REVIEW · FEZ
Fes desert tours 2 days
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Two days and you’re staring at Sahara sand. This private Fez to Merzouga trip strings together Berber villages and major “change of scenery” moments, then caps it with a camel ride at Erg Chebbi. The best part for me is that you cover a lot without having to plan a thing yourself, but the trade-off is a long day of driving on Day 1 and again on Day 2.
I like that the trip is designed for comfort where it counts: an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and pickup and drop-off from your Fez hotel. Dinner and breakfast are included, so the days aren’t a scramble for meals, yet you’ll still need to budget separately for lunch and drinks.
Because it’s private (only your group), your driver can set the pace around your interests. Just be aware this is an early-start style of adventure, especially with the sunrise on the desert side.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll care about
- What you’re really buying in a Fez to Merzouga 2-day desert trip
- Day 1: Early departure from Fez through Ifran and Azrou’s cedar forest
- Midelt lunch with Amazigh food, then down toward Arfoud
- Ziz Valley views: the oasis stretch that makes the drive feel worth it
- Arriving in Merzouga: tent camp dinner and the shift into desert time
- Day 2: Erg Chebbi sunrise, return camel ride, and the road back to Fez
- Private driver details that can make or break the experience
- Money notes: what’s included, what to budget, and why $234.75 can make sense
- Who should book this Fez desert tour, and who might skip it
- A few smart tips before you go
- Should you book Fes Desert Tours 2 Days?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- Is pickup and drop-off included?
- What meals are included?
- Do you get a camel ride?
- Will there be an overnight in a tent camp?
- What’s the price and how long is the trip?
- What if weather is poor or I need to cancel?
Key highlights you’ll care about
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Fez makes the start feel easy
- Erg Chebbi sunrise adds real drama to the desert experience
- Camel ride with a camel driver connects you to the traditional side of Merzouga
- Tent camp overnight with dinner and breakfast included keeps logistics simple
- Multiple Morocco zones in one trip: cedar forest, Ziz Valley, desert dunes
- Private transportation with an English-speaking driver helps you actually enjoy the ride
What you’re really buying in a Fez to Merzouga 2-day desert trip
This is the kind of tour that works when you want “the big Morocco hits” but don’t want to turn your trip into a spreadsheet. In two days, you’ll go from Fez area rhythms toward the Middle Atlas and down through places like Ifran, Azrou, Midelt, and Arfoud, then arrive in Merzouga for the desert portion.
The price is $234.75 per person, which sounds steep until you map it to what’s included. You’re paying for a full private round-trip with an air-conditioned vehicle, professional English driver, pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and the desert-side experience (dinner, breakfast, tent camp overnight, and a camel ride). The big “value” here is that most of the hard work is already handled for you.
One caution: because you’re doing a lot in a short time, the schedule will feel transport-heavy. If you prefer a slower pace, you might find the driving days tiring. If you’re excited by motion—views changing every few hours—this format is exactly right.
A few more Fez tours and experiences worth a look
Day 1: Early departure from Fez through Ifran and Azrou’s cedar forest
Day 1 starts with an early departure from Fez, and the route is all about contrast. The first big stop is Ifran, often described as Moroccan Switzerland. You’ll see the town’s distinctive look and get a break after leaving the city, which matters because you’re about to spend hours on the road.
Next comes Azrou and the cedar forest. This is where the trip gets more than just “driving past things.” The cedar trees are a real moment—massive trunks, a forest feel, and a cool-toned atmosphere compared with what’s coming later. If you like nature stops that stretch your legs, this one does the job.
Practical downside: cedar-forest stops can mean time outdoors, sometimes on uneven ground. Wear shoes you can walk in comfortably. Also, this is one of the first stops of the day, so bring patience for early timing.
Midelt lunch with Amazigh food, then down toward Arfoud
After Ifran and Azrou, the route continues toward Midelt for lunch. The tour specifically notes an Amazigh meal here, which I love as a value-add. You’re not only seeing the country from the window—you’re eating in a way that feels local rather than generic tourist food.
From Midelt, you push further south to Arfoud. This is where the geography starts changing again, and it’s also where the “Oasis and desert-adjacent” feeling begins to show up. The tour keeps emphasizing scenery from road viewpoints, which is exactly how this drive rewards you: you get the sense of distance growing, and the day starts to feel like a journey rather than a transfer.
What to consider: lunch is included, but drinks aren’t. So if you want coffee, soda, or anything beyond the included meal, keep a little cash or payment option handy.
Ziz Valley views: the oasis stretch that makes the drive feel worth it
After Arfoud, you go through the Ziz Valley. This is one of the most satisfying “in-between” segments because it’s both scenic and readable. The valley atmosphere, the road angles, and the oasis feeling make it clear why caravans and settlement patterns historically made sense here.
This is the part of the trip where you’ll likely understand why the tour is structured as it is. You’re not simply rushing to Merzouga. You’re using the drive to experience Morocco moving through different environments: forest, mountains, valley, and then dunes.
If you’re the kind of person who likes photos, this valley segment tends to deliver. Just expect that some viewpoints are brief, and you’ll be back in the car quickly. That’s normal for a route packed into two days.
Arriving in Merzouga: tent camp dinner and the shift into desert time
By the time you reach the Merzouga area, the tone of the trip changes. The tour includes dinner and an overnight in a tent camp, which means you’re not just visiting the dunes for an afternoon photo. You’re actually settling in and letting the desert side of the experience land.
