Fes desert tours 2 days

What makes this Fes desert trip interesting is the change of scenery across just two days: you go from the Atlas Mountains to oasis views, then into the Sahara for sunrise and a camel ride. I especially like the hotel pickup from Fez and the fact you get a real desert night, not just a quick stop.

The second thing I like is the mix of stops that feel like Morocco beyond the city. You’ll pass through places such as Ifran, Azrou cedar forest, Midelt, Arfoud, and the Ziz Valley on the way to Merzouga, so the drive has meaning. One drawback to consider: the early start and long road time on Day 1, even though most people find it worth it.

Key things to know before you go

• Private pickup in Fez means less hassle and a smoother start
• Atlas-to-Sahara route with planned stops, not a straight shot
• Ifran and Azrou break up the drive with mountain scenery and cedar forest time
• Ziz Valley and Arfoud give you oasis-town atmosphere on the way south
• Erg Chebbi at sunrise plus a camel ride helps you experience the Sahara at its best
• Dinner, breakfast, camel ride, and overnight in a tent camp are part of the core value

Why this 2-day Fes to Merzouga desert route makes sense

This is the kind of trip that works well when you want more than a single highlight. You’re not just doing one activity. You’re traveling across Morocco’s geography, with guided timing that gives you two good “anchors”: Day 1 ends with a night in the desert area, and Day 2 starts early for sunrise, then you head back toward Fez.

I like that it’s structured as a private experience. That matters because desert trips can feel rushed when you share vehicles or wait for strangers. Here, you get private transportation with a professional English driver, plus bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle for the long driving hours.

The value is also in what’s included. Between dinner, breakfast, the camel ride, and your desert overnight, you’re already covering the most expensive-feeling parts of a desert getaway. With lunch not included, you’ll still pay something extra on Day 1, but the core costs are handled.

Day 1: Fez to Merzouga, with the drive doing real work

Day 1 starts early from Fez, and then it turns into a scenic, southbound route through Morocco’s mountain and pre-desert regions. The goal is to reach Merzouga by Day 1’s end so you can enjoy the desert experience without losing the whole schedule.

You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup and drop-off, guided by an English-speaking driver. That comfort is not a luxury detail for a trip like this. It helps when you’re dealing with long distance, dusty roads, and a schedule that starts before most people are fully awake.

This day is basically four themed sections: mountain town stops, cedar forest views, lunch in Midelt area, then oasis and valley scenery before Arfoud and onward to Merzouga.

Ifran: that mountain-town feeling called Moroccan Switzerland

One of the first stops is Ifran, known as Moroccan Switzerland. Even if you just treat it as a quick break, it sets the mood. You shift out of Fez city pace and into higher-altitude scenery, with a different architecture feel and cooler air.

What I like here is the reset. If you’re doing a desert trip, you want your body ready for the temperature changes later. Ifran gives you a short pause before the drive continues down the line toward the cedar forest and southern landscapes.

Azrou cedar forest: tall cedars and a calm break

Next is Azrou and the famous cedar forest. This stop is about nature time, not shopping or a quick photo stop. You’ll be able to enjoy the view of the tall cedar trees, which gives you a different kind of Morocco moment than you get in cities.

Practical tip: plan for photos and for simply standing still. This is the kind of stop where you feel the altitude and the air quality more than you notice in a typical urban day.

Midelt lunch stop: order an Amazigh meal, and keep it simple

After Azrou, you reach Midelt for lunch. The plan includes a stop where you can have an Amazigh meal. Lunches are not included in the main package, so you’re paying for your own food here.

This is a good place to eat what you can pronounce, not what looks exotic for the sake of it. Desert days move fast. You want food that settles well and gives you energy for more driving.

Arfoud and Ziz Valley: the oasis and valley story

From Midelt you continue south through the Arfoud area and the Ziz Valley. This is where the scenery starts to feel more desert-adjacent. You get panoramic views of oasis and the valley system as it stretches toward the dunes region.

Why this matters: it explains the desert without you just arriving into sand and mystery. You’re seeing the geography that supports oasis towns and makes Merzouga possible.

By the time you reach Arfoud and continue through the Ziz Valley visuals, the trip feels like it’s building toward something, instead of being just hours in a car.

Day 1 night: the tent camp part you’ll remember

After the drive into the Merzouga region, you’ll have an overnight in a tent camp. Dinner is included, which helps you avoid the common problem of ending Day 1 hungry and cold and then trying to sort out food.

I like that the overnight is part of the tour structure. A desert night is one of those experiences that becomes a highlight mainly because it’s different. You get time to settle, eat, and be in the desert environment before sunrise the next day.

What you should expect here: you’ll be transitioning into a slower rhythm. The tour is scheduled, but the camp night is about being present. If you’re the type who likes to sit and watch the sky, this is when you’ll appreciate it.

