlia village to hear Gnawa music, as some reviews highlight.

The afternoon offers a choice: continue exploring or prepare for the camel trek. The camel ride to your desert camp is a classic experience, with many reviewers mentioning the peacefulness of the ride and the stunning vistas of the dunes. The luxury tent stays are surprisingly comfortable, with many travelers reporting the bedding and facilities exceeded expectations, especially for a desert camp.

Evenings are magical; you’ll share a traditional meal like Madfona, learn about Berber culture, and gather around fires under star-studded skies. Several reviews mention how welcoming and genuine the hosts are, making the nights in the desert feel truly special.

Day 3: Return to Fez

The morning starts with a dawn walk on the dunes — a peaceful, almost spiritual experience that many reviews emphasize as unforgettable. After packing up, you retrace your steps back toward Fez, with a stop for lunch and a visit to Monkey Forest, which many travelers found enjoyable and a nice way to break up the long drive.

The return journey, while lengthy, is described as scenic and entertaining thanks to Mustafa or Momo. Reviewers often praise their guides’ mix of humor, local knowledge, and attentiveness, making the hours fly by.

Transportation and Group Size

Most travelers will appreciate that the tour offers pickup from your accommodation and involves small groups — capped at 17 travelers — which fosters a more personalized experience. The transportation is comfortable enough for a long day’s drive, with enough space to relax during the hours on the road.

Meals and Accommodation

The tour includes two breakfasts and two dinners, all of which are appreciated for their authenticity and quality. Lunch is not included, giving you the flexibility to choose local spots, which guides recommend for both flavor and price.

Accommodations are split between a Kasbah hotel in town and a luxury camp tent in the desert, ensuring comfort without losing the sense of adventure.

Pricing and Value

At around $213 per person, this trip offers considerable value. It includes visits to scenic spots, camel rides, and overnight stays, plus local meals. Reviewers express satisfaction that the price reflects the experience’s richness, especially given the personalized guides and authentic cultural interactions.

Authentic Experience and Guides

One of the most praised aspects across all reviews is the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. Mustafa and Momo go above and beyond, sharing local stories, helping navigate the cultural landscape, and even sharing snacks like oranges during the long drive. Their attentiveness to detail makes the journey easier and more engaging for travelers.

Several reviews highlight how the guides protect guests from potential scams and ensure a smooth and safe experience, which is especially valuable in a country like Morocco, where travelers sometimes worry about overpricing or disreputable operators.

The Sum Up

This 3-day Merzouga Desert tour from Fez strikes a fine balance between adventure, comfort, and culture. The carefully curated stops—from mountain towns to desert dunes—offer a well-rounded Moroccan experience that’s both visually stunning and enriching.

If you’re seeking a thoughtfully organized trip with personable guides, authentic local interactions, and value-packed inclusions, this tour hits the mark. While the long drives might not suit everyone, the memorable desert nights, scenic landscapes, and cultural insights make it a worthwhile journey.

Ideal for those wanting a taste of Sahara magic without the hefty price tag, this tour is perfect for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. Be prepared for a profound sense of adventure, some long hours in transit, and plenty of stories to tell long after you’ve left the sand dunes behind.

FAQs

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup from your hotel or Riad in Fez is included, making it convenient for travelers to start their adventure without extra hassle.

How long does each travel day take?
The first day involves about 3 hours in the Middle Atlas Mountains, with the return trip taking roughly 8 hours. The second day is flexible, with activities in the desert, and the third day involves an 8-hour drive back to Fez.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers camel rides, two breakfasts, two dinners, a stay in a Kasbah hotel, and a luxury desert camp tent. Entrance fees for scenic spots are also included.

Are there any optional activities?
You can relax around the desert camp, take more camel rides, or explore nearby towns like Rissani or Khamlia, depending on your interests and guide recommendations.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing for both mountain and desert climates, sunscreen, a hat, and camera gear. Some reviewers also recommend bringing snacks for the long drive and a sense of curiosity.

Is it suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but the long driving hours might be tiring for some. The tour is capped at 17 people, ensuring manageable group sizes and attentive guides.

Will I have time to explore on my own?
Yes, during the desert exploration day, you have options to wander, relax, or enjoy activities like visiting local villages, guided by the hosts’ suggestions.

How authentic is the cultural experience?
Very much so. Reviews highlight interactions with Berber hosts, traditional music, local food, and learning about Moroccan customs, making it a genuine cultural journey.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others?
The friendly guides, stunning scenery, good value, and authentic experiences like local meals and music set it apart from more generic desert trips.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from this 3-day desert tour, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your Moroccan adventure.