A Whirlwind Sahara Adventure for the Time-Conscious Traveler
Dreaming of the Sahara but short on time? Our 2-day desert tour from Fes to Merzouga is your perfect solution. This intensive, fast-paced adventure is specifically designed as a quick Sahara trip for travelers who want to experience the magic of the dunes without committing to a longer journey. While this tour involves significant driving, the reward is an unforgettable night in the heart of the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes, an experience that is truly priceless.
This express Fes to Merzouga desert tour is a round trip that begins and ends in the imperial city of Fes. On the first day, you'll journey south, witnessing a stunning transformation of landscapes from the green Middle Atlas mountains to the vast Ziz Valley palm groves and finally, the iconic golden sands. The highlight is a sunset camel trek and a night under the stars at a traditional Berber camp. After a spectacular desert sunrise, you'll begin the scenic drive back to Fes, filled with incredible memories. This is the ultimate way to get your Sahara fix on a tight schedule.
Highlights of Your 2-Day Fes Desert Express
This action-packed 2-day Sahara tour from Fes distills the desert experience into its most essential and magical moments.
- See the alpine town of Ifrane, the "Switzerland of Morocco".
- Interact with wild Barbary apes in the Azrou cedar forests.
- Admire panoramic views of the vast Ziz Valley oasis.
- Experience the quintessential sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi.
- Spend a memorable night in a Berber desert camp.
- Enjoy traditional dinner and music under the stars.
- Witness a breathtaking Sahara sunrise over the dunes.
- Capture incredible photos of Morocco's diverse landscapes.
Detailed 2-Day Fes to Merzouga Itinerary
Day 1: Fes → Middle Atlas → Ziz Valley → Merzouga (Camel Trek & Night in Camp)
(Driving time: approx. 8-9 hours)
Your Sahara adventure begins with a very early morning pickup from your accommodation in Fes. We set off on a long but incredibly scenic drive south. Our first major stop is in Ifrane, a unique alpine-style town that feels worlds away from the Morocco you know. Shortly after, we'll enter the dense cedar forests of the Middle Atlas near Azrou, where we'll pause to watch and feed the playful Barbary macaque monkeys. We continue our journey, stopping for lunch in the town of Midelt. In the afternoon, the landscape transforms as we cross the mountains and begin our descent along the spectacular Ziz Valley, stopping at a panoramic viewpoint to take in the sight of the immense palm grove below. As we get closer to the desert, the scenery becomes more arid. We arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon, where your camel caravan awaits. You’ll embark on a magical 1 to 1.5-hour camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, timed perfectly to witness a stunning sunset. Upon arrival at your desert camp, you'll be greeted with mint tea, settle into your private tent, and enjoy a delicious traditional dinner accompanied by Berber music around the campfire.
Day 2: Merzouga → Sunrise → Return Journey to Fes
(Driving time: approx. 8-9 hours)
An early wake-up call is essential today to experience one of the most magical moments of the tour: the Sahara sunrise. Watching the first rays of light illuminate the dunes is a truly unforgettable sight. After sunrise, you'll enjoy breakfast at the camp before your camel trek back to the dune line to meet your driver. Once you've had a chance to freshen up, we will begin the long and scenic journey back to Fes. We will re-trace our route through the Ziz Valley and across the Middle Atlas mountains, making several stops along the way for lunch and breaks. You'll have the chance to see the landscapes you passed on the first day in a new light. We expect to arrive back in Fes in the early evening (around 6-7 PM), where your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of your whirlwind 2-day Fes desert tour.
What's Included in Your Tour
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Fes.
- Private, modern A/C vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide.
- 1 Night in a traditional desert camp in Erg Chebbi.
- Breakfast (Day 2) and Dinner (Day 1).
- Sunset camel trekking experience.
- All fuel and transport-related taxes.
What's Not Included
- Lunches and all drinks.
- Entrance fees for any monuments.
- Personal expenses and gratuities (tips).
Your Questions Answered
Yes, it is possible, but it's an intensive journey designed for travelers who are very short on time. It involves long driving hours on both days. This 'Sahara Express' tour allows you to experience the essential highlights: a camel trek, a sunset and sunrise over the dunes, and a night in a Berber camp, before returning to Fes.
The drive from Fes to Merzouga is approximately 470 kilometers (about 290 miles) and typically takes 8 to 9 hours, including stops for photos, lunch, and seeing the monkeys in the cedar forest. The return journey on Day 2 is similar in duration.
The main difference is the destination and pace. A 2-day tour is a round trip back to Fes, focusing solely on getting to the Erg Chebbi dunes and back. A 3-day tour is a one-way journey that ends in Marrakech, allowing for a more relaxed pace and including additional major sights like Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
Pack a small overnight bag. Essential items include sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, comfortable trousers for the camel ride, and layered clothing as it can be cold at night. Don't forget a camera and a portable power bank for your electronics.
Due to the tight schedule of a 2-day tour, the main activities are the scenic drive and the camel trek to the desert camp for sunset, dinner, and sunrise. There isn't typically time for extra activities like quad biking or extensive exploration, which are better suited for 3-day or longer tours.