2 Days Desert Trip Back To Fes/ Or Marrakech

Travelers looking to explore Morocco’s iconic Sahara Desert often face the question: is a quick day trip enough? For those craving a genuine, memorable experience, a 2-day desert tour from Fes to Merzouga offers much more than just sand dunes. It’s a chance to connect with Morocco’s natural beauty and Berber culture in a way that feels meaningful and immersive.

From what we’ve gathered, this tour is highly rated — with a 5.0 out of 5 based on 26 reviews — and is recommended by 96% of travelers. For just over $139 per person, you get a well-rounded journey that can be booked 26 days in advance on average.

The tour combines transportation, authentic accommodations, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the desert’s magic — all led by experienced guides who know how to make the experience both comfortable and engaging.

Our favorite aspects? We love the authentic camel rides across the dunes, and the chance to witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets in the desert. A possible drawback? The 10-hour drive can be quite long, which might be tiring for some. Still, if you’re after a true desert adventure that balances scenery, culture, and adventure, this tour is a compelling choice—especially for those who want more than a quick photo stop.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate natural beauty, cultural encounters, and aren’t shy about spending a good chunk of time traveling. It’s perfect for adventurers, cultural explorers, and anyone eager for a taste of the real Morocco beyond the cities.

Key Points

• Deep culture with Berber communities and traditions
• Spectacular desert views at sunrise and sunset
• Authentic experience including camel rides and camping in Berber tents
• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned minivan
• Well-rated tour, with excellent reviews highlighting organization and scenery
• Long travel times, so prepare for a full day of driving

Starting Point: The Medina of Fes

Your journey begins in Fes, one of Morocco’s most vibrant medinas. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel — a simple but important detail, as it saves you the hassle of navigating busy streets. The morning starts with a sense of anticipation as you leave behind the city’s maze of alleys, heading toward the Atlas Mountains.

Traversing Ifrane: The Swiss-Style Village

Next, you’ll pass through Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” due to its alpine architecture and cool climate. Built by the French in the 1930s, this charming ski resort offers a brief pause and a chance to stretch your legs amid a very unexpected Moroccan landscape. It’s worth noting that Ifrane’s distinctive look provides a stark contrast to the desert ahead, giving a glimpse of Morocco’s diverse geography.

Azrou Cedar Forest: Encountering Monkeys and Nature

Your route continues through Azrou, where the cedar forest is a highlight. Travelers often enjoy watching the monkeys that roam freely here. We loved the way the lush greenery and the ancient trees provided a dramatic change from the rocky plains ahead. The forest is also home to springs and rugged rock formations, making it a picturesque stop for photos and fresh air.

Midelt: The Rock and Fossil Capital

Around midday, the tour makes a stop in Midelt for lunch. This town is famed for fossils and rocks, and it’s a good place to refuel before continuing your ascent into the desert. Reviews mention that this break helps break up the long drive, which lasts about 7 hours total. You might find the roads less than perfect at times — some reviewers noted that the routes aren’t always smooth — but the scenery compensates with stunning mountain vistas.

Approaching Merzouga: The Gateway to the Sahara

In the late afternoon, you arrive at Merzouga, a small desert town on the edge of the dunes. Here, you’ll get a panoramic view of the oasis dotted with palm trees — a sight that captures the heart of the Sahara’s beauty. As soon as you arrive, a traditional mint tea awaits, offering a warm welcome before the adventure begins.

Camel Ride into the Dunes: Sunset and Serenity

One of the tour’s highlights is the camel ride across the erg-Chebbi dunes at sunset. As you climb onto your camel, the landscape stretches out in front of you — endless golden sands under a changing sky. Several reviews mention how the sunset views here are simply spectacular, with some describing it as “super” and “amazing.” Expect about an hour riding through the dunes, which is enough to feel the desert’s vastness but not so long as to tire you out.

