Dunes start moving before you even arrive. This Fes to Fes desert trip is interesting because it mixes Atlas-country road time with a real Merzouga camel ride experience, then sends you back the same way. The trade-off is the long drive: you’re in a vehicle for most of two days.

What I like most is that the trip is built around comfort and key inclusions, not just a hand-wavy promise. You get an air-conditioned vehicle, pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, plus a proper camp setup with dinner, breakfast, and activities like sandboarding. One drawback to plan for: drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget for water and soft drinks.

Timing matters too. The tour starts at 8:00am and runs about 2 days with a moderate physical fitness level (think camel ride and walking around dunes). With a max group size of 99, it’s not a tiny secret camp, but the route still feels personal thanks to the stops along the way and the drivers who keep things friendly.

Key things to know before you go

• Fez pickup and return drop-off: you start at your accommodation and end back there.
• Merzouga camp with tent options: you can choose shared or private tent categories.
• Camel ride + sandboarding included: not just a photo stop.
• Ifrane and Azrou Cedar Forest breaks: you get a Middle Atlas feel before the Sahara.
• Ziz Valley viewpoint stops: oases and palms show up more than once on the loop.
• Monkeys Forest entrance included: Azrou is more than scenery.

Entering the loop: pickup, drive time, and how the pace feels

This is a two-day circuit that starts and ends in Fez. Your driver picks you up from your accommodation, and the plan is to return you there when the trip is done. It’s a relief not to organize buses or transfers while you’re juggling a desert itinerary.

You’ll be on the road through several regions, so the schedule has a “travel, stop, travel again” rhythm. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which helps a lot on travel days. Also, the group size can be large (up to 99), so you’ll want to keep your expectations realistic: you’re sharing space, but the route still gives you plenty to look at and plenty of short breaks.

If you’re the type who likes to arrive early, linger, and take slow photos, this tour is more about momentum than lounging. That said, it’s still a strong value route because it packages desert highlights with Atlas highlights in one booking.

Fez to Ifrane: a cool reset in the Middle Atlas

After pickup in Fez, the day swings into the Middle Atlas. The stop in Ifrane is short, about 20 minutes, but it’s timed well: you’ll get that change of scenery before the drive climbs and opens up.

Ifrane is often described as Morocco’s mountain-city-style break, and the point here isn’t deep sightseeing. It’s your mental reset. Walk a bit, snap a few photos, and take a breath before the next stop focuses on cedar trees and a Berber village pass-by.

The good part: this brief break keeps the whole day from feeling like nonstop driving. The caution: with only about 20 minutes, don’t expect a long wander. If you want a bigger Ifrane experience, you’d do that on a separate day.

Azrou Cedar Forest and the Barbary macaques moment

Next comes the Azrou Cedar Forest area, with an included entry/entrance setup and time to enjoy it. This stop matters because it adds wildlife to your desert-focused trip. You’ll be around Morocco’s cedar woodland vibe, and you’ll likely see Barbary macaques in the forest environment.

This is one of those moments where you benefit from having a planned stop instead of trying to reach it independently. The included entrance saves time and hassle, and the route keeps you moving while still giving you an authentic nature pause.

Downside to consider: since it’s a forest stop, your footwear matters. Wear something comfortable for walking on uneven ground. And keep in mind it’s an animal-possible area—so keep distance and don’t try to “test your luck” with macaques.

Timahdite pass-by: quick Berber village perspective

Between forest and mountains, you’ll pass by Timahdite, described as one of the Berber villages in the Middle Atlas. This is not a long visit—think of it as a passing glimpse more than a guided tour.

Still, these little pass-by stops can be worth it. They give you a sense of how people live along the route, not just the famous end destination. If you’re the type who loves street-level details, you can keep your camera ready here.

The consideration: don’t build your day around it. It’s a snapshot stop.

Midelt lunch break: where the road turns toward the High Atlas

As you push deeper toward the High Atlas, you’ll reach Midelt for a lunch and break window of about 1 hour. The plan is a lunch at an authentic Berber restaurant.

