Fez: 2 Day-1 Night Luxury Sahara Desert Trip to Fez/Marakech

Thinking about adding a desert escape to your Moroccan itinerary? This 2-day, 1-night luxury Sahara trip from Fez offers a blend of comfort, adventure, and authentic desert scenery. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed itineraries give us a clear picture of what to expect — and it looks truly memorable.

What we love most about this experience are the stunning desert sunset views, the private luxury camp, and the seamless transport from Fez. The chance to ride camels across rolling dunes, enjoy a peaceful night under stars, and visit scenic stops like Ifrane and the Forest of Monkeys make it feel like a well-rounded adventure.

However, a few potential considerations include long drives — which are part of the journey — and some minor issues reported by previous travelers, like water charges at the camp or the absence of hot water in bathrooms. This trip suits travelers seeking a balance of comfort, scenery, and cultural sights with a focus on the Sahara’s beauty.

Who is this tour perfect for?

If you’re after a reasonably priced, hassle-free way to see the Sahara without sacrificing comfort, this tour fits well. It’s especially suited for those who want an authentic desert experience with some sightseeing thrown in, and are comfortable with a bit of travel time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comfortable luxury camp with private tents and facilities
• Iconic camel rides to witness sunset views in the desert
• Scenic stops like Ifrane and the Forest of Monkeys add cultural and natural charm
• Transport included from three Fez pickup locations ensures ease
• Authentic experience with guides speaking English, French, and Spanish
• Excellent value at $121 per person for a comprehensive desert adventure

Detailed Breakdown of the Entire Experience

The Journey Begins: From Fez to Merzouga

Starting with hotel pickup from three designated locations in Fez, the trip kicks off early in the morning. The approximately 12-hour journey takes you through some of Morocco’s most interesting landscapes. You’ll pass through Ifrane, a charming mountain town often called “Little Switzerland,” and enjoy its clean streets and alpine vibe. This stop provides a break from the drive and a chance to stretch your legs.

Next, the tour guides often include a visit to the Forest of Monkeys. Here, you’ll see Barbary macaques playing among the trees — a rare chance to see semi-wild primates in their natural habitat. Several reviews highlight this stop as a highlight, with one traveler describing it as “enchanting,” and praising the guides for their friendly, welcoming attitude.

Midelt and Errachidia: Scenic Highlights

Continuing towards the desert, the route passes through Midelt, a town set between the Middle Atlas and the Sahara. The scenery here offers a mix of lush valleys and rugged mountains, making the drive delightfully varied.

Errachidia marks the transition into the more arid landscapes of southeastern Morocco. While the stops here are mainly for refreshment and photos, the changing scenery emphasizes the trip’s progression toward the vast Sahara.

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Arriving at Merzouga: The Gateway to Sahara

Once in Merzouga, the adventure shifts gears. You’ll board camels (usually in small groups) for a gentle trek across the sand dunes. The camels are well-regarded in reviews for their comfort, and guides typically lead these rides smoothly. Expect to spend around 30-60 minutes on the camels, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Witnessing the Sahara Sunset

One of the tour’s real stars is witnessing the sunset over the dunes. As the sun dips, the golden sands glow, creating picture-perfect moments. Many travelers describe this as “extraordinary,” and the calm of the desert at this hour is said to be truly special.

Overnight in a Private Sahara Camp

After sunset, you’ll arrive at your private camp — a key highlight for many. The tents are described as “luxurious,” with en suite toilets and showers, offering a comfortable oasis amid the dunes. Dinner is typically included, with reviews praising the quality of the Moroccan cuisine served under the stars.

Some reviewers mention that water was charged separately at dinner, even though it was supposed to be included, so keep that in mind. Also, there’s a mention of no hot water in the bathroom, which might be a consideration for comfort-conscious travelers.

The Night Under the Stars

Sleeping in a private tent in the Sahara is a memorable experience. The starry sky, the quiet wind, and the vastness of the desert create a sense of peace and remoteness. Some reviews note the camp atmosphere could be livelier, with suggestions like a demonstration or showcase, but many appreciate the tranquility and authenticity.

