Review · FEZ LUXURY TOURS

Enjoy 3 Days luxury camp Sandboard from Fes back fes,ou Marakech

★ 5.0 · 15 reviews From $348 Operated by Moda Camp Merzouga tours · Bookable on Viator
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The desert night is worth the long road. This three-day journey links Fes with Merzouga by way of the Middle Atlas, Midelt, the Ziz Valley, and the Erg Chebbi dunes. I like the private luxury tent, especially for anyone who wants a real Sahara setting without giving up a private bathroom and comfortable bedding. I also like the mix of camel trekking, sandboarding, Berber music, and free time around Merzouga. The main drawback is the amount of driving: the route is beautiful, but the trip is demanding, and the stated 4:00 pm start time does not seem to match the morning pickup described in the daily schedule.

You will travel in an air-conditioned minivan with a professional driver, in a group capped at 16 people. The package includes two nights of accommodation, two breakfasts, two dinners, bottled cold water, camel trekking, sandboarding, and desert sunrise and sunset views. Lunches, drinks beyond the supplied water, and tips are extra, so budget for those along the way.

Key Details Before You Book

Enjoy 3 Days luxury camp Sandboard from Fes back fes,ou Marakech - Key Details Before You Book

  • Two nights, two different kinds of sleep: You spend one night in accommodation at Merzouga and one night in a private luxury tent at a Berber desert camp.
  • The camel ride is timed for sunset: You cross the dunes in the late afternoon, when the heat softens and the sand turns gold.
  • Sandboarding is included: You can try sliding down the dunes, alongside the camel ride and camp activities.
  • A full day in Merzouga: Day two includes sunrise, breakfast, optional local sightseeing, Khamlia village, and the evening camp stay.
  • The scenery changes quickly: The route moves from mountain forests and apple country to palm-filled valleys and open Sahara dunes.
  • A small-group road trip: The maximum group size is 16, which is more personal than a large coach tour but still means shared transport.

The Long Road Across Morocco

This is not a quick transfer from Fes to a desert photo stop. You spend much of the first and third days on the road, crossing several distinct regions of eastern Morocco. That is the cost of reaching Merzouga from Fes in only three days.

The reward is variety. In a single trip, you see the cooler Middle Atlas, the agricultural town of Midelt, the palm groves of the Ziz Valley, and the broad dunes near Merzouga. The route gives you a better sense of Morocco’s changing terrain than a flight or a short desert excursion could.

The air-conditioned vehicle matters here. Even with comfortable transport, you should expect long stretches of sitting, road views, and scheduled stops rather than a relaxed pace. If you prefer slow travel with several nights in each town, this will feel rushed. If you have limited time and want the Sahara included in a Fes itinerary, the plan makes practical sense.

One detail deserves clarification before payment. The meeting information gives a start time of 4:00 pm, while the first day describes a morning pickup from your hotel or riad. Ask Moda Camp Merzouga Tours to confirm the exact pickup time and location. The listed starting point is in Fes at 2299+R62, Fes 30050, and the tour returns there at the end.

Day One: Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, and the Ziz Valley

Enjoy 3 Days luxury camp Sandboard from Fes back fes,ou Marakech - Day One: Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, and the Ziz Valley

The first day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Fes, followed by the road into the Middle Atlas Mountains. The schedule allows about three hours for this section. The mountains provide a sharp change from the old city, with higher ground, cooler air, and forested views along the route.

The plan includes the area around Ifrane and the Berber village of Azrou. Azrou is especially appealing for its resident macaque monkeys. This is a simple stop, but it gives the day a memorable bit of local character. Keep food and loose items secure around animals, and follow the driver’s instructions about where to stand and how close to get.

Midelt comes next, with about an hour set aside for lunch. Known as the City of Apples, Midelt sits between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains and is surrounded by orchards. Lunch is not included, so you pay for your own meal and drinks. That gives you some choice, but it also means the final cost will be higher than the headline price.

Midelt works well as a break because the journey is already long by this point. You can eat, stretch your legs, and take in the mountain setting before the road turns toward the desert. Do not expect a major sightseeing program in town. Its value is the setting and the pause.

The route then follows the Ziz Valley. The scheduled viewpoint stop is short, about 15 minutes, but the valley deserves your attention through the vehicle windows. Palm groves run through a dramatic dry corridor, creating one of the trip’s strongest visual contrasts. Green palms against bare rock and open earth make it clear how important water is in southeastern Morocco.

