2 days trip from Fez to the desert, including a night in the Haima

Desert nights start with a long road. This 2-day trip turns the drive from Fez into part of the story, with stops in Ifran, Azrou, and Midelt before you reach Merzouga for your night in the Haima under the stars.

One thing I really like is how the evening isn’t rushed. You get the mint pause, camel time, then sunset over the dunes before dinner and camp entertainment.

I also love the variety built into the first day. In Azrou’s cedar forest, you can spot monkeys up close, and the whole route through smaller towns helps you feel Morocco beyond big cities.

The only drawback is the time on the road. This is a long, full-on drive day, and you’ll want to go in with a moderate fitness level and a patient attitude.

Key points before you go

• Azrou cedar forest monkey stop breaks up the drive in a memorable way
• Camel ride to the Haima turns the desert arrival into an experience, not just transport
• Sunset and early sunrise mean you see the dunes at two very different moods
• Small group size (max 15) helps the guides keep things smooth and personal
• Guides like Omar, Hassan, Tarik, Hachem, Driss, Charafa, and Hicham are repeatedly praised for attentive, fun energy

What this Fez to Merzouga desert trip feels like

This is a classic Fez-to-desert overnighter, but it’s built to feel more like a guided journey than a transfer. You leave early, then spend the first day moving through several towns with short stops that actually matter.

By the time you reach Merzouga, the day shifts gears. You go from mountain and village scenery to desert light, camel movement, and that big sky you only really notice once you’re away from cities.

The group experience seems designed for comfort too. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the trip includes dinner and breakfast, plus lodging in a Haima and the camel ride. That means you’re not scrambling to solve logistics at the worst possible moment, like after sunset.

Ifran and Azrou cedar forest, with monkey moments

Your day starts with pickup in Fez around 8:00 am. Then it’s a southbound route that includes Ifran and Azrou, plus Midelt and other smaller stops along the way.

In Azrou, you get a proper sight stop in the cedar forest, where monkeys live. This is one of those “small pause, big payoff” moments. You’re not just looking out a window. You stop, you walk a bit, and you take photos without the feeling that everything is passing too quickly.

The towns along the route also help your brain connect the dots. You see places that feel similar to each other, but not identical. That contrast is part of the value here, because it gives context for what you’re seeing later in the desert.

Midelt lunch break and the long mountain drive south

Midelt is where the trip slows down for a lunch stop. The timing is built around a break in the journey, which matters because the whole day is travel-heavy.

One important detail: lunch isn’t included. So if you’re sensitive to surprises in Morocco, plan to budget for food during that stop. I like tours that clearly separate included and not-included meals, because it helps you control costs without guessing.

Between stops, the drive keeps you occupied. You’re not stuck with one long stretch with nothing to do. Instead, you’re gradually moving into bigger scenery and bigger light, so the anticipation for Merzouga starts growing instead of fading.

Merzouga arrival, mint tea pause, and camel ride to your Haima

When you arrive in Merzouga, the day hits its main “desert switch.” You get a tea pause with typical mint while your guide and the camels are ready.

Then comes the key transition: the camel ride toward your Haima. This is more than transportation. It’s the moment you stop thinking about the road from Fez and start feeling the rhythm of the dunes.

As you head out between the dunes, you’re given time to enjoy the views and watch for the sunset. That timing matters. If you arrive too late, sunset becomes a blur. Here, the trip is paced so you’re in the right place when the light shifts.

Sunset dunes, dinner, and the camp entertainment

Once you’re settled, the experience turns into the classic desert night. You’ll enjoy spectacular views during the dunes period, then move into dinner at the camp.

After dinner, there’s a fun show. From what people share, the entertainment can be energetic, and it often involves performance-style moments. One traveler even described improvisation during a sandstorm, with music and dancing moved inside when weather changed. That tells me the camp team usually adapts, even if conditions get weird.

Sleeping in a Haima is the heart of this overnight. You’re away from the city noise, so you notice everything else: wind, distant sounds, and that slow quiet that arrives after the show. If you’re the type who likes observing rather than constantly “doing,” this part can feel like the real reward.

