2 Days Fes Desert trip Overnight Erg chebbi End up Fes/Marrakech

Planning a trip to Morocco and craving that quintessential desert adventure? This 2-day Fes desert tour offers a quintessential glimpse into the Sahara’s vast dunes, traditional Berber culture, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just looking to tick off a bucket list experience, this journey from Fez to Erg Chebbi is designed to deliver both excitement and comfort.

What we love about this tour is the way it balances authentic desert experiences—like camel rides and camping under the stars—with the convenience of well-organized transportation and knowledgeable guides. Plus, the variety of options (standard, luxury, private) means you can tailor the trip to your budget and preferences.

One thing to keep in mind? The long drives, sometimes exceeding 9 hours, are unavoidable given the distance. If you’re prone to car fatigue or short on time, this might be a consideration.

Ultimately, this tour is best suited for travelers eager for a once-in-a-lifetime Sahara adventure, those interested in Moroccan culture, and anyone looking for a memorable overnight escape into the dunes.

Key Points

• Authentic Sahara experience with camel rides and camping under the stars
• Beautiful scenery from mountains, cedar forests, to desert dunes
• Flexible options including standard, luxury, and private for different budgets
• Long drive but with interesting stops and scenic views along the way
• Expert guides and friendly drivers enhance the journey
• Good value for money considering the included activities and overnight stay

Day 1: From Fez to the Dunes

Your adventure begins early in the morning, with pickup around 7:30 am. The drive from Fez is part of the experience, not just transportation—expect to cross varied Moroccan landscapes that are often overlooked in typical city visits.

The Route and Stops

The journey takes you through the Atlas Mountains, an impressive natural barrier that offers a change of scenery after the urban landscape of Fez. One of the highlights is passing through Ifrane, a quirky ski resort resembling a Swiss village. Built by the French in the 1930s, Ifrane is often called “Little Switzerland,” and it’s a fun surprise to see this European-style town in Morocco.

Next, you’ll visit the cedar forests of Azrou, where monkeys lounge in the trees. Reviewers mention the monkey sightings as a memorable highlight—”see the monkeys in the trees” and “feeding the Barbary Macaques” add a playful touch to the journey. It’s a welcome break from hours of driving.

Midelt: The Lunch Stop

Midelt is your halfway point, known for its fossils and rocks, and a common lunch spot. Here, the scenery shifts to jagged rocks, springs, and Berber villages, giving a glimpse of Morocco beyond the cities. The timing—around noon—is perfect for refueling before the final push toward the desert.

Arrival at Merzouga and Camel Trek

By late afternoon, around 5 pm, you’ll reach Merzouga, the small town gateway to Erg Chebbi dunes. Your guides and camels are waiting, ready to take you into the dunes. The camel ride, which lasts about two hours, promises a classic Saharan sunset—a moment many reviews describe as breathtaking.

The evening at the desert camp is all about authentic Berber hospitality. You’ll be served a traditional meal, and after dinner, the night sky lights up with stars—an experience that reviews consistently praise: “the stars were incredible,” and “watching the stars from the tent” makes the night especially memorable.

Sleeping in a Berber Tent

You’ll spend the night in a spacious tent, hobbled camels nearby, with a chance to enjoy the peace and silence of the desert. Some reviews mention the comfort of the tents and the memorable atmosphere of this glamping-style experience.

Dawn over the Dunes

Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the Sahara is a must-do. From the reviews, this was a highlight for many: “the sunrise was breathtaking,” and “the view from the dunes was surreal.” You might even see the Algerian border in the distance.

Camel Ride Back and Breakfast

After sunrise, you’ll ride the camels back to Merzouga, where a hotel breakfast awaits. This is a welcome refresh after a night in the desert.

Journey Back to Fez

The return trip involves a 4×4 transfer to Rissani, then a minivan back to Fez. The drive takes about six hours, with stops for rest and lunch along the way. Several reviewers mentioned the long hours but also appreciated the scenic stops and the knowledge of guides—”Mustapha made many photo opportunities,” and “the drive was long but comfortable.”

