From Fes: 2-Day Merzouga Desert Excursion

Exploring Morocco’s Sahara isn’t something you do every day, and this 2-day tour from Fes offers a chance to see the desert’s vast beauty up close. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a vivid picture of what you can expect—and trust me, it sounds unforgettable.

What immediately draws us to this experience are the majestic desert dunes, the scenic drive through mountain landscapes, and the chance to sleep under a blanket of stars in a traditional Berber camp. We also love that it combines adventure (camel rides) with cultural insights into Berber life.

That said, a potential consideration is the long drive back to Fes, which takes around seven hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of travel time. This tour appeals most to those craving an authentic desert adventure, stunning views, and a taste of Morocco’s diverse landscapes.

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Key Points

Authentic Sahara experience with camel treks and desert camping
Comfortable, well-maintained tents and friendly local staff
Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and Berber villages
Suitable for travelers seeking adventure and culture
Not ideal for those with mobility issues or pregnant travelers
Great value for the price, given the included activities and overnight stay

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An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Merzouga Desert Tour

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Fes

Starting Point: Fes – The Gateway to Adventure

The journey begins with hotel or riad pickup in Fes, making it a seamless start, especially if you’re staying in the medina’s riads. From there, a professional driver takes the wheel, guiding you through Morocco’s diverse landscapes. Their expertise is noticeable—smooth driving, a friendly attitude, and clear communication really enhance the experience.

Day 1: From Mountains to Dunes

The first leg of the trip is as much a part of the adventure as the desert itself. You’ll pass the winter ski resort of Ifrane, built in the 1930s by the French to resemble a Swiss village. It’s a curious sight—think Alpine-style chalets amid Morocco’s mountains. Then, you’ll enter the cedar forests of Azrou, where wild monkeys are often spotted, adding a touch of wildlife excitement.

Driving through the Middle Atlas Mountains, you’ll see lush forests, mountain springs, and rugged rock formations. This part of the trip offers a quiet, scenic contrast to the stark beauty of the desert. It’s a chance to see the rural Berber villages dotting the landscape, giving a glimpse into local life.

Lunch is scheduled in Midelt, known for its rocks and fossils, and it’s a practical mid-point to stretch your legs and refuel. Afterward, the landscape transitions into a vast oasis of palm trees along the Ziz River, a lush green ribbon cutting through arid terrain—an iconic Moroccan sight.

The Desert Arrival: Rissani and Merzouga

Reaching Rissani, the gateway to the Sahara, marks the beginning of the desert adventure. From here, you’ll switch to a 4WD vehicle to navigate into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. This part of the journey is exciting—little off-road adventures that get you closer to the heart of the Sahara.

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Camel Trek to the Desert Camp

Arriving in Merzouga, the highlight for many is the camel ride across the dunes, which typically lasts around two hours. The camels are generally well-behaved, and the guides are experienced—some reviews mention that the guide, possibly named Mohammed, is friendly and speaks good English. The ride offers spectacular sunset views, with the sky transforming into shades of orange and pink, making for a truly picture-perfect moment.

Once at the desert camp, you’ll be greeted with mint tea—a Moroccan staple—and settle into your tents, which are described as very clean and well-maintained. The tents are basic but comfortable, offering a cozy spot after a day of travel. Dinner is served under the stars, and the atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, perfect for stargazing and relaxing.

There's plenty more to explore in Fes

Night in the Desert

Sleeping in the desert is a highlight; the silence is profound, broken only by the occasional wind or the distant call of desert birds. The experience of lying outside, gazing at the star-filled sky, feels genuinely special—something you can’t replicate in a city hotel.

Day 2: Sunrise and Return Journey

Waking early for the sunrise behind the Algerian border is a must-do, and the views are absolutely worth it. Watching the first light hit the dunes is a peaceful, almost spiritual moment. Afterward, you’ll ride the camels back to Merzouga, feeling the cool morning air and hearing the soft padding of camels on sand.

