Shared 2 Day & 1 Night Desert Trip From Fez Back To Fez

Traveling through Morocco’s diverse scenery is an adventure filled with surprises, and this shared 2-day, 1-night desert trip from Fez offers an accessible way to experience it all. While we haven’t been on this exact tour ourselves, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a clear picture of an experience packed with memorable sights, cultural moments, and stunning desert vistas.

What we love about this tour: the seamless blend of natural beauty and cultural stops, the opportunity to ride camels into the Sahara, and the chance to spend a night under the stars in a desert camp. A potential drawback for some might be the long driving hours, but that’s part of the trade-off for seeing Morocco’s varied landscapes in such a short time. This trip is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic desert adventure coupled with scenic exploration without the hassle of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Diverse scenery from Ifrane’s European charm to Sahara dunes.
• Comfortable transportation with air-conditioned vehicles for long drives.
• Cultural stops like Azrou Cedar Forest and Rissani offer insights into Morocco’s natural and historical richness.
• Authentic desert experience including camel trekking and spending a night in a traditional camp.
• Well-rated guides and drivers contribute to a smooth, friendly journey.
• Good value at $176.18 per person, including most meals and overnight stay.

An Overview of the Experience

This tour takes you from the lively streets of Fez into Morocco’s stunning landscapes in just two days. It’s designed for those who want a taste of the Sahara, scenic mountain views, and cultural stops, all in a compact package. The shared nature of the tour means you’re part of a small group, often up to 17 travelers, encouraging a friendly atmosphere while keeping the experience intimate enough to share memorable moments.

While the price is reasonable given the itinerary—covering transportation, meals, and an overnight desert camp—it’s worth noting that long hours of travel are involved. However, most reviews highlight the comfort of the vehicle and the professional attitudes of the guides, making the journey more enjoyable than it might sound on paper.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Fez to the Sahara

Starting early from Fez, this tour kicks off with a scenic drive through Morocco’s varied landscapes. The first stop is Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland,” thanks to its alpine-style architecture and clean, orderly streets. Here, travelers get a chance to stretch their legs and take photos of the charming town, which offers a nice contrast to the busier cities.

Next, you’ll head to Azrou Cedar Forest, a highlight for nature lovers. This forest is home to the Barbary macaques, a rare sight in the wild, and a great spot for some light walking and wildlife watching. Visitors often mention how the forest feels like stepping into a different world, with towering cedar trees and the chance to see monkeys in their habitat.

Afterward, the journey continues to Midelt, a peaceful town famous for its apple orchards. Here, you might visit a local market or orchard, giving insight into rural Moroccan life and agriculture—a contrast to the desert landscapes ahead.

The highlight of the day arrives as you reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. This is where the magic of the desert begins: a camel trek into the dunes, culminating in a traditional Moroccan dinner in a desert camp. Most reviews emphasize how the camel ride offers panoramic views of sunset over the dunes, creating unforgettable photo moments.

Day 2: Sunrise, Sahara, and Return

Waking up early, you’ll sit atop a dune for the legendary Sahara sunrise, an experience many reviewers describe as breathtaking and worth the early wake-up call. After witnessing the desert glow, you’ll ride camels back to Merzouga for breakfast and a brief rest.

On the way back to Fez, the tour makes a stop at Rissani, a city with historical significance as the home of the Alawite dynasty. This stop offers a glimpse into Morocco’s past and local market scenes, adding depth to your journey.

Finally, you’ll return to Fez in the evening, completing a busy but enriching trip through Morocco’s landscapes and cultures.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses air-conditioned vehicles, which is a big plus given the long hours on the road. The group size typically caps at 17 travelers, balancing community feel with comfort. Many reviews praise the friendly, professional drivers and guides, like the one who was described as “very friendly” and ensuring the trip was “comfortable and smooth.”

Meals and Accommodation

Most meals—breakfast and dinner—are included, allowing you to enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine without extra planning. The night spent in the desert camp is a core part of the experience, offering authentic sleeping arrangements under the stars, which reviewers find both exciting and surprisingly cozy.

The Value of This Tour

At $176.18 per person, this tour offers a lot, especially considering meals, overnight stay, camel rides, and transportation are covered. While some might wish for a shorter travel time or different accommodation options, the price reflects the comprehensive nature of the trip—taking you from city streets to the vast Sahara in a manageable package.

The reviews highlight good value, with one reviewer noting, “Very comfortable trip” and praising the “new car and friendly driver,” which significantly enhances the experience. For those new to Morocco or constrained on time, this tour provides a convenient way to see a broad swath of the country.

Authenticity and Unique Experiences

The camel trek and overnight camp are genuinely memorable and often rated as the tour’s highlights. Reviewers mention how the camp dinner offers a taste of Moroccan hospitality, and the starry desert sky provides a surreal backdrop for the night. These moments make the trip stand out from typical sightseeing, giving travelers a feel for desert life.

The stops at Ifrane and Azrou offer a refreshing break from desert monotony, showcasing Morocco’s lush, mountainous regions and wildlife. Many travelers appreciate how the guide’s local knowledge enriches each stop, turning a quick photo op into a mini lesson on regional significance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for first-time visitors to Morocco wanting to experience the Sahara without extensive planning. It’s also suitable for anyone who appreciates scenic drives combined with cultural stops and doesn’t mind some long travel hours. The group setting makes it a good choice for social travelers or those looking for an economical way to explore Morocco’s landscapes.

People who want a night in a traditional desert camp and enjoy guided nature walks will find this tour particularly appealing. However, those seeking luxury accommodations or a more private experience might find the shared nature of the trip less suitable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a balanced introduction to Morocco’s varied scenery, this 2-day, 1-night desert trip offers an engaging mix of nature, culture, and adventure. The camel trek into the Sahara remains a highlight, along with scenic stops that showcase Morocco’s natural beauty and historical richness. The overall value, friendly guides, and comfortable transport make it a worthwhile choice for travelers seeking an authentic experience without breaking the bank.

This tour suits explorers eager to see the desert and mountains in a short timeframe. It’s especially good for those who enjoy small group travel and are comfortable with long travel hours in a well-equipped vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the length of drives and walking involved. It’s best for those able to handle a bit of a long day and some early mornings.

Does the tour include all meals?
Breakfast and dinner are included, but lunch is not. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy lunch during the stops.

What kind of vehicle is used for transportation?
An air-conditioned vehicle is used, which helps keep everyone comfortable during the long drives.

How many people are typically in the group?
Most tours cap at 17 travelers, giving it an intimate feel while still being social.

Is the desert camp comfortable?
While basic, the camp offers a genuine desert experience. Many reviews mention it being cozy, with a memorable night under the stars.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, allowing flexibility.

What is the highlight of this tour?
Most say it’s the camel trek and watching the desert sunrise, which is described as “breathtaking” and “worth waking up early for.”

Are there opportunities to see wildlife?
Yes, particularly at Azrou Cedar Forest, where Barbary macaques can often be spotted.

Who is this tour best suited for?
Travelers wanting a comprehensive desert experience with cultural stops, comfortable transport, and manageable group sizes will find this tour suits them well.

Embarking on this adventure means witnessing Morocco’s contrasts—its lively towns, lush forests, and endless dunes—crafted into a compact, memorable trip. Whether you’re after Instagram-worthy views or a deeper appreciation for Moroccan landscapes, this tour offers a balanced, authentic experience that will stay with you long after your return.