Desert Camp: Authentic Berber Tent Experience

Arriving at the camp, you’ll stay overnight in authentic Berber tents. The setup is generally praised for being cozy and genuine — a chance to connect with local traditions. Dinner is served at the camp, often highlighting traditional Moroccan or Berber cuisine. Afterward, don’t miss the stars — the desert night sky here is luminous and clear, perfect for a little star gazing. Several reviewers have raved about the camp’s atmosphere, describing it as “excellent” and “super,” with good organization and good food.

Day 2: Sunrise and Return to Fes/Marrakech

Waking up early for a desert sunrise is an unforgettable experience. The way the light hits the dunes, revealing a changing palette of colors, is truly breathtaking. After breakfast, your guide will facilitate your departure back to Fes or Marrakech, depending on your plans. The return journey is about 8 hours, so prepare for a long day of driving, but with plenty of scenic stops and a sense of satisfaction.

The positive reviews highlight the stunning views of the desert, with travelers describing the sunset as “super” and the camp as “excellent.” One reviewer mentioned that the trip involved some long driving hours — about 10 hours round-trip — but appreciated the well-organized camp and the friendly chauffeur.

One comment noted the route wasn’t always on the best roads, but that the “driver was always well-meaning and helpful,” which is comforting for those concerned about comfort and safety.

The camp experience gets high praise for its ambiance and organization, with travelers feeling it was a 10 out of 10. This authenticity, combined with the opportunity to engage with Berber culture, makes the tour more than just a sightseeing trip.

For just over $139, this tour provides remarkable value — especially considering it includes pickup, a night’s accommodation, camel rides, and dinner and breakfast. The air-conditioned minivan ensures comfort during the long drives, and the group size is capped at 17 travelers, so it’s intimate enough for a personal experience.

The tour doesn’t include lunch and drinks, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy on the go, especially in Midelt. The confirmation is quick, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This experience is best suited for travelers who:

• Want a genuine desert experience with culture
• Don’t mind long travel hours for a richer adventure
• Are excited about camel rides and desert camping
• Appreciate scenic landscapes and memorable sunsets
• Are comfortable with group tours and basic amenities

It might be less ideal for those seeking a quick, hassle-free visit or with mobility issues, as the long drives and camp setup require some endurance.

This 2-day Fes to Merzouga desert tour offers a compelling mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. It’s perfect for those eager to see Morocco’s desert in a way that feels authentic and memorable. The opportunity to watch the sunrise over dunes, ride camels at sunset, and spend a night in Berber tents makes it more than just a trip — it’s an experience that stays with you.

While the drive is lengthy, the scenery and cultural encounters make it worthwhile. The high praise from travelers, especially about the views and camp organization, underscores its value. For anyone dreaming of a real Sahara adventure, this tour delivers a genuinely Moroccan desert experience at a reasonable price.

Ideal for those who want depth over shortcuts, and who cherish authentic settings — this is a journey into Morocco’s sands that you won’t forget.

How long is the total travel time from Fes to Merzouga?
The drive takes approximately 7 hours, with additional time for stops, making for a long day but packed with scenic highlights.

Is the desert camp authentic?
Yes, travelers report that they stayed in traditional Berber tents, and the overall organization and atmosphere have been described as “excellent” and “super.”

What should I bring for the camel ride?
Comfortable clothes, sunglasses, a hat, and perhaps a light scarf or shawl for sun protection. The camel ride lasts about an hour, so dress in layers.

Are meals included?
Breakfast and dinner are included, but lunch and drinks are not, so plan accordingly.

Will I have time to enjoy the desert scenery?
Absolutely. The sunset ride and sunrise viewing allow plenty of time to appreciate the landscape’s beauty.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 17, which helps keep the experience intimate and personable.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the long drives and outdoor camping if traveling with young children.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s priced at around $139.37 per person, offering good value given the inclusions and authentic experience.

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

This 2-day desert trip from Fes to Merzouga promises adventure, relaxation, and a taste of Morocco’s true desert spirit. Whether you’re after stunning landscapes, cultural exchanges, or just a break from the city, it’s a journey worth considering.