From Fez: 2-Day luxury Sahara Desert Tour with Camel Ride

The desert arrives after a long road. This 2-day trip from Fez to Merzouga gives you a quick but memorable taste of Morocco’s Sahara, with mountain scenery, cedar forests, the Ziz Valley, a camel ride across Erg Chebbi, and a night in a well-equipped Berber camp. I especially like the mix of Moroccan countryside and desert culture, rather than rushing straight from city to dunes.

I also like that the tour includes dinner, breakfast, music, dancing, and a sunrise camel ride at the camp. Drivers such as Hassan and Youssef have been praised for being helpful, punctual, and good company during the long drive. The main drawback is the pace: you spend many hours on the road, and the return to Fez on the second day leaves limited time for a relaxed desert morning.

At $170 per person, this is a strong value if you want transport, a camel trek, camp accommodation, meals, and major stops handled in one booking. It is less suited to you if back problems, pregnancy, or long vehicle journeys are a concern.

Key points to know before booking

• A very long first day: You travel from Fez through Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, and the Ziz Valley before reaching Merzouga.
• Camel ride at sunset: The trek takes you into the Erg Chebbi dunes, usually around the most attractive light of the day.
• Comfortable desert camping: The camp is described as well equipped, with some accommodations offering a private bathroom and Moroccan decoration.
• Berber evening entertainment: Dinner comes with fire, music, drumming, and dancing beneath the open sky.
• Sunrise requires an early start: You return by camel after watching the sun come over the dunes.
• English and French service: Drivers speak English or French, and one praised driver, Hassan, also spoke Italian well.

The real shape of the journey from Fez

This is not a gentle two-day outing. Merzouga is far from Fez, so the tour packs a great deal of Morocco into a short schedule. You leave Fez in the morning, cross the Middle Atlas, continue through the eastern valleys, reach the desert in time for the camel ride, then make the full return journey the next day.

That arrangement works because the desert night is the main event. You get the essential Sahara sequence: arrive near the dunes, ride a camel, eat at camp, sleep under the stars, watch sunrise, and ride back out. But you should go in ready for substantial time in the vehicle.

Pickup is available from several Fez locations, including the Blue Gate, Bab Rcif, Bab Guisa, Bab Ziat, Bab Sidi Boujida, Ville Nouvelle, Barceló Fès Medina, Hôtel Royal Urban Concept, and Fes Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace. The company contacts customers before the trip to confirm the pickup time and place, which matters in Fez, where narrow streets and several medina gates can make meeting a driver confusing.

The driving itself is part of the value. Instead of paying separately for a long-distance transfer, you move through changing parts of Morocco with a driver who also helps manage stops. The tradeoff is that this is a road trip first and a desert stay second.

Ifrane and Azrou: Morocco changes character

The first major stop is Ifrane, a mountain town with a distinctly European appearance. It is often called the Switzerland of Morocco, a nickname tied to its clean streets, cool climate, and chalet-style feel. You get about 30 minutes for a photo stop and free time.

Ifrane is a useful contrast to the Fez medina. The city feels orderly and alpine rather than old and maze-like. Do not expect a long guided visit. This is a short pause to stretch, take pictures, and see a very different side of Morocco.

The route then continues to Azrou, a Berber village in the Middle Atlas. You have another 30-minute break here. The cedar forest around Ifrane and Azrou is one of the scenic highlights of this part of the drive, and the mountain air provides a welcome change before the hotter, drier country ahead.

The short stops are practical rather than exhaustive. If you want a detailed visit to Ifrane or Azrou, this tour will feel too quick. If you see them as well-chosen breaks that add variety to the drive, the timing makes sense.

Midelt and the road east

Midelt is scheduled for a longer stop of about an hour and a half, including lunch. Lunch is not included in the tour price, so budget for that meal separately. This is also one of the best chances to rest properly before the final stretch toward Merzouga.