You reach Merzouga in the late afternoon. The schedule gives another 15 minutes for arrival and settling in, though the actual timing depends on the road and stops. Your first night is listed as accommodation in Merzouga, before the desert camp night on day two. Confirm the exact hotel or lodging arrangement, since the supplied details do not name it.

Day Two: Sunrise, Khamlia, and the Camel Trail

Enjoy 3 Days luxury camp Sandboard from Fes back fes,ou Marakech - Day Two: Sunrise, Khamlia, and the Camel Trail

Day two is the heart of the trip. You rise early for sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. This is one of the reasons to choose an overnight desert tour rather than a short camel ride. You are already near the sand, so you can watch the light change before breakfast instead of racing in from far away.

Sunrise requires an early start, and the desert can feel cold before the sun appears. Bring a warm layer even if the forecast for the afternoon looks hot. Once the sun is up, the dunes shift from muted tones to bright gold, and the scale of the sand becomes easier to read.

After breakfast, you have choices around Merzouga. The schedule allows time for historical towns and palm groves near the Tafilalt Oasis, or for a visit to Khamlia village to hear traditional Gnawa music. These options give the day more substance than a simple ride into camp.

Khamlia is particularly worthwhile if music and local culture interest you. Gnawa music has a strong connection to Morocco’s southern communities, and hearing it in the village offers a cultural counterpoint to the scenic appeal of the dunes. The exact order and availability of these activities should be confirmed with the driver, since the program presents them as options rather than fixed inclusions.

The camel trek begins in the late afternoon. You ride into the dunes as the sun drops, with the camp set among the sand. A camel ride is not a fast or especially smooth form of transport. The saddle can feel awkward, and you may prefer walking beside the camel for part of the route if the guide allows it. Still, the pace is part of the appeal. You notice the silence, the changing light, and the slow rise and fall of the dunes.

Sunset is included as part of the desert program, and this is the best time for photographs. Keep your camera or phone protected from blowing sand. Sandboarding is also included, so you can trade the camel saddle for a board and try a short run down a dune. It is easy to spend more time climbing back up than sliding down, but that is part of the fun.

Sleeping in a Private Luxury Tent

Enjoy 3 Days luxury camp Sandboard from Fes back fes,ou Marakech - Sleeping in a Private Luxury Tent

The camp is the main comfort feature of the trip. Accommodation is in private luxury tents, and the supplied details indicate private bathrooms and showers. That makes a large difference after a long road day and a sandy camel ride.

Do not confuse luxury camp comfort with a full hotel. You are still sleeping in the desert, with darkness, wind, sand, and a remote setting. The point is to enjoy the setting without giving up basic privacy and a proper place to wash. Several of the strongest comments about this experience focus on clean facilities, attentive staff, and the camp’s unexpected comforts.

Dinner is included, followed by traditional Berber music and storytelling around a campfire. This evening is less about a packed entertainment schedule and more about being present in the setting. You can eat, listen to the music, look up at the stars, and enjoy a rare break from city light.

The night sky is a major attraction. The open desert gives you a good chance to see stars clearly, weather permitting. Bring a small light for walking between your tent and the common areas, and keep expectations practical: the exact visibility depends on clouds, moonlight, and local conditions.

Service is another strong point. Mohamed and his team are repeatedly praised for being welcoming, responsive, and attentive, with particular reassurance for solo women. That does not replace ordinary travel awareness, but clear communication with the operator is useful when the trip involves several transfers and changing activities.

Day Three: One More Sunrise and the Return to Fes

Enjoy 3 Days luxury camp Sandboard from Fes back fes,ou Marakech - Day Three: One More Sunrise and the Return to Fes

The final morning starts with another sunrise over the dunes. You then have breakfast and ride the camels back to Merzouga. Having sunrise on both mornings gives you two chances to enjoy the desert light, though it also means two early wake-ups.

After leaving Merzouga, you retrace the route through the Ziz Valley, Midelt, and the Middle Atlas. The return drive is listed at about eight hours, so plan for a full day in the vehicle. The scenery is familiar now, but the reverse direction offers different views, and you may notice details missed on the first journey.

Arrival in Fes is expected in the late afternoon or early evening, with drop-off at your hotel or riad. The stated duration for this section is approximate. Traffic, road conditions, meal stops, and the size of the group can all affect the arrival time, so avoid booking a tightly timed evening activity in Fes.

