This 2-day desert tour from Fes, through the Middle Atlas Mountains, and to the edge of the Sahara Desert! Here’s a taste of what you can expect:

Cruise through the charming towns of Ifrane, known for its surprising Swiss-style architecture, Zaida, Midelt, and Erfoud. Each town has its unique vibe, from bustling marketplaces to laid-back cafes. In Erfoud, you might even snag some cool fossils as souvenirs!
The star of the show? An unforgettable camel trek across the golden dunes of the Merzouga Desert. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the sand, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet. Spend the night cozying up in a traditional Berber camp, enjoying a delicious dinner under a blanket of stars, and waking up to a magical desert sunrise.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Fes/Merzouga

DEPARTURE TIME

Between 8 am and 9 am.

INCLUDED

Arrival and departure from lodging.	A camel for every individual.
Berber tent lodging.	A vehicle with gasoline.

NOT INCLUDED

Travel insurance.

Lunches

2-day desert tour from Fes: FAQ

Is it safe to ride camels in Merzouga?

Don’t worry, camel rides in Merzouga are cool! These chill animals are pretty safe for riding, completely like any other. Remember to listen to your guide’s instructions and you’ll have a remarkable time through the desert!

Is it necessary to tip the staff?

Tipping in Morocco it’s not mandatory. If someone gives you awesome service, a small tip is a nice way to show you appreciate it!

What type of cars is utilized for this tour?

The car you use for this tour depends on how many people are in your group. They usually have big Toyota Land Cruisers, vans, or comfy minibusses.

How do you pay to book this tour?

To hold your spot on the tour, you’ll need to pay a small deposit upfront. It’s easy – you can use PayPal or bank transfer. Then, on the first day of your adventure, you’ll pay the rest of the cost in cash directly to your awesome tour guide. They’ll accept euros, dollars, or Moroccan dirhams (their local money).

Day 1: Fes to Merzouga Desert via Midelt

Get ready for an adventure! Our 2-day trip from Fes to Merzouga starts by picking you up from your hotel. We’ll head out of Fes and into the mountains, crossing both the Middle Atlas and High Atlas ranges. Buckle up – the views will be incredible! Our first stop is a surprising one – Ifrane, a mountain town nicknamed “the Switzerland of Morocco” for its cool climate and European-style architecture. Here, you can snap a pic with the famous Atlas lion statue. Next, we’ll delve into the Cedar Forest, where you might spot some cheeky macaque monkeys swinging through the trees.

The journey continues through Zaida and Midelt, charming towns nestled in the mountains. Finally, we’ll reach the Ziz Valley, a vast oasis known for its endless rows of date palms – Morocco’s date capital! After soaking up the valley views, we’ll arrive at Merzouga Desert. Here, the magic truly begins! Prepare to be amazed by the golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. In the afternoon, we’ll trade our car for camels and trek across the dunes to our desert camp, where you’ll spend the night. As the sun sets, painting the sky with vibrant colors, get ready for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a delicious dinner under a sky full of twinkling stars, listen to traditional Berber music, and gaze at the Milky Way before drifting off to sleep under the vast desert sky.

Day 2: Merzouga Back to Fes

On the second day of our Fes to Merzouga adventure, we’ll wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. After a yummy breakfast at the camp, it’s time to pack up and head back to Fes.

We’ll retrace our steps, passing by the same towns and making stops along the way so you can capture more incredible photos of the Atlas Mountains. Sit back, relax, and reminisce about your exciting desert adventure as we cruise through the mountains. Finally, we’ll arrive back in Fes, where we’ll drop you off at your accommodation. This 2-day tour is the perfect way to experience the beauty and culture of Morocco in a short amount of time

Fes:

Fes, your starting point, is one of Morocco’s most vibrant cities. Imagine a maze of narrow streets lined with colorful shops selling spices, leather goods, and handcrafted souvenirs. Fes is also a center of Islamic culture, boasting ancient mosques and universities (madrasas) that date back hundreds of years. Getting lost (with a guide!) in the Fes medina (old town) is an adventure in itself, but don’t forget to check out the impressive Bou Inania Madrasa with its intricate tilework.

Erg Chebbi:

Next stop, the Erg Chebbi! This is where the Sahara Desert comes alive. Picture rolling dunes that seem to stretch forever, reaching hundreds of meters high. This desert playground is best explored on a camel trek, a traditional mode of transport for desert nomads. Imagine yourself swaying gently on a camel’s back, feeling the warm desert sun on your face as you explore the vastness of the Erg Chebbi. At night, the desert transforms into a magical place with a sky full of twinkling stars, a sight you won’t forget.

Errachidia:

Errachidia is a town nestled amidst the Middle Atlas Mountains, acting as a gateway to the desert wonders. While it might not be a major tourist destination itself, Errachidia offers a glimpse into local Berber life. Berbers are the indigenous people of North Africa, known for their rich culture and traditional way of life. Errachidia is a great place to stop for lunch and stock up on supplies before venturing deeper into the desert. You might also see the Hassan Ad Dhakhl Dam, a massive reservoir that provides water for the surrounding region, including the lush Ziz Valley with its countless palm trees.

Tour Reviews

5.00 based on 2 reviews

Alba N

August 21, 2015

We finally reached Merzouga after a long travel day. We were excited to meet the guides who would take us through the desert adventure! Around 5 pm, we set off on our camel trek through the desert. The sunset was incredible as we rode across the sandy landscape. After about an hour and a half, we arrived at the camp. It was already dark, so we dropped our stuff off in our tents (Hamas) and headed straight for dinner!

The food was delicious, but the best part was the entertainment after dinner. The guides put on a concert for us, and then they even taught us how to play the drums! Finally, the most magical moment arrived: gazing up at the spectacular night sky filled with countless stars. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience with fantastic guides. We will definitely do this again for sure!

Marta

August 21, 2015

During my trip to Morocco, I lucked out and got Hussin as my guide for a camel trek in the Merzouga desert. Riding a camel through the sand dunes was incredible – the views were unreal! We spent the night in tents, had a delicious dinner, and then the guides put on a whole show with singing, instruments, and even letting us tourists try them out! Around midnight, Hussin took me (or us, if you were with others) up a dune to see the view under the moonlight. We stayed there for ages, sharing stories and laughing. Hussin is super passionate about Morocco’s culture and nature, and he’s also hilarious. He’s friendly, always there for you, and totally genuine. That time on the dunes with him is definitely one of my best memories from Morocco. The next morning, we woke up before sunrise and rode the camels again to see the sun come up over the desert.