Two days, one long camel horizon. This Fez to Merzouga trip turns the road into part of the story, with Erg Chebbi dunes waiting at dusk and a private tent in a traditional Sahara camp after. I especially like the combo of a timed camel trek for sunset photos and the way camp stays focused on comfort, clean tents, and real Berber food (not just a token meal).

The only real drawback is comfort can be tricky: desert nights can get cold, and some people also find the night temperature hard to sleep through. Bring warm layers and expect that you will be sitting for hours in transit.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Erg Chebbi camel trek at dusk with prime sunset light and lots of photo chances
• A traditional camp that actually feels comfortable, with clean, spacious tents
• Berber breakfast and dinner that match the region instead of feeling like filler
• High Atlas + Ziz Valley driving plus a stop at the Azrou cedar forest for wild monkey photos
• Sunrise on the dunes plus sandboarding, so you get the desert twice
• Camels or 4×4 return options depending on how you want the second day to feel

Fez to Merzouga in 2 Days: Why This Route Feels So Worth It

This tour works because it gives you two different flavors of the desert experience. You arrive for sunset and starlight, then you come back out again at sunrise for that first light over the dunes. It is not just a one-and-done camel ride, which is why it feels more complete.

I also like that the “in-between” day parts matter. The drive through the High Atlas mountains and the Ziz Valley is not wasted time, and you get a meaningful break at the Azrou cedar forest to see wild monkeys. That mix makes the long-distance part of Morocco feel like travel, not a chore.

One more thing: the trip includes a driver/guide and private air-conditioned transportation. That means less stress while you are focused on the big moments, like the dunes and camp.

The Drive from Fez: High Atlas, Ziz Valley, and Azrou Monkeys

You start in Fez with pickup from selected points (and airport pickup/drop-off is also included). From there, you travel by private air-conditioned vehicle, so you are not stuck cooking on a slow bus with unclear plans.

On the way, you pass through High Atlas Mountains terrain and then into Ziz Valley, which changes the vibe from cooler mountain air to warmer, open stretches. You will also see Berber villages along the route, which helps the trip feel like you are moving through Morocco, not just passing scenery from a window.

A practical tip: expect a few stops for bathroom and leg stretching. One review noted these stops are handled with the whole group together, so the ride can still feel organized even when the road is long. If you are the type who hates being surprised by timing, mentally plan for “road breaks” as part of the day.

You also stop at the cedar forests of Azrou for picture time with wild monkeys. It is quick, but it’s a fun contrast to the desert. Bring your camera ready, because this is one of the easier “wow” moments to capture without special conditions.

Camel Trek at Dusk on Erg Chebbi: Sunset Photos and Real Desert Time

This is the heart of the tour. You ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes, with a sunset camel ride that puts you on the sand as the light flips from bright to warm. That timing matters because the dunes look flatter and less dramatic in midday sun. At dusk, you get stronger shadows and that classic rippled texture.

The tour runs a straightforward setup: you go out in the late day, then you head toward the camp as the sky changes. The goal is simple—catch the desert sunset and then arrive with enough time for evening camp life under the stars.

You are assigned one camel per person, which keeps things clear. And the best part is that you get multiple moments where you can pause, take photos, and enjoy the ride without feeling like you are being rushed along a conveyor belt.

Physical note, though: camel trekking is not just sitting and sightseeing. You will feel it in your legs and balance as the sand shifts underfoot. If you are carrying a day pack, keep it light and secure so you are not fighting straps on the move.

Also, be a little alert to timing. One review mentioned arriving a bit late reduced the window to see the sunset. You cannot control traffic from the sand, but you can ask your driver/guide how the schedule is tracking once you are on the road, especially if you are sensitive about sunset timing.

Evening at the Sahara Camp: Tents, Dinner, and Starry Quiet

After the desert trek, you arrive at a traditional Sahara camp for the overnight. This is where the tour earns its money, because it is not just “sleep somewhere and move on.” The camp experience is built around a genuine desert night: food, Berber hospitality, and the sky doing what it does best with light kept low.

I love the fact that the tents are described as comfortable, spacious, and clean. That matters more than people expect. A pretty tent that is cramped or messy can turn an otherwise magical night into an uncomfortable memory. Here, the camp is meant to be restful.

Dinner is included, and it is Berber-style rather than a generic meal. One review credited camp helpers by name (Hacham and Ali). That kind of on-the-ground attention is what makes a group feel cared for once you are away from cities.

Alcohol is not included, but you can buy it. That is useful to know if you are planning on wine with dinner. You will also want cash on hand for small extras, since the desert is not where you want to depend on card payments.

And yes, the night sky is the main event. The tour is set up so you get that starlit view after dark, when you can step outside and actually see stars. Just remember: stargazing is fun, but it is also when the desert can feel cold fast.

Day 2 Sunrise on Chebbi and Sandboarding Fun

Day two starts with an early push: sunrise atop Erg Chebbi. Waking up for first light is not everyone’s idea of a good time, but on this route it is worth it. Sunrise is when the dunes look three-dimensional in a way that midday cannot match.

