From Fes: 2-Day Luxury Desert Tour to Marrakech & Back Fez

Travelers curious about Morocco often hear about its vast Sahara dunes, rugged mountains, and vibrant cultures. This 2-day luxury desert tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into the country’s diverse landscapes, starting from Fes and winding through the Middle Atlas, Ziz Valley, and culminating in an overnight stay in a traditional Berber desert camp. Whether you’re seeking adventure, stunning scenery, or authentic cultural moments, this tour aims to deliver.

What we really like about this experience is its seamless blend of natural beauty and cultural richness: the scenic mountain drives, the magic of sunset over dunes, and the chance to stay overnight in a desert tent. Plus, the inclusion of guides and comfortable transportation adds to the value. That said, it’s a fairly long journey—traveling roughly 550 km between Fes and Marrakech—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with full-day excursions and early starts.

A possible consideration? The tour’s timing and stops mean you’ll spend quite a bit of time on the road. If you prefer slow-paced, leisurely trips, this might feel a bit rushed. But for those eager to see Morocco’s highlights in a short span, it offers a well-rounded, immersive experience.

This tour is perfect for adventurous souls, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a taste of Morocco’s desert and mountain scenery without sacrificing comfort. If you’re looking for a blend of scenic drives, cultural encounters, and desert magic—all in one trip—this is a solid choice.

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Key Points

Scenic Mountain Views: Drive through the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, enjoying lush forests, mountain streams, and stunning rock formations.
Authentic Desert Experience: Camel trekking into the Sahara, witnessing a desert sunset, and staying overnight in a traditional Berber tent camp.
Comfort & Convenience: Air-conditioned transportation, knowledgeable guides, and a mix of cultural and natural highlights.
Value for Money: Accommodations, meals, and activities like camel rides included, with extra options like quad biking available.
Authentic Local Culture: Stay in a Berber camp, listen to traditional music, and see the star-studded desert sky.
Travel Flexibility: Option to end in Marrakech or return to Fes, with stops for photos, drinks, and meals along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Looking for more options in Fes? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Day 1: Fes to the Sahara — Scenic Mountain Drives and Desert Adventure

The adventure kicks off early, with a pickup from your hotel or riad around 7:30 AM. From there, the journey is part of the experience. Our guides typically explain the route, sharing insights about each stop, which makes the long drive more engaging.

The first significant stop is Ifrane, often called “Morocco’s Switzerland” because of its chalet-style architecture and alpine vibe. It’s a charming place to stretch your legs and enjoy a quick coffee or browse local shops. Next comes the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, a lush contrast to the arid dunes ahead. You might spot Barbary macaques in these woods, a highlight for many travelers, as some reviews note. A tip from past visitors: if you feed the monkeys, expect to pay around 20 MAD, and remember, they love bananas and nuts.

Continuing through the Atlas Mountains, the scenery shifts from green forests to rugged, rocky peaks, offering perfect photo opportunities. The drive through Midelt for lunch is a practical break—many mention the importance of trying local Moroccan dishes here, although some note that the lunch stop can be somewhat touristy and pricey.

Post-lunch, the landscape dramatically changes as you approach the Erg Chebbi dunes. These towering sand formations, some reaching 50 meters, immediately evoke a sense of adventure. The real highlight here is the camel trek into the desert. Many reviews describe this as a peaceful, almost meditative experience, watching the dunes change colors during sunset. As one guest pointed out, “the sunset over the dunes is truly magical,” with sky and sands blending in shades of orange and pink.

Night in the Desert: Berber Camp & Star Gazing

Arriving at the desert camp feels like stepping into a different world. The tents are often praised for their cleanliness and amenities—some with air conditioning, hot and cold water, and cozy beds. You’ll be welcomed with traditional music and a hearty Moroccan dinner, often featuring bread, multiple courses, and fresh fruit. Some reviews note the camp’s cleanliness and friendly staff as standout features, making it a comfortable yet authentic experience.

Stargazing here is a must-do. With minimal light pollution, many travelers recount the starry skies as one of the tour’s most memorable moments, feeling like they could reach up and touch the stars. The night’s peacefulness, combined with the sound of desert winds and music, makes for an unforgettable overnight stay.

Day 2: Sunrise, Camel Ride, and Return to Fes or Marrakech

Early risers can participate in the desert sunrise—a truly breathtaking sight as the sun paints the dunes in fiery hues. Many guests, like Manuela, highlight this as a “must-do” part of the trip. After breakfast, you’ll hop back on your camel for the return journey, making your way out of the dunes.

