From Fes: 2 Day Round Trip Via Merzouga Desert & Camel Trek

Camelback across Erg Chebbi changes your pace. This 2-day Fes to Merzouga route mixes Middle Atlas stops with a real desert night, so you get more than a one-off photo moment. You’re driven through Ifrane and the cedar forests, then you reach the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset, dinner in camp, and a morning walk for sunrise.

What I like most is the mix of easy sightseeing and big nature payoff. You’ll see the alpine-style stop in Ifrane, plus Barbary monkeys in the cedar forest, before you ever step into the dunes.

One thing to consider: most of the long day is road time. If you’re sensitive to hours in a van, it helps to mentally frame this as a “travel day with excellent stops,” not a quick hop.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Ifrane cedar forest + Barbary monkeys, a fun detour before the desert
• Sunset camel trek in Merzouga, about 45 minutes, with the dunes as your backdrop
• Overnight camp in nomad tents with dinner and a proper desert night
• Erg Chebbi sunrise from near the Algerian border, with an early dune walk
• Sandboarding included, so you can try the dunes in a low-pressure way
• Small-group options (up to 17 people) plus a driver who speaks multiple languages

The Fes to Merzouga rhythm: why this trip feels efficient

This is a classic “big highlights, sensible timing” desert trip. You start early from Fes, you break up the drive with memorable stops, and you end each day where it matters most: at the dunes for sunset, and at the dunes again for sunrise.

The pacing is also designed to help you enjoy the desert without feeling rushed. You don’t just arrive, pose, and leave. You store your luggage in Merzouga, take your camel trek toward camp for sunset, then spend the night in a desert camp. The next morning you wake up for sunrise from a spot about 50 kilometers from Merzouga, then you return to Fes with scenic stops.

For me, the sweet spot here is how the trip stays calm. It’s described as easy going and suitable for all ages, with a built-in option if you cannot ride the camels: you can go by 4×4 to the campsite instead.

Morning drive: Ifrane, Midelt, and the cedar forest monkey stop

Day 1 starts with pick-up around 7:30 am from your hotel or riad, or the nearest accessible point. That early start matters, because it gives you enough time for several meaningful stops before Merzouga.

First up is Ifrane, an alpine-style town with ski slopes. Even if you visit off-season, it’s a nice visual reset from the typical Moroccan feel. It’s not just a random pause, it’s the kind of stop that helps you understand you’re moving through different climates as the drive progresses.

Then comes the cedar forest in the Middle Atlas, where you can see and even feed the Barbary Monkey. This stop is one of the most “alive” parts of the route. The monkeys are active, and the whole area gives you that cool, green contrast before the warmth of the desert. Practical tip: bring sunscreen, even in the forest. Sun can still be strong when the sky clears.

After that, there’s Midelt, known as a popular pit stop for lunch. The value of these food and rest breaks is simple: they prevent the day from feeling like a nonstop bus ride. It’s also when the group starts to gel, because everyone is sharing the same rhythm.

The drive continues through the Ziz Valley, and you’ll also pass by spots like Erfoud before reaching Merzouga. These are the kinds of transitions you want on a longer desert trip. You’re seeing Morocco as it changes, not just traveling between two endpoints.

Merzouga arrival: luggage drop, 45 minutes on camelback, then camp dinner

Once you arrive in Merzouga, the plan is straightforward. You transfer to your hotel to store your luggage, then you head to the camels.

The camel trek to enjoy the sunset is listed at around 45 minutes. That’s long enough to feel like a real journey, but not so long that it dominates the whole evening. You get the classic desert perspective from above the sand, with the dunes opening up around you as the light softens.

From there, you go to the nomad tents for dinner and overnight in the desert camp. The key detail here is that the camp is part of the experience, not just an overnight bed. You’re eating in the desert, with starry skies as part of the atmosphere, and that matters on trips like this where the desert is the main event.

Also included is a shower at camp. That may sound like a small detail, but it’s a big comfort boost after a day of sun, dust, and travel. It helps you enjoy the next morning.

And if you’re the kind of traveler who likes activities beyond sitting, you’ll be glad to see sandboarding included as well. It gives you an extra way to interact with the dunes, instead of only watching them.

Sunrise near the Algerian border: the early walk that’s worth it

Day 2 begins with an early sunrise experience. You’ll rise early and take a walk across the dunes to watch sunrise from a location just behind the Algerian border, about 50 kilometers away from Merzouga.

This is one of the most special parts of the trip because you’re not trying to cram sunrise into “maybe it’s pretty.” You’re going specifically for the dunes at first light. The early start is the tradeoff, but it’s also why the moment tends to feel unforgettable.

