From Fes: 2 Day Round Trip Via Merzouga Desert & Camel Trek

The best part of this trip is the sharp change in scenery: you leave Fes in the morning, pass snowy-looking Ifrane and monkey-filled cedar woods, then reach the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in time for a camel ride and sunset. I like the mix of mountain stops and desert time, and I like that the overnight camp includes dinner, breakfast, showers, and sandboarding.

The catch is the timetable. Fes to Merzouga is a long road journey, and you return to Fes the next day, so this is a fast introduction rather than a slow desert holiday. If you want more time in the Sahara, add extra nights in Merzouga.

Key points at a glance

• Sunset by camel: Ride for about 45 minutes across the sand before reaching the desert camp.
• A full day on the road: Visit Ifrane, the cedar forest, Midelt, Ziz Valley, and Erfoud before Merzouga.
• Sunrise near the Algerian border: Rise early on day two for a walk over the dunes and a desert sunrise.
• Small group or private format: Groups can reach 17 people, with private trips also available.
• Useful inclusions: Air-conditioned transport, dinner, breakfast, a camp shower, camel rides, and sandboarding are included.
• Flexible for different ages: If camel riding is not suitable, a 4X4 transfer to the camp can be arranged.

From Fes to Ifrane, the trip changes character

Pickup is scheduled around 7:30 a.m. from your hotel or riad, or from the nearest place a vehicle can reach. That last detail matters in Fes, where narrow medina lanes may prevent a full-size vehicle from stopping at your door.

The first major stop is Ifrane, an alpine-style town in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Its ski slopes and European-looking architecture feel far removed from the ochre walls and busy lanes of Fes. It is a short stop, but it helps you understand how varied Morocco can be within a single day.

Ifrane is also a useful early pause after the morning pickup. You can stretch your legs, take photographs, and see a side of Morocco that many visitors do not expect. Do not treat it as a long sightseeing visit, though. The main purpose is to break up the drive before the road climbs toward the cedar forest.

Barbary monkeys in the Middle Atlas cedar forest

The road continues through cedar country, where the tour stops to look for Barbary monkeys. You may be able to feed them, and this is one of the more unusual parts of the route. The animals provide a memorable break from sitting in the vehicle, especially for children.

Use sensible behavior here. Keep food and belongings under control, and follow the driver’s directions around the animals. The stop is about seeing wildlife in its natural setting, not turning the forest into a petting zoo.

I like this part because it adds texture to the journey. The desert is the headline attraction, but the cedar forest gives you a completely different setting. If you expected Morocco to be dry and sandy from the moment you left Fes, this stop corrects that idea quickly.

Midelt provides the practical lunch stop

Midelt is planned as the main lunch break. Lunch is not included in the $108 price, so you should budget separately for food and drinks. The stop also gives you time to step away from the vehicle during what is otherwise a very long transfer.

The exact restaurant and meal are not specified, so keep your expectations practical. This is a scheduled roadside pause, not a carefully designed food tour. Bring some water and small snacks if you prefer more control over what and when you eat.

The value of Midelt is less about sightseeing and more about pacing. A two-day Fes to Merzouga trip must cover a great deal of ground, and a proper break helps make the drive manageable.

Ziz Valley and Erfoud on the way to Merzouga

After Midelt, the route continues through the Ziz Valley. The valley brings a welcome change in color and shape, with a greener corridor cutting through the dry surroundings. It is one of the scenic stretches where you will want your camera ready, though the amount of time available for stopping depends on the day’s schedule.

Erfoud is the final named stop before Merzouga. It works as a last pause before the dunes, and it marks the transition from the inland road journey to the desert portion of the trip.

This sequence of stops is one reason I think the tour offers fair value. You are not simply paying for transport from Fes to a camel camp. You see several regions along the way, though you should remember that the route is still transport-heavy. The time at each stop will be limited because Merzouga must be reached in time for the camel ride.

A 45-minute camel ride to the desert camp

When you reach Merzouga, your luggage is stored at a hotel before you transfer to the camels. The ride lasts about 45 minutes and is timed for sunset, taking you across the sandy terrain toward the camp.

This is the classic Sahara moment, but it is also the part where practical preparation helps. Wear comfortable trousers, closed or secure shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. The sand and sun can be tiring, and camel saddles are not designed for a long, relaxed riding session.

You do not need to be an experienced rider. The tour is described as easygoing and suitable for all ages. If you cannot ride a camel, you can be taken to the campsite by 4X4 instead. That option makes the trip more workable for families, older participants, or anyone with a back or balance concern.

The sunset ride is relatively short, which is a plus for first-time riders. You get the experience without spending hours on a camel. It is also a limitation if you imagined a long expedition across the Sahara. Think of it as an arrival experience rather than a full camel trek.

Dinner, sandboarding, and the overnight camp

The desert camp includes one night in a standard tent, dinner, breakfast, and a shower. Sandboarding is also included, so you can try sliding down the dunes if you have the energy after the drive and camel ride.

Camp standards can vary, and the information provided does not promise luxury facilities. The word standard is important. You should expect a straightforward desert overnight stay rather than a high-end resort experience.

