Are you short on time but want to experience Morocco’s Sahara desert? Our Fes Desert Tours 2 Days To Merzouga is the perfect way to explore the stunning landscapes of the Middle Atlas, meet the local Berber culture, and enjoy an unforgettable night in the desert.
This trip includes stops at Ifrane, the cedar forest of Azrou, and the Ziz Valley, ending with a camel trek at Erg Chebbi and a stay in a desert camp under the starry sky.
- Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
- Starting Location: Fes
- Ending Location: Fes
Depart Time: | 7:00 AM |
Arrival Time: | 17:00 Pm |
Tour Type: | Private Trip |
Price: | Starts at €146 per person |
- Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Watch the sunset over the desert.
- Stay overnight in a desert camp.
- Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars.
- Watch the sunrise in the Sahara.
- Visit Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco.”
- See wild monkeys in Azrou’s cedar forest.
- Drive through the beautiful Ziz Valley.
- Explore Rissani’s lively traditional market.
Itinerary of the Fes To merzouga Desert tour 2 days:
Day 1: Fes → Ifrane → Cedar Forest → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Erfoud → Merzouga Desert
On the first day in the early morning, we’ll pick you up from your riad in Fes and head towards Ifrane, a small town known for its cool weather and European-style buildings. It’s a great spot for a short walk and some fresh air before
We’ll continue to the cedar forest near Azrou. where you’ll get to see wild Barbary monkeys and you feed them and take some pictures with them.
After that, we’ll stop in Midelt for lunch, a town known for its apple gardens, and its beautiful mountain views. Once we’ve had a break, we’ll drive through the Ziz Valley, famous for its long stretches of palm trees and scenic views. This valley offers a great contrast between the green oasis and the dry surroundings, making it a great spot to take amazing pictures.
As we approach Merzouga, we’ll pass through Erfoud, a town known for fossils and dates. Finally, we’ll reach the desert where your camel trek begins. You’ll ride across the dunes as the sun sets, creating amazing views. After arriving at the camp, you’ll enjoy Berber dinner and music around the campfire and spend the night under the stars in your private luxury tent.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 470 Km
- Approx. 7 Hours (Including Stops)
- Accommodation Details:
- Options for Standard Camp:
- 1. Merzouga Standard Camp
- 2. Nomad Standard Camp
- 3. Erg Chebbi Standard Camp
- Options for Luxury Camp:
- 1. Africa Luxury Camp
- 2. Caravanserai Luxury Camp
- 3. Desert Luxury Camp
Day 2: Merzouga Desert → Rissani → Fes
On the second day, you’ll wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. It’s a peaceful moment as the sun lights up the sand, creating beautiful colors. After that, we’ll have breakfast at the camp before riding the camels back to Merzouga. If you prefer, you can take a 4WD vehicle back instead of riding the camels.
Once we’re back on the road, we’ll head to Rissani, a small town known for its traditional market, especially on market days (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday). It’s a great place to see local life, buy some souvenirs, and maybe try some local foods.
After our stop in Rissani, we’ll begin the drive back to Fes, making stops along the way for photos and a lunch break. We’ll arrive in Fes in the late afternoon, where the tour ends.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 470 Km
- Approx. 7 Hours (including Stops)
Included:
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle.
- English-speaking driver (or your native language).
- Camel trek in the desert.
- 1-night stay in a desert luxury camp (dinner and breakfast included).
- Sandboarding in the dunes (optional).
- Moroccan mint tea at the camp.
- Fuel and all necessary transport costs
- Several stops along the way for scenic views and photos
Excluded:
- Lunches during the trip
- Drinks (soft drinks, water, etc.)
- Entrance fees to monuments (if applicable)
Gallery:
Know Before You Go:
1. Travel Time:
The drive from Fes to Merzouga takes about 7 hours each way, with stops for sightseeing, photos, and meals. The journey is long but full of beautiful views of the mountains and desert.
2. Packing Essentials:
Wear comfortable clothes for the camel trek, like long pants and light layers. It can get chilly at night in the desert, so bring a jacket. Don’t forget essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat or scarf, and comfortable shoes for walking.
3. Overnight in the Desert:
You’ll spend the night in a desert camp in Merzouga, sleeping in a traditional Berber tent. Camps usually offer basic facilities, and luxury camps come with private bathrooms. Towels and blankets are often provided, but it’s a good idea to bring your towel.
4. Camel Trekking:
The camel ride to and from the camp takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you prefer, you can ask for a 4WD vehicle instead. The ride is generally smooth but may feel bumpy for some.
5. Meals:
Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp are included. Lunches during the trip are not, so bring some cash for food stops along the way. The driver will recommend local restaurants where you can enjoy Moroccan dishes.
6. Electricity and Charging:
Desert camps use solar power, so electricity can be limited. Bring a portable charger for your phone or other devices to stay powered up during the trip.
7. Monkey Feeding in Azrou:
In the cedar forest near Azrou, you’ll get the chance to see and feed the wild Barbary monkeys. It’s fun to feed them, but don’t touch them they can become aggressive if touched. Local sellers often offer food for the monkeys, and it’s common to pay around 1 euro for it.
8. Market Days in Rissani:
If your trip passes through Rissani on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, you’ll visit the lively local market. It’s a great opportunity to see local life and buy souvenirs like spices and handmade goods.
9. Weather:
The desert is hot during the day and can get cold at night, so pack clothes for different temperatures. Spring and fall are the best times to visit for milder weather.
10 Currency:
Morocco uses Dirham (MAD). ATMs are in cities, but smaller towns might not have them, so carry enough cash.
