Shared Group Fez To Marrakech via Merzouga Desert Tour 2 Days

Exploring Morocco’s Sahara: A 2-Day Fez to Marrakech Desert Adventure

Thinking about crossing the Moroccan desert in style? This Shared Group Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert Tour promises an adventure-packed experience filled with spectacular landscapes, cultural encounters, and unforgettable moments. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed itineraries reveal a tour that’s both well-organized and genuinely immersive.

What we especially love about this tour are the diverse stops along the way, the authentic desert experience with camel treks and Berber folklore, and the value for money offered at its price point of around $493.81 per person. That said, it’s a long journey—about 2 days of travel—and the drive can be tiring, especially if the group is large or if you’re sensitive to long bus rides.

This tour is best suited for travelers craving a balanced combination of scenic drives, culture, and desert adventure. If you’re looking for a more relaxed or luxury experience, you might want to consider variant options, but for those wanting a taste of real Morocco in a manageable timeframe, this trip hits the mark.

Key Points

• Authentic Sahara Experience: Camel rides at sunset and sunrise, campfire folklore, and starry nights ensure an immersive desert stay.
• Diverse Stops: From Ifrane’s alpine town to cedar forests and Erfoud, each stop offers something unique.
• Expert Guides & Drivers: Many reviews highlight friendly, knowledgeable guides like Tarik, Aziz, and Badr who enhance the trip with fascinating insights.
• Good Value for Money: The combination of transportation, activities, meals, and overnight stays for under $500 offers solid value.
• Long but Scenic Drive: The journey includes engaging stops and varied landscapes, making the long hours part of the adventure.
• Limited Group Size: With a maximum of two travelers, the tour feels intimate and flexible.

The Route Breakdown: What to Expect

Day 1: From Fez to Merzouga

The adventure kicks off early at 7:30 am with a pickup from your hotel or riad in Fez. The drive is anything but boring—this route is considered one of the most scenic ways to experience Morocco’s diverse geography.

First stop: Ifrane, often called the “Swiss of Morocco” due to its alpine charm and ski slopes, offers a cool and refreshing contrast to the desert ahead. Here, the crisp air and tidy streets set a peaceful tone, and many reviewers mention how charming this town is. Expect to stretch your legs and take some photos before heading into the cedar forests, home to playful monkeys and lush greenery.

Next: Midelt, a popular stopping point for lunch, where you can enjoy Moroccan cuisine or simply relax with some local snacks. The reviews praise the stops here for their convenience and scenic value—it’s a perfect spot to re-energize for the last leg.

The journey continues through the Ziz Valley, renowned for its lushness and striking river views. Many mention the drive as a highlight—the changing landscapes keep the scenery interesting, from rocky mountains to verdant plains.

Final stop before the desert: Erfoud, known as the “Door to the Sahara,” where you might see date palms and some local crafts. Arriving in Merzouga, you’ll transfer your luggage to the hotel before heading into the dunes for the camel trek.

Camel Trekking & Desert Camp

The highlight of Day 1 is the camel ride, which lasts about 45 minutes and offers a peaceful way to take in sunset views. Reviewers, such as those describing the trip as “magical,” emphasize how riding the camels at sunset creates an almost surreal experience. You’ll arrive at your desert camp, where Berber music, fire pits, and storytelling create a warm, authentic atmosphere.

Dinner under the stars is a feature many guests rave about. The campfire folklore performance adds cultural depth, making it more than just sleeping in tents. Travelers often mention the cool desert air and the stunning night sky as truly special moments.

Day 2: Sunrise, Ait Ben Haddou, and Marrakech

Waking early to watch the sunrise over the dunes offers a peaceful, breathtaking moment that many reviews describe as unforgettable. After the dawn camel ride, you’ll return to your riad for breakfast and a quick shower before hitting the road again.

The drive from Merzouga to Marrakech includes a significant stop at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient kasbah is famous for its striking architecture and has been featured in numerous movies. Many reviewers highlight the opportunity to explore its narrow alleys and take stunning photos, making it a worthwhile cultural highlight.

After Ait Ben Haddou, the journey continues with a lunch break en route, providing a chance to sample Moroccan dishes and recharge. The drive features varied landscapes, and reviewers mention how Aziz and other guides make the long hours enjoyable with engaging commentary.

