Private 2 Days Luxury Desert Tour from Fez to Fez (Fes to Fes)

Imagine exploring Morocco’s vast and varied landscape in just a couple of days. This private 2 Days Luxury Desert Tour from Fez offers a well-rounded glimpse of the country’s striking scenery, cultural highlights, and the mesmerizing sands of the Erg Chebbi dunes. While it’s a whirlwind trip, it’s designed to maximize your time and give you authentic moments away from the crowds.

What we love about this tour is the flexibility for spontaneous stops, the comfort of private transportation, and the chance to experience iconic sights like the cedar forests and palm-filled Ziz valley. The highlight, of course, is the overnight stay in a desert camp under the stars, an experience many travelers cherish.

That said, a potential consideration is the long drive involved—around 8 hours back to Fez on the second day—which might be tiring for some. But if you’re after a compact, immersive taste of Morocco’s desert and mountain scenery, this trip hits the mark. It’s best suited for travelers with limited time who crave a mix of comfort, culture, and adventure without sacrificing authenticity.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Private tour means you can stop wherever you want along the route.
• Comfort: Air-conditioned vehicle and private guide for a smooth experience.
• Authentic sights: Cedar forests, Ziz valley, and desert dunes.
• Authentic experience: Camel ride into the dunes and a night in a desert camp.
• Value: Includes meals, activities, and a personalized itinerary.
• Long drive: Be prepared for some hours on the road returning to Fez.

An Introduction to the Moroccan Desert in Just 2 Days

This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the Sahara’s magic but only have a weekend or limited time in Morocco. Instead of rushing through multiple destinations, you’ll enjoy a carefully curated journey from Fez to the dunes of Merzouga and back, all with a private driver-guide.

The entire experience is built around comfort and authenticity, with stops at key points of interest that reveal Morocco’s diverse landscapes—from lush cedar forests to arid desert plains. The price of $656 per person reflects the private nature of the tour, added comfort, and the inclusion of multiple scenic stops, making it a strong value for travelers seeking an intimate, hassle-free desert adventure.

Day 1: From Fez to Merzouga — Scenic Stops and Desert Arrival

Pickup and Departure from Fez

Your day begins bright and early at 7:00 am with a pickup from your hotel by a professional, English-speaking driver. The route is meticulously planned but flexible—since this is a private tour, you can request to linger longer at any site or skip a stop if needed.

Ifrane: The “Little Swiss of Morocco”

The first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Moroccan Switzerland”. The town’s neat European-style architecture, cool mountain air, and natural park make it a refreshing break from the drive. Reviewers highlight how peaceful Ifrane feels, especially if you’re used to Morocco’s bustling cities. The town’s clean streets and well-maintained parks offer great photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs.

Azrou Cedar Forest: Friendly Barbary Apes and Scenic Nature

Next, you’ll visit Azrou, famous for its cedar forest. Here, the resident Barbary macaques eagerly await peanuts from visitors—a charming moment that keeps both kids and adults smiling. The forest itself is lush and cool, a striking contrast to the dry plains ahead.

Midelt for Lunch and Rest

Midelt offers a well-earned break for lunch in a local restaurant. The town is known as a Berber hub and provides a taste of traditional Moroccan mountain life. Travelers often mention the friendly atmosphere and simple, hearty food—ideal for refueling before the next leg of the journey.

Errachidia and the Ziz Valley

Driving through the Middle Atlas, you’ll see the landscape shift from green mountains to a more rugged, desert-like terrain. Your stop at a panoramic viewpoint over the Ziz Valley is a highlight, with views of a lush oasis of palm trees set against the red sands. As one reviewer notes, the Ziz River “brings life to what could have been inhospitable desert,” creating an unforgettable contrast.

Arrival in Merzouga and Desert Camp

Once in Merzouga, a traditional Moroccan tea awaits, signaling the start of your desert adventure. You’ll then mount a camel for a gentle ride into the dunes—an experience that many find magical. Spending the night in a desert tent under the stars, with dinner cooked in traditional style, offers a rare chance to disconnect and appreciate the silence and beauty of the Sahara.

Day 2: Sunrise, Return Journey, and Back to Fez

Early Morning Sunrise and Breakfast

Waking up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes is a highlight for many. The colors of the Sahara at dawn are truly breathtaking and worth the early start. After breakfast, you’ll board a 4×4 or trek back on camels, heading out of the desert.

Scenic Return Drive

The journey back takes about 8 hours, with several stops along the way to refresh and take photos. The route provides a chance to reflect on the desert’s stark beauty and the mountain landscapes you’ve traveled through. Reviewers appreciate the well-paced stops, which prevent the long drive from feeling overwhelming.