Included:

• Camel rides into and out of the desert
• Overnight stay in a desert camp in a Berber tent
• Dinner and breakfast at the camp
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• A professional driver and guides
• Sandboarding experience offered free of charge
• Pickup service from Fez is also included

Not Included:

• Lunch and drinks during the trip (you’ll need to budget for these separately)

This itinerary offers good value, especially considering the overnight in the desert, meals, and guided experience. The tour is priced at $139.58 per person, which many reviewers felt was reasonable given the activities and accommodations.

Expect a group size of up to 17 travelers, which balances the intimacy of a small tour with enough company for social moments. The air-conditioned minivan makes the long drives more comfortable, and the guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

The tour begins early at 7:30 am, making it a full day of travel and sightseeing. The return late in the afternoon or evening on day two provides plenty of time to unwind and reflect on the experience.

Many reviews highlight the authentic Berber hospitality and the chance to see Morocco’s natural beauty beyond the cities. Highlights include stunning dune sunsets and sunrises, stargazing, and the chance to ride camels in the real Sahara.

A common theme: the guides and drivers are knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to comfort. Several reviewers mention their guides’ efforts to show them local restaurants, feed monkeys, and ensure smooth travel.

Sandboarding is a fun surprise included in the package—an outdoor activity that adds a splash of adventure.

At roughly $140, this tour offers a comprehensive Sahara experience for a reasonable price. The overnight stay in a traditional Berber tent, combined with camel rides, meals, and guided transfers, provides a package that many travelers find worthwhile. Several reviews lauded the well-organized logistics and the quality of the experience.

However, the long hours on the road are unavoidable, and some travelers have expressed that the trip could be tiring. If you’re short on time or prefer a more leisurely pace, a longer trip might be more suitable—but for most, this delivers a good balance of adventure, comfort, and cultural authenticity.

This trip is ideal for adventure enthusiasts who want a genuine Sahara experience, including camel riding, camping, and stunning desert vistas. It also suits culture lovers eager to see Moroccan Berber traditions firsthand. If you’re traveling from Fez and want a convenient, well-organized package, this tour is a strong choice.

It’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking luxury accommodations—though you can opt for the luxury upgrade if available. If you’re looking for a relaxing, short getaway with minimal driving, this might feel a bit intensive.

This 2-day Fez desert tour offers a remarkably authentic taste of Morocco’s Sahara, balanced with solid organization and engaging guides. The camel rides, desert camp, and scenic stops make it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s an immersion into one of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes.

The long drive might be a challenge, but many reviews confirm that the scenery and experiences along the way more than compensate. The opportunity to sleep under the stars and witness sunrise in the dunes is a memory you’ll carry for a lifetime.

If you’re eager for a combination of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, this tour delivers. For those who want to see the Sahara without overextending their trip or breaking the bank, it’s a very solid choice.

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 7:30 am, with pickup included from your accommodation or designated meeting point in Fez.

What transportation is used during the trip?
Travel is by air-conditioned minivan for comfort during the long drives, and camels are used for the desert crossing into and out of the dunes.

How many people are in the group?
The tour typically has a maximum of 17 travelers, balancing intimacy with social opportunity.

Are meals provided?
Yes, dinner is served at the desert camp on the first night, and breakfast is included the next morning before heading back.

Is there an option for luxury accommodation?
Yes, the tour offers standard, luxury, and private options to suit different preferences and budgets.

What activities are included?
Camel rides, overnight desert camping, and a sandboarding experience are included in the package.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes for desert conditions, sunscreen, a hat, camera, and personal essentials. Since meals exclude lunch and drinks, bring cash for those.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

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

This tour provides a well-rounded, authentic, and memorable Sahara adventure—perfect for travelers eager to see the real Morocco beyond the cities.