From Fes: 2-Day Merzouga Desert Trip(Luxury Tent & Dinner)

The best part of this two-day Sahara trip is the change of scene: one morning you are leaving Fes, and by sunset you are riding a camel across the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi. You get mountain villages, cedar forests, a river valley, and a desert camp in one fast-moving journey.

I like the camel ride at sunset and the small touches in the camp, including private bathrooms, USB points, dinner, breakfast, and music around the fire. I also like that drivers such as Tarek and Pedro are praised for safe driving and helpful stops along a very long road.

The main drawback is time. Fes to Merzouga and back is a great deal of driving in only two days. Camp meals are simple, and hot water may not be reliable, so you should choose this trip for the desert arrival, not for a leisurely tour of eastern Morocco.

Key points to know before booking

• The drive crosses several different parts of Morocco: Ifrane, the Middle Atlas, a cedar forest, Midelt, Ziz Valley, Erfoud, and Rissani all appear along the route.
• Your desert arrival is by camel: You ride toward camp at sunset, with time for sandboarding and photos among the Erg Chebbi dunes.
• The tent has a private bathroom: The camp provides a private luxury tent with a toilet and shower, though hot water is not guaranteed.
• The evening has a clear Moroccan rhythm: Dinner is followed by a campfire, live music, and a Berber show.
• The return begins early: You rise for sunrise, eat breakfast, shower if water is available, then return by camel or 4×4 vehicle.
• The price is strong for what is included: At $112 per person, transport, accommodation, camel trekking, dinner, breakfast, and hotel pickup are included, but lunches, water, and a local guide cost extra.

The long road from Fes to the Middle Atlas

Pickup takes place at your hotel or riad in Fes. The exact meeting time and location are confirmed by WhatsApp or email, so keep your phone active before departure.

You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver. The ride is not a short transfer. It is the main body of the trip, and you should expect a full day of road travel before reaching Merzouga. That sounds tiring because it is, but the route gives you a useful look at Morocco beyond the imperial cities.

The first stop is Ifrane, a mountain town known as a ski resort. Its cooler climate and tidy streets make it feel very different from Fes. You will not spend long here, but it breaks up the drive and gives you your first taste of the Middle Atlas.

The route then reaches a cedar forest, where Barbary monkeys live. You may feed the monkeys during the stop. This is a fun moment, especially for families, but keep your belongings close and treat the animals with care. The forest stop also offers a welcome stretch of legs after the first part of the drive.

Midelt and the changing view

Midelt is the practical lunch stop. Lunch is not included, so plan to pay for your own meal and drinks. This is one of the few parts of the trip where you have to manage your own spending, along with bottled water and personal items.

The road after Midelt begins to feel more remote. The Middle Atlas gives way to drier country, and the scenery changes from mountain forest to open rock and desert color. I like this section because it shows how quickly Morocco shifts from one climate to another.

The Ziz Valley provides another major stop. The valley cuts through a much drier region, with palms and cultivated land gathered around the water. It is a good place to pause for views and photos, though your time at each stop depends on the day’s driving conditions.

Some departures have faced winter weather in the mountains. A driver such as Tarek may need to handle snow as well as long desert roads. Safe driving matters here more than speed, and the drivers praised for this trip are noted for taking care with the route and offering information at stops.

Erfoud, Rissani, and the approach to Merzouga

Erfoud is the final listed stop before the desert. It is a useful break before the last stretch to Merzouga, and you may have time to walk around or buy something small.

On the return journey, the route includes Rissani and the Zawiya Moulay Ali Ash-Sharif. The stop adds cultural interest to what could otherwise be just a long ride back to Fes. The trip also passes through the dramatic Ziz Valley again and includes a stop near the Hassan Adakhil Dam, with a break for lunch.

The pace is brisk. You see many places, but you do not get long visits in each one. I would choose this itinerary if you have limited time and want a single desert night from Fes. If you have three or more days available, a slower desert route would give you more time in the villages and dunes.

Camel trekking into the Erg Chebbi dunes

When you reach Merzouga, camels wait near the dunes. You ride across the sand toward camp, usually with the timing arranged around sunset.

This is the defining moment of the trip. The camel ride gives you a slow approach to the desert, with the dunes changing color as the light fades. It is also the easiest time to take memorable photos, so have your camera or phone ready before leaving the vehicle.

Camel saddles can be uncomfortable, especially if you are not used to riding. The ride is part of the experience rather than a smooth form of transport. If you would rather avoid the camel ride, the return portion can be done by 4×4 vehicle, according to the provided arrangements. Confirm the exact option with the operator before setting out.

You can also try sandboarding. This is a simple activity, but it adds a playful break to the camel transfer. Some people will want quiet time among the dunes, while others will enjoy sliding down the sand. You should know that the desert camp area can feel active, with other dune activities taking place nearby.

What the private luxury tent really means

The camp provides a private luxury tent with its own bathroom and toilet. This is a major comfort upgrade over a basic desert camp. You can sleep in a proper bed, keep your belongings inside your own space, and avoid walking across the camp to use a shared bathroom.

The tents have been described as spacious and comfortable, with newer beds, tiled flooring, and USB charging points. Those details matter after a long day in the vehicle and on the camels. Charge your phone during the drive if possible, but the USB points can help you keep your camera ready for sunrise.

