Christmas & New Year Desert Tour from Fes

Day 1: Fes to Ifrane, the Cedar Forest, Midelt, Errachidia, and the Dades Valley

Your 4-day loop starts early in the morning. A professional English-speaking driver greets you at your accommodation in Fes. The air-conditioned vehicle travels south through Imouzzer to Ifrane. This town is often called “the Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture and cool climate. Next, the road enters the cedar forests of Azrou. There, you can watch wild Barbary macaques in the trees, without feeding them.

After lunch in Midelt, the route crosses the Tizi n’Talghemt pass, at 1,907 meters. Then, you follow the Ziz River canyon and pass Errachidia before turning toward Boumalne Dades. As the afternoon ends, you stop to see the “monkey fingers” rock formations and a viewpoint over the valley. Finally, you check in to your hotel or riad for dinner and the night. If you travel over Christmas or New Year, we can plan your dates so that this desert night falls on 24 or 31 December. Many camps prepare a special dinner and music on these nights, and we confirm what your camp offers when you book.

Day 2: The Dades Valley to Todra Gorge, Tinjdad, and the Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp

After breakfast, the tour continues to Todra Gorge. There, the river has carved towering red limestone cliffs, a popular spot for rock climbers. Walk along the cool riverbed and take photos. Next, your vehicle passes the oases and palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. You stop there for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you approach Merzouga. At the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, you switch to a camel for a trek across the sand. Your guide leads you up a golden dune to watch the sunset. Afterward, you reach your luxury desert camp, where you can try sandboarding or simply relax. The night ends with a Moroccan dinner and live Berber drum music around the campfire.

Day 3: A Full-Day 4×4 Excursion, Nomad Families, and Khamlia Village

Waking early for a Sahara sunrise among the dunes is a highlight. After breakfast at camp, you return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4. Then, a full day of desert exploring begins. Your driver takes you off-road across the rocky plains to a former mine in the hills. From there, you visit a nomad family in their handwoven tent and share a cup of Berber tea.

Next, your vehicle goes to Khamlia, a village known for Gnaoua music and dance. After lunch at a village restaurant, you stroll through a palm grove. You also visit Merzouga’s seasonal lake, which holds water only after rain. Finally, you check in to your hotel facing the dunes for dinner and the night.

Day 4: Merzouga to Rissani, Erfoud, the Ziz Valley, and the Return to Fes

After breakfast, you set off for Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Its lively souk runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Next, you stop in Erfoud for a fossilized marble workshop. Then, your vehicle returns along the Ziz Valley, with another view of the date palm groves.

You climb through the Atlas Mountains and stop for lunch along the road. After that, you cross the cedar forests again. By early evening, your driver drops you at your hotel, riad, or the Fes airport.