Private Merzouga Desert Tour
Tour Details
Day 1: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Erfoud – Merzouga
At the scheduled time, we’ll pick you up in Fez and begin this private excursion heading south through the Middle Atlas. This mountain range, which stretches 350 kilometers (217 miles) from southwest to northwest Morocco, stands out for its cedar forests.
After a journey of around 1.5 hours, we’ll arrive in Ifrane. Did you know this charming town is known as the Moroccan Switzerland? This nickname comes from the appearance of its houses, which closely resemble Swiss architecture. It’s also one of the country’s most exclusive ski destinations.
Next, we’ll continue with a half hour drive to the town of Azrou, one of Morocco’s most famous Berber cities. From there, we’ll take a route of around 2 hours through the Ziz Valley and gorges to Midelt, where you’ll have approximately 1 hour to have lunch on your own.
After lunch, we’ll travel for around 3 hours to the town of Erfoud, the gateway to the Merzouga Desert.
We’ll arrive at this arid natural setting at sunset. At that moment, we’ll enjoy a beautiful sunset over the dunes while taking a short camel ride to the desert camp, where we’ll have dinner and spend the night.
Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Azrou – Ifrane – Fez
On the second day, we’ll enjoy a magical sunrise over Merzouga. From late October to March, we’ll have breakfast at the camp before taking a camel ride to watch the sunrise among the Merzouga dunes. During the rest of the year, the sunrise is enjoyed directly on the dunes near the camp, which we’ll reach on foot. Afterward, we’ll return to the camp for breakfast before mounting the camels.
We’ll then say goodbye to Merzouga and, leaving the Moroccan desert behind, we’ll set off on a journey of approximately half an hour to the towns of Tafilalt and Rissani. The latter is famous for being the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty.
After learning about its history, we’ll travel for around 5 hours through the Ziz Valley to the outskirts of Midelt, where we’ll make a 1-hour stop so you can have lunch on your own. Once refreshed, we’ll continue for 2 hours to Azrou and Ifrane.
From Ifrane, we’ll then take a journey of approximately 1.5 hours back to the pickup point in Fez, where arrival is scheduled for 6 pm.
Pickup Info
Pickup in Fez will depend on the area of the city where you’re staying:
- If you’re staying inside the Medina: we’ll pick you up at the Blue Gate of Bab Bou Jeloud.
- If you’re staying outside the Medina: we’ll pick you up at your hotel or riad.
Camp Info
When booking your 2-day private excursion to the Merzouga Desert, you can choose between 2 camp categories:
- Standard camp: the tents accommodate up to 4 people and have a private bathroom.
- Superior camp: the tents accommodate up to 5 people and also have a private bathroom.
The standard and superior camps are completely separate and differ in the variety of food and the interior decoration of the tents.
Please note that during high season dates, such as Easter or Christmas, it may be necessary to stay in camps with shared bathrooms in the standard category.
You should also note that air conditioning is only available in the superior camp and has an additional cost of € 30 (US$ 35.68) per person.
Why Book a Private Tour?
By booking a private tour, you’ll have an English–speaking driver exclusively for you. This means you’ll enjoy a very special experience, traveling only with your partner, family, or friends.
More Information
Duration
2 days.
Language
The activity takes place with a driver that speaks in English, although it may occasionally be done in two languages.
Included
Hotel pickup and drop–off (only if you’re staying outside the Fez Medina)
Transport by off–roading vehicle or minibus
English–speaking driver
1 night of accommodation in a standard or superior camp (depending on option)
1 dinner and 1 breakfast
Camel ride at sunset and sunrise
Towels at the accommodation
Shampoo (only in the superior category)
Basic wifi for instant messaging (only in the superior category)
Private and exclusive tour, nobody else will be in your group
Not included
Lunches and drinks
Air conditioning in the superior camp tents: € 30 (US$ 35.68) per person
When to book?
You can book up until 24 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability conditions
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - Can we bring suitcases?
A - Yes, you can bring 1 cabin-size suitcase per person, although it’s preferable to bring a backpack instead of a suitcase.
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Q - What type of clothing is recommended for this type of tour?
A - We recommend wearing comfortable, closed shoes, as well as loose, comfortable clothing. At night, temperatures drop significantly in the desert, so it’s also advisable to bring some warm clothing. In addition, it’s very important to bring a cap or hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
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Q - How long does the journey between Fez and the Merzouga Desert take?
A - The total driving time is around 8 hours. However, we won’t do the entire journey in one go. Along the route, we’ll make several stops in different towns in the area. In one of these places, you’ll also have 1 hour of free time for lunch.
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Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?
A - Maroc Expedition Corporate name: Maroc Expedition Travel S.A.R.L Registered Office: apar 13 rue ibn khaldoun Medina, Marrakech, Morocco Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 06990568 Contact information Email: marocexpedition@gmail.com Phone: +212 666161604
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Q - Are the camps in Merzouga equipped for the cold?
A - Yes, they’re all well equipped with blankets.
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
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Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?
A - This activity requires a minimum of 1 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.
If you have any other questions please contact us.