The shower is the weak spot. Hot water may not work, and at least one tent had only a cold shower. The information does include a shower, but you should treat warm water as a bonus rather than a promise.

Evenings in the desert can turn cold, especially in winter. The beds have been warm enough for January conditions, but pack layers for the walk outside and the early sunrise. A warm jacket, scarf, and closed shoes will make the night more comfortable.

Dinner, firelight, and Berber music

Dinner is served at camp and is followed by a campfire with live music and a Berber show. This is the social center of the night. You can sit by the fire, listen to traditional music, and watch dancing before returning to your tent.

The food is described as basic but satisfying. A typical meal may include chicken and fruit for dessert, though the exact menu can vary. Breakfast is also included and is simple rather than elaborate.

I like that the evening is not just a bed in the dunes. The music and fire give the overnight stop a sense of place. At the same time, the camp is not a silent wilderness retreat. Other groups, 4×4 vehicles, and dune activities may be nearby. If you want absolute quiet, this busy camp setting may disappoint.

Sunrise and the early return to Fes

You need to wake early for sunrise over Erg Chebbi. This is worth the lost sleep. The dunes are quieter in the morning, the air is cooler, and the low light gives you another excellent chance for photos.

After sunrise, you return to camp for breakfast and a shower. You then leave by camel or 4×4 vehicle to meet the main driver for the journey back to Fes.

The second day has its own stops, but it is still a long return. Rissani, the Zawiya Moulay Ali Ash-Sharif, the Ziz Valley, and Hassan Adakhil Dam help break the drive into sections. Lunch is not included, so carry some cash and bring water.

The return may feel less exciting than the journey out. You already know the route, and fatigue sets in after the early start. A comfortable vehicle makes a real difference. Drivers such as Pedro and Tarek have been praised for friendly help, safe driving, and clear information during the long hours on the road.

What is included and what costs extra

At $112 per person, the tour offers good value if you want a quick desert experience from Fes. The price includes:

• Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Fes
• Air-conditioned transportation
• A professional driver
• Camel trekking
• A private tent with a private bathroom and toilet
• Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
• Campfire and live music

You still need to budget for lunch on both days, mineral water, personal purchases, and any local guide. Since the drive is long and the climate changes along the route, bottled water is not an optional extra in practical terms. Bring your own supply or buy it at the stops.

The value is strongest for families, first-time visitors to Morocco, and anyone who wants the desert without arranging several separate transfers. It is less appealing if you dislike long drives or expect a full luxury hotel standard in the desert.

The drivers can shape the whole experience

Your driver is important on this trip. You spend many hours in the vehicle, and the driver controls the pace, safety, stop times, and much of the information you receive along the way.

Tarek has been singled out for staying attentive to the group, handling snowy mountain roads well, and sharing information in several languages. Pedro has also been praised for making the long journey feel easier and more positive. Driver assignments can change, so do not assume you will receive one specific person, but these names give you an idea of the helpful service available.

There is no local guide included. That means your driver may explain the route and stops, but you should not expect a detailed guided visit at every site. If you want more historical or cultural explanation, ask the provider in advance about adding a guide.

Who should book this two-day desert trip?

I would choose this experience if you have only two days and want to combine several Moroccan settings with one night in the Sahara. Families with older children and teenagers should find plenty to enjoy, from monkeys and sandboarding to camels, music, and the fire pit.

It also suits people who value convenience. Hotel pickup, transport, accommodation, meals at camp, and the desert transfer are arranged in one booking. You do not have to piece together a train, taxi, desert transfer, and camp reservation.

I would hesitate if you need a slow holiday. The route covers a great distance in a short time, and the long drive can be tiring. I would also hesitate if hot showers, quiet surroundings, and polished dining matter more to you than the camel ride and desert setting.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting time before booking, since pickup arrangements are confirmed separately.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if the main goal is to ride a camel into the dunes, sleep in a private tent, see a desert sunrise, and return to Fes without arranging the details yourself. The $112 price is appealing because it covers the biggest costs, including transport, camp accommodation, dinner, breakfast, and camel trekking.

Go in with realistic expectations. You will spend a lot of time on the road, the meals are simple, and hot water may be unavailable. But if you accept the pace, this is an efficient way to reach Merzouga and experience the desert in a short Moroccan holiday.

FAQ

How long is the Merzouga desert trip from Fes?

The experience lasts two days and returns you to Fes.

What places are visited on the way to Merzouga?

The route includes Ifrane, a cedar forest, Midelt, the Ziz Valley, and Erfoud. The return includes Rissani, the Zawiya Moulay Ali Ash-Sharif, the Ziz Valley, and Hassan Adakhil Dam.

Is camel trekking included?

Yes. Camel trekking to the desert camp is included.

Is a private bathroom included?

Yes. The accommodation is a private luxury tent with a private bathroom and toilet.

Are meals included?

Dinner and breakfast at the Merzouga desert camp are included. Lunch on both days is not included.

Is drinking water included?

No. Mineral water is not included, so you need to buy or bring your own.

Is sandboarding included?

The itinerary includes the chance to try sandboarding in the Merzouga dunes.

What happens at the desert camp in the evening?

You have dinner, sit around a campfire, and watch or take part in a Berber show with live music.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.