2 Days/1 Night Sahara Desert Trip: Fes – Merzouga – Fes

Exploring Morocco’s Sahara in Just Two Days: A Honest Review of the Fes to Merzouga Experience

Traveling through Morocco’s diverse landscapes often feels like flipping through a vibrant postcard gallery, and the 2 Days/1 Night Sahara Desert Trip promises to condense that magic into a compact adventure. While we haven’t personally taken this exact journey, reviews and detailed itineraries give us a solid picture of what travelers can expect. This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Morocco’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and desert mystique—all for around $142 per person, which is surprisingly reasonable considering what’s included.

What we love most about this trip? First, the chance to witness the scenic Middle Atlas mountains and lush forested areas, especially the Cedre Gouraud Forest with its friendly magot monkeys. Second, the camel ride at sunset—a classic desert experience—that’s both photogenic and peaceful. Third, the overnight stay in luxury tents with amenities like showers and private toilets, making desert camping surprisingly comfortable. The main potential drawback? The timing at stops can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want a more leisurely experience. But overall, it’s a fantastic option for those seeking a quick but authentic desert adventure.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a taste of the Sahara without sacrificing comfort, and who are okay with a packed schedule. It’s ideal for those arriving in Fez and craving a mix of cultural sightseeing and desert magic, especially if you’re short on time but still want to see the dunes and starry skies.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary combining natural beauty, culture, and adventure.
• Comfortable overnight stay in luxury desert tents with amenities.
• Authentic experiences like camel rides and sunset views.
• Short travel time from Fez, making this suitable for a weekend trip.
• Rushed stops noted by some reviewers, so be prepared for quick visits.
• Excellent value with included dinner, breakfast, and activities.

Introducing the Sahara Desert Trip from Fez

This tour offers a neat snapshot of Morocco’s stunning landscapes and cultural highlights, all wrapped into a manageable 2-day, 1-night package. It’s a popular choice for those who want to avoid overly long excursions but still crave the iconic Sahara experience. The tour begins in Fez, with a pickup, and takes you through some of Morocco’s most scenic spots before reaching the desert dunes of Merzouga.

While this tour isn’t designed for those seeking a leisurely, slow-paced exploration, it delivers a satisfying blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. The key is to go with realistic expectations—this is a quick snapshot, but one packed with memorable moments.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Fez to the Sahara

The journey starts early in Fez, with a pickup from a designated meeting point at Kasbat Boujloud, a lively square full of life and color. The drive heads south, first stopping in Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its Alpine-style architecture and cool mountain air. Here, we love how the small walk provides a first taste of Morocco’s varied scenery.

Next, the route takes you to Cedre Gouraud Forest—a highlight for nature lovers. According to reviews, the magot monkeys are quite friendly, and the photo opportunities are excellent. One traveler noted the experience of photographing these human-friendly monkeys was “enlightening and lovely,” making it a memorable stop.

Afterward, the tour continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains, with panoramic views that will have you reaching for your camera. The landscape is rugged yet inviting, and the photo stops allow you to appreciate the scale and beauty of Morocco’s highlands.

Lunch in Zaida provides a break, though it’s important to note that lunch isn’t included in the price—so bringing snacks or extra cash for a meal is advised. Then, it’s a four-hour drive to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara.

Once in Merzouga, the dune landscape is breathtaking. You’ll prepare for a camel ride at sunset, which many reviews highlight as the tour’s pièce de résistance. The dunes glow with warm hues at dusk, and the silence of the desert is nothing short of hypnotic. After the ride, guests settle into luxury tents—complete with showers, washbasins, and toilets—making the desert night surprisingly comfortable.

The evening features campfire music, dancing, and an opportunity to stargaze, which many reviewers describe as “unforgettable.” The tents are shared but offer privacy if you’re traveling as a group of two or more.

Day 2: Sunrise to Return

The early morning begins with sunrise in the dunes, often described as a “mesmerizing” experience for those who wake early enough. Breakfast follows, giving you energy for the journey back.

On the way back, the tour makes a stop at the Fossils Cooperative, where you can see and learn about Morocco’s fascinating fossil industry. Many travelers find this stop interesting, especially if you’re curious about geology or want a unique souvenir.

Afterward, a lunch break in Midelt is scheduled (again, not included), giving you a chance to reflect on your desert memories while fueling up for the drive back to Fez.

The return trip takes about three hours, with the entire experience wrapping up back in the city.

What Travelers Have Said

The tour has received a 4.5/5 rating from 12 reviews, with 92% recommending it. One reviewer, Toyin, called it “enlightening and lovely,” praising the good food, comfortable vehicle, and Sahara experience. They particularly appreciated the stops, which added variety and allowed for some stunning photos.

However, not all feedback was glowing. Jasmin pointed out that some stops felt “rushed,” especially the monkey forest, and they found the lunch options somewhat touristy and overpriced. She noted that timing could be tighter, which might bother travelers who prefer more relaxed pacing.

The reviews suggest that the trip offers excellent value, but travelers should be prepared for a full schedule and possibly quick transitions between stops.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Trip

• Bring snacks and water, especially for lunchtime, since it’s not included.
• Dress comfortably and appropriately—layers are best, as desert temperatures can vary.
• Arrive early for the pickup to ensure a smooth start.
• Prepare for quick stops—if you love photography, come ready to capture the landscape swiftly.
• Don’t expect luxury at every stop; the overnight tents are surprisingly comfortable but basic compared to luxury hotels.
• Carry extra cash for optional purchases at the Fossils Cooperative or meals during the stops.
• Be mindful of the timing—the schedule is packed, so plan your expectations accordingly.
• Book in advance, given the high demand—most travelers book about 3 weeks ahead.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This 2-day Sahara experience offers a well-rounded, value-packed adventure suitable for travelers eager to tick off the Sahara from their Morocco itinerary without the time commitment of longer tours. The highlights—camel rides, desert star-gazing, and stunning dunes—are genuinely memorable, especially when paired with comfortable accommodations and cultural stops.

If you’re someone who doesn’t mind a tight schedule and is looking for a great introduction to Morocco’s desert landscapes, this trip is a fantastic choice. It’s also best suited for those traveling from Fez, who want a quick escape into the desert without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

Be prepared for some rushed moments and a busy itinerary, but know that the experience is generally well-regarded and delivers on its promise of desert magic.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Fez to Merzouga?
Approximately four hours, with scenic stops along the way.

Is the overnight stay in the desert comfortable?
Yes, guests sleep in luxury tents equipped with showers, washbasins, and toilets, making the desert night cozy despite the setting.

Are meals included in the tour price?
Dinner and breakfast are included, but lunches are not, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring for the camel ride?
Comfortable clothing, sunglasses, a hat, and camera gear. A light jacket might be useful for early morning or evening.

Can I participate if I’m traveling alone?
Yes, the group size is limited to 15 travelers, and the tents are shared unless traveling as a group of two or more.

Is there any wildlife or natural scenery I should expect?
Absolutely. The forests and mountains provide lush views, and the dunes are iconic desert scenery.

What is the best time of year to take this trip?
The tour is available year-round, but spring and fall offer milder temperatures for desert activities.

How physically demanding is this trip?
It’s moderate—mainly involving some walking, camel riding, and vehicle travel. No strenuous hikes are required.

Are there any optional extras?
Not advertised, but souvenirs at the Fossils Cooperative are available for purchase.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the start date for a full refund.

This Morocco Sahara trip balances adventure with comfort, capturing the essence of the desert’s allure while respecting travelers’ time constraints. It’s perfect for explorers eager for a quick, picturesque escape into one of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes.