From Fes: 2 Day Round Trip Via Merzouga Desert & Camel Trek

This is an efficient trip that strings together mountain stops, Morocco’s famous Sahara dunes, and a night in a desert camp, all from Fes. I especially like how the day-to-night rhythm feels like a story, not just a long drive. In some runs, the guide and driver, like Ali, are called out as genuinely helpful and on top of the flow.

I’m drawn to two big parts: the camel ride at sunset and sunrise, and the cedar forest stop where you can spot the Barbary monkeys. The sunset camel trek is short and sweet at about 45 minutes, so it works even if you do not want a long, slow slog. You also get sandboarding, which turns the dunes into an activity, not a photo stop.

One thing to consider: this is a packed 2-day schedule with an early pickup at 7:30 am. If you hate early mornings or long road time, it may feel a bit intense, even though the pace is described as easy going.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Cedar forest + Barbary monkeys stop in the Middle Atlas, with time to observe and even feed
• Sunset and sunrise camel rides, so you get two different desert moods
• Erg Chebbi dunes experience, with a dedicated sunrise walk about 50 km from Merzouga
• Desert camp with dinner and a shower in Merzouga, not just a bare-bones sleep
• Sandboarding included, so you can try the dunes beyond sitting and watching
• Private or small groups up to 17, with a professional English, French, and other language driver

Why This Fes to Merzouga Route Feels Worth It

What makes this tour stand out is the way it mixes scenery and moments. You start in the Fes area with a real sense of Morocco beyond the medina vibe, then you pass through mountain towns, cedar forests, and finally the deep desert. You end up with the desert part you came for, but you also get enough variety to make the 2 days feel complete.

Price matters here. At about $108 per person for two days, you are paying for transport, guiding, two camel experiences, an overnight desert camp, and included meals. You are not just buying a camel ride. You are buying a managed route with activities, plus a ride back to Fes.

The other win is the tone. The tour is described as easy going and suitable for all ages. That matters in the Sahara, where “easy going” can still mean long days, but it signals the staff will try to keep it comfortable.

Day 1: The Middle Atlas Drive, Ifrane, Cedar Forests, and Ziz Valley

Your day begins with pickup around 7:30 am from your hotel or riad, or the closest accessible point if the vehicle cannot get to the door. After that, you spend the first part of the trip riding through Morocco’s Middle Atlas region toward Merzouga. This first leg is not random driving. The stops break up the trip and give you a few “Morocco in miniature” scenes before you hit the dunes.

Ifrane stop

Ifrane is known for its alpine style, and it feels like a palate cleanser from Fes. It also helps you reset your timing. Even if you just walk around for a short time, it is a change of pace that makes the later desert feel bigger.

Cedar forest and Barbary monkeys

Then comes one of the most memorable stops: Morocco’s cedar forests, where you can observe and feed the Barbary monkeys. This is a rare break from city scenery. It is also a useful mental checkpoint. After hours on the road, you get something active and a little wild, without committing to a big hike.

A small practical note: feeding animals usually comes with rules from staff. Pay attention to what you are told, keep your hands steady, and do not get too close if a monkey seems agitated. You want the moment, not a scramble.

Midelt for lunch and Erfoud for a final stretch

Next, you stop at Midelt for lunch (lunch is not included in the tour price), then you continue through the Ziz Valley and make another stop in Erfoud. Midelt functions as a scheduled reset, while the Ziz Valley is the visual reward. The valley area is described as lush and green, which makes the shift to desert the next day feel even more dramatic.

Arrival in Merzouga and the camel transfer

When you arrive in Merzouga, you transfer to your lodging so you can store your luggage. After that, the camels are waiting for your trek, about 45 minutes, timed for sunset. You ride out across sandy terrain, then head toward the nomad-style tents for dinner.

If you are trying to decide what to prioritize, I’d put it like this: Day 1 gives you the “how you get there” experience. Day 2 gives you the “why you came” experience. This split is what makes it work as a short trip.

Camel Trek, Sandboarding, and Your Desert Camp Night

The heart of the desert experience here is the camel ride at sunset. This is not presented as a survival-style camel journey. It is about enjoying the feel of the Erg Chebbi dunes while still keeping the schedule realistic for a 2-day trip.

Even with a shorter ride, you will feel the rhythm of camel travel: slower pace, more shifting sand underfoot, and a different angle on how big the dunes really are. If you are the type who only wants the desert for photos, the camel trek helps you see it as a place you move through, not just a backdrop.

Sandboarding: turning dunes into an activity

You also get sandboarding included. This is one of those “don’t overthink it” extras that can make the day more fun. You will spend less time waiting around for sunset, and you get to experience the slope and texture in a way that sitting and snapping photos cannot replicate.

If you have never tried it, start slowly and follow instructions. Sandboarding is straightforward, but the sand surface can surprise you, especially if you are tired.

Dinner under the stars, then a camp with basics

Overnight is in a standard desert camp in Merzouga area. Dinner is included, and you get that classic Sahara feeling, eating while the sky cools off and stars come out.

A very practical bonus in the inclusions: there is a shower in Merzouga included. Desert camps can vary a lot, and having that shower piece written into the package helps you feel human the next morning. You are still in the desert, so you should expect dust and dryness, but you will not be dealing with it for days.

If you cannot ride the camel

The tour is described as suitable for all ages, and it notes that if you cannot ride the camels, you can be transported by 4×4 vehicle to the campsite. That is an important comfort check if you have mobility concerns or just do not feel good on animals. You should confirm with the operator how this transfer is handled in your case, but the option exists.

