Shared Fes desert tours 2 days back to Fes

Exploring Morocco’s Sahara on a 2-Day Shared Tour from Fez

If you’re dreaming of swapping city streets for sand dunes, this 2-day shared desert tour from Fez offers an immersive experience that captures Morocco’s diverse landscapes. It’s perfect for those eager to see the Sahara’s vastness while enjoying the comfort of small-group travel, making the journey both intimate and adventurous.

What we love about this trip? First, the ride through the cedar forests where resident monkeys add a fun surprise. Then, the unforgettable camel trek into the dunes, especially at sunset when the sands glow. Finally, the night spent under the stars in a traditional Berber camp feels genuinely special. On the flip side, a longer drive on the return might feel exhausting for some, given the roughly 7-hour journey back to Fez. This tour suits travelers craving an authentic desert experience without the fuss of a multi-day commitment or luxury prices.

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Key Points

Authentic Sahara experience with camel rides and camping under the stars
Scenic route through the Middle Atlas, cedar forests, and Berber villages
Small-group size ensures a more personalized journey
Value for money at $167 per person, including meals, camel rides, and overnight stay
Flexible booking with pay later option and full refund up to 24 hours before
Highlights the stunning sunrise over the dunes, an unforgettable visual treat

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The Journey Begins: From Fez to the Desert

The adventure kicks off early in the morning, with comfortable transportation by air-conditioned minibus or vehicle. As you leave the bustling streets of Fez, the scenery quickly shifts to the lush landscapes of Ifrane, known as Morocco’s “Switzerland,” with its alpine-style chalets and mountain air. It’s a quirky start that immediately elevates the journey, providing a taste of Morocco’s surprising diversity.

Next, you’ll traverse into the cedar forests of Azrou, where you might spot monkeys lazily lounging or foraging. One reviewer mentioned how this part of the trip is a real highlight, with the chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat. The route continues through the Middle Atlas, offering postcard-worthy views of rugged mountains, springs, and traditional Berber villages. The scenery here isn’t just beautiful—it also feels authentic, providing a glimpse into the rural life that remains untouched by tourism.

Midway, a stop in Midelt allows travelers to stretch, take photos of the region’s famous rocks and fossils, and enjoy a hearty lunch. This is a good opportunity to appreciate Morocco’s geological diversity, often praised by visitors for the unusual rock formations and fossils found in the area.

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Approaching the Desert: Rissani and Merzouga

After lunch, the journey takes a turn toward the desert via Rissani, where you’ll switch to an all-terrain vehicle for the last stretch into Merzouga. This part of the trip is often described as the moment the landscape transforms from green to golden. The vast Ziz palm oasis begins to stretch out before you, promising an imminent desert adventure.

Once in Merzouga, the excitement builds. The highlight? A camel trek that lasts about an hour, taking you across the dunes to a desert camp. One traveler appreciated how the camels were well-maintained and the guides helpful, making the experience comfortable even for first-timers. The sunset over the dunes is a scene that will stay with you—an incredible mix of warm hues and silent, shifting sands.

An Evening in the Desert Camp

Arriving at the traditional Berber camp, you’re greeted with refreshing mint tea—an energizing refreshment after your trek. The camp itself offers options: private tents, standard accommodations, or larger group tents. This flexibility allows travelers to choose based on their comfort preferences and budget.

Dinner is served under the stars, often described as a delicious Moroccan feast, with some reviewers mentioning the friendly staff and good local cuisine. After dinner, it’s time to relax, listen to local music, or just soak in the starry night sky—an experience that many say surpasses expectations, feeling like stepping into another world.

A common comment from recent visitors is how peaceful and magical the overnight in the desert is, with the night’s silence broken only by the occasional breeze or distant laughter around the campfire.

Early Sunrise and the Return to Fez

The next morning, the real highlight is the sunrise over the dunes—one of the tour’s most prized moments. Travelers describe it as stunning, with the shifting sands illuminated in a palette of gold and amber. The guided sunrise viewing often gets high praise for its breathtaking beauty, giving you that quintessential desert moment.

After sunrise, travelers freshen up with a shower at the camp and enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading back to Fez. The return journey takes approximately 7 hours, with comfortable stops along the way to rest and reflect on your desert adventure.

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What’s Included and What to Consider

The tour’s price of $167 per person covers transportation in a comfortable vehicle, a professional driver, all meals (breakfast and dinner at the camp), the camel ride, and a night in the desert camp. The inclusions provide good value, especially considering the immersive experience and comfortable accommodations.

It’s worth noting that lunches and drinks are not included, so you might want to carry snacks or buy refreshments during stops. The tour is available in both English and French, making it accessible for many travelers.

A flexible booking policy allows you to reserve your spot without immediate payment, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This makes planning easier, especially if you’re unsure about your itinerary.

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Authenticity and Traveler Experience

Many recent reviews highlight the authenticity of this experience. Travelers appreciated how the tour felt genuine, with guides sharing local insights and helping create memorable moments. The small-group size ensures you don’t feel lost in a crowd, fostering a more personalized journey.

Some guests mentioned the desert camp was surprisingly comfortable, with options for privacy or shared tents, catering to different preferences. The overall sentiment is that this is a well-organized, value-packed tour that delivers on its promises—camel rides, stunning landscapes, desert night, and a memorable sunrise.

The Sum Up

This 2-day shared desert tour from Fez strikes a good balance between adventure and comfort. It’s perfect for travelers who want to experience the Sahara’s magic without spending a fortune or committing to multiple days. The route offers diverse scenery—from mountain forests to endless dunes—making each part of the trip stand out.

The tour’s value is especially evident in the small-group format, inclusive meals, and the opportunity to sleep under the stars in a traditional Berber camp. It’s a chance to see Morocco’s wild, unspoiled beauty up close—something that often exceeds expectations.

If you’re after an authentic, reasonably priced Sahara adventure with plenty of photo-worthy moments, this tour deserves serious consideraton. It’s ideal for first-timers, solo travelers, or couples wanting a taste of Morocco’s iconic desert without the fuss of luxury.

FAQ

What is included in this tour?
The tour provides transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional driver, meals (breakfast and dinner), a camel ride, and a night in a desert camp.

Can I book this tour at the last minute?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later. Cancellations up to 24 hours before are fully refundable, offering flexibility for last-minute plans.

What is the duration of the return journey?
The drive back to Fez takes about 7 hours, with stops along the way for breaks and refreshments.

Are meals provided?
Breakfast and dinner are included, but lunches and drinks are not. You may want to bring snacks or purchase refreshments during stops.

Is there an option for private tents?
Yes, you can choose between private tents, standard accommodation, or larger group tents for your overnight stay.

What languages are offered?
The tour is available in both English and French, making it accessible for many travelers.

What makes this tour special?
The combination of scenic mountain routes, the camel trek at sunset, and the chance to sleep under the stars in a traditional desert camp makes this an authentic Sahara experience at a reasonable price.