This 3-day itinerary is designed as a round-trip from Fes, specifically maximizing your time in the Sahara. Unlike the Fes-to-Marrakech option, this tour dedicates an entire second day to exploring the culture and geology surrounding the dunes, offering a deeper and more relaxed desert experience before making the return journey.
Your adventure begins with an 8:00 AM pickup from your Fes accommodation. Journey south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing the alpine town of Ifrane and the Cedar Forests of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques. After a lunch stop in Midelt, the landscape transitions toward the pre-Sahara. Follow the lush Ziz Valley oasis before arriving at the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in the late afternoon. Here, a gentle camel trek carries you into the silent dunes for a spectacular sunset. You’ll arrive at a luxury desert camp featuring private Berber tents, a sumptuous traditional dinner, and live music under a pristine starry sky.
Accommodation: Luxury desert camp (Dinner included).
Wake at your leisure to the serene desert morning (optional sunrise sandboarding is available). After a camp breakfast, embark on a full-day 4×4 expedition to discover the region’s secrets. Visit Khamlia Village for an authentic, soulful performance of Gnawa music. Journey deeper to meet nomadic families and learn about their resilient way of life. Explore fossil-rich plateaus and, water levels permitting, a hidden desert oasis. The day concludes back at your luxury camp, allowing you to savor another magnificent sunset and gourmet dinner in the heart of the Sahara.
Accommodation: Luxury desert camp (All meals included).
After a final desert breakfast, begin your scenic return north. Stop at the traditional market in Rissani, a historic crossroads of Saharan trade. Continue to Erfoud to observe skilled artisans crafting unique pieces from ancient fossils. The drive back to Fes retraces the beautiful Ziz Valley and ascends through the Middle Atlas, offering one last panorama of Morocco’s diverse landscapes. You’ll arrive back at your Fes accommodation by approximately 6:00 PM, concluding your luxurious desert loop.
Drop-off: At your hotel/riad in Fes.
