4-day tour from Fes to Merzouga with the Todra Gorge

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Fes > The Middle Atlas > Midelt > Todra Gorge:

The journey from Fes is quite long, so today’s departure is set for 08:00. One of our drivers — Omar, Ahmed or another of the team — picks you up in a comfortable air-conditioned car.
The first stop is Ifrane, often called “the Switzerland of Morocco” for its pitched-roof houses, a rare sight in the country.
Then you cross the Middle Atlas mountains and the cedar forests near Azrou, where you can stop to see the Barbary macaques.

Continuing south, you pass through Berber villages before reaching Midelt. The restaurant we use comes shortly after the cedars and the macaques of Azrou: tagine, grilled skewers and mint tea.
After lunch, you continue to Er Rich, where you leave the main road to head into the mountains. This part of the journey offers extraordinary views and picturesque Berber villages.
In the late afternoon you reach the Todra Gorge, where you have dinner and spend the night.
Note: in winter this stretch of road may be closed because of snow, in which case the itinerary will be adjusted.

Day 2

Todra > Tinghir oasis > Tinjdad > Merzouga (the desert):

After breakfast you have time to walk along the river bank or to explore the gorge. Afterwards you pass through several Berber villages and get a close look at local daily life.
After leaving the gorge and the valley, you reach Tinjdad. On the way to the desert you may notice small mounds of earth beside the road. These are the entrances to underground water channels called “khettarat”. They use the natural slope of the land to bring water to the fields below.

If you are interested, you can even go down into one of them to see how they work. In the afternoon you are welcomed with a glass of tea. Then you take a camel ride on the Erg Chebbi dunes, which reach 250 metres in height. Watching the sunset over the dunes is a truly unforgettable experience.
In the evening, dinner is served at Camel Trips Camp, followed by music around the fire. You spend the night in a private tent.

Day 3

Merzouga > Khamlia village > Mifis mines > Erg Chebbi desert:

Since you are staying in the Sahara desert, we recommend waking up early. Watching the sunrise over the golden sand dunes is truly a magical experience. The soft morning light creates beautiful colours on the sand, and the peaceful silence of the desert at this hour makes it unforgettable. Don’t forget your camera, as the morning light offers great photo opportunities.

After watching the sunrise, you return to the camp for a hearty breakfast. It is usually a traditional Moroccan meal including bread, olive oil, jam, cheese, eggs and mint tea or coffee. Once breakfast is over, it is time to leave the desert camp and head back to the village of Merzouga. The return journey is made on camelback, giving you one last chance to enjoy the view of the endless dunes.
Your driver will be waiting in Merzouga and the rest of the day is dedicated to discovering the fascinating region around the village. The Merzouga area is rich in natural beauty, culture and history. From vast sand dunes to desert lakes, from fossil beds to traditional Berber villages, there is much to see and learn.

The first stop is an off-road adventure to visit an ancient kohl (eyeliner) mine in the nearby black desert. Kohl has been used for centuries in North African and Middle Eastern cultures, not only as make-up but also for its healing properties. This mine offers a glimpse into the mining traditions of the region and the hard work needed to extract natural materials from the earth.

Next you visit a local nomadic family living in traditional woven tents. These tents are handmade from wool and other natural materials. During the visit you are welcomed with a cup of hot Berber tea. This is a special moment to learn about their way of life, how they survive in harsh desert conditions and what daily life is like without electricity, running water or modern comforts. You can ask questions and share in their culture to learn about the centuries-old traditions of the desert.

Afterwards you reach Khamlia, a small village known for its Gnaoua music and warm hospitality. The villagers are descendants of African slaves brought to Morocco from countries such as Mali, Sudan and Niger. Their music is deeply spiritual, often used in rituals and celebrations and played with traditional instruments such as castanets and drums. You will be able to enjoy a live performance, listen to their hypnotic rhythms and perhaps join in a dance. It is a lively, joyful part of the day that many travellers remember as a highlight of their trip.

After the music, you will have free time for lunch in a local restaurant. You can taste delicious Moroccan dishes such as tagine, couscous or brochettes (grilled meat skewers), often served with fresh bread and vegetables.
In the afternoon, you take a short walk in a palm grove, an oasis where rows of date palms are fed by underground water. These oases are very important in desert life, providing food, shade and a cooler microclimate. It is a peaceful place to stretch your legs and enjoy the contrast between the green of the palms and the surrounding desert.
Finally, you drive a few kilometres to visit Dayet Srij, also known as the wild lake of Merzouga or the flamingo lake. This seasonal lake appears after the rains and is home to many kinds of birds, including flamingos, ducks and storks. Birdwatchers love this place, but even casual visitors are amazed to find a stretch of water in the middle of the desert.

The scenery is unique and offers a moment to reflect on the incredible variety of Morocco’s landscapes.
After a full day of exploring, you return to your accommodation. Here you can relax, take a hot shower and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner.

Day 4

Merzouga > Fes:

If you manage to wake up early, you can admire a breathtaking sunrise over the golden sand dunes of the Sahara. The changing light creates magical shadows across the landscape, perfect for photos and quiet reflection. After breakfast at the camp, you ride the camels back across the dunes to meet your driver.

The journey then heads north towards the town of Erfoud. In Erfoud you visit a local workshop where ancient fossils, some dating back more than 300 million years, are carefully worked into unique decorations, art pieces and even tables and sinks made of fossil marble.
From there the route continues along the scenic Ziz Valley, famous for its tall palm groves and natural beauty. The valley is also known for the annual date festival held in November, which celebrates one of the region’s most important crops.

Next you cross the mountains of the Middle Atlas, passing Berber villages and enjoying beautiful mountain views. You stop in Midelt, known as the “apple capital” of Morocco, for a relaxing lunch.
The last stretch crosses the Ayachi mountain range, with its rocky peaks and dramatic landscapes. In the late afternoon or early evening you arrive in Fes, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in Morocco.
The tour ends here, when the driver drops you off at your accommodation or riad in the heart of the old medina.