2-Day Tour to the Merzouga Desert from Fez

Home »Tours from Fez »2-Day Tour to the Merzouga Desert from Fez

Tour summary:

Duration

2 days - 1 night

Arrival

Fez

Departure

Fez

Type of tour

Private or Shared

2 days to discover the magic of the Sahara. From Fez, the route crosses the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou, where Barbary macaques roam freely in the wild. The landscape gradually shifts toward the palm groves of the Ziz Valley until reaching Merzouga, the gateway to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

At sunset, a camel ride takes you into the heart of the desert for an unforgettable night in a Berber camp, surrounded by absolute silence, traditional music, and an endless sky full of stars. An intense and authentic getaway that combines mountains, oases, and the Sahara in a brief but extraordinary experience.

Book with complete confidence

Highlights

Departure from Fez heading south: first glimpse of the Middle Atlas mountains.
Ifrane, the Moroccan Switzerland: alpine architecture and immaculate streets nestled in the mountains.
Azrou cedar forests: encounter with Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.
Ziz Valley: endless palm groves and oases heralding the arrival in the desert.
Arrival in Merzouga: the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at the gateway to the Sahara.
Camel ride at sunset: the magical light over the desert dunes.
Night in a Berber camp: traditional dinner and endless stars in the heart of the Sahara.
Sunrise in the desert: first light over the dunes, a unique and unforgettable moment.
Rissani and its traditional souk: living history at the gateway to the desert.
Return to Fez through changing landscapes: from the desert to the mountains in a single day.

Tour categories:

Tour Itinerary: 3 Days from Marrakech to Fez

Day 1: Fez – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

The adventure begins in Fez heading south, taking us into the Middle Atlas mountains. The first stop brings us to Ifrane, a town that surprises with its alpine-style architecture, with clean streets and sloping rooftops reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.

We continue towards the cedar forests of Azrou, where we will have the opportunity to observe Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. The road continues through mountain landscapes to Midelt, before descending into the lush Ziz Valley, famous for its vast palm groves and oasis scenery.

At dusk, we arrive in Merzouga, at the gateway to the Sahara. Here begins the most anticipated experience: a camel ride that takes us into the Erg Chebbi dunes just in time to watch the sunset over the sand. Arrival at the camp, Berber dinner and a night in traditional tents under a blanket of stars.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 460 km
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 7 – 8 hours (with stops)
🌅 Main stops	Ifrane, Azrou cedar forest (macaques), Midelt, Ziz Valley
🐪 Camel ride	Approx. 1.5 hours to the camp

Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Fez

We rise early to witness one of the most beautiful spectacles nature has to offer: sunrise over the Sahara dunes. The light bathes the sand in golden hues as the desert awakens. After breakfast at the camp, we return to Merzouga to begin the journey back.

The return route passes through Rissani, a historic town known for its traditional markets and its heritage as a departure point for desert caravans. We continue northward, retracing the scenic route through desert plains, valleys and mountain landscapes, with stops to rest and photograph the scenery.

Arrival in Fez in the late afternoon, marking the end of this express getaway to the Merzouga desert.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 460 km
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 7 – 8 hours (with stops)
🌅 Main stops	Sunrise over the dunes, Rissani (traditional souk)
🏁 Arrival	Fez in the late afternoon

100% Customizable Itinerary

This route can be fully adapted to your preferences and travel style. The price is adjusted according to the category of accommodation, the number of travellers and the duration of the trip. Contact us and we will send you a personalised proposal with no obligation. If this itinerary does not exactly match what you are looking for, our team will design a tailor-made journey through Morocco for you, taking care of every detail so that you enjoy a unique experience.

What's included:

Pickup from your accommodation in Fez
Private tour (just your group)
Spanish-speaking driver/guide throughout the tour
Transportation by 4x4 vehicle or air-conditioned minivan
Camel ride in Merzouga (round trip to the camp)
A night at a Berber camp (dinner and breakfast included)
Special Berber Festival in the Dunes
Sandboarding in the desert
Bottled water (one bottle per person per day)

Does not include:

Gallery

Tour Route:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to take a desert tour in just two days from Fez?

Yes, it’s definitely possible, although you do need to bear in mind that it involves many hours on the road. We set off very early from Fez, enjoyed the stops along the way (Ifrane, the cedar forest, the Ziz Valley) and arrived in Merzouga in time for a camel ride at sunset. The next day, we watched the sunrise over the dunes and returned to Fez. An intense but unforgettable experience!

Is it worth it for such a short time in the desert?

If your time in Morocco is limited, this tour is perfect. You’ll experience the highlights of the Sahara: a camel ride at sunset, a night in the desert, sunrise over the dunes and the magic of Erg Chebbi. It’s not the same as a 3- or 4-day tour, but you’ll take away the most memorable experience.

Where are we staying? A campground or a hotel?

You have two options, subject to availability:

Camp: A night in Berber tents amidst the dunes, with dinner, music and stargazing. Shared toilets and showers. The most authentic experience.
Hotel: Accommodation near the dunes offering greater comfort, but without sleeping in the desert.

We recommend the camp to experience the true magic of the Sahara.

How do I handle my luggage?

