2 Days Trip from Fes to Merzouga with Overnight in Desert Camp

This is one of the easier ways to get from Fez to Merzouga and still sleep where the desert stars look huge. You jump into a small-group ride with an overnight desert camp, then do the iconic camel portion and finish with a proper desert night.

I particularly like that the trip mixes big driving days with meaningful stops, like Ifrane’s Swiss-style French-built town and the Ziz oasis view near Errachidia. I also like that the camp experience is built in, with dinner, camel ride, and free sandboarding.

One thing to think about: this is a road-heavy itinerary. The drive takes time, so you might feel like you have less quiet desert time for long walks, depending on the pace your driver keeps and how the day runs.

What This Trip Gets Right (and What to Expect)

Most groups keep the mood upbeat because the ride is guided by a professional driver, and names like Moha or Mohamed show up in past experiences for being calm, attentive, and helpful. If you are lucky enough to have Hassan or Aziz as your driver, you may also get extra care with timing and extra chances to stretch your legs at the right moments.

Your biggest consideration is the desert cold outside high season. Past winter departures have had people noting how cold the dunes can get, even though the trip is short. Pack accordingly, and you will enjoy the night more.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• Small group max 16 so you can actually talk with people instead of just sitting in silence
• Ifrane plus Middle Atlas road journey with cedar forest stops and a chance to see monkeys
• Ziz oasis panoramic views near Errachidia, the kind of wide shot you remember later
• Merzouga desert camp overnight with dinner and a real night in tent lodging
• Camel ride and free sandboarding included, so you do not need to negotiate at the last second
• Rissani souk and kasbah area on day two, where the market vibe feels local

Price and Value: What $115.15 Covers

At $115.15 per person for about 2 days, the value is mainly in what is bundled. You are not just paying for a transfer. You are also paying for an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional driver, pickup, camel ride, sandboarding (free), plus breakfast and dinner. Then you get the part that can be expensive on its own in Morocco, the overnight desert camp.

Not included is also clear and simple: lunch, drinks, and tips. That means you should plan for lunch on the road and any bottled water or soft drinks you want. Tips are optional in the sense that no one wants to pressure you, but in practice, if you feel your driver did a great job, you will likely want to set aside something small.

If you are traveling solo or as a couple and you want the desert without the stress of planning a route with separate bookings, this kind of package is hard to beat for the money.

Day 1 From Fez to the Atlas: Ifrane’s Swiss Look, Then Cedar Forest Magic

Day 1 is where the trip builds momentum. You leave Fez heading toward the Middle Atlas, and the route is designed around short viewing stops plus one longer “in-between” stretch where the scenery changes on the highway.

Ifrane stop: Swiss-style town, Moroccan winter air

The first stop is Ifrane. The town is known for a French-built Swiss village look that dates back to the 1930s. Even if you only have about 20 minutes, Ifrane is a useful break because it feels different from the medina vibe in Fez. You get a chance to walk, reset, and grab a quick photo before the mountain drive continues.

Potential drawback: if you expect Ifrane to feel like a full destination with places to linger, this stop is short. Think of it as a quick palate cleanser, not a museum visit.

Cedar forest near Azrou: monkeys plus a slower kind of stop

Next comes the cedars forest near Azrou, where you may see monkeys. The drive through this stretch is often the calmest part of day 1 because the road runs through cedar stands and past small settlements.

You get time for a brief pause, then you continue across the Middle Atlas Mountains, with the day described as winding through forests, springs, jagged rock faces, and Berber villages. This part matters because it breaks up the long transfer. It also makes the driving day feel like Morocco, not just miles on asphalt.

What to watch: the road can be slow on mountain stretches, so bring patience. If you are the type who hates waiting, it may help to accept that day 1 is a drive day with “moments,” not a day of constant stops.

Errachidia stop: the Ziz oasis view that feels unreal

As you head toward Merzouga, you stop in Errachidia for panoramic views of the Ziz oasis, a wide stretch of palm trees. This is one of those “it looks drawn in” views. Even with only about 15 minutes, it gives your brain a clear desert-adjacent landmark.

Best use of your time here: stand back, look out over the palms, and let your eyes adjust. On this route, the oasis helps you understand how the desert grows around life, not instead of it.

Night in Merzouga: Camel Ride, Camp Dinner, and Sandboarding

The trip includes the desert night in a camp, plus the core desert activities: camel ride and free sandboarding. This is the heart of why you are doing the trip.

In past experiences, the camp side often gets praised for being comfortable, with a good setup for the evening. People have also described time around a fire and music with musicians, including moments like playing drums. That is the kind of atmosphere that makes the night feel like more than just sleeping somewhere remote.

Camel ride: the classic part, plan for motion

The camel ride is included, and it is generally the ticket to the best photo angles and the feeling of “now we are in the desert.” It does not have to be scary if you stay relaxed. Wear comfortable shoes and keep your weight centered. If you have moderate physical fitness, you should be fine, but you should still expect some bouncing.

