Small Groups · Authentic Morocco

2 Days Fes Desert Tour To Merzouga

Journey from Fes through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the golden Erg Chebbi dunes for an unforgettable Sahara adventure. Enjoy camel trekking, a desert camp, Berber music, stunning sunsets, and a magical sunrise.

Trip Info

Start

Fes

End

Fes

Tour Type

Private

Transportation

4WD Vehicle

Accommodation

3-5★ Riads

Overview

Short on time but still dreaming of experiencing the Sahara Desert? This carefully designed 2 Days Fes Desert Tour to Merzouga lets you enjoy Morocco’s most spectacular landscapes without missing the country’s greatest highlight. Travel from the cultural heart of Fes through the breathtaking Middle Atlas Mountains, picturesque cedar forests, charming alpine-style towns, fertile valleys, and dramatic desert scenery before reaching the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Along the way, you’ll encounter authentic Berber villages, panoramic mountain passes, lush palm groves, and one of Morocco’s most beautiful oasis valleys. Once you arrive in Merzouga, trade your vehicle for a camel and venture deep into the Sahara as the setting sun paints the dunes in shades of gold and orange. Spend an unforgettable evening in a traditional desert camp, where you’ll enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine, Berber drum performances, and a peaceful night beneath one of the clearest star-filled skies in the world.

Trip Highlights

Cross the spectacular Middle Atlas Mountains.

See Barbary macaques in the Cedar Forest near Azrou.

Drive through Midelt and the breathtaking Ziz Valley.

Experience a sunset camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Spend the night in a traditional Sahara desert camp.

Witness an unforgettable sunrise over the Sahara Desert.

Detailed Programme

Itinerary — 2 Days / 1 Night

Fes - Ifrane - Cedar Forest - Midelt - Ziz Valley - Merzouga Desert

From Fes to the Sahara

Your 2 Days Fes Desert Tour to Merzouga begins early in the morning as your driver picks you up from your hotel or riad in Fes. Leaving the imperial city behind, you’ll head south through the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains.

Your first stop is Ifrane, a charming mountain town famous for its clean streets, European-style architecture, and cool climate, earning it the nickname “The Switzerland of Morocco.” Take time to stroll around and capture memorable photographs before continuing your journey.

Next, visit the Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to Morocco’s famous Barbary macaques. Enjoy a peaceful walk beneath ancient cedar trees while observing these playful monkeys in their natural habitat.

Continue through the mountain landscapes toward Midelt, a town surrounded by apple orchards, where you’ll stop for lunch before crossing the scenic Tizi N’Talghamt Pass.

During the afternoon, the scenery gradually changes as you descend into the magnificent Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s largest palm oases. Stop at panoramic viewpoints overlooking thousands of date palms stretching across the valley floor before continuing through Erfoud toward Merzouga.

Upon arrival at the edge of the Sahara Desert, your luggage will be transferred while you begin an unforgettable camel trek across the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi. Pause on top of a high dune to admire the spectacular desert sunset before continuing to your luxury desert camp.

After settling into your private tent, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner followed by Berber music around the campfire beneath a sky filled with countless stars.

Merzouga Desert - Ziz Valley - Midelt - Cedar Forest - Ifrane - Fes

Sahara Sunrise & Return to Fes

Wake up before sunrise to witness one of the Sahara’s most unforgettable moments as the first rays of sunlight slowly illuminate the golden dunes. After breakfast at the camp, return to Merzouga either by camel or comfortable 4×4 vehicle, where your driver will be waiting.

Begin the journey back toward Fes, retracing the scenic route through southern Morocco. Enjoy several stops along the way to admire the breathtaking landscapes of the Ziz Valley, capture photographs, and relax during the drive.

Continue through Midelt, where you’ll have free time for lunch before heading back into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Another short stop at the Cedar Forest offers one last opportunity to enjoy the fresh mountain air before reaching Ifrane for a relaxing coffee break or quick walk through the town.

By late afternoon or early evening, arrive back in Fes, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel or riad, marking the end of your 2 Days Fes Desert Tour to Merzouga.

What's Included In The Tour?

Private 4WD Transport

Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan

Private English-Speaking Guide

English-speaking driver/guide

Camel Trek At Sunset

Camel ride & sandboarding

Sahara Desert Camp

luxury desert camp

1 Night Accommodation

Merzouga Desert (1n)

Photo & rest stops

Stops at the Tizi n’Tichka pass, Aït Benhaddou kasbah, and Todra Gorge.

Breakfasts Daily

Moroccan breakfast every morning — bread, olive oil, honey, and mint tea.

1 Dinner Included

Traditional dinner in Merzouga Desert.

Not included: Flights · Lunches & dinners (except where noted) · Monument entry fees · Tips · Travel insurance

Good To Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything else you might be wondering about the trip

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking for an hour or two over uneven ground — gorge trails, kasbah stairs, soft sand. The camel trek itself needs no fitness at all; the camel does the work. If you have concerns about a specific day, ask us before booking and we’ll tell you honestly whether it’s a fit.

What's the best time of year to do this trip?

March–May and September–November are ideal: warm days, cool desert nights, and comfortable temperatures in the mountains. July and August in the Sahara can exceed 45°C at midday, and December–February nights in the desert camp drop close to freezing — both doable with the right prep, but worth knowing in advance.

Is this trip suitable for solo travelers?

Yes — most of our travelers come solo and join a small group of 8–12 people. Rooms are shared on a twin-share basis by default; if you’d rather have your own room, a single supplement is available on request.

What should I pack for the desert nights?

Layers. Desert days are warm, but temperatures can drop sharply after sunset, especially outside summer. A warm mid-layer, a scarf or shesh for sand and sun, and comfortable closed shoes for the dunes and gorge walks cover most of it. We send a full packing list once you book.

Is tap water safe to drink?

We’d recommend bottled or filtered water throughout, which is what your guide and driver will drink too. It’s widely available, and we’ll make sure you always have access to it, including out at the desert camp.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and most allergy-related requirements are easy to manage across the riads, hotels, and desert camp — just let us know when you book so we can flag it with each stop along the route.

What's the cancellation policy?

Full details are in your booking confirmation, but broadly: cancellations more than 60 days out receive a full refund minus the deposit; inside 30 days, cancellation fees increase on a sliding scale. We’ll always talk it through with you directly if plans change.

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2-Day Sahara Crossing

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