Accommodation Options: Standard Vs Luxury
Standard Camp:
In the Standard Camp, you’ll stay in a basic Berber tent with shared bathrooms. The camp is simple, but you’ll still be comfortable. It’s a great way to experience the quiet desert atmosphere. You’ll enjoy dinner and breakfast under the stars, making it a peaceful and memorable stay.
Luxury Camp:
The Luxury Camp offers more comfort. You’ll stay in a private tent with your own bathroom and electricity. These tents are well-equipped, providing a higher level of service. Dinner and breakfast are also included, giving you a relaxing and comfortable experience in the desert.
Note: If these camps are fully booked, other excellent alternatives are available to ensure a memorable desert experience in Merzouga.
Pricing Overview for the 2 Days Tour Fes To Merzouga Desert
The 2-day tour from Fes to Merzouga starts from €146 per person. The final price can vary based on the size of your group and any upgrades, such as staying in a luxury camp.
Larger groups often get a lower price per person. For an exact quote, it’s best to contact the tour provider directly.
Group Size | Estimate Price (Per person) |
6 People | From €146 |
5 People | From €150 |
4 People | From €160 |
3 People | From €170 |
2 People | From €180 |
1 Person | From €220 |
- Prices include transport, camel ride, and accommodation (either standard or luxury camp).
- Dinner and breakfast are included at the camp.
- Upgrading to luxury camps or adding activities like sandboarding may increase the price.
- Prices can change depending on the season and availability.
Choose Your Tour Type: Private Vs Shared
You can choose between a private tour for a more personalized experience or a shared tour if you want a more affordable option with a group. The table below shows the differences:
Private Trip | Shared Trip |
Customized itinerary | Fixed itinerary |
Flexible departure time | Set departure time |
Exclusive vehicle and guide | Shared vehicle and guide with others |
Luxury camp or riad accommodation | Standard room in camp or riad |
Starts From 146€ per person | Starts From 99€ per person |
Extra Activities:
We offer extra activities to make your trip even more fun and memorable. Whether before, during, or after your tour, we can arrange special experiences for you. Just let us know what you’re interested in!
Before/After The Trip | During The Trip |
Guided Tour of Fes Medina | Professional Photographer |
Day Trip to Chefchaouen | Romantic Dinner in the Desert |
Explore Volubilis | Quad Biking Activity |
Family Cooking Class | Buggy Driving Activity |
Day Trip To Atlas Mountians | Horse Riding |
Day Trip To Meknes | Picnic In Sahara Desert |
Places to Visit on Your Fes To Merzouga 2 Days Desert Trip:
1. Ifrane:
Known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” Ifrane is a peaceful town with unique European-style buildings and clean streets. It’s a great place to take a short break and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
2. Cedar Forest in Azrou:
This forest is famous for its tall cedar trees and playful Barbary monkeys. You can feed the monkeys here, but remember not to touch them, as they can become aggressive. It’s a lovely stop to stretch your legs and enjoy nature.
3. Midelt:
Midelt is a small town known for its apple orchards and beautiful mountain views. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch and take in the peaceful surroundings before continuing your journey.
4. Ziz Valley:
Ziz Valley is a beautiful oasis in Morocco, filled with tall palm trees, green fields, and charming villages. The valley is surrounded by desert landscapes, making it a unique and peaceful place to visit.
5. Erfoud:
Erfoud is a town famous for its fossils and dates. If you’re interested, you can visit a local workshop to see how fossils are polished and shaped. Erfoud is also the gateway to the Sahara, signaling that you’re getting close to Merzouga.
6. Merzouga and Erg Chebbi Dunes:
Merzouga is a small village in southeastern Morocco, famous for its proximity to the Sahara Desert. It is known for the stunning golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, offering a gateway to camel treks, desert camps, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
7. Rissani:
Rissani is a small town known for its traditional market, especially on market days (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday). It’s a great place to experience local life and buy handmade crafts, spices, and dates.
The drive from Fes to Merzouga takes about 7 hours, covering around 470 km. You will stop along the way to visit places like Ifrane, the cedar forest, Ziz Valley, and Erfoud.
The camel trek to and from the desert camp lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. While the ride is generally smooth, it may feel bumpy for some. If you are worried about comfort, you can request a 4WD vehicle instead of riding camels.
The tour price typically includes transportation, a private driver, the camel trek, one night in a desert camp, dinner, and breakfast. You’ll also have stops at scenic spots like Ifrane, Azrou, and Ziz Valley.
Yes, the 2 days tour from Fes to Merzouga is family-friendly and suitable for children. The camel trek is usually safe for kids, but if they are too young or uncomfortable riding camels, a 4WD vehicle can be arranged.
Dinner and breakfast are included in the desert camp. For dinner, you’ll enjoy traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine or couscous. Breakfast usually includes tea, coffee, bread, and other light items.
Yes, both the sunset and sunrise are highlights of the trip. You will ride camels to the desert camp in the evening, just in time to see the sunset over the sand dunes.
Yes, visiting the desert and riding camels is generally very safe. The camel trek is led by experienced guides who know the desert well. If you have any concerns about safety, you can choose to ride in a 4WD vehicle instead of a camel.
The best times to visit are during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the desert, while winters can get cold at night.
Important:
You can customize the tour to fit what you want. If the schedule doesn’t work for you, you can choose how many days you need and which places you want to visit. Want more stops or extra time at a location? We can adjust the tour to match your plans.
If you want a longer desert experience, join our 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. If your return flight is in Marrakech and you want to explore the city, our 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech is a great choice.
Just let us know what you need, and we will create the perfect tour for you!