Day 2: sunrise, camel ride, and Erg Chebbi in the cool morning

Day 2 starts early again. Your camel driver takes you out to enjoy sunrise in the Moroccan Sahara. That early timing is a big deal. Sunrise is one of the few times when the desert feels both dramatic and breathable.

Then you head back toward your auberge, crossing the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. The tour includes breakfast after that, before you start the drive back to Fez.

There’s an admission ticket included as well, listed for Day 2 with a 6-hour slot. The exact site isn’t spelled out, but you should treat it as part of the organized desert segment rather than a separate add-on you’ll need to pay.

The camel ride: don’t rush, and keep your balance

The camel ride is a core highlight. This is the activity most people remember because it’s slow and physical at the same time. You’re sitting higher than you would on a vehicle, so you see the dunes in a new way.

My practical advice: pay attention to how you sit and hold on. Keep your movements calm. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring a layer and keep your gaze steady.

Also, bring patience. A desert sunrise depends on timing. You’re not in a city where you can reset and go back for another shot later.

Erg Chebbi: why these dunes feel different in person

Erg Chebbi is the desert name people connect with Morocco, and the tour routes you through these dunes during the return segment. In reality, the dunes can look different depending on light and angle.

That’s why crossing them after sunrise is smart. You get the view when the shadows and texture are clear, then you still get movement and a sense of scale before breakfast and departure.

The return drive: planned stops, and what to do with your time

After breakfast, you leave Merzouga back toward Fez. The plan includes several stops along the road to discover fascinating parts of Moroccan nature.

This part is not about rushing to arrive. It’s a chance to stretch, reset, and keep the day from feeling like one long grind. Since you already had the big desert anchors in the morning, the return feels more like finishing a story.

Practical tip: bring something to occupy time between stops. Even with an English-speaking driver and a comfortable vehicle, the route is still a long one.

Also, hydrate during the driving. Bottled water is included, but you’ll go faster through it than you might expect.

Price and value: is $234.75 per person a good deal?

At $234.75 per person, this is not a budget “throwaway” desert trip. It is priced like a full structured experience, and that’s what you should evaluate.

Here’s what you’re getting for that cost:

• Pickup and drop-off in Fez
• Air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation
• An English driver
• Bottled water
• Dinner and breakfast
• Camel ride
• Overnight in a desert-area tent camp (implied by the tour flow)
• A desert admission ticket included on Day 2

What’s not included:

• Lunches and drinks

So where does the value land? It lands in removing uncertainty. You are not trying to coordinate transport, arrange a tent camp night, and book camel riding separately. The driver handles the route. You show up for the desert moments.

If you would otherwise pay separately for a transfer, a camp night, dinner, and a camel ride, $234.75 starts to look like a fair package price, especially for a private setup.

The main trade-off is time. You’re paying with hours on the road. If you dislike long drives, this may feel like a lot. But if you accept the road as part of the experience, it plays out well.

Private drivers make a difference, especially when you need good timing

The private nature of the tour is one of the strongest “quality signals.” You are not waiting on extra pickups. You’re not losing time to other schedules.

In the same spirit, the driver experience can be a highlight. One example from a past experience includes a driver named Sadik, who was described as keeping the trip entertaining during the long drive. Another example includes a guide named Fouad connected with the camel tour and the overnight desert experience.

You won’t always know which name you’ll get, but the pattern matters: the people running the timing, guiding the camel ride, and keeping you comfortable are part of why the trip feels smooth.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This trip is best for you if:

• You want a two-day desert hit without a multi-day itinerary
• You like the idea of seeing Morocco beyond Fes, with real stops along the route
• You’re comfortable with early mornings and long driving hours
• You want a camel ride plus a tent camp night as part of the deal

You should think twice if:

• You strongly dislike long car days. The drive is a big chunk of the experience.
• You prefer to stay mostly in one region and avoid lots of moving around.

For couples, it can feel romantic because it’s private and you’re sharing a schedule. For small groups or students, it’s also a manageable length, and the private car setup helps.

Quick FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Fes desert tour?

It runs for about 2 days.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included, and you travel by private transportation.

What meals are included, and what should I budget for lunch?

Dinner and breakfast are included. Lunches and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to budget for meals during the Day 1 lunch stop.

Do I get a camel ride and sunrise in the desert?

Yes. The plan includes a camel driver and time to enjoy the sunrise in the Moroccan Sahara, plus a camel ride.

Do we spend the night in a tent camp?

Yes. The schedule includes an overnight in a tent camp after dinner on Day 1.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What kind of ticket and confirmation do I get?

You receive a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at the time of booking.

Should you book this Fes desert tour?

If you want a fast but full desert experience, this is a strong option. The combination of hotel pickup from Fez, planned stops en route, and the Sahara segment with sunrise plus camel ride is exactly the kind of itinerary that feels worth the early mornings.

Book it if you’re okay with a long drive and you like the idea of building the desert experience step by step. Skip it only if you want minimal time on the road. If you can handle that, you’ll come away with two days that feel like Morocco in motion, not one photo moment in the sand.