2 Days Desert Trip from fes to Merzouga

Experience the Moroccan Desert in Just 2 Days: Fes to Merzouga Tour Review

Travelers searching for an authentic desert adventure often turn to Morocco’s iconic Merzouga dunes. This 2-day Fes to Merzouga tour promises a quick yet memorable escape into the Sahara, with highlights like camel rides, sunset and sunrise views, and scenic drives through the Atlas Mountains. While we haven’t personally taken this journey, detailed reviews and the itinerary paint a compelling picture of what you can expect.

What we love most about this tour is its combination of natural beauty—from the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas to the dramatic Ziz Gorges—and the personalized touch offered by knowledgeable guides. The inclusive meals and well-organized itinerary make it a great value for those wanting an immersive desert experience without breaking the bank. One potential consideration is the limited time—it’s a quick trip, so if you’re seeking a more leisurely pace, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour is perfect for travelers eager to see Morocco’s diverse landscapes, enjoy a camel trek, and experience the Sahara’s magic in a short period. It suits those on a tight schedule or first-time visitors looking for a snapshot of Morocco’s desert charm, especially if they appreciate guided insights and scenic drives.

Key Points

• Authentic landscapes: Experience scenic views from the Atlas Mountains to the Ziz Valley.
• Comfortable logistics: Pickup and mobile tickets simplify planning.
• Cultural highlights: Cedar forests with Barbary apes, volcanic rock formations, and the desert dunes.
• Value for money: Includes breakfast and dinner, with flexible cancellation.
• Authentic desert experience: Camel rides, sunsets, and sunrises over the dunes.
• Guided insights: Knowledgeable guides who enhance the journey with local information.

A Balanced Look at the 2-Day Fes to Merzouga Tour

This two-day adventure offers a solid overview of Morocco’s varied scenery—from lush cedar forests to the vast, rolling sands of the Sahara. The journey begins with a pickup at Fes Sais International Airport, making it convenient for travelers arriving or staying nearby, and the tour operates from early in the morning to late evening.

Day 1: From Fes to the Atlas and Ziz Valley

The first day focuses on the Middle Atlas Mountains, a highlight for nature lovers. The stop at the cedar forest is especially notable; if you’re lucky, you might spot some Barbary apes swinging through the trees, as confirmed by reviewers who enjoyed the 20-minute free admission stop. The scenery here is lush and green, a stark contrast to the desert ahead.

Traveling through the Tizi-n-Talremt Pass offers sweeping views of the mountains and valleys. The route then takes you through the Ziz Valley, renowned for its large palm groves lining the valley floor. This part of the journey is often praised for its spectacular landscape—the perfect backdrop for photos or simply soaking in the natural beauty. Reviewers mention that the guides are attentive and knowledgeable, sharing local insights during these stops.

Day 2: From the Desert to Fes via Scenic Gorges

On the second day, the focus shifts to the Ziz Gorges, carved through volcanic rock, offering stunning views of narrow, winding canyons. This area is often highlighted as the most visually impressive part of the trip, with reviewers noting the volcanic formations and dramatic cliffs.

Continuing through the Middle Atlas Mountains, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive that offers numerous opportunities for photographs and contemplation. The final stretch takes you back to Fes, with an estimated 20-minute stop that allows travelers to appreciate the viewpoints before concluding the trip.

Meals and Included Amenities

The tour provides breakfast and dinner, which are crucial for sustaining energy during the long days of travel. While reviews don’t specify menu details, the inclusion of meals is particularly convenient for travelers trying to streamline their plans. Notably, lunch is not included, so packing snacks or planning ahead is recommended.

Transportation and Group Size

Since this is a private tour, your group will enjoy a personalized experience—no large bus or crowded atmosphere here. The transportation details aren’t specified, but the reviews and itinerary suggest comfortable, private vehicle travel, which enhances the overall experience.

Guides and Local Insights

Reviewers praise guides like Karim for their fluency in Spanish and attentive service. One reviewer even mentions how Karim “was always ready to answer questions,” and others appreciated how the guides shared local anecdotes and helped make the journey more engaging. This personal touch makes a significant difference, especially in unfamiliar landscapes.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

One of the standout features of this tour is the camel ride into the dunes, which many reviews confirm as a highlight. The sunset and sunrise over the dunes are often described as “breathtaking,” offering that iconic Sahara moment travelers dream of. It’s worth noting that these experiences are included, giving you a genuine feel of desert life.

The scenic drive through the volcanic rock gorges and lush valleys provides ample opportunities for photography and quiet reflection. Reviewers mention that the views of the Ziz Gorge are “spectacular,” and you’ll likely want to bring a camera or smartphone fully charged.

While most travelers found the meals satisfying and the guide attentive, some have noted minor issues, such as language barriers—most guides do speak Spanish well, but some reviewers found difficulties with communication in other languages. It’s advisable to clarify your language preferences beforehand.

Value for Money

At $352.37 per person, this tour offers a lot of value, especially considering the meals, guided insights, and scenic stops included. The flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance** adds peace of mind. For travelers wanting an authentic desert adventure without extensive planning, this tour provides a straightforward way to tick Morocco’s Sahara off your bucket list.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for first-timers to Morocco who want a guided, all-inclusive experience with breathtaking scenery. It also suits those on a tight schedule, since it offers a quick but rundown of Morocco’s landscapes. The private nature means you’ll have a more personalized service, which can be especially appreciated by couples or small groups.

It’s best suited for travelers who value scenic drives, cultural insights, and sunset views, and who are comfortable with a roughly 2-day schedule that covers a lot of ground.

The Sum Up

This 2-day Fes to Merzouga desert tour combines Morocco’s rugged mountains, lush valleys, and the iconic Sahara sands into a compact package. With expert guides, scenic stops, and authentic desert experiences, it offers excellent value and a taste of Moroccan diversity. The inclusion of meals, flexible cancellation, and private transport make it accessible and convenient for many travelers.

While it might not be a leisurely, multi-day adventure, it excels at providing a balanced, immersive snapshot of Morocco’s landscapes and culture. If you’re short on time but eager for a memorable desert escape, this tour could be just what you need to tick Morocco’s Sahara off your travel list.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup is included, starting from Fes Sais International Airport, which makes planning easier and more seamless.

What is the duration of the trip?
The total experience lasts about 2 days, with the itinerary covering scenic drives, stops, and the desert experience.

Are meals included?
Breakfast and dinner are included, but lunch is not, so you may want to bring snacks or plan for lunch on your own.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages do the guides speak?
Most guides, including Karim, speak Spanish fluently, and reviews praise their attentiveness and knowledge. Communication in other languages may vary.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?
While not explicitly stated, the scenic nature and active elements like camel rides make it generally suitable for families, provided children are comfortable with the schedule.

What are the main highlights of this trip?
Expect scenic drives through mountains and gorges, the cedar forest with Barbary apes, camel rides into the dunes, and stunning sunset and sunrise views over the Sahara.

Are the stops at natural landmarks worth it?
Absolutely. Travelers consistently mention the Ziz Gorge and the cedar forests as highlights, thanks to their spectacular scenery.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s perfect for adventure seekers, first-time visitors, or those pressed for time but eager to experience Morocco’s desert landscapes and mountains.

This tour offers a practical, scenic, and enriching way to experience Morocco’s diverse landscapes—especially for first-time desert explorers or travelers with a packed schedule.