Important practical note: the package lists breakfast and dinner as included, but it doesn’t clearly state lunch as included. So I’d treat lunch as pay-as-you-go unless your booking message confirms otherwise. Either way, Midelt is a useful break point because it refreshes you before longer stretches of road.

This is also where the scenery starts to feel more “mountains first, desert next.” You’ll likely arrive ready to eat, because the day has been steady movement.

If you want to reduce stress: carry a snack for later too, just in case your meal timing doesn’t match your hunger.

Errachidia and Erfoud: the doorway to the Sahara

After Midelt, the route reaches Errachidia, described as the gateway to the desert region. This part of the trip is less about a single attraction and more about the transition phase—your brain finally clicks into “we’re actually going to Merzouga.”

Then you pass through Erfoud, known as the capital of date fruits. Again, this isn’t a long stop, but it’s a helpful context moment. It’s Morocco’s agriculture story showing up before the dunes take over.

Why this matters: it keeps the trip grounded. The Sahara isn’t just sand; it sits inside a whole economy of oases and farming communities.

Ziz Valley at Ziz Canyon: the oasis-style pause

The Ziz Valley stretch brings you to Ziz Canyon Parking with a scenic stop. Day 1 includes about 15 minutes here with something like a “look and breathe” rhythm, and day 2 offers another chance (about 20 minutes) on the way back.

This is one of the best parts of the schedule because the Sahara can dominate your imagination. A stop like this reminds you the desert has lifelines—oases, palms, and settlement patterns that make the dunes part of a larger system.

The practical angle: keep your phone charged and your camera handy, but don’t rush. Short scenic stops feel longer when you take a slow look.

Also, build your body comfort around these pauses. If you’ve been sitting a long time, stand up, stretch, and let the breaks reset you before the next drive.

Merzouga camp night: tents, camel ride, and sandboarding

Now for the main event: Merzouga. You spend the night there, and your arrival includes camels waiting for your unforgettable camel ride. The description includes riding through the dunes with a focus on sunset and Berber camp life.

This night is usually what makes this tour feel like more than a long bus ride. You get a camp setup with tent categories (shared vs private), plus a night program that includes dinner. On top of that, sandboarding is included, which turns the “wow, sand” feeling into an actual activity.

About the tent choices: the package lists tent options as private-style tent for the shared option and luxury tent for the private option. What that means in real-world comfort can vary, but the key point is that you’re not sleeping out in the open without help. You’re getting a dedicated tent experience.

One more inclusion that matters: you’re not just dropped off. The setup includes breakfast and dinner, and the camel ride plus camp time is designed as a full block.

Possible drawback: you may need a little patience for the pace of camp life. This is a shared experience, and timing (like when you ride and when you eat) may not feel like a strict clock. If you want precise minute-by-minute control, choose private options and accept that desert schedules still run on human realities.

Sunrise dunes and the return: how day 2 really feels

The second day starts with sunrise on the dunes. After your night inside the dunes, you’ll meet for the sunrise moment, described as perfect for souvenir photos. Then you get breakfast, and you meet your driver to start the return drive.

This sunrise timing is one of the strongest reasons to pick this tour. Most desert trips offer “sunset” and call it a day. Here, you get both: sunset energy through the camel ride, then sunrise the next morning. It’s the classic desert rhythm, and it’s built into the itinerary.

After that, you drive back toward Fez with more stops for recovery and scenery checks:

• Another look at Ziz Canyon Parking (around 20 minutes, included).
• Midelt for a lunch and break window (about 1 hour).
• Ifrane again in the afternoon for a short pause and free time for a coffee.

Then it’s back to Fez with drop-off at your accommodation.

This part of day 2 can feel a bit more flexible than day 1 because you’re returning, not arriving. Still, the overall day stays travel-heavy, so keep your expectations aligned: this tour gets you to the desert and back, not a slow travel romance.