Following breakfast, you’ll start the return trip to Fes. Although it’s a long 7-hour drive, the route is scenic, and the stops along the way make the journey more comfortable. You’ll pass through lush landscapes, giving you a last look at Morocco’s diverse terrains before returning to your accommodation in Fes.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s value largely comes from what’s included:

Hotel/riad pickup and drop-off—convenience matters, especially after a long journey
Transportation and fuel—comfortable transport makes the experience more enjoyable
Camel ride—a quintessential Sahara activity
1 night in a desert camp—with tents that are described as very clean and well cared for
Breakfast and dinner—catering to your needs after a day in the desert
All fees and taxes

Not included are lunches and drinks, so budgeting for extra snacks or beverages is wise. The tour also offers flexibility to book and pay later, which is great if your plans are still fluid.

Authenticity and Guest Experiences

The only available review, from Dana, underscores the overall positive impression. She describes the journey as “very comfortable”, praising the pleasant and attentive driver who also speaks good English. The desert tents were noted as very clean and well maintained, and she appreciated the friendly staff who speak multiple languages, including English, French, and some Italian.

Dana also highlights the camel arrival and departure, noting that the itinerary was requested by her—meaning the tour is flexible enough to accommodate specific needs. Her experience reflects that the tour is thoughtfully organized, with a good balance between travel time, scenic stops, and authentic desert immersion.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Dress comfortably with suitable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat—Moroccan sun can be intense
The long drive means bringing some entertainment or snacks for the journey
The desert camp is more about experiencing authentic desert life than luxury, so pack light but warm layers for the chilly night
The camel ride can be bumpy; if you’re prone to back or joint issues, take note
Booking in advance is recommended, but you can reserve with flexibility and pay later

Who This Tour Is Best For

This trip is ideal for adventure seekers eager to see the Sahara and enjoy camel rides,, and those interested in local Berber culture. It’s perfect for travelers comfortable with a full day’s worth of driving and looking for a value-packed experience with overnight desert immersion.

However, it might not suit pregnant women or people with mobility challenges due to the nature of the camel ride and outdoor camping. Also, if you’re after luxury accommodation, this experience leans more toward rustic charm than high-end comfort.

Final Thoughts

This Fes to Merzouga tour offers a comprehensive, authentic desert adventure at a reasonable price. The opportunity to cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, explore Berber villages, and sleep under the stars in a well-maintained tent makes it a memorable Morocco trip highlight. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to combine scenic drives, cultural insights, and desert thrills into one compact experience.

The chance to witness stunning dunes at sunset and sunrise is worth the journey alone. Plus, the friendly staff and excellent organization ensure the trip runs smoothly, giving you time to relax and soak in the views.

If you’re after an immersive Sahara experience with a comfortable, well-organized tour that also respects your budget, this 2-day Fes-Merzouga excursion delivers plenty of value and unforgettable moments.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Fes to Merzouga?
The entire journey takes approximately 7 hours, including scenic stops, making it a full day of travel.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel/riad pickup and drop-off, transportation with a professional driver, breakfast and dinner, a camel ride, and one night in a desert camp.

Can I request specific activities during the tour?
Yes, the itinerary can be flexible. For example, the return trip by camel instead of car was requested and accommodated by the guest in the review.

What should I bring for the desert camp?
Pack comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, and warm layers for the evening. Since tents are well maintained, minimal camping gear is needed.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
It’s best for those comfortable with a long drive and outdoor activities. The camel ride and camping may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Do I need to pay in advance?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering some flexibility in planning your Morocco trip.

Are meals included?
Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. Lunches and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

What is the best time of year to take this tour?
While not explicitly specified, the tour is popular year-round, but consider the weather—hot summers or cold winter nights can affect your experience.

This comprehensive, well-organized 2-day tour from Fes to the Merzouga Desert offers a genuine slice of Moroccan life and Sahara majesty—perfect for those craving adventure, stunning vistas, and authentic cultural moments.