Two days, one Sahara memory. From Fes to Marrakech, this trip strings together Atlas Mountain towns, Erg Chebbi dunes, and a Berber-style desert night in Merzouga. You also get planned breaks at places like Ifrane, Azrou Monkey Forest, and the Ziz Oasis before the camels take over.

I especially like the full-day structure on Day 1 with multiple stops (so you are not just sitting in the van). I also like the camp focus: camel ride, sandboarding time, and an evening with dinner plus traditional music and a fire show. One drawback: expect long driving stretches, and Day 2 is mostly the road back to Marrakech with fewer sightseeing moments.

Key things to know before you go

• Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga: sunset time, camel time, and that classic Sahara feeling
• Sandboarding included in the day’s fun: you get scheduled time on the dunes
• Day 1 sight stops: Ifrane, Azrou Monkey Forest, Midelt lunch break, and Ziz Oasis
• A real desert camp setup: a private tent plus dinner, music, and stargazing
• Day 2 is drive-heavy: sunrise, breakfast, then on to Marrakech with limited extras
• Lunch is on your own: you will have a break, but meals beyond dinner/breakfast cost extra

Day 1 from Fes: coffee, Atlas roads, and planned breaks

This is a Fes-to-Marrakech desert route that tries to do two things well: make the long distance feel like a journey (with stops), and still deliver that Saharan shift from mountains to dunes.

You start with hotel pickup options around Fes (Bab Boujloud, Café de France area, or Hôtel Batha). After pickup, you get a free coffee from the organizers, then you settle into an air-conditioned minivan or 4×4 (the exact vehicle depends on group size). This matters more than it sounds. You are going to spend a lot of time on the road, so air-con and a smooth ride reduce the tiredness before the desert even starts.

Then the route gets its rhythm: four key stops on the way to Merzouga. This is where the trip earns its value. Instead of a single long transfer with no scenery, you get breaks that show different sides of Morocco—forest, mountain-town life, oasis scenery, and then big Saharan sky.

One practical note: the trip is not designed for people who want to hop out every 10 minutes. The stops are timed, and the day moves. If you like a steady flow of short highlights, you will enjoy this pace.

Ifrane and Azrou Monkey Forest: the classic pause between city and desert

The first named stop is Ifrane, often remembered for its tidy look and cool-mountain vibe. Even if you only have a break time to walk around, it gives your trip contrast right away: you are leaving Fes behind, you are leaving the desert behind (for now), and you are stepping into a different climate feel.

Next comes Azrou Forest and the Monkey Forest area. The big win here is simple: it is a chance to stretch your legs and see wildlife without turning the day into a complicated side trip. You get photo time and a scheduled break, so you can enjoy it without feeling rushed the whole time.

Potential drawback? If you are expecting a long guided walk, this is more of a stop-and-see moment than a full half-day nature excursion. I would treat it like a palate cleanser before the bigger scenic payoff later.

Midelt lunch break and Ziz Oasis: where the scenery starts to feel more “Sahara-adjacent”

After Azrou, you hit Midelt for a lunch break. Lunch is not included, so bring a bit of flexibility—either pay for food there or grab something from whatever options are available during the stop. The good part is that this break helps you reset. Your desert afternoon is coming, and hunger will make sand and camel time feel harder.

From Midelt, you head toward Ziz Oasis, another scheduled stop designed for views and quick wandering. Even with a limited stop duration, this area does something important: it shows you the “in-between Morocco” that most straight transfers miss. You go from forest and mountain roads into the dry, dramatic sense of distance that makes the Sahara feel real rather than just a marketing word.

If you love photography, this is the part of the day where you will want your camera charged and your batteries protected. Desert light shows up fast, and you do not want to be scrambling.

Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes: camels, sunset, sandboarding, and camp life

This is the core of the trip. When you reach Merzouga, your camels are waiting, and the experience shifts from driving to walking in the desert.

Camel ride time (and how to prepare)

The camel walk is part practical transport and part memory-maker. You do not just arrive—you transition into the desert world. If you have never done a camel ride, keep it simple: wear comfortable shoes for walking near the dunes and bring a layer for temperature changes after sunset.

Sunset and sandboarding

Once you are on the dunes, you get time for photos, a sunset session, and sandboarding. Sandboarding is one of those activities that feels more fun than it looks from far away. You get the right mix here: enough time to try, not enough time for the whole day to turn into a long lesson.

Also, your itinerary includes camp activities like shopping and even quad bike riding as part of the dune/camp program. The data provided does not clearly state what is included versus optional for quad time, so if that matters to you, ask ahead or confirm on the day.

The desert dinner and Berber night program

Back at the camp, the evening is built around one dinner with Berber tradition—with music and activities such as dance and tajine-style food, plus a fire show. Then, if skies cooperate, you can go out to the dunes to look at the stars. People tend to talk about desert night skies for a reason: the contrast is strong when there is less city light.

Camp setup is a major strength of this tour style. You are not camping in something sketchy. You get an equipped private tent and a “luxury camp” setup that feels organized. In at least one account, the camp was described as clean, with staff that treated guests well—exactly what you want after a long travel day.

Day 2 sunrise and the long drive back to Marrakech

Day 2 starts early, with a 7:00 am wake-up for sunrise. This is one of those moments that is easy to underestimate until you are there. Sunrise on the dunes is not just a pretty picture; it is the emotional reset point of the whole trip. After a night of stars and camp life, the morning light makes the desert feel huge in a quiet way.

After sunrise you get breakfast, then you leave the camp and head toward Marrakech. Here is the key planning detail: this return day is not set up for extra major sights. In particular, there is no Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate visit on this itinerary.

That can be a deal-breaker if you are chasing those UNESCO-famous stops. But it can also be a relief if you prefer a calmer day focused on arrival rather than more driving and more tight schedules.

Expect the drive to be long. Arrival into Marrakech happens late evening in at least one account (around 21:00). So plan your arrival mindset: you will want a warm meal ready and no big next-day commitments right after landing.

Drop-off is either at an accommodation drop location in Marrakech (Hôtel Tazi is named) or at the nearest accessible place for your transfer needs. This is practical, but it also means you should avoid booking something far from where you expect to be dropped.

Price and value: what $119 includes, and what you’ll pay for yourself

At $119 per person for two days, the value comes from the blend of transportation + desert logistics + one night camp + meals that actually matter.

Here is what is included based on the trip details:

• Air-conditioned transportation by minivan or 4×4
• English-speaking driver/guide
• Multiple sightseeing stops on the way
• Camel guide for the desert part
• 1 night desert camp in Merzouga
• 1 dinner and 1 breakfast
• Equipped private tent

Not included:

• Lunch (so you will pay on the way)
• Monument entrance fees
• Personal expenses

So what are you really buying? You are buying the heavy lifting: the drive from Fes, the handoff to camels, and a camp setup that saves you from figuring out desert logistics on your own. That is often where DIY plans get expensive fast—especially when you count time, transport coordination, and the risk of arriving without the right arrangement.

One more value point: this trip is available as private or small groups. Small groups tend to feel smoother on long routes because the guide can manage pacing without turning every stop into a bottleneck.

The guide experience: good driving, real personality, and fewer awkward gaps

In the accounts tied to this trip, guide quality comes through in a very human way. Names that appear include Ismaili and Mustafa, and the consistent theme is that the driver/guide is friendly, helpful, and keeps the day fun even when it is long.

Why that matters: on a route like this, your comfort depends heavily on how the day is managed. Good drivers make stops feel purposeful, keep timing realistic, and help you find your footing quickly—especially if you are new to Morocco’s road rhythm.

One caution from lived experience: your return transfer may not be the exact same setup as your outbound ride. If you are sensitive to confusion at pick-up time, double-check the vehicle/driver details the night before departure on Day 2, and be ready to coordinate at the camp with staff help if needed.

Who this trip suits best (and who should choose something else)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A desert experience that includes camel time + sunset + sandboarding
• A guided route from Fes to Marrakech that includes multiple scenic stops
• A night in a proper organized camp with dinner, music, and a clear star window

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want multiple major sights on Day 2 (since Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate are not included)
• Hate long driving days and late arrivals
• Need guaranteed lunch pricing or included lunch plans (lunch is not part of the package)

Should you book the Fes to Marrakech Desert & Camel Trek?

I would book this tour if your priority is Erg Chebbi dunes plus a well-run desert night, and you are okay with a schedule that mixes stops with long road time. The price feels fair for what you get: transport, a camel-guided desert segment, a private tent, and meals that bookend the experience with sunrise and breakfast.

I would hesitate if you are planning a very tight Marrakech itinerary and cannot handle a late arrival, or if you specifically need Ait Ben Haddou/Ouarzazate on the way. In that case, you would likely feel like you missed big targets.

FAQ

How long is the trip from Fes to Marrakech by desert and camel trek?

It lasts 2 days.

What is included in the price?

You get transportation in an air-conditioned minivan or 4×4, an English-speaking driver/guide, visits on the way, a local camel guide, 1 night desert camp in Merzouga, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast, and an equipped private tent.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though you will have a lunch break on the route.

Do I ride camels and can I try sandboarding?

Yes. You will ride camels, and sandboarding is part of the dune activities on the desert day.

What meals are included?

Dinner is included for Day 1 in the desert camp, and breakfast is included on Day 2.

Are Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate included on Day 2?

No. There are no Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate visits on this itinerary.

What time do you leave for sunrise on Day 2?

You wake up at 7:00 am to see the sunrise, then enjoy breakfast before heading to Marrakech.

If you tell me your travel month and whether you want a private group or are fine with small groups, I can help you judge if the long drive will feel worth it for your style.

You Might Also Enjoy

Full Day Private Guided Tour of MarrakechFrom Fes private tour to Casablanca via volubilis and rabatPrivate transfer from and to the airportShared Day Trip From Marrakech To Ouzoud – Waterfalls