Dinner and evening entertainment are part of the appeal. The tour description presents the meal as an evening under the stars, with entertainment at camp. A recent booking specifically praised the party and company, while another person said the quad bikes were worth adding. Quads are not listed among the inclusions, so treat them as an optional extra, not part of the advertised price.

The shower is a useful inclusion. After a long day on the road and in the sand, having access to a wash before or after the night makes a real difference. Drinks and personal items are not included, so carry cash or supplies for those needs.

Sunrise on the second morning

The early start is the payoff for spending the night in the dunes. You rise before or around dawn and walk across the sand to watch the sun come up, from a location described as about 50 kilometers from Merzouga and near the Algerian border.

That wording signals a remote setting, but it also means you should be ready for an early, active morning. Wear shoes that can handle sand, bring a warm layer if needed, and keep your phone or camera charged. The tour includes a sunrise camel ride in the package details, while the day-by-day description focuses on walking across the dunes. Confirm the exact morning arrangement with your operator if the camel portion is especially important to you.

Sunrise is often the quieter desert moment. Sunset brings arrival, movement, and camp activity. At dawn, you have the chance to watch the dunes change color before the return journey begins.

The long return from Merzouga to Fes

Day two follows the route back toward Fes, with Rissani, Midelt, Ifrane, and the Ziz Valley included in the return description. Lunch is again at your own cost.

This is the tour’s biggest weakness. After an early desert morning, you face another long road day. The return drive can feel tiring, especially if you are trying to fit this trip between several other stops in Morocco.

The advantage is simple: you can experience Merzouga without arranging separate transport, hotels, meals, and desert transfers yourself. The disadvantage is that you spend a large share of the two days in the vehicle. I would choose this schedule only if your time in Morocco is tight and reaching the Sahara is a priority.

Drop-off is provided at your Fes hotel or riad when possible, or at the nearest accessible point for the vehicle. That is helpful after a long return day, but ask in advance about the exact pickup and drop-off point if your accommodation is inside a restricted medina lane.

How the $108 price holds up

At $108 per person, the price is attractive for what is included. You receive air-conditioned transport, a professional driver, one desert-camp night, dinner, breakfast, a shower, camel rides at sunset and sunrise, and sandboarding.

You still need to pay for lunches, drinks, and personal items. Those costs are not unusual, but they should be added to your trip budget. The largest value comes from combining transport and the desert stay in one booking.

The group format also affects the value. Private and small-group options are available, with groups of up to 17 people. A larger group can keep the cost down but may mean less flexibility at stops. A private trip should give you more control, though the supplied details do not state the private-tour surcharge or exact vehicle arrangements.

The driver’s role matters on a route this long. English, French, and Spanish are offered, and guides such as Ali and Hassan Amiri have been singled out for being helpful and friendly. One Spanish-speaking booking described the organization and driver guide as exceeding expectations. The available rating is 4.8 from 80 reviews, with repeated praise for the staff, organization, and overall experience.

Who should choose this two-day desert trip?

I would recommend it to you if:

• You have only two days available from Fes.
• You want the classic camel, sunset, camp, and sunrise combination.
• You enjoy road trips with several scenic stops.
• You are comfortable with long hours in a vehicle.
• You want an affordable package with transport and camp arrangements handled together.
• You need a flexible option for a mixed-age group.

I would look for a longer desert trip if you want quiet time in Merzouga, a slower pace, or several activities in the dunes. Two days gives you the main highlights, but it does not leave room for much rest.

The camel alternative is also useful. You can still reach the camp by 4X4 if riding is not right for you, so the experience is not limited to strong or confident riders.

What to pack for the road and sand

Keep your day bag easy to reach because your larger luggage may be stored while you take the camels to camp. Pack:

• Comfortable shoes with a secure fit
• Comfortable clothes for sitting in a vehicle and riding a camel
• A sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Water and money for drinks
• A warm layer for the early morning
• A phone charger or power bank

Avoid carrying more than you need into the camp. Sand gets into everything, and a small bag is easier to manage on a camel.

Final call: book it for access, not leisure

You should book this tour if your main goal is to see the Sahara from Fes in the shortest practical time. The combination of Middle Atlas scenery, Barbary monkeys, Ziz Valley, camel sunset, desert dinner, sandboarding, and sunrise gives you a lot in two days.

You should skip it if the long return drive will spoil the experience for you. The route is demanding, and the camp stay is only one night. For a first taste of Merzouga at a low price, it is a strong choice. For a relaxed desert holiday, spend more time there.

FAQ

What is included in the $108 tour price?

The price includes air-conditioned transportation, a professional driver, one night in a standard desert camp, dinner, breakfast, a shower in Merzouga, camel rides for sunset and sunrise, and sandboarding.

Are lunches and drinks included?

No. Lunches, drinks, and personal items are not included, so plan to pay for them separately during the route.

Where does pickup take place in Fes?

Pickup is arranged from your hotel or riad when possible. If the vehicle cannot reach your accommodation, pickup takes place at the nearest accessible point.

Can I join a private tour?

Yes. Private and small-group options are available. Groups can include up to 17 people.

What languages are available?

The live guide and driver service is available in English, French, and Spanish.

Can I join if I cannot ride a camel?

Yes. The tour information says you can be transported to the campsite by 4X4 if camel riding is not suitable. The trip is described as easygoing and suitable for all ages.