Experience Morocco’s changing landscapes on this 2 days tour from Fes to Merzouga and back. Travel across the Middle Atlas Mountains, see cedar forests and the Ziz Valley, ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend one night in a traditional Sahara desert camp. The south and Merzouga, precisely, are described by the Moroccan National Tourist Office’s Merzouga guide as the gateway to the Sahara Desert.
This short Fes desert tour is designed for travelers with limited time who want to experience Merzouga before returning to Fes. However, it is important to know that the itinerary involves approximately 920 km of driving over two days. For a slower journey with more time in the desert, we recommend choosing a three-day tour.
Travellers who want to finish in a different destination, like Marrakech, can check out our three-day tour to Marrakech.
| Tour detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days and 1 night |
| Starting point | Fes |
| Ending point | Fes |
| Total distance | Approximately 920–930 km |
| Recommended departure | 7:30–8:00 AM |
| Accommodation | Standard, mid-range or luxury desert camp |
| Meals | Dinner and breakfast included |
| Desert transfer | Camel ride or 4×4 transfer |
| Tour type | Private or small-group tour |
| Best for | Travelers with limited time |
Your 2-day desert tour from Fes to Merzouga starts early with pickup from your hotel or riad. If your accommodation is inside a pedestrian-only section of the Fes Medina, your driver will meet you at the nearest accessible point. Exact pickup instructions will be confirmed before departure.
Travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Ifrane, a clean mountain town known for its alpine-style architecture. After a short stop, continue toward the cedar forests near Azrou. Barbary macaques may sometimes be seen here, although sightings are never guaranteed. Visitors should avoid feeding or approaching the animals.
Continue through mountain scenery and Berber towns before stopping for lunch around Midelt. Lunch is not normally included, allowing you to choose according to your preferences and budget.
In the afternoon, cross the Tizi n’Talghamt area and descend toward Errachidia. Stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Ziz Valley, famous for its long palm groves, traditional villages and rocky landscape. The journey then continues through Erfoud toward Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes.
On arrival, meet your camel guide and ride across the dunes toward the desert camp. A 4×4 transfer can be arranged for travelers who prefer not to ride a camel. Depending on your arrival time and the season, you can watch the sunset from the dunes before enjoying dinner and local music at the camp.
Distance: Approximately 460–470 km
Road time: Approximately 7–8 hours without stops
Total travel day: Usually 9–11 hours
Overnight: Sahara Desert Luxury/Standard Camp
Meals included: Dinner
During winter, departure may be scheduled before 7:00 AM because sunset is earlier. Some sightseeing stops may need to be shorter to reach Merzouga before dark.
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. Sunrise is weather-dependent, but the peaceful morning atmosphere remains one of the most memorable parts of the tour.
After breakfast, return from the camp by camel or 4×4. Meet your driver and begin the journey back to Fes. The return route passes through Erfoud, Errachidia, the Ziz Valley and Midelt. Stops will be made for lunch, refreshments, photographs and short breaks.
Continue across the Middle Atlas Mountains before reaching Fes in the evening. The expected arrival is usually between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM, but the exact time depends on traffic, road conditions, meal stops and the season.
Distance: Approximately 460–470 km
Total travel time with stops: Approximately 9–11 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Two days is the shortest practical option for visiting Merzouga from Fes and returning to Fes. It gives you a camel ride, sunset or sunrise experience and one night in a desert camp, but it is a driving-intensive itinerary.
This tour is suitable if you have limited time and are comfortable with long road journeys. A three-day option is better for families with young children, travelers who prefer a slower pace or visitors who want to explore Rissani, Khamlia village, nomadic communities or more of the Erg Chebbi area.
The main difference between the 2-day and 3-day Fes to Merzouga desert tour is the pace and the amount of time spent in the Sahara. Both options include the Middle Atlas route, Erg Chebbi dunes, a camel ride and an overnight desert camp. However, the two-day tour involves long driving hours and provides only one evening and one morning in Merzouga.
