2 Days Fes Desert trip Overnight Erg chebbi End up Fes/Marrakech

Planning a trip to Morocco and craving an authentic Sahara experience? This 2-day Fes desert tour, ending in the sands of Erg Chebbi, has become a favorite for travelers seeking a blend of adventure, cultural flavor, and stunning scenery. While it’s a quick jaunt rather than a sprawling expedition, it packs enough highlights to leave a lasting impression.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the guided camel trek at sunset offers a quintessential Sahara moment. Second, the overnight stay in a Berber tent lets you sleep under the stars—an experience that’s hard to beat. Lastly, the scenic drive through mountains, cedar forests, and palm oases exposes you to Morocco’s incredible diversity, all at a reasonable price.

Of course, with a long trip from Fez, you might find the journey a bit tiring, especially if you prefer shorter travel days. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic road trips, cultural encounters, and don’t mind spending a significant part of the day on the road. If you’re looking for a quick Sahara fix without sacrificing authenticity, this tour is a great pick.

Key Points

• Authentic Sahara experience with camel riding and camping
• Beautiful scenic route through Morocco’s mountains and forests
• Multiple options for accommodations to suit different budgets
• Guides and drivers praised for their friendliness and knowledge
• Long travel hours but well-organized with interesting stops
• Great value for money considering meals, transport, and activities included

An Authentic 2-Day Moroccan Desert Adventure

This tour offers a compact yet meaningful taste of Morocco’s desert landscape, ideal for those who want to tick off a Sahara experience from their bucket list without taking extra days off. It’s designed for travelers who value culture, natural beauty, and logistical ease.

Starting from Fez at 7:30 am, the trip begins with a scenic drive into the Atlas Mountains. It’s a long day—roughly 9 hours of travel—so be prepared for a full-on road trip. However, what we love about this tour are the thoughtful stops along the way, which break up the journey and enrich the experience.

The Journey Through the Atlas and Beyond

One of the most loved parts of this trip is the route itself. You’ll cross the Atlas Mountains, passing through Ifrane, a peculiar ski resort built by the French in the 1930s to resemble a Swiss village. This quirky stop is a hit among travelers, serving as a refreshing change from Moroccan architecture and a fun photo opportunity.

Next, the cedar forests in Azrou are a standout. If you’re lucky, you might see the Barbary macaques that hang out among the trees—an unexpected delight for many. As one reviewer noted, “We saw monkeys in the cedar forest and even fed some,” creating a genuinely memorable wildlife encounter.

Midelt is the halfway point for lunch, a small town famous for fossils and rocks. It’s a practical stop to stretch legs, refuel, and enjoy a local meal before heading into the desert.

Reaching Merzouga and the Camel Trek

Arriving in Merzouga around 5 pm, the scenery shifts dramatically from lush forests to golden dunes. Your guide and camels will be waiting for you, ready for the iconic sunset camel ride. Expect about two hours on the camelback, during which you’ll witness the sun dipping behind the dunes—a postcard-perfect moment.

Travelers consistently praise the guides’ friendliness and expertise. Many mention that their guides, such as Said or Mustafa, go out of their way to make the journey enjoyable, with some reviews noting that guides will inquire about your preferences and offer personalized stops.

The desert camp is surprisingly comfortable, with spacious tents that typically include double beds and a cozy setup. After dinner—usually a hearty Moroccan meal—guests gather around the campfire to enjoy Berber music, storytelling, and star gazing. One reviewer described the night as “a magical Arabian night,” highlighting how peaceful and surreal the experience can be.

Sunrise and Return

Waking up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes is a highlight for many. Standing atop the dunes as the sky turns orange and pink is an experience that feels almost cinematic. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll ride the camels back to Merzouga to meet your driver.

The return journey includes a stop in Rissani, where you’ll transfer into a minivan and begin heading back to Fez. The drive back is about six hours, with additional stops for rest and lunch. While some travelers find the extensive travel tiring—”a lot of time in the car”—others appreciate the scenic route and the chance to see Morocco’s countryside.

Accommodation and Meals

This tour generally includes dinner, breakfast, and an overnight stay in the desert camp. The nights spent in traditional Berber tents are surprisingly spacious and often feature comfortable double beds, though some reviews note that the “desert experience feels somewhat staged,” as activities like sandboarding and campfire entertainment are designed for an authentic feel.