On day 1, when you arrive in Merzouga, you will leave your large suitcase in the vehicle. You will only take a small rucksack with you, containing essentials for the night at the camp (warm clothes for the evening, a camera, toiletries). The vehicle will be waiting for you the following day with all your luggage.

Can we see monkeys in the cedar forest?

Yes, on day 1 we’ll pass through the cedar forest of Azrou, where it’s very common to see Barbary macaques roaming free. You’ll be able to get out to take photos of them (but be careful – they’re mischievous and may come close). It’s a really fun stop.

How many hours of travel are there each day?

Day 1: Approximately 7-8 hours of travel (with stops). We depart very early (7:00-8:00) to make the most of the day.
Day 2: Approximately 7-8 hours back to Fez (with stops). Arrival between 18:00 and 20:00.

This is an intensive tour, ideal for travellers with little time but a lot of enthusiasm.

Will we make it in time to catch a same-day flight?

Not recommended. You’ll arrive in Fez between 6 pm and 8 pm, depending on traffic and stops. If your flight leaves after 9 pm, it might be possible, but it’s a bit of a gamble. It’s better to take a flight the following day or spend another night in Fez.

Is this a private or shared tour?

This is a 100% private tour. It’s just you, your family or your group. There will be no other passengers in the vehicle. The driver-guide is at your disposal throughout the tour, adapting to your pace and interests.

How can I book the tour?

You can book directly via our website or by sending us a message on WhatsApp. 💬 Contact us on WhatsApp and we’ll send you all the information on availability, prices and personalised options.

Request a Reservation

+212 658 860892

Would you prefer a quick response? Contact us directly on WhatsApp and we'll help you right away

What our customers say

excellent

We just got back from our trip, and we couldn't be happier with the experience. Everything was perfectly organized, which allowed us to enjoy ourselves to the fullest without worrying about a thing.

The dromedary excursions in the desert and the quad rides were among the most exciting and fun activities of the trip. In addition, the accommodations exceeded all our expectations: comfortable, clean, charming and located in spectacular locations.
The value for money was excellent. We felt we got much more than we expected.
But what really made this trip special was our guide, Hassan. From the very beginning, he was approachable, friendly, and very professional. He was always looking out for us, making sure we were comfortable, safe, and having a good time at all times. It was a real treat to have someone like him with us!

We recommend this experience 100%. Morocco is an incredible country, and living it with such a careful organization and with a guide like Hassan really makes the difference. Thank you for everything!

We had an unforgettable trip in Morocco with Hassan as our driver and guide. We were a group of five friends touring Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fez, Casablanca, Essaouira and Marrakech, and the whole experience was perfectly organized thanks to him. Hassan was much more than just a driver. He took us to excellent local restaurants, always negotiating fair prices on our behalf and making sure we enjoyed authentic Moroccan cuisine without worrying about overpaying. His knowledge of each city, its culture and history greatly enriched the trip, and he was always willing to explain details and answer all our questions. What we valued most was her flexibility and constant attention. She adapted the itinerary to our needs, to our rhythm and to the group dynamics, always with a professional and close attitude. At all times we felt safe, comfortable and very well cared for. If you are planning to travel Morocco and are looking for a reliable driver, an excellent guide and a person who really cares about making your trip a special experience, we can't recommend Hassan enough.

Hassan and his team are excellent. They were recommended to us by friends and were fantastic. Like all operators, they took a little while to resolve the problem, but Hassan was very flexible with his range of services. He accommodated my needs rather than insisting on doing everything on a high budget. This was very different from others and optimized my budget. The car and driver (Hamid) were first class and the accommodation in the riad and camp was very comfortable. 5 stars.

We have just returned from an incredible trip organized by Haya Viajes and we could not be more grateful for the unique experience we had in Morocco. From the very first moment, the organization was impeccable: every detail was carefully planned, which allowed us to enjoy ourselves to the fullest without worrying about anything. We traveled as a family—two couples with four children—and Hassan made sure that each of us felt comfortable and enjoyed every moment. We discovered the most authentic side of Morocco, exploring traditional villages, bustling markets, and spectacular landscapes. However, the most magical part was undoubtedly our experience in the desert dunes. Spending the night under a starry sky, riding a dromedary, and feeling the immensity of the Sahara was something we will never forget. The children were fascinated, and we were amazed by the beauty and tranquility of the place.

Hassan is not only an excellent organizer, but also a charming person, always willing to share his culture and make us feel at home. If you are looking for an authentic adventure in Morocco, we highly recommend trusting him, a trip that will remain forever in our hearts!

It was the first time a friend and I had travelled to Morocco, and we didn’t know where to start. We got Hassan’s contact details and from the very first moment he helped us with everything. He picked us up at the airport and took us to our first riad, where we received a very warm and welcoming reception. The next morning we set off for the desert with Hassan, who accompanied us throughout the tour, explaining each place and making us feel very comfortable at all times. We visited the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, continued on to the Dades Gorges and ended the day in the Merzouga desert with a camel ride and a magical night in a Berber camp under the stars. At dawn on the third day we went on a quad bike excursion in the desert, an experience we would recommend to everyone, and then we continued on to Ouarzazate and finally Marrakech. With many meals included and others free to enjoy at the places where we stopped, it has been one of the trips where I have felt most relaxed, enjoying every moment without a care in the world. Undoubtedly, an unforgettable experience.