The three-day tour offers a more comfortable pace, extra time for stops and more opportunities to explore the desert region. Depending on your itinerary, the additional day may include Rissani, Khamlia village, a nomadic family visit, fossil areas or a 4×4 excursion around the dunes.
| Tour feature | 2-day tour | 3-day tour |
|---|---|---|
| Driving pace | Fast and intensive | Slower and more comfortable |
| Desert nights | 1 night | Usually 1–2 nights |
| Time in Merzouga | Sunset, night and sunrise | More time to explore |
| Local experiences | Limited | More villages and desert activities |
| Best for | Travelers with limited time | Families and relaxed travelers |
| Approximate distance | 920–930 km | Depends on the chosen itinerary |
Choose the 2 days tour from Fes to Merzouga and back if your time is limited and you are comfortable with two long driving days. It gives you the essential Sahara experience in the shortest practical time.
Choose the 3-day Fes to Merzouga desert tour if you prefer a more relaxed journey, want additional time in the desert or are traveling with children. Whenever possible, three days provides the more comfortable and complete experience.
The price of the 2 days tour from Fes to Merzouga and back depends on three main factors: the number of travelers, your travel dates and the desert camp category you select.
The price per person is usually lower when more people travel together because the transportation costs are shared among the group. A private tour for one or two travelers will therefore cost more per person than a tour for four or more people.
Prices may change according to the season and availability. Accommodation can cost more during busy periods, public holidays and popular travel months. Booking early gives you a better chance of securing your preferred desert camp and category.
You can choose between standard, mid-range and luxury desert camps. Standard camps provide simple traditional accommodation, while mid-range camps offer additional comfort and usually better private facilities. Luxury camps provide larger ensuite tents, upgraded bedding and more personalized service. The exact camp name, room type, bathroom facilities and meal plan will be confirmed in your quote.
Send us your travel dates, number of travelers and preferred camp category to receive a personalized, no-obligation quote.
Some riads in the old Medina cannot be reached by vehicle. Guests will be collected from the nearest accessible entrance or meeting point. Send customers the exact location and contact number the evening before departure.
Suitcases can normally remain in the tour vehicle or at the desert meeting point. A small overnight bag is more convenient for the camp. Explain whether staff transport the luggage by 4×4 or whether guests need to carry anything during the camel ride.
The camel ride usually lasts approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on the camp location. Travelers with back, hip or mobility problems can request a 4×4 transfer instead. This should be confirmed when booking.
Dinner and breakfast are included at the camp. Vegetarian and some other dietary requirements can usually be accommodated when communicated in advance. Guests with serious allergies should provide detailed information before the tour.
Desert temperatures can change considerably between day and night. Bring sun protection and lightweight clothing during the day, plus warm layers for the evening. Winter nights can be very cold, while summer afternoons may be extremely hot.
Children can join, but parents should consider the long driving hours. Travelers who experience motion sickness should bring suitable medication and sit toward the front of the vehicle when possible.
Mobile coverage may be available around Merzouga but can be weak near some camps. Electricity, charging points, Wi-Fi and hot water vary between accommodations and should be listed accurately for each camp.
The direct journey is approximately 462 km and takes more than seven hours without stops. With lunch, sightseeing and rest breaks, expect a travel day of around 9–11 hours.
In summertime travelers should consider the heat, which can reach above 40 °C. As an alternative, we do day trips to Chefchaouen, which is cooler during summer.
Departure is usually between 6:30 and 7:00 AM. Earlier pickup may be recommended during winter to reach Merzouga before sunset.
Most tours return between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM on the second day. The time may change because of traffic, weather or road conditions.
No. Guests who do not want to ride a camel can reach the camp by 4×4. Request this option when booking.
Yes, but a small overnight bag is more convenient. Explain where large luggage will be securely stored or transported.
Each booking receives a private sleeping tent. Bathroom arrangements depend on the selected camp category and should be confirmed before payment.
Offer both options only if you operate both. A private tour provides more flexible stops, while a shared tour follows a fixed schedule.
Spring and autumn generally provide comfortable conditions. Winter days are pleasant but nights can be cold. Summer temperatures can be extremely high.
Camel rides, sunset viewing and camp access may be adjusted because of strong wind, rain or sandstorms. The driver and camp team will choose the safest available alternative.
This is a possible tour plan. If it doesn’t work for you, please let us know. Based on your hobbies and length of time, a personalized plan will be made. We offer custom tours of Morocco, click here for more detailes: Top Morocco Tours.
The price goes down as more people sign up for the trip. If the price stays the same, the cost of transportation will depend on how many people are going. Cost depends on how good the lodging is. Contact us to get a quote.