You’ll have the chance to enjoy mint tea, Moroccan cuisine, and cultural performances—elements that elevate the desert camp stay beyond just a place to sleep. Meals are praised for their generous portions and tasty flavors.

Note: Lunch and drinks are not included in the tour price, so budget accordingly if you want to sample local cuisine en route.

Transport and Group Size

The trip is operated by Fes Desert Tours, using air-conditioned minivans for the long drive. The group size is typically limited to 17 people, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable. Many reviews mention the friendly and professional drivers, with some like Hafet and Mustafa receiving special praise for their patience and local knowledge.

The camel rides and activities are all organized to maximize comfort, and optional extras like sandboarding are included free of charge.

Pricing and Value for Money

At roughly $139.58 per person, this tour is priced competitively given the inclusions—transport, guided activities, overnight in a desert camp, and meals. Many travelers mention that the experience exceeds expectations considering the cost, especially when compared to similar desert trips that might charge more for fewer inclusions.

The trip is particularly good value if you appreciate guided logistics, cultural insight, and a memorable night in the desert. For those on a tighter budget or with limited time, it offers a comprehensive experience without the need for additional planning.

Reviews and Real Traveler Insights

The overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights friendly guides, stunning views, and well-organized logistics. One reviewer noted, “Everything was well organized, the drivers were friendly, and the meals were delicious,” reinforcing how smooth the trip runs from start to finish.

Many travelers especially loved the stars at night—a highlight for those who enjoy nature and tranquility. The camel trek at sunset and the early morning sunrise are consistently cited as highlights, with one person describing the desert as “almost surreal” under the dawn sky.

A few travelers mentioned the long travel hours—up to 9 hours in the car—but most agree that the stops along the way and the overall experience make it worthwhile. Some suggested a longer tour for those wanting more time in the desert, but for a 2-day trip, this delivers a balanced mix of travel and adventure.

This desert trip is ideal for adventure lovers who want to experience Morocco’s iconic sands without overextending their trip. It suits travelers looking for authentic cultural moments, comfortable accommodations, and stunning landscapes, all at a reasonable price.

If you’re comfortable with long travel days and enjoy scenic drives, you’ll find this tour a practical way to cover a lot of ground. It’s also a good fit for those who appreciate guided experiences, as the guides are consistently praised for their warmth and knowledge.

However, if you dislike long hours in the car or prefer more luxurious or private accommodations, you might want to consider other options or extend the trip for more flexibility.

This 2-day Fes to Erg Chebbi desert tour offers a well-organized, authentic taste of Morocco’s Sahara. From camel rides and starry nights in Berber tents to scenic drives through mountain forests, it hits all the right notes for a memorable desert adventure.

Best suited for travelers who value guided experiences, cultural authenticity, and stunning scenery, this trip delivers good value for the price. It’s a fantastic way to see Morocco’s diversity—mountains, forests, oases, and dunes—in just a short time.

While the long travel hours may be a drawback for some, the experience of sleeping under the desert sky and witnessing unforgettable sunrises makes it worthwhile. Overall, it’s a trip that many reviewers say they’ll remember for a lifetime—and at this price point, it’s definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup is included, making it convenient to start your adventure without worrying about transportation logistics.

How long is the drive from Fez to Merzouga?
The journey from Fez to Merzouga takes approximately 9 hours, with interesting stops along the way to break up the long hours.

What kind of accommodation is provided in the desert?
You’ll stay overnight in a spacious Berber tent, which includes a double bed and basic amenities. Some reviews mention the camp feeling somewhat staged but still cozy and authentic.

Are meals included?
Dinner and breakfast are included in the package. Lunch and drinks are not included, so plan for additional spending if you want to eat along the way.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, most travelers of all ages can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What activities are available at the camp?
Camel rides are the main activity, with optional sandboarding and cultural entertainment like music and storytelling. Guests often praise the campfire experience as magical.

This tour combines convenience, cultural richness, and natural beauty for an unforgettable Moroccan Sahara experience—perfect for those who want a taste of the desert without overextending their schedule.