2 days luxury desert trip [fes to fes or marakech]

Exploring Morocco’s Sahara in Just Two Days: A Balanced Look at the Fes to Fes Desert Trip

If you’re short on time but eager to tick off the Sahara from your Morocco itinerary, a 2-day luxury desert trip from Fes offers a unique peek into the vast sands and beautiful landscapes. This tour promises a mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic Berber experiences, all wrapped into a surprisingly manageable package.

What we love about this trip is how it combines stunning desert scenery with cultural highlights like camel trekking and Berber music. Plus, the journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes—alpine forests, mountain ranges, and towering dunes—is genuinely captivating. There’s also the chance to sleep under a starry sky in a private tent, which adds a magical touch to the adventure.

One thing to keep in mind is that the trip involves a fairly long drive each way—about 8 hours on the journey to Merzouga and back—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with long road trips. While luxury and comfort are emphasized, some may find the travel hours a bit tiring, especially if they prefer more leisurely paces.

This experience suits travelers craving an authentic Sahara adventure without the time commitment of a week-long tour. If you’re looking for a snapshot of desert life with comfort, great scenery, and a dash of adventure, this tour hits the spot.

Key Points

• Value-packed short desert experience that balances comfort with adventure.
• Scenic routes through the Atlas Mountains and cedar forests offer more than just sand dunes.
• Camel trekking and desert camping are highlights that create lasting memories.
• Long travel hours are inevitable but can be mitigated with good guides and scenic stops.
• Luxury tents with bathrooms in the desert camp add a touch of comfort to the overnight stay.
• Authentic cultural moments, such as Berber music, enrich the journey.

The Itinerary: What to Expect Each Step of the Way

Day 1: From Fes to the Sahara

Your adventure kicks off early in the morning, around 7:30 am, with a pickup from your hotel or Riad in Fes. From there, the journey begins with a scenic drive through Morocco’s diverse landscapes. The first major stop is Ifrane, often called “Morocco’s Switzerland,” thanks to its alpine-style architecture. Here, the cool mountain air and quaint streets provide a refreshing change from the bustling city.

Next, you’ll explore the cedar forests near Azrou, where Barbary macaques often make an appearance. Reviewers mention that spotting these monkeys adds a fun wildlife touch to the trip—”contented macaques” who seem unbothered by travelers. It’s one of those little moments you’ll remember long after.

The highlight of this day is the camel trek to the desert camp, which takes about 90 minutes. Guided by experienced Berber guides, you’ll ride camels over the towering dunes, soaking in the vastness of Erg Chebbi. Many reviewers rave about the photo opportunities, sunset views, and the feel of riding a camel in the desert—”incredible pictures” and “a truly magical experience” are common sentiments.

In the evening, you’ll arrive at a traditional Berber tent, surrounded by giant dunes. Here, you’ll relax with traditional Berber music and enjoy a carefully prepared dinner. The camp itself offers private tents with attached bathrooms, a big plus for comfort amid the wilderness. As night falls, the starlit sky is often described as breathtaking, with many guests mentioning gazing at stars “so close you could touch them.”

Day 2: Dawn in the Desert and Return to Fes

Waking up early allows you to witness the spectacular sunrise over the dunes—something many reviews highlight as a must-do moment. After breakfast, you’ll return your camels and prepare for the journey back through the Middle Atlas Mountains.

The route back includes scenic stops, providing opportunities to stretch, take photos, and reflect on your trip. Reviewers mention that the drive back is long (about 8 hours), but the changing landscapes—from desert sands to mountain forests—keeps it interesting. Some mention that bringing snacks and water is essential due to the length of the journey.

Expect a smooth transfer back to Fes, with most tours concluding in the evening. The entire experience, while intensive, offers a snapshot of Morocco’s contrasting environments—from lush forests and bustling cities to silent dunes and starry nights.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

Included:

• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is appreciated after long hours on the road.
• Camel trekking experience and overnight in a luxury desert camp.
• Dinner and breakfast—you’ll want to savor these, as reviewers frequently mention the quality and authenticity of the food.
• Sand skiing is sometimes offered, adding extra fun to the desert activities.
• Private tents with bathrooms provide a comfortable base in the dunes, a rarity for desert adventures.

Not Included:

• Lunch, so packing snacks or planning a stop for a meal along the way is advised.

Additional Info:

• The tour is designed for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 10, ensuring some personal attention.
• Pickup is offered from your hotel or riad, making logistics hassle-free.
• Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance—flexibility that’s always appreciated.

Authentic Experiences: What Travelers Are Saying

Many reviews praise the guides, especially mentioning knowledgeable drivers like Sami and Hussein, who go beyond just driving—they share stories and insights about Morocco’s history and culture. Visitors highlight the desert camp as surprisingly luxurious, with private bathrooms and good-quality food, which elevates this from a basic camping trip.

The camel rides are consistently described as “amazing” and “photo-worthy”, with some reviewers noting their guides took “incredible pictures”. The early morning sunrise over the dunes is another standout, often described as “breathtaking” and “worth waking up for”.

While the long road trip can be tiring—some mention exhausting hours on the bus—many consider it a small price to pay for such a unique desert experience. Several reviewers found the stops along the route, like Ifrane and cedar forests, to be delightful additions that break up the journey nicely.

However, a few guests expressed disappointment over logistics or organization, especially regarding pick-up points or group sizes. Some felt the trip was too crowded or not as “luxury” as advertised, but these sentiments are in the minority.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring warm clothing for early mornings and evenings, as desert temperatures can drop.
• Pack snacks and water for the long drive—nothing beats having your favorites on hand.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and camel rides.
• Camera or smartphone is essential to capture those stunning dunes and mountain vistas.
• Be prepared for 8-10 hours of travel each way; good music, podcasts, or books can make the journey more enjoyable.
• Consider setting your expectations: this is a quick, scenic snapshot rather than an in-depth desert immersion. It’s perfect if you want a taste of Sahara life without a week-long commitment.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This 2-day luxury desert trip offers a practical, adventure-filled way to experience Morocco’s Sahara. You’ll love the scenic drives, authentic camp experience, and the chance to ride camels over the dunes—all at a reasonable price considering the inclusions.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want a well-organized, scenic escape with comfortable accommodations and cultural highlights. The long travel hours are a consideration, but many find the journey part of the adventure, with scenic stops to keep things interesting.

While it’s not the ideal choice for those seeking a relaxed, slow-paced trip, it’s perfect for adventure seekers and first-time desert visitors who want a memorable taste of Morocco’s iconic sands.

If you’re after an authentic yet comfortable desert experience packed into two days, this tour balances value and thrill—making it a popular choice to add Sahara highlights to your Moroccan adventure.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Fes to the desert?
The journey takes about 8 hours each way, with scenic stops along the way in Ifrane and cedar forests, making it manageable with good planning.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, camel trekking, overnight in a private tent with attached bathroom, dinner, and breakfast, plus sand skiing options.

Are the tents comfortable?
Yes, the tents are described as luxury, with private bathrooms, making the desert night’s sleep more pleasant than traditional camping.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, giving you some flexibility.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and reviews mention families with children enjoying the experience, especially the camel rides and star-gazing.

What should I bring?
Warm clothes for the desert mornings and evenings, snacks, water, comfortable shoes, and your camera for the unforgettable scenery.

This two-day trip combines adventure, comfort, and authentic Moroccan culture—perfect for those short on time but eager to experience the Sahara’s magic in a manageable, enjoyable way.