Price and value: is $183.58 really fair for this loop?

At $183.58 per person, the big question is whether you’re paying for a real package or just for the idea of a desert trip. Here, the value equation looks solid because several “core” items are included.

You’re paying for:

• Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation
• Air-conditioned vehicle and a professional driver
• Camel ride
• Sandboarding
• Camp tent (shared or private category)
• Dinner and breakfast
• Entrance for the monkeys/forest stop area

What’s not included: drinks. That’s pretty normal, but it can change how “expensive” the trip feels at checkout. Water and soft drinks can add up if you don’t plan.

Also, the trip length is about 2 days, with a full night in Merzouga. Many budget desert experiences fail to include key meals or activities. This one includes the big ticket items that make the desert night feel complete.

Group discounts can apply, and the tour uses a mobile ticket. Those are small extras, but they suggest you’re not getting a chaotic, last-minute arrangement.

Bottom line: if you want Merzouga with camel ride plus sandboarding, and you also want meaningful Atlas stops on the way, this is priced like a serious shortcut—not a throwaway add-on.

Who this Fes to Merzouga desert tour suits best

This tour makes sense if you want:

• a first-time Merzouga experience without extra planning
• a trip that includes wildlife scenery (Azrou cedar forest) and not only dunes
• a smooth end-to-end arrangement: pickup, activities, meals, and return

You might want to skip it (or book a different style tour) if:

• you hate long driving days and short stops
• you’re very sensitive to group logistics, since the maximum group size can be up to 99
• you expect drinks to be included (they aren’t)

Physical fitness should be “moderate.” That means you can handle walking and the activity components tied to desert terrain, without turning the experience into a medical challenge.

Booking tips to make this tour feel better on the ground

A few practical moves can improve your comfort:

• Bring a little cash or card buffer for drinks and for lunch (the package clearly lists breakfast and dinner as included, but lunch is not stated as included).
• Wear comfortable shoes for cedar forest walking and any dune walking around the camp.
• Keep a light layer ready for mornings and evenings. Desert nights and early dawn can feel different than daytime, and you’ll be out for sunrise.
• Pack something for photos: power bank if you use your phone heavily. Sunrise + sunset moments can drain battery fast.

Finally, if you care about the human connection aspect of desert travel, pay attention to driver style. In the stories tied to this route, names like Jaafar and Otmane show up for being friendly, helpful with explanations, and upbeat during the drive. The right driver can turn a long day into a fun day.

Should you book this desert tour from Fez to Fez via Merzouga?

I think this is a strong booking choice if your goal is a well-rounded desert weekend: Atlas scenery on the way, Merzouga camel ride, sandboarding, a tented camp night, and sunrise the next morning. The inclusion list is the deciding factor. You’re not paying extra just to get the essentials.

Skip it only if you want a slow, self-directed trip with lots of time in each place. This one is built for momentum. If you’re okay with that trade, you’ll get your money’s worth in activities and included meals, and you’ll leave Fez with a real Sahara story, not just an Instagram stop.

FAQ

What time does the tour start from Fez?

The tour starts at 8:00am.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from your accommodation in Fez, and drop-off returns you to your accommodation.

How long is the desert tour?

It’s listed as 2 days (approx.), running as a full two-day circuit from Fez to Merzouga and back to Fez.

What desert activities are included in Merzouga?

Your included desert activities include a camel ride and sandboarding.

Is dinner and breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast and dinner are included in the tour.

Do I get entrance to the monkeys forest?

Yes. Entrance to the Monkeys Forest is included, and the Azrou Cedar Forest stop is part of the route.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks (boissons) are not included.

Can I choose between shared and private tent options?

Yes. The tour includes tent options depending on what you book, including a private tent category for the shared option and a luxury tent option for the private choice.

Is there a minimum number of people per booking?

Yes. A minimum of 2 people per reservation is required.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour/activity has a maximum of 99 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free. To get a full refund, you must cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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