Fes: 2-Day Desert Tour to Fes or Marrakech
Kasbah of Marrakesh, Marrakech
Experience the scenic beauty of the Middle Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert on a 2-day group tour from Fes to Erg Chebbi. See Berber villages, ride a camel, and spend the night at a desert camp.
Overview
This 2-day guided desert tour from Fes to Merzouga offers a camel trek, desert camp overnight, and scenic drives through the Middle Atlas Mountains, suited for adventure and nature enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Drive through a cedar forest and see resident Barbary macaque monkeys
- Ride a camel across the Sahara Desert dunes
- Watch the sunrise over the desert
- Overnight stay in a Berber desert camp
Itinerary
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Oasis – Merzouga Desert
Pickup is at 7:45 AM from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Fes. The journey heads south through the Middle Atlas Mountains toward the Sahara.
Stop in Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture and clean streets, where you can explore briefly and photograph the stone lion statue.
Next, visit the cedar forest in Azrou to see Barbary macaque monkeys in their natural habitat. Interaction with the monkeys is possible but do so carefully.
Continue through scenic landscapes and Berber villages to Midelt for an optional lunch break (not included).
Drive along the Ziz River through the palm-filled Ziz Valley before arriving in Merzouga near the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Depending on arrival time, relax at a local kasbah or begin a 50-minute camel trek across the dunes at sunset.
Arrive at the desert camp, check into your tent, and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner followed by music around the campfire.
Tent options include shared tents for up to 4 people, private standard tents with ensuite bathroom, or private luxury tents with ensuite bathroom.
Day 2: Merzouga – Return to Fes or Marrakech
Wake early to walk on the dunes and watch the sunrise behind the massive sand dunes. Return to camp for breakfast and preparation for your departure.
The route back passes through Berber villages, the 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,' and the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka Pass if continuing to Marrakech.
The drive to Marrakech takes approximately 10 hours with fewer stops; a more relaxed 3- or 4-day option is available.
Travel time from Merzouga to Fes is about 7 hours.
What’s Included
- Transport by air-conditioned 4WD vehicle or minibus
- Professional driver
- Breakfast and dinner
- Camel ride in the desert
- One night stay in a desert camp
- Note: The 2-day transport-only option excludes overnight stay and activities
What’s Excluded
- Lunches
- Drinks and bottled water
- Tips
Important Information
- For last-minute bookings, specify if the return is to Fes or Marrakech on day 2.
- Expect long travel times: approximately 10 hours from Marrakech to Merzouga, 7 hours from Merzouga to Fes.
- Weather can vary widely: hot days in summer and cold nights in winter.
- Cell service and Wi-Fi coverage may be limited; share your itinerary with someone before departing.
- Luxury camp upgrades and quad bike activities are paid separately per person.
- Vehicle air conditioning may not be evenly distributed during summer; consider bringing a small personal fan to stay comfortable.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
Booking Tips
Book early to secure your preferred tent type. Bring suitable clothing for temperature extremes and closed shoes for camel rides and desert walks. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn for moderate weather.