Finally, arriving in Marrakech in the evening marks the end of the tour, with transfer to your accommodation. The 11-hour day is packed but rewarding, with many travelers describing it as a “long but beautiful” drive.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour covers many essentials. You’ll enjoy comfortable transportation with A/C, driven by experienced guides like Tarik, Aziz, or Badr. Meals are included — breakfast in Merzouga and a traditional dinner under the stars — making the desert camping experience even more special.

The camel rides—both sunset and sunrise—are core highlights, with knowledgeable guides ensuring safety and fun. The overnight stay in a standard desert camp offers a cozy, authentic atmosphere, perfect for soaking in the desert’s silence and starry skies.

What’s not included? Personal items, lunch, and a local guide are extra, so plan accordingly. Many reviews mention bringing extra snacks or drinks to enjoy during stops, and some appreciate the opportunity to explore on their own.

Transportation & Group Size

Travel time is approximately 7 hours on Day 1 and 11 hours on Day 2, but the stops are well-timed to prevent fatigue. The group size is limited to just two travelers, which makes for a more personalized experience—reviewers consistently note the guides’ friendliness and attentiveness.

The professional driver often acts as a guide, answering questions in multiple languages and sharing insights about the landscapes and local culture. Many reviewers mention how the drivers like Aziz, Momo, or Mohammed go above and beyond, making the long drives enjoyable with their cheerful personalities.

Authentic Experiences & Cultural Highlights

Beyond the scenery, this trip offers genuine cultural encounters. The Berber folklore show around the campfire is a favorite, giving travelers a taste of traditional music and storytelling. Reviewers mention the kindness of the desert people and the local guides, who are eager to share their way of life.

One reviewer praised Tarik, describing him as “VIP,” for his storytelling and respect for traditions. Others note how the stops at Ifrane and cedar forests are surprisingly charming, breaking the desert monotony with lush, cool environments.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

At just under $500, this tour packs a lot into two days. Included are transportation, meals, camel rides, and an overnight desert camp—many reviewers feel they received excellent value for what they paid. The reviews repeatedly mention the professionalism of the guides, the delicious food, and the scenic variety as making this a worthwhile experience.

While the long hours might not suit everyone, the stops and cultural insights help justify the travel time. Plus, with a small group size, travelers can enjoy more flexibility and personal attention.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This 2-day trip from Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga is ideal for those seeking a culturally rich, scenic, and authentic desert adventure. If you’re comfortable with long drives but want a well-structured itinerary featuring camel rides, desert camping, and iconic sights like Ait Ben Haddou, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate small group experiences, engaging guides, and genuine Moroccan hospitality. Budget-conscious travelers will find this trip offers great value, thanks to inclusive meals, transport, and memorable activities.

However, keep in mind that the schedule is packed, and the journey is lengthy—so patience and an appetite for adventure will serve you well. For anyone keen on exploring Morocco’s diverse landscapes and experiencing the Sahara in an accessible, organized way, this tour offers a truly memorable two days.

FAQs

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
The tour starts at 7:30 am, so plan to be ready at your hotel or riad a little before this time to avoid missing the pickup.

What’s included in the price?
You get transportation with A/C, a professional driver, breakfast and dinner in Merzouga, camel rides (sunset and sunrise), and one night in a standard desert camp.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are not refundable.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the long hours on the road and the physical activity involved in camel riding and camping when traveling with children or elderly.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, sun protection, a hat, and some extra snacks or drinks for the stops. A camera is a must for capturing the stunning scenery.

How many people will be in my group?
The maximum group size is two travelers, making for a more personalized and flexible experience.

Are meals vegetarian or special dietary options available?
The tour includes meals, but specific dietary requirements aren’t mentioned. It’s best to inquire directly with the provider if you have special needs.

What is the accommodation like?
You’ll sleep in a standard desert camp, which offers a cozy, authentic Moroccan camp experience with basic amenities.

In summary, this Shared Group Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert Tour offers an excellent blend of adventure, culture, and scenery at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for travelers eager for a taste of Morocco’s Sahara without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. Be prepared for long drives, but rest assured that the stops, guides, and memories make every mile worthwhile.