Day 2: Sunrise Behind the Algerian Border and the Ziz Valley Return

Day 2 starts with an early push. You will rise early and take a walk across the dunes to watch the sunrise. The sunrise viewpoint is described as about 50 km away from Merzouga, and it is stated to be just behind the Algerian border.

This is one of those details that changes the quality of the moment. A sunrise inside the immediate Merzouga area can still be nice, but the extra distance suggests you are aiming for a specific vantage point. You get to see how light climbs the Erg Chebbi dunes, and you also get a rare early-morning stillness before the area fills with movement.

After sunrise, you head back toward Fes with another stop in the Ziz Valley. The tour mentions a lunch break here, and again lunch is not included, so plan to budget a meal. The Ziz Valley stop makes the return drive feel like a continuation, not a boring rewind. It also softens the emotional jump from desert calm back to the busier road.

Finally, you drop off at your hotel or riad in Fes, or at the nearest accessible point if the vehicle cannot enter your street.

Price and What You Really Get for About $108

At $108 per person for 2 days, you are paying for more than one activity. Your inclusions include comfortable air-conditioned transportation, a professional driver who can work in English, French, and other languages, and a live tour guide in multiple languages (French, English, Spanish).

The activity bundle is the bigger part of the value:

• Camel ride for sunset and sunrise experiences
• Sandboarding
• 1 night in a standard desert camp
• Breakfast and dinner
• Shower in Merzouga

Not included:

• lunches
• drinks
• personal items

So the real cost equation becomes: transportation plus guiding plus desert camp plus two camel experiences plus sandboarding, with meals that cover the key eating times. If you were to price those separately, the tour often looks like good value, especially if you do not want to coordinate transport across multiple regions on your own.

Also, the private or small-group option matters. If you book a private tour, you might get a more flexible experience with fewer people influencing timing and comfort. If you book a small group, you still keep the day from feeling like a crowded factory line.

Comfort, Timing, and Logistics That Actually Affect Your Day

This trip runs on schedule, and the schedule starts early. Pickup around 7:30 am is part of why you can fit Ifrane, cedar forests, Midelt, Erfoud, and then the desert camp into two days. If you are the type who likes to linger in the morning, plan to trade some of that for a better desert sunrise and a smoother overall flow.

Group size and how it feels

The tour notes private or small groups, up to 17 people. That is not tiny, but it is also not massive. You should expect everyone to move together at most stops, and you will likely have a few shared timing beats at the desert camp and sunrise viewing.

What to bring (this part matters in the desert)

The tour suggests:

• comfortable shoes
• a sun hat (and a hat in general)
• sunscreen
• comfortable clothes

I’d add a practical thought: even if you feel hot in the daytime, desert mornings can feel cooler than you expect. Bring layers you can handle without becoming a packing burden.

Also, remember that camels and sand are not the place for delicate footwear. Comfortable shoes and pants you can move in will make you happier.

The Human Factor: Guides Like Ali and Hassan Amiri

The included driver and guide quality can make or break a short tour. In this case, the experience has a strong reputation for friendly, helpful service. Guides like Ali and Hassan Amiri have been singled out for being supportive and good at keeping things organized.

That is not just nice to hear. On a 2-day trip, you need someone who can manage timing, help with small questions, and keep the group moving without rushing. If you like travel that feels guided but not stiff, this setup fits.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Might Hesitate

This is a great fit if:

• you want a classic Sahara experience without spending multiple nights in the desert
• you enjoy scenic road trips with scheduled stops, not just point-to-point transport
• you want activities (camel rides, sandboarding) built into the schedule
• you like early mornings if it means a real sunrise payoff

It may be less ideal if:

• you want a slow pace with lots of downtime
• you do not like early pickup times
• you strongly dislike long drives, since the route from Fes to Merzouga and back is a big part of the experience

One more thought: even though it is described as easy going, you should still accept that the desert day involves sand, sun, and basic camp conditions. If you want a resort, this is not that.

Should You Book This Fes to Merzouga Desert Trip?

Yes, if you want a well-paced 2-day way to reach Erg Chebbi, ride camels at sunset and sunrise, try sandboarding, and still see highlights like Ifrane and the cedar forest with Barbary monkeys. The price feels reasonable because it bundles transport, guiding, the overnight camp, and key activities.

If your main goal is ultra-relaxation or you are very sensitive to early starts, consider whether you would rather do a longer desert stay where the driving portion feels less intense. But for most people who want the Sahara without the extra days, this one is a strong choice.

FAQ

What time do you get picked up in Fes?

Pickup is around 7:30 am from your hotel or riad, or the closest accessible location if the vehicle cannot reach your door.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is 2 days.

Is it a private tour or a small group?

It can be private or a small group. Group size is listed as up to 17 people.

What languages are available with the guide?

A live tour guide is available in French, English, and Spanish.

What meals are included?

Breakfast and dinner are included, and the tour also includes a shower in Merzouga. Lunches are not included.

Is lunch included on either day?

No, lunches are not included.

How long is the camel ride?

The camel trekking experience is listed as around 45 minutes, for the sunset ride.

What if I cannot ride the camel?

If you cannot ride the camels, you can be transported by a 4×4 vehicle to the campsite.

Where do you watch the sunrise?

You watch sunrise from a location just behind the Algerian border, around 50 kilometers away from Merzouga.

Is sandboarding included?

Yes, sandboarding is included.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.