Sahara Desert Tour – 2 Days – Fez to Marrakech OR Return to Fez

Planning a trip into Morocco’s iconic Sahara? This 2-day desert tour promises a blend of breathtaking landscapes, cultural moments, and some of the best photo opportunities you’ll find in the region. While it’s geared toward group travelers looking for a budget-friendly adventure, it’s important to weigh the highlights against some of the mixed reviews from past guests.

What we love about this tour is how organized most of the logistics are—think air-conditioned transfers, all meals included, and a well-paced itinerary. We also appreciate that you have the flexibility to finish your journey in Marrakech or back in Fez, which can be a real time-saver. Plus, the promise of camel trekking and staying overnight in a desert camp sounds like a bucket-list experience.

However, a word of caution: some reviews mention inconsistencies in the organization, especially regarding timings and accommodations, so this isn’t for travelers who want a completely seamless luxury experience. This tour is best suited for those eager to see the Sahara on a budget, who don’t mind a bit of unpredictability, and enjoy group travel.

Key Points

• Affordable price point for a full desert experience, including meals and camping.
• Flexible ending locations with options for Marrakech or returning to Fez.
• All-inclusive: meals, desert tent stay, camel rides, and transfers.
• Group size is small, max 7 travelers, fostering a more personal experience.
• Mixed reviews highlight excellent guides and stunning views but warn of organizational inconsistencies.
• Time in the desert includes sunset dunes, sunrise views, and campfire entertainment.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers a competitive price of $116.15 per person, which makes it an appealing choice for budget-conscious travelers eager to experience the Sahara without breaking the bank. The package covers all meals (breakfasts and dinner), the camel trek into the dunes, and overnight desert tents equipped with basic amenities.

What you need to budget for separately is lunch, as it’s not included. The tour is designed to keep costs low by organizing the essentials, but some guests have noted that the quality and timing of meals can vary, with a few mentioning stale bread or hurried dining.

The Itinerary – What to Expect

Day 1: From Fez into the Sahara

Your adventure kicks off around 7:30 am with pickup from your accommodation in Fez. This early start is ideal for maximizing your time in the desert but means an early wake-up call. The small group setting—maximum 7 travelers—helps keep the vibe intimate, and the air-conditioned minivan is comfortable for the long drive.

First stop: Medina of Fez — just a short 20-minute visit, mainly to get an initial taste of this ancient city. While not a highlight for everyone, the proximity makes it a quick brushstroke of Fez’s vibrant medina before heading out.

Next, you’ll stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Here, the well-maintained streets, clean architecture, and cool mountain air make for a refreshing break. Reviewers describe it as feeling more European than Moroccan, which makes it a charming contrast to the desert ahead.

From there, a quick visit to Azrou Cedar Forest is a must for animal lovers—friendly macaque monkeys eagerly await along the roadside, and feeding them is a fun, spontaneous activity for many travelers.

Midelt is your lunch stop, where you can enjoy typical Moroccan fare. The 45-minute break is enough to stretch your legs and taste local dishes, although some reviews mention that the quality can be hit or miss.

As you continue south, the landscape becomes more arid and dramatic—rocky hills give way to expansive plains. Errachidia offers a panoramic view of a palm oasis, a stunning visual that encapsulates Morocco’s diverse terrain.

Finally, the highlight: Merzouga. Here, you’ll switch to camels for a 45-minute trek across golden dunes to your desert camp. The sunset view from the dunes is often described as magical, with some guests hiking up dunes for a better vantage point. Dinner at the camp features Moroccan dishes, and live drum shows add a lively, traditional touch, although some reviewers note that the food can be modest.

Day 2: Sunrise and Return

An early wake-up to witness the desert sunrise is a key moment—most say it’s worth waking up at 5 am for those unforgettable colors over the dunes. After the sunrise, you’ll ride your camel back to the hotel near the dunes, where breakfast and a shower await.

Post-breakfast, the journey back begins. You’ll leave the desert around 8:30 am, heading either to Marrakech via Ouarzazate or back to Fez, depending on your choice. The return trip is about 7 hours, so prepare for a long but scenic drive.