Drop-off in Fez

Around 6:00 pm, you’ll arrive back in Fez, where your private driver will drop you at your hotel, completing the memorable two-day adventure.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Transportation & Comfort: The tour uses a very air-conditioned vehicle, essential for the Moroccan climate. The private nature means no sharing with strangers, allowing for a more relaxed experience and personalized stops.

Guides & Languages: The guide is fluent in English, French, or Spanish, making communication straightforward. Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge, with specific mentions of their helpfulness, friendliness, and local insights.

Duration & Pace: The overall trip is about 15 hours on the first day, including stops, and roughly 8 hours on the return. Be mindful that the long drive can be tiring, especially if you’re not accustomed to extended road trips. However, the scenic stops break up the journey nicely.

Food & Accommodation: Lunch is included during the day, and the desert camp provides dinner and overnight stay in a tent. Reviewers frequently mention the delicious Moroccan dishes served in the camp, along with the unique experience of sleeping under the stars.

Cost & Value: At $656 per person, the price covers private transport, multiple scenic stops, camel rides, desert accommodation, and meals. For travelers short on time but craving a comprehensive desert experience, this is a good deal.

What’s Unique to This Tour?

The flexibility of a private tour allows you to customize your experience. Reviewers note that stops can be extended or shortened based on preferences. The stops at Ifrane and Azrou are especially appreciated, as they showcase Morocco’s diverse landscapes and wildlife—rarely included in larger group tours.

The desert overnight is often cited as the highlight—sleeping in a tent amidst the dunes, with a backdrop of a star-studded sky—is an unforgettable moment. The guides’ local knowledge ensures you get authentic Moroccan hospitality, whether through delicious food or engaging conversations.

Authentic Experiences and Hidden Gems

Many travelers found the experience of feeding the Barbary macaques at Azrou particularly memorable. The scenic viewpoints over Ziz valley reveal Morocco’s contrasting landscapes—lush oases amid arid plains—that many reviews describe as “breathtaking.”

The chance to watch the sunrise over the desert dunes is another highlight, with some reviewers mentioning how peaceful and inspiring the moment was. The guided camel trek into the dunes is relatively gentle, making it suitable for most fitness levels, with the added bonus of catching some fantastic photos.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for those who want a luxurious, private experience that balances scenic sightseeing with authentic desert adventures. It suits travelers with a moderate physical fitness level who enjoy comfortable transportation and spontaneous stops.

It’s perfect for first-timers to Morocco who want a well-paced, comprehensive taste of the desert, mountains, and oases without the hassle of planning every detail. If you’re short on time but want a meaningful encounter with Morocco’s iconic landscapes, this trip delivers.

However, if you’re someone who finds long drives challenging or prefers a more leisurely pace, consider whether the roughly eight-hour return journey fits your travel style.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour For?

This private 2-day desert experience offers fantastic value for travelers eager to see Morocco’s diverse landscapes without feeling rushed. The personalized approach makes it easy to tailor the stops and enjoy authentic moments, from cedar forests to dunes.

It’s especially well-suited for those craving comfort, flexibility, and insider access. The inclusion of camel rides, desert camping, and scenic viewpoints makes it a memorable adventure, perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

While the long drive may not be for everyone, the chance to witness Morocco’s contrasting terrains and sleep under Sahara stars makes it a worthwhile journey for most adventure lovers. If you want a well-rounded, private desert trip with a friendly guide and beautiful scenery, this tour hits all the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a very air-conditioned vehicle designed for long drives, ensuring comfort throughout your journey.

Can I customize the stops?
Since it’s a private tour, you have the flexibility to request additional stops or spend more time at certain sites.

What languages does the guide speak?
The guide is fluent in English, French, and Spanish, making communication straightforward.

How long is the drive from Fez to Merzouga?
The journey involves approximately 8 hours of driving on the return trip, with scenic stops to break up the long hours.

Are meals included?
Lunch on Day 1 at a local restaurant and dinner at the desert camp are included in the price, with reviews praising the quality of the Moroccan cuisine served.

What’s the accommodation like in the desert?
You’ll stay overnight in a traditional tent amid the dunes, with dinner and breakfast included, and the chance to sleep under the stars.

Is this tour good for families?
While most stops are suitable, the long drive and physical activity involved in camel riding suggest it’s best for travelers with moderate fitness levels and older children.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

This 2-day private desert tour from Fez offers an authentic, comfortable, and scenic way to experience Morocco’s desert and mountain landscapes—an adventure worth considering for your Moroccan trip.