Midelt sits between the Middle Atlas and the more arid east. The scenery changes gradually, which makes the road journey more interesting than a direct transfer. You move from mountain towns and cedar country toward wide, dry valleys and open rock.

I appreciate the longer pause here because a tour this fast needs breaks built into the schedule. Still, your exact lunch experience depends on where the driver stops, and the information provided does not specify a restaurant or menu. Bring water and a few personal snacks if you prefer to control what you eat during a long day.

Ziz Valley and the Drâa-Tafilalet region

The Ziz Valley provides one of the most dramatic changes in scenery on the route. The valley cuts through the dry eastern part of Morocco, creating a striking contrast between bare slopes and the greener strip around the river and palms.

The planned stop in the Drâa-Tafilalet region lasts about 15 minutes and is mainly for photographs and a short visit. That is enough to take in a viewpoint and stretch your legs, but not enough for a long walk or detailed exploration.

This part of the journey helps explain why the desert is not simply a sea of sand. The route passes through valleys, mountain edges, palm-filled areas, and rocky country before you reach the dunes. I find that variety makes the final arrival at Erg Chebbi feel more earned.

Arriving in Merzouga and meeting the camels

You reach the Merzouga area later in the day, where the camels are waiting. The timing is important because the camel ride is designed to lead you into the Erg Chebbi dunes as the light begins to soften.

A camel ride is not a smooth horseback-style outing. You climb on, the animal rises in stages, and the motion can feel awkward at first. Comfortable shoes help, and you should bring water. Anyone with back problems should take the warning seriously, since the ride and the long drive both place demands on your body.

The reward is the pace. A camel moves slowly enough for you to notice the curves of the dunes and the growing distance from the road. Some of the feedback also mentions sandboarding, but it is not listed among the formal inclusions, so treat it as something that may be available rather than a guaranteed part of the package.

The desert portion is relatively short compared with the driving, but it is also the part you are most likely to remember. Arriving near sunset gives you a chance to see the dunes in changing light before dinner.

A night in a Berber camp

The camp is described as well equipped and, in some cases, includes tents with private bathrooms. Moroccan decoration, dinner, and evening entertainment make this more than a basic place to sleep. At the same time, you should not expect a full resort stay. You are still in the desert, and nighttime temperatures can drop sharply.

The evening includes traditional dinner, Berber drumming, music, a fire, and dancing. These activities give the overnight stop a social side that you would miss with a simple hotel transfer. Look up from the entertainment, too. The absence of city light is one of the pleasures of sleeping near the dunes.

Warm clothing is essential, even if Fez or the daytime desert feels mild. A fleece, sweater, or light jacket takes little space and can make the evening far more comfortable. Closed, comfortable shoes are also a better choice than delicate sandals around the camp.

The camp is where this tour earns much of its $170 price. You are not paying only for a camel ride. The package also covers the overnight stay, dinner, breakfast, driver, and camel trekking. Buying those parts separately would take more planning and could cost more, although the tour gives you less control over the exact accommodation and meal choices.

Sunrise over Erg Chebbi

The next morning starts early. You watch the sun rise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, then return to Merzouga by camel for breakfast.

Sunrise is worth the early alarm. The dunes look different in the first light, and the quieter morning can feel more peaceful than the evening arrival. Bring a camera, but do not spend the whole time looking at the scene through a screen. The shapes and shadows change quickly.

The return camel ride is also worth considering before you book. If you found the first ride uncomfortable, the second ride will not be easier simply because it is morning. You may be able to discuss practical details with the driver or camp staff, but the supplied tour information presents the camel return as part of the plan.

Breakfast is included, which is useful because the return journey is long. After eating, you leave the desert and begin the road back toward Fez.

Rissani, Tafilalt, and the road home

The return route includes Rissani, an important town in the Tafilalt area. The stop is about 15 minutes and includes photographs and a short visit. The itinerary also lists the Zawiya Moulay Ali Sharif, a religious and historical site connected with the Alaouite dynasty.