The return day is the clearest test of your travel style. I would be happy to accept the long ride after a night in the dunes, but you should not choose this trip expecting three leisurely days. It is a scenic road trip with a concentrated desert experience at its center.

What the Price Includes at $348.44

Enjoy 3 Days luxury camp Sandboard from Fes back fes,ou Marakech - What the Price Includes at $348.44

At $348.44 per person, the package offers reasonable value if you want the main Sahara activities arranged in one booking. The price includes transport, a professional driver, two nights of accommodation, two breakfasts, two dinners, bottled cold water, camel trekking, sandboarding, and the luxury camp.

The private tent is important to the value calculation. A cheaper desert trip may include a basic tent or a less private setup, while this package places more emphasis on comfort. The value is strongest for couples, friends, and solo visitors who want the desert experience but do not want to organize each piece separately.

You still need money for lunches, drinks, and tips. The two lunches on the road are not covered, and lunch or drinks beyond the stated inclusions are your responsibility. Ask about any optional activities around Merzouga before the day begins so you know which parts are included and which may cost extra.

A group limit of 16 keeps the price below a fully private tour while avoiding the feel of a very large coach group. The tradeoff is less control over departure times and stops. If you want a completely custom route, a private booking may suit you better, but it would likely change the price.

Practical Advice for a Smoother Trip

Enjoy 3 Days luxury camp Sandboard from Fes back fes,ou Marakech - Practical Advice for a Smoother Trip

Wear comfortable clothing for the road and loose clothing for the camel ride. Closed shoes are useful around the dunes, especially if you plan to try sandboarding, while a warm layer helps during the early morning and after sunset.

Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a small day bag. Keep your main luggage organized because you will move between Fes, Merzouga accommodation, and the desert camp. A phone charger or power bank is sensible, though the available charging arrangements are not specified.

Drink water during the driving days. Bottled cold water is included, but you should not rely on one bottle for the whole trip. Since meals on the road are extra, carry enough cash for lunch and drinks.

The tour is suitable for most people, but camel riding and long drives can be tiring. The information says most people can participate, but it does not give specific guidance for mobility limitations, medical conditions, or pregnancy. Ask the operator directly if you have a concern.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants may lead to a different date or a full refund.

Who Should Choose This Fes to Merzouga Tour?

Enjoy 3 Days luxury camp Sandboard from Fes back fes,ou Marakech - Who Should Choose This Fes to Merzouga Tour?

I would choose this trip if you want to see the Sahara from Fes and have only three days. You get the major desert moments: dune sunrise, sunset camel trekking, sandboarding, camp dinner, Berber music, and a star-filled night when conditions cooperate.

It is also a good fit if you prefer an arranged trip with transport and accommodation handled for you. Solo women may appreciate the reported attentiveness of Mohamed and his team, while couples and small groups will likely value the private tent and straightforward planning.

I would hesitate if you dislike long road journeys, want several hours of independent sightseeing each day, or need a firmly guaranteed arrival time in Fes. The experience concentrates its best moments in Merzouga, but you must earn them with substantial time in the minivan.

Should You Book It?

Book this tour if the private luxury tent, camel sunset ride, sandboarding, and two desert sunrises matter more to you than a slow pace. The strongest features are the comfortable camp, helpful staff, included core activities, and the impressive change from Atlas mountain country to Sahara dunes.

Before confirming, ask for the exact pickup time, the first night’s accommodation, and the day two options around Khamlia and the Tafilalt Oasis. If those details line up with your plans, this is a practical and memorable way to reach Merzouga from Fes without arranging every transfer yourself.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts approximately three days and includes two nights of accommodation.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts in Fes at 2299+R62, Fes 30050, Morocco, and ends back at the meeting point with drop-off at your hotel or riad.

What time does the tour start?

The meeting information lists a 4:00 pm start time, while the day one schedule describes a morning pickup. Confirm the exact pickup time with Moda Camp Merzouga Tours before the trip.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned minivan with a professional driver.

Is camel trekking included?

Yes. Camel trekking is included, with the main ride scheduled for the late afternoon on day two and a return ride to Merzouga on day three.

Is sandboarding included?

Yes. Sandboarding is included as part of the desert activities.

Are meals included?

Two breakfasts and two dinners are included. Lunches and drinks beyond the supplied bottled cold water are not included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 16 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

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