The drive back includes stops to say goodbye to the local monkeys in the cedar forests and enjoy some last scenic viewpoints. The return journey is about 7 hours, with stops for coffee, photos, or a quick bathroom break in the High Atlas. The route is designed to break up the long drive and enhance the experience—not just a transfer, but a part of the adventure.

You’ll finish the tour either back in Fes or transfer directly to Marrakech, depending on your preference. Reviewers mention that the transportation is comfortable and well-organized, making the long trip manageable.

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What’s Included & What to Keep in Mind

Included:

Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation
Air-conditioned transportation
Experienced driver/guide
Overnight stay in a desert camp
Camel trek and optional sandboarding
Breakfast and dinner in the camp

Not Included:

Lunch (which allows flexibility for individual tastes and budgets)
Drinks (recommended to bring plenty of water; some note that water can be expensive locally)

From reviews, the value for money appears solid, especially considering the included meals, accommodations, and activities. One guest pointed out that spending extra for activities like quad biking can enhance the experience but is not included in the base price.

There's plenty more to explore in Fes

Authenticity and Comfort: What Travelers Say

Guides like Mohammed and Hamid receive praise for their friendliness and knowledge, often making the long hours on the road more enjoyable. Many reviewers appreciate the attentiveness of the staff at the camp, noting that the tents are clean and that the local Berber music and hospitality add to the charm.

Guests also highlight the importance of bringing extra water, as it can be pricier than expected—some paid €2 for 1.5 liters. Plus, some mention that the lunch stops, while convenient, can be a bit touristy and expensive, so packing snacks might be a good idea.

A common theme in reviews is the blend of natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and comfortable accommodations. The experience feels genuine without sacrificing comfort, making it suitable for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This journey appeals most to travelers eager to see Morocco’s diverse landscapes in a short time, combining mountain scenery, desert magic, and culture. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy guided trips, comfortable transport, and meaningful activities like camel riding and star gazing. If you’re looking for a fun, scenic, and authentic desert experience with the convenience of a well-organized tour, this is a strong option.

It also offers great value, considering the included nights in a desert camp, meals, and scenic drives, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to sacrifice comfort.

FAQs

How early do I need to wake up for this tour?
You should be ready for pickup around 7:30 AM, and early mornings are essential if you want to catch the desert sunrise.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses air-conditioned vehicles, which are generally praised for their comfort, especially on long drives.

Can I choose to end the tour in Marrakech instead of Fes?
Absolutely, the tour can be arranged to transfer you to Marrakech after completing the desert experience.

What activities are included?
Camel trekking, sandboarding (optional and paid separately), and a traditional desert camp stay are part of the package.

Are the tents comfortable?
Guests report that the tents are clean, equipped with amenities, and quite comfortable, with some having air conditioning and private bathrooms.

How much does extra cost activity like quad biking cost?
Many travelers mention that quad biking is available for an extra charge—worth considering if you want an adrenaline boost.

What should I pack?
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothing suitable for both mountain drives and desert heat.

Are there any dangerous animals or safety concerns?
Guests have noted that they felt safe throughout, and guides are experienced in handling the environment and animals.

How long is the drive between Fes and Marrakech?
Around 550 km, with stops for sightseeing, food, and rest along the way, making it a manageable journey.

Is there free time for photos and exploration?
Yes, many stops are designed for photos, quick walks, and enjoying the scenery, giving you opportunities to capture Morocco’s beauty.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day luxury desert tour from Fes to Marrakech is a fantastic way to see Morocco’s iconic landscapes without sacrificing comfort. From the lush cedar forests of the Middle Atlas to the mesmerizing dunes of Erg Chebbi, it offers a rich mix of scenery, culture, and adventure.

The guides, like Mohammed and Hamid, add warmth and knowledge, helping you connect with the environment and local traditions. The camp experience, star gazing, and sunrise views make for memories that linger long after the trip concludes.

While it’s a long journey—roughly 7 hours each way—the stops and scenery keep it engaging. The included meals, cozy tents, and authentic cultural touches mean you get good value for your money.

This tour is ideal if you want an efficient, well-organized trip that covers Morocco’s highlights of desert and mountains, perfect for first-time visitors or those looking to tick Morocco off their bucket list with comfort.

Enjoy the scenic drives, embrace the adventure, and don’t forget your camera—the landscapes here are worth capturing.