3 Days Desert Tour from Errachidia to Fes

Day 1: Errachidia – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga

Arrival and Pickup in Errachidia

We begin our 3 day desert tour from Errachidia to Fes with a pickup from the airport, your accommodation, or another agreed location. Before confirming the itinerary, we review your arrival time. A morning or early-afternoon start allows selected sightseeing stops, while an evening arrival requires a more direct transfer to your accommodation. We clarify these arrangements in advance so that the first day reflects the time available.

Exploring the Ziz Valley Landscape

For daytime departures, we travel through the Ziz Valley, where palm groves and cultivated land contrast with dry slopes and rocky terrain. Where access and timing permit, we stop at a viewpoint to appreciate the valley’s settlements and agricultural landscape. This provides an introduction to the oasis environment of southeastern Morocco. We allow time for photographs and a short break before continuing toward Erfoud.

Continuing through Erfoud

Our journey passes through the Erfoud region, with its open landscapes and connections to the surrounding oasis settlements. A refreshment stop or an optional visit related to local fossil craftsmanship can be discussed in advance. Shopping remains optional, and we keep any visit proportionate to your interests and arrival schedule. As we continue toward Merzouga, the Erg Chebbi dunes begin to appear beyond the plains.

Overnight in the Merzouga Area

We arrive at our hotel or riad and allow time to settle in. If daylight remains, you may enjoy nearby views or a short walk in the surroundings. Travelers arriving late can rest, with the main exploration planned for the following day. We spend our first night in the Merzouga area, with dinner provided according to the selected package.

Day 2: Merzouga Exploration – Khamlia – Camel Excursion – Desert Camp

Discovering the Region around Erg Chebbi

After breakfast, we begin the local experiences specified in your itinerary. A prearranged 4×4 excursion around Merzouga can introduce rocky plains, small settlements, and open desert landscapes beyond the dunes. The wider region reveals a varied environment. Sand dunes give way to exposed stone and broad plains, creating different perspectives for photography and exploration. We confirm the vehicle, route, duration, and included stops before departure. Weather, access, and ground conditions may require adjustments.

Visiting Khamlia

A visit to Khamlia may form part of the morning’s program. Where a musical performance is arranged, we allow time to listen and appreciate its local context. We clarify whether the visit and any contribution are included in the quotation or payable separately. Other visits involving local households take place only where hosts welcome guests. We respect residents’ privacy and ask permission before taking photographs.

Lunch and Time to Prepare for the Desert

We plan a lunch break before the afternoon’s desert arrangements. Depending on the agreed schedule, there may be time to relax or join an optional activity. Quad biking, buggy driving, and sandboarding can be discussed before the tour, with availability and charges confirmed separately. We keep enough time for the camel excursion and camp arrival rather than filling the afternoon with too many activities.

Camel Excursion in the Erg Chebbi Dunes

Later, we prepare for our camel excursion near Merzouga. Moving across the sand offers a slower way to appreciate the dunes, their curved ridgelines, and the shadows that develop as the light changes. When conditions permit, we schedule the excursion around late afternoon. The exact timing depends on the season, weather, and selected camp arrangements. Sunset views cannot be guaranteed. Travelers who prefer not to ride a camel can discuss an alternative vehicle transfer before booking. We also confirm how larger luggage will be handled so that you can carry only what you need.

Dinner and Overnight at a Desert Camp

At camp, we settle into our tents and enjoy dinner. The evening offers time to relax after the day’s activities. Some camps organize music in a communal gathering area, while clear skies may provide opportunities for stargazing. We confirm tent category, bedding, bathroom facilities, and included meals before booking. Private bathroom facilities can be requested where available. Because the following day involves a long journey to Fes, we agree on breakfast and departure arrangements in advance.

Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Middle Atlas – Fes

Early Departure from the Desert

Travelers who wish to rise early can enjoy the morning light around camp before breakfast, provided it fits the departure schedule. After breakfast and the arranged transfer from camp, we begin the journey north. This is the longest driving day of the tour, so an early start is important. We plan suitable rest stops while keeping the expected evening arrival in Fes in mind.

Traveling through the Ziz Valley

We travel through the Errachidia region and Ziz Valley, passing palm groves, cultivated land, and dry mountain scenery. Where time permits, we may include a viewpoint stop. For travelers who arrived after dark on Day 1, this journey provides an opportunity to appreciate landscapes missed during the initial transfer. We then continue toward Midelt.

Lunch toward Midelt

A lunch stop is planned in or around Midelt, according to our progress. This provides time to rest before the afternoon drive. We also include practical breaks for refreshments and opportunities to stretch. The route gradually introduces higher ground and a different landscape from the desert region.

Middle Atlas Scenery and Ifrane

We continue through the Middle Atlas, where woodland and mountain settlements contrast with the open desert terrain. Depending on the route and available time, we may stop near cedar woodland. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed; if animals are present, we observe them from a respectful distance without feeding or approaching them. A short stop in Ifrane may also be included before the final journey to Fes. We keep these visits brief enough to maintain a practical arrival time.

Arrival in Fes

We arrive in Fes in the evening and finish at the agreed drop-off location. For accommodation inside pedestrian sections of the medina, we confirm the nearest accessible vehicle stop and the remaining arrival arrangements. The precise arrival time depends on traffic, weather, road conditions, and stop durations. We recommend keeping the evening flexible and avoiding a tight flight or train connection immediately after the tour.