2-Day Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour with Camel Trek & Berber Camp

Summary

Private Sahara Adventure: Fes to Merzouga Camel Trekking Tour

You’ll cross Morocco’s Middle Atlas mountains, wander cedar forests, ride camels through Erg Chebbi’s dunes, sleep under Saharan stars, and share meals with locals—this 2-day Fes desert tour packs real adventure and authentic moments into every mile.

What’s the experience like?

The city was just waking up as we left Fes, the air still cool and a bit sharp. Our driver, Youssef, pointed out the old city walls fading behind us. The road climbed into the Middle Atlas, winding past sleepy Berber villages where kids waved from the roadside. Ifrane surprised me—neat streets, red roofs, and even a roundabout with a stone lion. Locals call it “Moroccan Switzerland” for good reason; I could almost smell pine needles on the breeze.

We stopped in Azrou’s cedar forest, where monkeys darted between ancient trees. It’s quiet there, except for the crunch of leaves underfoot and the chatter of vendors selling roasted nuts. Lunch was in Midelt, a small Amazigh place with tagines bubbling away and mint tea poured high into glasses. Afterward, the landscape changed—rocky hills gave way to the wide Ziz Valley, green palms lining a ribbon of water that cuts through the desert. We rolled down the windows; you could feel the air getting drier, warmer.

By late afternoon we reached Arfoud, famous for its fossil shops and date stalls. The last stretch to Merzouga felt endless but then—sand dunes appeared out of nowhere, glowing orange in the low sun. Camels waited at the edge of Erg Chebbi. Our guide handed out scarves (trust me, you’ll want one for the sand) and we set off, swaying gently as the camels plodded up the dunes. Sunset from up there is something else—the sky goes from gold to deep purple in minutes. Dinner was under stars, with Berber music and laughter carrying across the camp. I slept in a traditional tent, listening to wind shifting the sand outside.

Next morning came early—a soft knock on my tent just before dawn. We rode out again to catch sunrise over the dunes; it’s quiet except for camel bells and your own breath in the chilly air. After breakfast back at the auberge (fresh bread, honey, strong coffee), we started back toward Fes, stopping here and there for photos or just to stretch our legs and take it all in one last time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fes to Merzouga via Atlas Mountains

• Depart from Fez early morning
• Drive through Berber villages
• Stop at Ifrane ("Moroccan Switzerland")
• Visit Azrou cedar forest
• Lunch in Midelt city
• Explore Arfoud city
• Drive through Ziz Valley oasis
• Meet nomadic Berber tribes
• Camel trekking at sunset
• Dinner with Berber folklore
• Overnight in Berber tent camp

Day 2 — Merzouga Desert Sunrise and Return

• Sunrise camel ride in Sahara
• Return to Auberge crossing Erg Chebbi dunes
• Breakfast at Auberge
• Drive back to Fez with stops

Top questions

Is this Fes desert tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes! Kids love meeting camels and exploring the camp. Let us know if you need special seats or have little ones—we can arrange prams or strollers too.

What should I pack for this 2-day Sahara trip?

Bring layers—it gets cold at night but warm during the day. A scarf or hat helps with sand on camel rides. Comfortable shoes are best for walking around camp.

Are meals included? What kind of food will we have?

Dinner and breakfast are included—expect traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine and fresh bread, plus mint tea served by our local hosts.

How long is the camel ride in Merzouga?

The trek lasts about an hour each way—enough time to enjoy sunset (or sunrise) from atop a dune without feeling rushed.

What’s included

Your private transport (with AC), English-speaking driver/guide, pick-up/drop-off at your hotel or riad, bottled water along the way, camel ride out to camp and back, dinner under Saharan stars, breakfast at camp, plus your night in a real Berber tent—all sorted so you can just enjoy every moment.