4-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Errachidia to Fes
The journey
Tour overview
An exceptional, slower-paced journey from Errachidia to Fes that divides the long mountain drive with an overnight in Midelt — a desert camp night in Erg Chebbi, a full 4x4 excursion, and the Barbary monkey forest of Azrou.
Day 1: Errachidia → Erfoud → Merzouga Desert Your tour begins with a scenic drive down the Ziz Valley, passing through palm groves and rugged mud-brick villages. Reach Merzouga by afternoon and set off on a sunset camel ride into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Overnight in Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (Half Board, premium ensuite tent)
Day 2: Full 4x4 Merzouga Desert Excursion Spend the day discovering the diverse lifestyles of the desert — nomadic herders, the traditional Gnawa music of Khamlia, and the lively, historical souks of Rissani. Overnight in Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (Half Board)
Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz Valley Gorges → Midelt Watch a final Sahara sunrise before driving north through the breathtaking Ziz Gorges, slowly ascending the Middle Atlas Mountains to the scenic town of Midelt, famous for its apple orchards and mineral mining. Overnight in a premium Midelt hotel (Half Board)
Day 4: Midelt → Azrou Cedar Forest → Ifrane → Fes Continue north through scenic mountain pastures, stopping in the shady Cedar Forest of Azrou to spot native wild monkeys and taking a coffee break in the charming, European-style town of Ifrane, before descending into the medieval imperial city of Fes.
- Duration
- 4 Days
- Starts in
- Errachidia (hotel pick-up)
- Travel style
- Private or small group (max 17)
- Guides speak
- English, French, Spanish, German, Arabic
- Season
- Year-round, best Oct–Apr
- Activity level
- Easy to moderate
Highlights
- Scenic drive down the Ziz Valley oasis and palm groves
- A sunset camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- A full-day 4x4 excursion to nomadic herders and Khamlia's Gnawa music
- The historic souks of Rissani, birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty
- Barbary macaque monkeys in the Azrou Cedar Forest
- The Swiss-style alpine town of Ifrane
Day by day
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1Errachidia → Erfoud → Merzouga Desert
Scenic drive down the Ziz Valley to Merzouga, then a sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp
- 2
Day 2Full 4x4 Merzouga Desert Excursion
Nomadic herders, Khamlia Gnawa music, and the souks of Rissani.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp
- 3
Day 3Merzouga → Ziz Valley Gorges → Midelt
Sunrise over the dunes, then the Ziz Gorges and the Middle Atlas town of Midelt.
Overnight: Premium Midelt hotel
- 4
Day 4Midelt → Azrou Cedar Forest → Ifrane → Fes
The Azrou cedar forest, alpine Ifrane, and arrival in Fes.
Want to add a night, slow the pace or end in another city? Every private itinerary can be adjusted. Ask us to customise it.
Good to know
What's included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide for all 4 days
- Pickup in Errachidia and drop-off in Fes
- Half Board accommodation for the desert camp night and the Midelt hotel night
- Sunset camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Full 4x4 desert excursion (nomad visit, Khamlia Gnawa music, Rissani souk)
- Traditional Berber music around the campfire
Not included
- Lunches and beverages
- Entrance fees
- Tips and personal expenses
Per person, in euros
Prices
| Room type | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single1 person per room | €1,365 |
| Double2 people per room | €697 |
| Triple3 people per room | €559 |
| Quadruple4 people per room | €487 |
Prices include taxes. Groups, children and camp upgrades priced on request.
Before you go
Practical information
Meeting point
Your hotel or riad in Errachidia, usually between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. Exact time confirmed on booking.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure. 50% refund between 7 and 14 days. Free date changes whenever possible.
What to bring
Comfortable layers, a warm jacket for desert nights, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and a scarf or hat.
Fitness
Suitable for most fitness levels. Light walking and an optional camel ride. Tell us about any mobility needs.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this tour private or shared?
You can take this tour privately, with your own driver-guide and vehicle, or join a shared small-group departure (up to 17 guests) where available. Tell us which you prefer when you enquire.
Is this tour suitable for first-time desert travelers?
Absolutely. Our guides are experienced with travelers of all backgrounds and will make sure you feel comfortable and safe throughout the journey. No prior desert experience is required.
What type of accommodation is used?
We use a mix of traditional riad hotels in cities and authentic Berber desert camps with private tents, comfortable bedding, and camp lighting. Luxury glamping options are available on request.
Are meals included in the tour?
Most meals are included as listed in the "What's Included" section. Breakfast is provided at hotels; dinners and breakfasts at the desert camp are always included. Lunches in cities may be at your own expense.
How do I get to the departure city?
We pick you up from your hotel or riad in Errachidia. We can also arrange airport transfers and recommend trusted hotels if needed, just ask when booking.
Can I change the itinerary?
Yes. Every private tour can be adjusted: add a night, swap a stop, upgrade your desert camp or finish in a different city. We will send an updated itinerary and price.
What is the best time of year to visit the Sahara?
October to April offers the most comfortable temperatures (15–25°C / 59–77°F during the day). July and August are very hot but manageable with proper preparation. The desert is beautiful year-round.
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