Guests have mentioned that the transportation on the return can vary—some describe a larger bus with a less personal vibe, but the air conditioning is appreciated after the desert heat.

Authentic Experiences and Common Highlights

Camel trekking is often cited as the most memorable part of the trip, with many reviewers happily describing it as a “magical” experience. The chance to see the Sahara’s vast dunes, especially at sunset or sunrise, makes the effort worthwhile. Several reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, with driver Younes standing out as a favorite among travelers.

Desert camp stays are generally well-received, with the tents described as comfortable enough to get a good night’s sleep despite the cold at night. Some guests extend their stay, citing the camp as a highlight of their Morocco trip. The live drum shows and traditional Berber dinner add cultural flavor, although some mention the dinners are modest and could be more elaborate.

Scenic stops like the cedar forest and oasis provide great photo opportunities and a chance to connect more with Morocco’s diverse landscapes.

The Realities: What the Reviews Say

While many travelers rave about the stunning desert scenery and the warmth of the hosts, some reviews highlight organizational hiccups. For example, a few guests mention inconsistent timing, with some stops shorter than expected or meals feeling rushed. A handful of reviews point out the lack of guidance during the trip, especially on the way down, which could be a downside if you prefer guided commentary.

Several reviews describe difficulties with the accommodations at the camp, including issues like unclean tents or lack of basic amenities, but others found the tents cozy and fun. The discrepancy suggests that experiences can vary depending on the camp and the specific guide.

Notably, some guests had uncomfortable encounters—like being taken out alone in the dunes or issues with safety—highlighting the importance of choosing a reputable provider and being cautious, especially with the more unregulated aspects of desert tourism.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Sahara tour is ideal for budget-conscious travelers wanting to tick the desert off their bucket list without breaking the bank. If you’re comfortable with a small group and long travel days, you’ll appreciate the organized itinerary and included meals.

Those who value authentic experiences like camel rides, desert camping, and sunset views will find plenty to love. However, it’s not the best choice if you’re seeking luxury accommodations or seamless organization—reviews suggest some variability in quality and timing.

This tour suits travelers who are adventurous and flexible, open to surprises and spontaneous stops, with an appreciation for Morocco’s diverse landscapes and a desire to capture memorable photos of the Sahara.

The Sum Up

The 2-day Sahara Desert tour from Fez offers a compelling mix of adventure, scenery, and cultural insight at a very accessible price point. While some guests have experienced organizational hiccups, most agree that the highlights—camel trekking, sunset dunes, and a night in the camp—are well worth it. The small group setting and all-inclusive approach mean you get a personal touch without hefty costs.

If you’re looking for a value-packed, authentic Sahara experience and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability, this tour provides a solid option. It’s especially suited for travelers eager to combine Morocco’s highlights into a short trip, with enough flexibility to end in Marrakech or back in Fez.

FAQ

Is transportation air-conditioned?
Yes, each day’s transfer is in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the long drives more comfortable, especially during the daytime heat.

What’s included in the tour?
All meals (breakfasts and dinner), camel rides into the dunes, overnight desert tent stay, and transfers are covered. Lunch is not included, giving you flexibility to explore local options.

Can I choose to end the tour in Marrakech?
Yes, you have the option to finish in Marrakech, which is included in the tour setup, or return to Fez.

What about guides?
The tour is organized by a provider known for knowledgeable drivers and hosts. Some reviews mention the guides’ friendliness and local knowledge, though the level of guidance during the drive can vary.

Is the desert camp comfortable?
Most guests find the tents comfortable enough, with some having private toilets and showers. A few reviewers comment on the tents being basic, but overall, the camp is a highlight.

Are there any safety concerns?
While most reviews are positive, some guests shared uncomfortable experiences, emphasizing the importance of choosing a reputable provider and instructing guides to follow safety standards.

This 2-day Sahara adventure balances affordability with unforgettable scenery, making it a solid choice for travelers eager to experience Morocco’s iconic dunes without overextending their budget.