One practical thing: sunrise mornings are cool compared to midday. Dress in comfortable layers so you’re not freezing at the start and baking later. You also want comfortable shoes for the dune walk.

After sunrise, you return toward Fes with a visit to the Ziz Valley again, plus a lunch break. Then you finish with drop-off back in Fes at your hotel or riad, or the nearest accessible point.

That wrap-up is important. It turns the desert into a full two-day arc, not a single evening detour.

Rissani, Ziz Valley, and the Morocco “between” moments

People sometimes think desert trips are only about dunes, but the drive is where the story becomes real.

You pass through Rissani on Day 2. Rissani is a named stop on the route, so you’re not just stuck in transit without context. While the details of what you do there aren’t spelled out, the point is that you’re traveling through the real corridor that connects the desert region with the rest of Morocco.

Then there’s the Ziz Valley. You see it both on the way out and again on the way back. Even if you don’t treat it like a major sightseeing day, it adds variety. You’re shifting between mountain areas, valleys, and then the open desert. That keeps the trip from feeling like repetition.

If you like windows in your travel day, these “in-between” moments are a big win. They give you more places to look at, more chances to understand the geography, and more reasons to enjoy the day even before you reach the dunes.

Price and value: what $108 covers, and what it doesn’t

At about $108 per person for a 2-day round trip from Fes, this is a value-focused way to do Erg Chebbi. You’re getting:

• Air-conditioned transportation
• A professional driver who speaks multiple languages
• Camel rides for both sunset and sunrise experiences
• One night in a standard desert camp, with dinner and breakfast
• A shower at camp
• Sandboarding
• Transfers back to your Fes lodging

What you do not get: lunches on both days, drinks, and personal items. So plan to budget a bit more if you want bottled water, soft drinks, or extra snacks.

Here’s my take on the value: for desert trips, the real cost is time plus logistics. This tour handles the driving, the camp organization, the camel coordination, and the dune activities in one package. That reduces the hassle of trying to piece it together yourself, especially if you’re not comfortable negotiating transport across long distances.

Also, the price is supported by the scale of the itinerary. It’s not just Merzouga for a night. You’re getting multiple stops around Ifrane, cedar forests, Midelt, Ziz Valley, and back again.

Comfort, groups, and language: how the day runs in practice

This trip is offered as private or small group, up to 17 people. That size matters. In a group that isn’t huge, people move through stops without constant waiting, and the guide can keep the vibe controlled.

You’ll also have a live tour guide who speaks English, French, and Spanish, plus a professional driver fluent in English, French, and other languages. In practice, that helps on a trip where timing matters. Sunrise, camel schedules, and dune walks depend on everyone understanding the plan.

The reviews attached to this tour also highlight helpful staff. Names like Ali show up as especially kind and ready to assist, and Hassan Amiri is mentioned as friendly. Even if your guide is different, it’s a signal that service quality is a strong part of the experience here.

If you prefer a calmer trip where you can ask questions without feeling rushed, this format usually fits well. If you prefer total privacy, go with private, but expect the overall rhythm to stay similar.

What to bring: simple gear that prevents a miserable desert moment

The tour gives you the structure, but you’re responsible for being comfortable. Based on what’s recommended, pack:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sun hat (not optional in my opinion)
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothing

Add a light layer for early morning. Even though the desert is warm in the daytime, dawn can feel chilly during the sunrise walk.

Also, consider bringing sunglasses and a small water bottle for the drive days. Drinks are not included, so having your own comfort items can make the day easier.

If you’re worried about camel riding, remember there’s an option: if you cannot ride the camels, you can be transported by 4×4 vehicle to the campsite. That’s a big reassurance for people who want the desert night without the camel part.

Should you book it? My quick decision guide

You should book this Fes to Merzouga desert trip if you want:

• A two-day package with both sunset and sunrise dune time
• A trip that breaks up the long drive with stops like Ifrane and cedar forests
• Included camp comfort (including a shower) and included dune fun like sandboarding
• A small-group experience with English, French, and Spanish support

You might reconsider if:

• You dislike long driving days. This is road-heavy, with several timed stops before you reach the desert.
• You expect lunches and drinks to be fully covered. Only breakfast and dinner are included.

One more practical note: some reviews mention extras like quads. This isn’t listed in what’s included, so if you want that kind of add-on, ask what’s available when you’re there and confirm the cost before you say yes.

If you’re ready for an organized desert adventure with genuine variety, this one is a solid pick for seeing Morocco’s Middle Atlas to Erg Chebbi in just two days.