The tent camp setup is part of the point. It’s simple lodging, but it’s also a strong “you are here” signal. Dinner and breakfast being included helps a lot, because you’re not stuck hunting food right after a long drive.
A balanced way to look at this: tent camp overnights are memorable, but they’re also not the same comfort level as a hotel. If your travel style needs consistent comfort and quiet, you might want to mentally prepare for a more basic environment. If you’re okay trading luxury for atmosphere and a true desert night, this is a highlight.
Day 2: Erg Chebbi sunrise, return camel ride, and the road back to Fez
Day 2 begins early. You’ll wake up in time for sunrise, and the camel driver takes you out to enjoy the view with the fresh desert air and that quiet early-morning feel.
This is one of the most praised moments for a reason. Sunrise in the dunes isn’t just pretty—it changes how you experience scale. The sand and sky seem to stretch, and the scene feels different than daytime photos. Even if you’ve seen desert images before, the timing is what makes this work.
After sunrise, you return to the auberge area, and then you enjoy a breakfast. The tour includes the return journey toward Fez with several road stops to discover more of Morocco’s natural variety.
Camel ride note: the tour includes camel riding, and it’s tied to the Merzouga desert portion. Plan to wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty. Camel rides are fun, but they’re also physical. You’ll feel it more than you would on a smooth chairlift.
Timing reality check: Day 2 is still a long haul. You’re doing sunrise and camel time, then driving back. If your ideal vacation includes long sleep-ins, this exact format may feel rushed. If you’re excited by early starts and big sights, you’ll likely love it.
Private driver details that can make or break the experience
The tour includes a professional English driver, and the private setup really matters. With private transportation, you’re not wrestling with a large group schedule. Your pace is simpler.
In the feedback, names like Sadik and Fouad come up for helping the drive feel less monotonous and more like a guided experience. That aligns with what you want from this kind of trip: someone who can explain what you’re seeing along the way and keep the energy up during the long stretches.
Also, the tour highlights that bottled water is included. It’s a small thing, but on a road trip across changing terrain, it helps you stay comfortable without stopping repeatedly.
If you prefer tight itineraries with little flexibility, private tours are still good. Your driver can help, but the route is the route. The benefit is that you’re sharing it only with your group.
Money notes: what’s included, what to budget, and why $234.75 can make sense
Here’s the practical breakdown based on what’s listed:
Included:
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Professional English driver
- Pickup and drop-off in Fez
- Camel ride
Not included:
- Lunches
- Drinks
Wait—lunch isn’t included, but there is lunch mentioned on Day 1. The key detail is that the tour route includes a lunch stop; however, the listed exclusions say lunches and drinks aren’t included overall. So budget for lunch on your own (or confirm with the operator what’s covered for Day 1 lunch). When money’s involved, it’s worth double-checking the exact meal inclusion at booking.
Value-wise, $234.75 per person adds up when you compare it to the cost of piecing this together yourself—driver, vehicle, desert overnight, dinner and breakfast, and the camel ride. The private nature plus the desert overnight is what usually justifies the price.
Two-day pricing also means fewer opportunities for additional add-ons without losing time. That can be good value if you want “one plan, done.”
Who should book this Fez desert tour, and who might skip it
This tour fits you best if:
- You want Merzouga and Erg Chebbi without complicated planning
- You like road trips with multiple stops, not a single-day desert sprint
- You’re excited by a camel ride and a tent camp overnight
- You value pickup convenience and a professional English-speaking guide
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You hate early mornings and long driving days
- You need consistently high comfort standards (the overnight is in a tent camp)
- You want a slower pace with more free time in each town
If you’re traveling as a couple, a small group, or with friends who want the same route, the private format is a plus. The tour also notes group discounts, which can make it even more attractive if you can travel with others.
A few smart tips before you go
- Pack for long hours in a vehicle: bring something small to keep you comfortable during the ride.
- Plan for early starts on both days: sunrise timing is part of the appeal.
- Expect dust around the camel ride: dress in fabric you’re okay getting a bit dusty.
- Budget separately for lunch and drinks, since those aren’t included.
- If you’re sensitive to motion, consider taking breaks during viewpoints and hydrate often.
These aren’t “extras.” They’re the small choices that help the tour feel smooth instead of stressful.
Should you book Fes Desert Tours 2 Days?
I’d book this if your goal is a classic Fez-to-desert experience in a short window, with the key ingredients handled for you: pickup, guided driving, tent camp dinner and breakfast, sunrise at Erg Chebbi, and a camel ride.
You should also book it if you like learning Morocco as a moving journey—from Middle Atlas areas down toward desert dunes—because the route is built around those step-by-step changes. The value comes from stacking a lot of activities into two days without you doing the logistics.
But I’d think twice if you prefer slow travel or if early mornings and long car days drain you fast. In that case, you might feel the schedule more than the scenery.
FAQ
FAQ
Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Fez.
What meals are included?
Dinner and breakfast are included. Lunches and drinks are not included.
Do you get a camel ride?
Yes. A camel ride is included as part of the Merzouga desert experience.
Will there be an overnight in a tent camp?
Yes. The tour includes an overnight in a tent camp, with dinner and breakfast.
What’s the price and how long is the trip?
It costs $234.75 per person and runs about 2 days.
What if weather is poor or I need to cancel?
If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
