2 Days Tour From Fes To Marrakech Via Merzouga Desert

Travelers looking to connect the dots between Morocco’s vibrant cities and vast Sahara dunes often turn to multi-day tours. This 2-day Fes to Marrakech adventure via Merzouga Desert offers an enticing mix of desert experiences, mountain vistas, and cultural highlights without breaking the bank. While it’s a short trip, it packs in enough to give you a genuine taste of Morocco’s diverse landscapes.

What we love about this tour is its accessible price point of $152.28 per person, the organized pickup service, and the chance to experience both the desert and mountain scenery in just a weekend. It’s designed for travelers who want a quick, budget-friendly overview of Morocco’s contrasts, ideal for those with limited time or a flexible schedule. A potential drawback? The group size is small, which means some parts—like the camel ride—might feel a bit rushed or obligatory. Still, it’s a solid choice for adventurous travelers who want authenticity without fuss.

This tour is best suited for young explorers, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to see Morocco’s desert and mountain worlds in a compact trip. If you’re after a laid-back journey with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of local life, this one’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just over $150, it offers good value for a two-day packed itinerary.
• Small Group Experience: With a maximum of 8 travelers, you’ll likely get more personalized attention.
• Diverse Stops: From cedar forests and mountain gorges to Sahara dunes, the route showcases Morocco’s landscape variety.
• Authentic Desert Experience: Camel rides and camping in desert tents provide a classic Sahara adventure.
• Limited Free Time: The tight schedule means some stops might feel rushed or limited in exploration.
• Booking Lead Time: It’s popular enough to be booked around 44 days in advance, so plan early.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Day 1: From Fes to the Sahara

The journey begins early, with pickup from your accommodation around 7:30 am—perfect for beating traffic and setting a steady pace. The drive takes you through a series of scenic and culturally significant stops, each adding to the narrative of Morocco’s diverse geography.

First, you’ll pass through Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its alpine-style architecture and clean, green spaces. Then, you’ll enter Azrou’s cedar forests, home to wild monkeys and towering trees—an unusual sight in Morocco’s generally arid landscape. This stop appeals to nature lovers and adds a natural touch to the trip.

Midelt is your lunch stop, where local eateries serve traditional Moroccan fare, giving you a taste of regional cuisine. After lunch, the route continues through Errachidia Ziz valley, renowned for its lushness in contrast to the surrounding desert, and onward to Erfoud and Rissani, historic towns that hint at Morocco’s desert trade routes and ancient culture.

The highlight arrives when you reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Here, a camel guide will await to take you across the dunes. The camel ride is a classic Morocco experience, but one reviewer noted it’s not strictly essential, suggesting it’s more for travelers’ photo ops and supporting local camel herders. Arriving at your desert camp, you’ll settle into tents—an experience that feels both rustic and magical—and enjoy dinner under the stars.

Day 2: From the Desert to Marrakech

Waking up in the Sahara is a highlight—nothing beats sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, you’ll walk the camels back to the starting point, then head toward the mountains and gorges for a change of scenery. The mountain gorge offers striking views, perfect for photos and a moment of reflection.

Next, the visit to Fint Oasis provides an insight into traditional Berber life and lush green palms amid rugged terrain. The journey continues along the Tizi-n-Tichka road, one of Morocco’s most scenic mountain passes, winding through the Atlas Mountains, with breathtaking vistas at every turn.

Your arrival in Marrakech happens in the afternoon, capping a whirlwind trip that balances desert serenity, natural beauty, and culture.

Practical Aspects and Insights

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses comfortable transportation suitable for group travel, with pickup offered from your accommodation—making logistics simple. The maximum group size is 8, which strikes a balance between intimacy and shared adventure. The timing is structured to maximize scenery and experiences, but keep in mind the long driving hours, so be prepared for a busy schedule.

Price and Value

At $152.28 per person, this tour provides decent value, especially considering the included stops, camel ride, and overnight camping. However, some travelers might find the camel ride optional, as one review pointed out, emphasizing that it’s more for tourist experience than necessity. It also includes group discounts and mobile tickets, which streamline the process.

Booking and Flexibility

Most travelers book about 44 days in advance, indicating its popularity. The flexible cancellation policy (free cancellation up to 24 hours before) adds peace of mind for those wary of last-minute changes.

Authentic Experiences and Potential Drawbacks

Based on reviews, the experience offers genuine moments like the desert camp and mountain vistas. One reviewer mentioned that despite the trip’s good organization, the camel ride felt somewhat obligatory and was mainly a way to support local camel drivers. This is worth considering if you’re not keen on riding camels but still want the desert experience.

Another point to note is the scenic variety—from cedar forests to sea of dunes—which makes the trip visually rewarding. Yet, due to the tight schedule, some stops might feel brief, and you might wish for more time to wander or explore.

The Sum Up

This 2-day tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga offers an affordable, compact way to see some of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate natural scenery, cultural stops, and a taste of the Sahara without the need for extensive planning or high costs.

You’ll love the diversity of scenery—mountains, oasis, dunes—and the feeling of camping under the stars. The small group size and organized pickup make logistics straightforward, adding to the overall ease of the trip.

However, travelers should be prepared for long hours of driving, some stops that may feel rushed, and the touristy nature of camel rides. Overall, it’s a practical choice for adventurers eager to combine desert magic with mountain beauty in a short timeframe.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all travelers? Yes, most travelers can participate, but be prepared for long drives and a busy schedule. Service animals are allowed.

What is included in the price? The price covers transportation, hotel pickup, camel ride, overnight desert camp, and some meals.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, allowing flexibility.

How long is the entire experience? The tour lasts approximately 2 days, with about 7 hours of active travel each day, plus stops.

Is the camel ride necessary? No, it’s mainly for the experience and to support local camel drivers; some may find it optional.

What should I pack? Pack comfortable clothing, sun protection, and a camera. Nights in the desert can be cool, so bring layers.

Will I get to see Marrakech? The tour concludes in Marrakech in the afternoon of the second day, giving a brief but scenic introduction to the city.

Are meals included? Breakfast is included at the desert camp; other meals depend on your arrangements during stops.

What are the highlights of the trip? The desert camp, sunrise over the dunes, mountain gorges, and the scenic Tizi-n-Tichka pass.

Is it worth the price? For the value of seeing diverse landscapes and experiencing the Sahara on a budget, yes. It offers a solid overview in a short time.

Considering the balance of scenery, cultural stops, and affordability, this trip is a practical choice for travelers eager to experience Morocco’s contrasting landscapes without a long or expensive trek. Just bring an open mind and a love for scenery—that’s what makes this journey memorable.