Journey Overview: Experience the best of the Sahara on this private 3 days desert tour from Errachidia to Fes via Merzouga. Over 3 days and 2 nights, you’ll explore the desert around Merzouga, visit nomads in their tents, and enjoy the Gnawa music and dance of the people of Khamlia. You’ll also see an old kohl (eyeliner) mine and the wild lake of Merzouga, just a few kilometers from the village. Then it’s time to stroll through a palm grove, ride a camel into the dunes, and watch magical sunsets and sunrises over the sand, with a night at a camp in the heart of the Sahara. On the final day, you’ll visit the traditional market of Rissani and Erfoud, the town of fossils, before heading north through Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and the cedar forest that is home to the Barbary macaques. The tour starts at Errachidia (ERH) Airport or your accommodation and ends in Fes, and the itinerary can be adjusted to match your flight times.
Tour Highlights:
Your desert tour begins with a pick-up from Errachidia (ERH) Airport or your accommodation in the city. From there, we drive south to the Sahara dunes of Merzouga, where you’ll spend the night.
Flight options: domestic flights from Marrakech, operated by Ryanair, run three days a week, arriving at around 7 am or 3 pm. Domestic flights from Casablanca, operated by Royal Air Maroc, run every day and arrive at midnight. We’re happy to adjust the itinerary to suit your arrival time.
After breakfast, the whole day is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region. The area is full of remarkable sights, from sand dunes and a seasonal wild lake to small mines, fossil sites and lovely oases, making it perfect for easy outdoor activities. We begin with an off-road drive to an ancient kohl (eyeliner) mine, then visit nomads in their handwoven tents to learn about their way of life over a glass of Berber tea. Next, we head to Khamlia to enjoy Gnawa music and dance; many of the villagers have roots in sub-Saharan countries such as Mali, Sudan and Niger. You’ll have free time for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, take a stroll through a palm grove, then drive a few kilometers to the wild lake of Merzouga, often known as the flamingos’ lake. In the afternoon, you’ll swap the car for a camel and ride across the dunes, stopping on a high dune to watch the sunset before continuing to the luxury camp. In the evening, enjoy Berber drumming around the campfire under a vast, starry sky, followed by dinner and a night at the camp.
On the last day of your tour, wake up early to watch a beautiful sunrise in the heart of the desert. After breakfast, return by camel to Merzouga, where your driver will be waiting. We leave the desert for Rissani, the historic capital of Tafilalet and still an important trading town, with a lively souk on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. After a walk through the market, we continue to Erfoud to visit a fossil marble workshop. From there, we follow the Ziz River and stop for a panoramic view over the Ziz Valley, then enjoy free time for lunch in Midelt. Next, we stop in the cedar forest, home to the Barbary macaques, where you can wander among the trees and watch the monkeys up close. We then visit Ifrane, famous for its cool climate, winter snow and alpine-style houses, which is why it’s known as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Your 3 days desert tour from Errachidia to Fes via Merzouga ends with a drop-off at any location in Fes.