Early Morning Sunrise and Breakfast

The next morning, waking up early to see the sunrise over the dunes becomes a must-do. The views are breathtaking, with the shifting light casting shadows on the sand. Breakfast follows — usually a hearty Moroccan spread — giving you energy for the return journey.

Return to Fez

After bidding farewell to the desert, you’ll hop back onto the transport for the return trip to Fez. The journey back offers a different perspective of Morocco’s landscape and a chance to relax after the adventure.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour offers excellent value — the price of $121 per person covers hotel pickup and drop-off from three Fez locations, transportation, camel rides, accommodation in private tents with en suite facilities, and meals (dinner and breakfast).

However, there’s no guide included during the trip, which might be a downside for some who prefer guided commentary. Lunch is also not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan for stops along the way.

Practical Tips

• Bring a jacket for the cooler desert nights and early mornings
• Book in advance with flexible payment options — you only pay after booking
• Be prepared for long drives, which are part of the experience, so bring entertainment or books
• Check the water charges at camp, as some travelers have reported being charged extra for water during dinner

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Insights

One of the most praised aspects is the beautiful sunset views, which many say are the highlight of the trip. As one reviewer put it, “Sunset and sunrise. Extraordinary experience.” The camel ride itself seems to be comfortable and well-guided, with guides making sure everyone feels safe and relaxed.

The private camp stay is often called “luxurious,” with some reviewers mentioning the tents had toilets and showers, making the desert night surprisingly comfortable. The starry sky at night is frequently described as breathtaking, creating one of those “picture-perfect” moments everyone dreams of when thinking about the Sahara.

Some constructive feedback from travelers:

• The long drives may feel tiring, especially if you prefer shorter sightseeing days.
• The camp atmosphere could be more lively; some travelers would appreciate a short show or desert demonstration after dinner.
• A few reviewers mention minor inconveniences like lack of hot water or water charges, which can slightly affect the comfort level.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers craving a comfortable, authentic Sahara experience without the hassle of planning every detail, this tour offers excellent value. You get scenic stops, a relaxing camel ride, a private desert camp, and plenty of opportunities for stunning photos. The inclusion of transportation from Fez makes it accessible and stress-free, especially for those with limited time.

This trip is ideal for those who want a taste of Morocco’s vast desert, love scenic sunsets, and prefer a balance between guided activities and free time. It’s not perfect for those seeking a guided commentary throughout or a more lively desert camp atmosphere, but overall, it offers a memorable, serene adventure into the Sahara.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from three designated Fez locations is included, making the journey easy and convenient.

What should I bring?
A jacket is recommended for the cooler desert nights and mornings. Snacks or water might be useful since lunch isn’t provided and water charges at the camp can occur.

How long is the drive to the desert?
The entire trip, including scenic stops, takes around 12 hours round-trip, so expect a day of travel with plenty of beautiful scenery.

Are guides available during the tour?
Guides speak English, French, and Spanish, but are not included during the entire trip, so the experience is mainly self-guided with some commentary at stops.

What’s the accommodation like in the desert?
You’ll stay in private tents with toilet and shower facilities, offering a comfortable night in the dunes.

Is the camp atmosphere lively?
Some travelers find the camp peaceful and beautiful, while others suggest more activities or shows would improve the experience.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It’s generally suitable for most travelers except those over 95 years old or with mobility issues, given the long drives and outdoor activities.

Can I cancel or change plans?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexible booking options.

To sum it up, this Fez to Sahara luxury tour provides a well-rounded desert adventure with scenic stops, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable sunset views. While it’s not a guided tour in the traditional sense, the overall experience offers true value for those eager to see Morocco’s iconic sands without sacrificing comfort. Perfect for travelers who want a balance of natural beauty, cultural sights, and relaxed luxury in one of Africa’s most captivating landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: