Fes
Depart Fes early and cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and scenic Ziz Valley to reach the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy a sunset camel ride, spend the night under the stars in a Berber desert camp with traditional music and dinner, wake up to a magical sunrise, and return to Fes the following day with fresh mountain scenery.
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Departure/Return: Fes (hotel/riad pickup and drop-off)
Transport: Comfortable air-conditioned van, minibus, or 4x4
Group size: Small shared groups or private options available
Best for: Travelers based in Fes who want a quick but immersive Sahara experience without changing cities
Day 1: Fes → Middle Atlas → Ziz Valley → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes)
Early morning pickup from your Fes hotel or riad (usually 7:00–8:00 AM). Drive south through the Middle Atlas, stopping in the charming town of Ifrane ("Moroccan Switzerland") and the Azrou cedar forest for photos and a chance to see monkeys.
Continue via Midelt and descend into the scenic Ziz Valley with its lush palm groves and fortified villages. Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Mount camels for a relaxing trek into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes to enjoy a spectacular sunset.
Arrive at your desert camp for a warm welcome with mint tea. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner (tagine, couscous, salads), live Berber music and drumming around the campfire, and a peaceful night under the vast starry Sahara sky.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Traditional Berber desert camp in Erg Chebbi (standard tents with mattresses and blankets; luxury tent upgrades available)
Driving time: ≈ 7–9 hours with scenic stops
Day 2: Merzouga Sunrise → Ziz Valley → Middle Atlas → Fes
Early wake-up for a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, followed by a camel ride back to the edge of the desert (or 4x4 transfer). Enjoy breakfast at the camp.
Have some free time for optional sandboarding or a short desert walk before departing. Drive back north through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas Mountains with fresh photo stops (possible second stop at the cedar forest or Ifrane). Arrive back in Fes in the late afternoon or early evening for drop-off at your hotel/riad.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving time (return): ≈ 7–9 hours with stops
Q: Is this tour very tiring due to the long drives?
A: Yes, both days involve long driving hours (7–9 hours), but they are broken with beautiful stops and the rewarding desert experience makes it worthwhile for most travelers.
Q: Can I upgrade to a luxury camp?
A: Yes — many operators offer luxury tent upgrades with private or semi-private bathrooms, better beds, and enhanced facilities at an additional cost.
Q: What should I pack for the desert night?
A: Layered clothing (warm jacket for cold nights Oct–Mar), comfortable closed shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, scarf, small daypack, cash (MAD or EUR), and a power bank. Bring a small overnight bag.
Q: Are dietary requirements accommodated?
A: Yes — inform your driver on Day 1. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are commonly available.
Q: How extreme is the desert weather?
A: Summer days can be hot (stay hydrated); winter nights can be cold. Camps provide blankets; luxury tents offer more comfort.
Q: Is camel riding mandatory?
A: It's included, but you can request a 4x4 transfer to/from the camp if you prefer not to ride.
Q: When do I receive pickup details?
A: Usually the evening before via WhatsApp or the booking platform. A working mobile phone with WhatsApp is recommended.
Q: Can I make this a private tour?
A: Yes — private round-trip tours are popular and allow more flexible timing and comfort.
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Enjoy a well-paced journey from the imperial city of Fes across the Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley to the edge of the Sahara. Ride camels into the dunes at sunset, indulge in luxury glamping under the stars with excellent dining and live music, wake to a breathtaking desert sunrise, and return refreshed with scenic mountain views.
Enjoy a private adventure crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains and the scenic Ziz Valley before reaching the edge of the Sahara. Ride camels into the dunes at sunset, spend the night in a traditional or luxury Berber camp with excellent service, witness a magical sunrise, and return to Fes the next day refreshed.
Depart Fes early and cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests and charming towns, before descending through the scenic Ziz Valley to reach the edge of the Sahara. Enjoy a camel ride at sunset, spend the night in a traditional or luxury Berber desert camp, witness a magical sunrise, and return to Fes the next day with fresh mountain views.