2-Day Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour

The drive from Fes to Merzouga is approximately 470 km (292 miles) and takes 7 to 8 hours by car, depending on road conditions and stops. The route passes through Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, Errachidia, Erfoud, and finally Merzouga. It is a scenic but full day of driving, which is why a 2-day tour is the minimum recommended.

No. It takes 8–9 hours to reach Merzouga from Fes one way, so a day trip is not possible. You would spend the entire day in a car and never reach the dunes with enough daylight. A minimum of 2 days is required to properly experience the Sahara with a camel trek, sunset, overnight camp, and sunrise.

Yes. A 2-day tour from Fes gives you a full afternoon, evening, night, and morning in the desert. You will experience the camel trek, sunset, dinner under the stars, Berber music, sunrise, and sandboarding. The only thing you miss is extra activities like Khamlia or a 4×4 desert excursion, which our 3-day or 4-day tours include.

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off in Fes, private 4×4 transport with A/C and fuel, an English- or Spanish-speaking driver, 1 night in a luxury desert camp with dinner and breakfast, camel trekking in Erg Chebbi, sandboarding, and mint tea at the camp.

Lunches, drinks, entry fees (if any), travel insurance, and tips. Tips for the driver (50–100 MAD/day for the group) and camp staff (20–50 MAD) are customary but optional.

You leave your main luggage at the hotel in Merzouga, and it is transported to the camp separately by 4×4. You only need to carry a small backpack with your essentials for the camel trek (toiletries, camera, warm layers, power bank). Your luggage will be waiting for you at the camp.

The camel ride to the camp takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours at a gentle pace, with a stop for sunset photos. The return ride on Day 2 is similar. If you prefer, you can skip the camel ride and be driven to the camp by 4×4 at no extra charge.

No. The camels walk slowly, led on foot by an experienced handler. The saddles are padded, and the pace is relaxed. Most travelers find it far more comfortable than expected. Wear long trousers (linen or cotton) to avoid any chafing.

Yes. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can drive you to the camp by 4×4 instead. This is a popular option for travelers with back issues, mobility concerns, or those who simply prefer a smoother ride. Just let us know when booking.

We recommend packing light, breathable layers for warm days, a warm jacket or fleece for cold desert nights (temperatures can drop to 5°C even in spring), a scarf or shesh for sun and blowing sand, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Do not forget a power bank for charging your devices. Bring toilet paper or tissues for roadside stops.

Spring and autumn nights are cool but pleasant (12–18°C). Winter nights (December–February) can drop close to freezing, so pack serious warm layers. Summer nights (June–August) are mild, but daytime heat is extreme (40–50°C). Our luxury camp provides thick blankets and proper beds.

The best months are March to May and September to November. April and October are peak season. Summer (June–August) is not recommended due to extreme heat. Winter days are pleasant but nights are cold. Late March to early April is ideal, when the Middle Atlas is green and the desert is comfortable.

This is a fully private tour. Your group has its own 4×4 vehicle and driver. We do not offer shared group departures on this route because the long drive is far more comfortable in a private car with flexible stops.

Yes. The route is family-friendly, and children especially love feeding the monkeys in Azrou and the camel ride. Baby seats are available upon request. The camp has proper beds — not sleeping on the ground.

Yes. We pick you up directly from your riad, hotel, or Fes–Saïs Airport (FEZ) on Day 1, and drop you off at the same location on Day 2. Airport pickup is included at no extra charge.

Yes. Traditional Moroccan cuisine includes many vegetable tagines, couscous, and salads. If you have dietary requirements — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergies — let us know when booking so we can inform the camp chef in advance.

Yes. This tour is specifically designed for travelers with limited time. You leave Fes early on Day 1 and return by early evening on Day 2, giving you the full Sahara experience without missing your onward plans.

The Fes route crosses the Middle Atlas (Ifrane, Azrou monkeys, cedar forests, Ziz Valley) and reaches Merzouga in 7–8 hours. The Marrakech route crosses the High Atlas (Tizi N'Tichka, Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley) and takes 9–10 hours. The Fes route is shorter, greener, and equally scenic — but you see different landscapes.