One practical note: the trip is short, so the desert time you get can feel brief. If you want a long on-foot wander, keep your expectations realistic. Some people have felt there was not a lot of time for a walk once the longer drive is factored in.

Sandboarding: included, so try it at least once

Free sandboarding is available at the camp. This is a great “do it now” activity, especially if you are traveling with someone who wants action. You do not need to bring anything special unless your camp asks for it, but wear something that you do not mind getting dusty.

Desert temperatures: pack like it is colder than you think

In winter departures, people have specifically called out how cold the desert can be. Even if your days are warm in Morocco, nights in the dunes can be a different world.

Bring layers. Think thermal top, a warm jacket, and something for your hands and head. Also bring a warm scarf. If you skip this, you can still have fun, but you will want to hurry the evening and go back inside sooner.

Day 2: Rissani Souk Time, Then Continuing Toward Merzouga

Day 2 is lighter in terms of included activities listed, but it is still meaningful. You stop in Rissani for about 45 minutes.

Rissani: first capital of the Alaouite dynasty and a real market feel

Rissani is described as the first capital of the Alaouite dynasty. It is also known for historical kasbahs and the famous souq market.

This stop is one of the reasons to like doing day 2. It gives you context for how the south functions day to day. A market stop is never just about shopping. It is about seeing everyday Morocco: trades, sights, and the rhythm of people who have been doing business there for generations.

Practical tip: if you want photos, move slowly and ask before taking close shots of people. If you want souvenirs, compare small items with what you see elsewhere later in the trip, since prices can vary by shop and bargaining comfort level.

Pace and timing: you may not get a long desert moment on day 2

The trip format strongly suggests the camp and camel ride happen as part of the first day’s transition into the desert. Day 2 then focuses on the souk stop and continuing toward the Merzouga area. That means if you are hoping for a long second round of dunes time, you might not get it.

If your #1 goal is extended walking on the sand, consider looking for longer desert itineraries. If your goal is to experience the camel, the camp night, and the classic route from Fez to Merzouga, this short format is a solid fit.

Group Size, Comfort, and the Driver Factor

This trip runs with a maximum of 16 travelers. That size is ideal for a shared experience. You can meet people, and you still have a real chance to talk to your driver guide instead of being stuck in a crowd.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters in Morocco, especially when you have several hours of driving between stops. AC also helps you arrive fresher at the camp night, instead of feeling completely cooked from the road.

Then there is the driver factor. Many named drivers in past experiences, including Moha, Mohamed, Mustafa, Hassan, Aziz, and Driss, are described as friendly, careful, and helpful. If you get one of those drivers, you are likely to appreciate a calm tone, smart stop timing, and helpful guidance.

Even with a good driver, you should expect a long sitting day. This is where “moderate physical fitness” matters. You might be fine physically, but you still need to be okay with hours in the car, plus a camel ride.

Who This Trip Suits Best

This is a smart match for:

• Solo travelers who want a group experience but still want personal comfort and friendly moments
• Couples who want one unforgettable desert night without complicated logistics
• People who want the major highlights of the route, Ifrane, the Middle Atlas drive, Ziz oasis, and Rissani
• First-time desert visitors who want camel ride plus camp rather than a DIY plan

It is not the best fit if you:

• Need lots of free time for wandering dunes on foot
• Hate long road days and prefer a slower route with fewer transit hours
• Forget to pack warm layers and then get stuck cold at night

What to Pack (Based on Desert Night Reality)

Pack for two different climates: the day heat you experience during driving, and the night cold once you reach the dunes.

Bring:

• Warm layers for desert night
• Comfortable shoes for short walking stops
• A scarf or warm head cover
• Water and a simple snack for between included meals
• Basic motion comfort items if you are sensitive to vehicle time

Also, remember that lunch is not included, so you should plan for that gap with either included timing you know you can count on, or simple snacks you can grab en route.

Should You Book This Fez to Merzouga Desert Camp Trip?

If your goal is to experience Merzouga desert life in a short amount of time, this 2 days, 1 night camp format is a strong choice. You are getting more than a transfer for the price, with camel ride, dinner, breakfast, and free sandboarding included.

Book it if:

• You want an easy, guided route with pickup and a professional driver
• You like short stop highlights like Ifrane and Rissani souk
• You are okay with a drive-heavy schedule and you pack warm for the dunes

Skip it or upgrade to a longer version if:

• Your dream is a lot of quiet time on the sand and long walks
• You are sensitive to long car hours and want fewer transit days

If you want that classic Fez-to-desert experience without the planning headache, this one hits the sweet spot. Just pack for cold nights and settle in for a road trip day that turns into a real desert evening.

FAQ

How much is the trip from Fez to Merzouga with overnight in the desert camp?

It costs $115.15 per person.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 2 days.

Is pickup from Fez included?

Pickup is offered.

What meals are included?

Breakfast and dinner are included. Lunch is not included.

What activities are included in the desert camp part?

You get a camel ride, and free sandboarding is available. The overnight is in the desert camp.

What is not included in the price?

Lunch, drinks, and tips are not included.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 16 travelers.

Is this trip affected by weather or cancellations?

It requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.