After that, you get a hearty Berber breakfast. This is another place the tour feels more authentic than a quick snack stop. Breakfast gives you fuel for the second half, because you will be active again soon.

Then comes sandboarding. If you have never tried it, think of it as sliding down on purpose and learning quickly how the sand speed changes your control. It is physical enough to be fun, but not so extreme that you feel like you signed up for a full-day sport.

When you are done, you return toward the camp departure point. You can go back by camel or take a 4×4 transfer alternative. I like having this choice because it makes the tour adaptable. If you are feeling your legs from day one, the 4×4 option can save you from a second round of balance work.

Once back on the road, you drive through the High Atlas Mountains and again across the Ziz Valley area on the way back toward Fez. The tour ends with drop-off at your accommodation in Fez.

Price and Value: Is $118 a Fair Deal?

At about $118 per person for a two-day, Fez-to-Merzouga experience, the value is mostly in what the tour bundles for you.

Here’s what you are getting for that price:

• Private air-conditioned transport with driver/guide
• Camel trekking (including a sunset camel ride)
• Overnight in a traditional camp in your preferred tent type
• 1 dinner and 1 breakfast
• A 4×4 transfer option to and from the desert camp (instead of camels for that segment)

What you are not getting:

• Lunch
• Alcohol (available for purchase)

So the question is: would you be able to organize camels, desert camp logistics, meals, and timing yourself without spending more time and money? For most people, the answer is no—especially because the key desert assets here are operational, not just scenic. You are paying for people, timing, and setup.

Also, the “comfort factor” matters. Clean, spacious tents and a camp that feels cared for make the included overnight genuinely useful. If your goal is to keep energy for photos and activities (sunset, sunrise, sandboarding), this package design helps.

If you want to stretch value, plan ahead for lunch and any drinks. Bring cash for extras and keep an eye on optional add-ons in the dunes.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

I think this tour is ideal if you want your first taste of the Sahara without turning it into a complex logistics project. The camel trek at dusk, sunrise the next morning, and sandboarding give you enough variety that it feels like more than one single activity.

It also fits well if you like hands-on cultural travel. The camp and meals are part of the deal, and you spend actual time in a Berber-style desert setting instead of doing a quick “pass through.”

You should think twice if you know you do not handle long road days well. Even with air-conditioned private transport, you will be sitting a lot, and one review specifically mentioned the long road can take time and involves group stops.

You might also consider another plan if you are extremely sensitive to night temperature swings. The desert can turn chilly at night, and one review mentioned difficulty sleeping because it was too hot. That is not a deal-breaker for everyone, but it is the kind of detail that matters for comfort.

Practical Notes: What to Pack and What to Expect in the Dunes

This tour is fun, but you will enjoy it more if you show up ready. Bring warm clothing for desert night temperatures, even if the daytime feels mild. Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen because sun on sand is intense.

Other helpful items:

• sun hat
• comfortable shoes for sand and walking around camp
• camera and a power bank (you will likely take a lot of photos)
• cash for drinks or dune extras

On the activity side, plan for some physical effort from camel trekking and sandboarding. If you are comfortable with uneven ground and a little exertion, you will be fine.

Optional dune add-ons exist, like quad bikes and buggies, but they cost extra and need to be requested in advance. If you care about having it, ask your guide early instead of hoping it appears at the last minute.

And one small but important mindset shift: the desert is a slow place. Once you are out there, comfort comes from being prepared, not from expecting things to work like city life.

Should You Book This Tour?

Book it if you want a well-paced 2-day Fez to Merzouga plan with both sunset and sunrise on Erg Chebbi, plus camp overnight that prioritizes clean, comfortable tents and included meals. At this price, you are paying for the hard-to-organize parts: camel logistics, camp setup, and timing.

Skip it or adjust expectations if you cannot handle long hours in a vehicle or if night temperature swings are a major concern. If you do go, bring warm layers, plan for road breaks, and confirm your timing with the driver/guide so you do not lose too much of the sunset window.

If you are on your first Morocco desert trip, this one hits the big notes in the right order—and it does it with enough comfort to let you enjoy the dunes instead of just enduring them.

FAQ

How long is the Fez to Merzouga Sahara tour?

The experience is a 2-day tour from Fez to Merzouga, with an overnight stay in a Sahara desert camp.

Does the tour include camel trekking and sandboarding?

Yes. You’ll do camel trekking across the Erg Chebbi dunes, and sandboarding is included. There is also a sunset camel ride.

What meals are included?

The tour includes 1 breakfast and 1 dinner. Lunch is not included.

Where do you stay overnight?

You stay overnight at a traditional Sahara camp in a tent type of your preference.

Will I ride camels the whole way?

Not necessarily. Camel trekking is included, but there is also a 4×4 transfer to and from the desert camp as an alternative to camels.

What should I bring for comfort in the desert?

Bring warm clothing for cold desert nights, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, cash, and a camera. Comfortable shoes and a power bank are also recommended.

Is pickup and drop-off in Fez included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included at selected points in Fez (and airport pickup/drop-off is also listed as included).

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