Practical note: the tour data says the experience requires good weather. If weather is poor, the provider can offer a different date or refund.

Sunrise early, breakfast and shower, then back to Fez

The second day starts early. You’ll get up for sunrise, which is one of the most valuable parts of any desert trip because it changes the entire color and texture of the dunes.

After sunrise, you return to the hotel. Then comes breakfast and a shower, and finally the long drive back to Fez.

This is the structure I like best for a 2-day schedule. You’re not trapped in the desert all day. You get the magical morning, then you’re back to comfort and hygiene before the journey ends. It also helps you feel less wrecked on the return, since you’re not trying to travel for hours right after waking up in sand.

Price, inclusions, and what to budget for

The price is $162.85 per person for a ~2-day trip. To judge value, I look at what’s doing the heavy lifting for you.

Included:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional driver
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Lodging in a Jaima
• Camel ride

Not included:

• Lunch
• Coffee and/or tea
• All kinds of drinks
• Travel insurance

Here’s the honest way to see the math. You’re paying for full-day transport plus overnight desert logistics. That’s the hard part to DIY cleanly from Fez. Even if you only care about the desert night, you’re still getting a guided, organized route with the cedar forest stop and the sunrise timing.

My advice: budget extra for lunch and drinks, and bring some cash if you prefer not to rely on cards. The trip clearly signals that not every meal and drink is covered.

The guide makes it, and the small-group size

This tour caps at 15 travelers, which usually improves the experience. Smaller groups mean fewer people to wrangle, more chance for questions, and a better flow at stops. It also tends to make the desert dinner and show feel less like a production and more like a shared moment.

The guide experience is a major theme in the trip’s reputation. Names that come up again and again include Omar, Hassan, Tarik, Hachem, Driss, Charafa, and Hicham. People describe them as attentive, friendly, and willing to explain what you’re seeing, not just move you from one point to the next.

That’s important. In the desert, you can easily end up with a nice photo and no meaning. With guides who talk about daily life, culture, and the route, the journey feels more complete.

If Spanish or French matters to you, it’s a good sign that multiple guides are described as speaking several languages. Still, I’d confirm your language preference during booking.

Who should book, and who should choose something else

This is a good fit if you:

• Want a 2-day format from Fez without spending your own time planning transport
• Like road trips with stops that actually add variety
• Care about sunset and sunrise timing, not just arriving at a camp

It might be a weaker fit if:

• You hate long travel days. This is a long drive, and you should assume you’ll spend a good chunk of day seated
• You’re hoping for total independence. This is structured and guided, which is great for most people, but not everyone’s style
• You have very limited mobility needs. The tour asks for moderate physical fitness, which likely means you should be comfortable with walking and getting on and off vehicles and camels

What to pack (simple and practical):

• Layers. Even in desert season, nights can feel cool once the sun drops
• A hat and sunscreen for daytime stops
• Comfortable shoes for walking around the cedar forest area and during breaks
• A small day bag for water and essentials

Should you book this tour?

If you want the best value combo of desert night + camel ride + sunrise, plus a route with real stops from Fez, I’d book it. The inclusions are solid, and the small group size plus strong guide reputation are exactly what you want on a trip that depends on timing.

Book it especially if you’re curious about how Morocco shifts from city-adjacent life to mountain towns to Saharan dunes. The cedar forest monkey moment and the gradual route change are not just filler. They make the final desert night feel earned.

If you’re only chasing one thing, like a quick camel photo, you might feel the road time. But if you can handle a long day in exchange for a well-paced overnight, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The trip starts at 8:00 am in Fez.

Where does the tour end?

The experience ends back at the same meeting point in Fez.

What is included in the price?

Included are an air-conditioned vehicle, professional driver, dinner, breakfast, lodging in the Jaima (Haima), and a camel ride.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

How many people are in a group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes, there is free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and refunds are not available if you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time.