This is a quick look, not a full cultural tour. You may have time to see the outside or nearby area, but you should not expect a long visit inside every site. The short stop still adds local context to the desert region, which is better than treating Merzouga as an isolated attraction.

You then pass again through the Ziz Valley, Midelt, Ifrane, and Imouzar Kandar before reaching Fez in the early evening. The return journey repeats some of the route, but the changing light can make familiar scenery look different.

The timing deserves honest emphasis. You leave the desert after breakfast and spend most of the day moving north and west. If you are continuing onward to Marrakech instead of returning to Fez, the journey can take around 10 hours and feel tiring. For this specific Fez return, expect a full day rather than a relaxed afternoon.

Drivers, communication, and comfort

The driver can make or break a road trip of this length. The strongest feedback focuses on punctuality, kindness, helpfulness, and clear communication. Youssef is praised for making the long bus journey easier, while Hassan is noted for speaking Italian well and staying available throughout the trip. Imad14 is also mentioned as the driver waiting for the return from the desert.

These names do not guarantee who will drive your particular departure, but they give you a useful sense of the service standard to hope for. English and French are the listed working languages. If you need another language, confirm it before booking.

The vehicle arrangements and group size are not specified, so I would not assume a private car or a small group unless the provider confirms it. That point matters because the value of the tour depends partly on how comfortable you are sharing a long transfer.

What to pack for this particular tour

You do not need a large bag, but a few items make a clear difference:

• Comfortable shoes for the dunes and camp
• Warm clothing for the cold desert night
• Enough water for the drive and camel ride
• A camera or phone with space for photographs
• Personal money for lunch, which is not included

I would also keep your warm layer and water where you can reach them, rather than burying them in luggage. The trip includes several short stops, so you will want to get out quickly, take pictures, and rejoin the group without fuss.

Respect local customs and the desert environment. Keep rubbish with you, follow camp instructions, and avoid treating the dunes as a disposable backdrop.

Who should book this $170 desert tour?

I would recommend it to you if you have limited time in Morocco and want the main Sahara experience without arranging several separate transfers. It suits first-time visitors who want a straightforward route from Fez to Erg Chebbi, plus a camp night and camel ride.

It is also a good fit if you value convenience over a slow schedule. The price covers the driver, camel trekking, camp night, dinner, music, dancing, and breakfast. That is a lot for $170, especially if the accommodation is one of the comfortable tents with a private bathroom.

I would hesitate if you dislike long drives, need a spacious timetable, or want several hours to explore each town. Pregnant people and those with back problems should not book this trip, according to the stated restrictions. The camel ride and the long road journey are the key concerns.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies reduce the risk of booking while your Morocco route is still taking shape.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 2 days. It begins with pickup in Fez, includes an overnight stay near Merzouga, and returns to Fez in the early evening of the second day.

What does the $170 price include?

The price includes a driver, camel trekking, one night in a Berber camp, dinner, music, fire and dancing, and breakfast. Lunch is not included.

Where can pickup take place in Fez?

Pickup is available from listed locations including the Blue Gate, Bab Rcif, Bab Guisa, Bab Ziat, Bab Sidi Boujida, Ville Nouvelle, Barceló Fès Medina, Hôtel Royal Urban Concept, and Fes Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace.

What languages do the drivers speak?

The listed languages are English and French. One driver, Hassan, was also praised for speaking Italian well.

Is the camel ride suitable for everyone?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. You should also wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

What should I wear at the desert camp?

Bring warm clothing because it can get cold at night. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the camel ride and time around the dunes.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the classic Sahara package in a tight schedule: Middle Atlas scenery, the Ziz Valley, Erg Chebbi dunes, a camel ride, camp dinner, music, and sunrise. The strongest reasons to choose it are the all-in-one price and the chance to avoid planning the difficult Fez to Merzouga journey yourself.

Skip it if you want slow travel or find long vehicle journeys exhausting. For everyone else, this is a practical and well-priced way to reach Morocco’s desert, as long as you accept that the road takes up much of the two days.