Luxury Sahara Desert From Fez back to fez or marrakech overnight

Travelers looking to experience Morocco’s iconic Sahara Desert often wonder if a quick trip can offer both comfort and authentic adventure. This 2-day luxury Sahara Desert tour from Fez promises just that—combining scenic stops, a memorable camel ride, and a night spent in Berber tents. While reviews highlight the stunning views and knowledgeable guides, some travelers note that the journey can feel lengthy and that certain expectations, especially around comfort and logistics, aren’t always met perfectly.

What makes this tour especially appealing are three key aspects: the opportunity to trek through the highest peaks of the Atlas Mountains, visiting charming ancient villages, and the chance to watch an unforgettable desert sunset. The price point of around $125 per person offers decent value for an experience packed with diverse scenery and overnight camping. However, it’s worth noting that the trip involves a long drive, which may not suit everyone, especially those prone to motion sickness or looking for a more relaxed pace.

This tour suits those craving an adventurous yet well-organized journey—ideal for travelers eager to see Morocco’s highlands, desert landscapes, and traditional Berber culture in just a few days. If you’re after a blend of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and a taste of desert life, this experience could be just right. But if ultra-luxury and quick transfers are your priority, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Scenic Stops: Enjoy breathtaking views of cedar forests, Atlas peaks, and panoramic landscapes.
• Authentic Experience: Camel rides, overnight in Berber tents, and visits to traditional villages.
• Guided Tour: Knowledgeable guides enhance the trip, sharing insights about the landscape and culture.
• Long Travel Time: Expect a lengthy journey, with some travelers citing the drive as less engaging.
• Mixed Reviews on Comfort: Some reviewers mention the tents and transportation not fully aligning with luxury expectations.
• Value for Money: The price offers a comprehensive desert experience, though it may lack some comforts promised in the broad description.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: From Fez to the Desert

The adventure begins early—around 8:00 am—and the first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its neat, European-style architecture and clean streets. Here, visitors can enjoy a brief 30-minute walk through the city, soaking in the unique atmosphere. The next stop takes you into the Cedar Woods, home to wild barbary apes. Expect about 30 minutes to walk through the forest, where you’ll likely see monkeys playing and climbing in the trees, a treat for nature lovers.

One traveler noted: “The Cedar Forest was one of the highlights—seeing the monkeys in their natural habitat was genuinely fun.” It’s a quick stop but provides a nice break from the long drive and a chance to appreciate Morocco’s diverse landscapes.

The journey continues to Midelt, a small town known for its apple orchards and mountain views. Here, you’ll stop for about 45 minutes to refuel with a simple meal and stretch your legs. The scenery en route really starts to shift—mountains rise higher, and the air becomes crisper.

Next, the drive takes you closer to the desert with a quick photo stop at a panoramic viewpoint. This is more about capturing the moment than a full sightseeing stop, but it’s appreciated for the chance to gather memorable photos.

Arriving at Erg Chebbi

The highlight of the first day is reaching Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s iconic dune field. As the sun begins to set, you’ll ride a camel for approximately an hour, experiencing the desert’s silence and vastness. The sunset on the dunes is often described as mesmerizing, though some reviews mention that weather can affect visibility, and in one case, the sunset was missed altogether.

At the desert camp, you’ll stay overnight in a Berber tent, which features a private tent with a shower and toilet inside—unexpected for some, given the “luxury” label. The camp offers mint tea, traditional dinner, and a stargazing experience. One traveler reflected: “Watching the stars in the desert was truly special, and the camp was cozy enough for a night under the sky.”

Day 2: Returning via the Same Route

The second day begins with breakfast at the camp before heading back towards Fez or Marrakech, retracing your route but from the opposite side of the desert. You’ll revisit key spots like Merzouga, where you can admire the dunes and landscape one final time.

A reviewer remarked, “The scenery on the way back from the desert was just as spectacular, but the long drive was a bit tiring.” The trip is designed to give a full view of desert and mountain scenery, with about 30 minutes allocated for stops along the way—mostly for photos and quick breaks.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers dinner and breakfast at the camp, air-conditioned transportation, WiFi on the bus, camel rides, and a private tent with shower and toilet. The main expense not covered is lunch, which travelers should plan for during the day.

Transport is a big factor here—the vehicle is air-conditioned and has WiFi, but some reviews note the long hours in transit can be taxing. The tour is capped at 14 participants, which helps maintain a more intimate atmosphere, and the small group size is favored by many travelers.

Authenticity and Experience Based on Reviews

Reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendliness—many mention guides like Karim, who was described as “the best driver and guide,” making the journey far more enjoyable. However, some travelers found the transportation and tents falling short of luxury expectations, with one reviewer saying, “The tents weren’t as pictured, and there was no electricity for charging devices.”

The long drive, often over 8 hours, can make this trip feel more like a scenic journey with occasional stops rather than a quick getaway. If you’re prepared for a lengthy ride and enjoy mountain vistas and desert landscapes, you’ll find the trip rewarding. The camel ride and sunset are the true highlights, with many appreciating the chance to see the dunes from different perspectives.

Practical Details for Travelers

• Starting point is in Fez, with pickup offered at 8:00 am.
• The tour completes in the evening of the second day if returning to Fez, or you can opt for a Marrakech return.
• Price per person is approximately $125.62, offering a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and overnight camping.
• Moderate physical fitness is recommended, mainly for the camel ride and walking stops.
• The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers, maintaining a small group environment.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure adds flexibility for your plans.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour appeals most to travelers who are eager to see Morocco’s dunes and mountains without sacrificing comfort entirely. It’s suited for those who appreciate guided experiences and want to avoid self-driving hassles. If you’re okay with long travel hours and are keen on capturing stunning desert sunsets and engaging with Berber culture, this is a solid choice.

However, if your idea of luxury includes plush accommodations and quick transfers, you might find some disappointment in the tents and transport quality. Still, the value lies in the natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and guided insights.

This 2-day Sahara Desert experience from Fez offers a well-rounded mix of scenic mountain views, desert adventure, and culture. The camel ride and sunset in the dunes are genuinely memorable, and the guided approach helps you appreciate the landscape and local customs.

While the long hours in transit and some accommodations fall short of high-end luxury, the tour’s affordability and authentic touches make it appealing for those seeking a genuine Moroccan adventure on a reasonable budget. Overall, it’s a practical and rewarding way to tick the Sahara off your bucket list.

If you’re ready for a journey that combines natural beauty, traditional Berber hospitality, and a touch of adventure, this tour is worth considering—just pack your patience, your camera, and a sense of curiosity.

Is transportation air-conditioned?
Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, which is helpful during the long drive through mountainous and desert regions.

What should I bring for the camel ride?
While the tour provides the camel ride, it’s wise to wear comfortable clothing, sun protection, and shoes suitable for walking in sand and uneven terrain.

Are meals included?
Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp are included, but lunch is not—so plan to bring snacks or purchase food en route.

How many people will be in the group?
The tour caps group size at 14 travelers, creating a more personal experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering some flexibility.

Will I see the sunset?
Most travelers do get to see the sunset over the dunes during the camel ride, though weather conditions can affect visibility.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended mainly for the camel ride and walking stops, but most travelers should manage comfortably.

In summary, this tour offers an accessible and scenic way to experience Morocco’s iconic Sahara with plenty of opportunities for photography, cultural engagement, and unforgettable vistas. It’s best suited for those who want a guided, budget-friendly adventure with authentic highlights, understanding that some comfort might be sacrificed for the sake of genuine experiences.