Fes desert tour 2 days

Exploring Morocco’s Sahara in Just Two Days: A Detailed Look at the Fez Desert Tour

Travelers seeking a quick escape from city life often dream of the vast Sahara and the charm of Berber culture. This Fes desert tour 2 days offers an immersive experience that balances comfort, adventure, and authentic encounters—all within a manageable timeframe. While it’s not a comprehensive desert expedition, it packs in enough memorable moments to make it a worthwhile choice for those short on time but eager for a taste of Morocco’s iconic desert landscapes.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the comfortable transportation via air-conditioned minivan ensures you’ll travel in style and ease—no long, uncomfortable drives here. Second, the opportunity to sleep in traditional Berber-style tents adds a genuine touch of desert life, far from the usual hotel chain experience. Third, the chance to interact with local Berber families, sharing tea and stories, transforms this from a sightseeing trip into a meaningful cultural exchange.

One potential downside? The tight schedule means you’ll be on the move for roughly 18 hours across two days, which might feel rushed for some. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or more time exploring each stop, this could be a consideration. Still, for travelers looking for an immersive yet time-efficient desert escape, it hits the right notes.

This tour is perfect for those who want an authentic Sahara experience without the lengthy time commitment or hefty price tag. If your goal is a snapshot of Morocco’s desert and Berber culture, along with memorable moments like sunrise camel rides and tent camping, this tour fits the bill.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Sleep in private Berber-style tents and meet local nomadic families.
• Comfortable Travel: Transport is via air-conditioned minivan, with round-trip hotel transfers.
• Rich Itinerary: From the Middle Atlas mountains to the Sahara dunes, with stops in Ifrane, cedar forests, and Ziz Valley.
• Value for Money: At $235.11, it offers a lot of memorable experiences and cultural insights.
• Well-Reviewed: With a perfect 5.0/5 rating based on 15 reviews, many travelers deem it a highlight of their Morocco trip.
• All-Inclusive: Breakfast, dinner, camel trek, and camping are included, making it straightforward and stress-free.

In-Depth Look at the Fes Desert Tour 2 Days

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure kicks off early at 7:30 am from Sais Airport in Fez, with pickup included, meaning you don’t need to worry about organizing transport. The journey is comfortably handled in an air-conditioned minivan, which is especially appreciated given Morocco’s varied climate and the long drive ahead. Being part of a private tour means your group has exclusive access, making it more flexible and intimate compared to larger group excursions.

Day 1: From Fez to Merzouga

The route is carefully planned to maximize scenic views and cultural stops. The trip begins with a drive southeast through the Middle Atlas mountain range, an area filled with lush cedar forests and quaint mountain towns. The first notable stop is Ifrane, often called “Morocco’s Switzerland” for its Alpine-style architecture and cool climate. Here, you might find the atmosphere surprisingly different from the desert ahead.

Next, you’ll visit the cedar forest of Azrou, where some travelers have seen Barbary apes—an unexpected wildlife encounter amidst the mountains. Continuing through Errashidia, you’ll notice the landscape gradually transforming; hints of desert start to appear, especially as you pass through Midlet and the Ziz Valley, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and palm groves.

Lunch is typically served en route, giving you a chance to savor local flavors and enjoy the scenery. Reviewers mention that the stops are well-paced, allowing enough time to stretch and appreciate the views without feeling rushed. The entire day involves roughly 10 hours of travel, but the highlights make this long journey worthwhile.

Day 2: From Merzouga to Fez

The real highlight of the second day is the camel trek at dawn—a sunrise ride through the towering dunes that many describe as one of the most breathtaking moments of their trip. The guide and camel handler will wake you up early, so you can witness the desert waking up with striking colors and peaceful silence.

After the camel ride, a breakfast at the campsite prepares you for the journey back. You’ll leave the Sahara behind and retrace your route through Errashidia and the Ziz Valley, offering new perspectives on the landscape. The return trip takes about 8 hours, with several photo stops along the way.

What You’ll Stay In

The accommodation at the desert camp is in private Berber-style tents, providing a cozy yet authentic experience. Reviewers have noted that the tents are clean and private, and the campsite has a traditional vibe that enhances the desert adventure. Sharing tea with local nomadic families further enriches your understanding of Berber life—an experience many cherish.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes dinner, breakfast, camel trek, hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, and your night in the desert tents. The only extra cost to consider is lunch, which you might find enjoyable to explore local eateries along the route. Mineral water is provided during transport, adding a small touch of comfort.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

Cultural Encounters

Meeting a Berber family and sharing tea is a standout aspect, transforming this from just sightseeing into a genuine cultural exchange. Reviewers mention Aziz, the guide, as particularly accommodating and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience with local insights. Having a guide who can tailor stops to your interests makes all the difference.

Scenic Highlights

The drive itself is a highlight, with spectacular views of the Middle Atlas mountains, cedar forests, the changing landscape from lush greenery to arid desert, and the iconic sand dunes of Merzouga. The Sunrise camel ride is frequently praised as a must-do, offering a moment of serenity and awe.

Value and Affordability

At $235.11 per person, the tour covers most expenses—transport, accommodation, meals, and activities—making it a good deal for an all-inclusive desert adventure. The reviews reinforce that many consider it a great value, especially given the personalized nature of the tour and the quality of experiences.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is the tight schedule—if you prefer leisurely exploration or more time at each stop, this may feel rushed. Also, the long hours in transit might be tiring for some, particularly if you’re not used to full days of travel. However, the scenic stops and the immersive experience tend to outweigh this for most travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventure travelers who want a snapshot of Morocco’s desert life without committing to a longer stay. It’s also great for those who value authentic cultural interactions, like meeting nomadic families, and aren’t bothered by a packed schedule. Budget-conscious travelers looking for a comprehensive experience at a reasonable price** will find this tour offers excellent value.

If you’re after a luxurious or slow-paced desert retreat, you might prefer a more extended, boutique-style excursion. But if your goal is to check off the Sahara from your Morocco itinerary with a mix of comfort and authenticity, this is a strong choice.

The Sum Up

This Fes desert tour 2 days strikes a compelling balance between adventure, comfort, and cultural authenticity. It offers a well-rounded introduction to Moroccan desert life, with highlights like camel rides, Berber hospitality, and scenic mountain vistas, all at an accessible price point. The tour’s thoughtful itinerary captures the essence of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultures without feeling overly rushed.

For travelers who want a meaningful desert experience, this journey provides memorable moments—especially the sunrise camel trek—and genuine opportunities to connect with local Berber families. Its reviews underscore excellent value and overall satisfaction, making it a solid pick for those short on time but eager for a real taste of the Sahara.

While the schedule may suit most, those seeking more leisurely exploration or extended downtime might want to consider a longer or more relaxed option. Nevertheless, if you’re after an authentic, well-organized, and memorable desert adventure, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour begins at Sais Airport in Fez, with hotel pickup included, making it easy to start hassle-free.

How long is the driving in total?
The entire trip involves approximately 18 hours of travel over two days, split between the outbound journey and return.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast and dinner are included in the package, but lunch is not, giving you the chance to explore local eateries along the route.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
You’ll sleep in private Berber-style tents at a traditional desert campsite, offering an authentic overnight experience.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s near public transportation, but be prepared for a full schedule and some long drives.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility if needed.

This comprehensive review aims to equip you with all the necessary info to decide if this tour aligns with your travel style. It’s a fantastic way to experience Morocco’s Sahara in a short amount of time, blending adventure, cultural exchange, and comfort into one memorable journey.