Fes - Merzouga Desert: 2-Day Camel Trek & Camp

Summary

From Fes to Sahara: Camel Trek, Berber Camp & Atlas Views

Ride from Fes through cedar forests and mountain towns before reaching Merzouga for a sunset camel trek into the Sahara. Sleep in a private desert tent with dinner included, listen to Berber music by firelight, and wake up to sunrise over golden dunes — moments you’ll remember long after returning home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the cold air in Ifrane — not what I expected from Morocco. Our driver, Youssef, laughed when I shivered and pointed out the chalet rooftops. “Morocco’s Switzerland,” he said. It did look oddly European. We grabbed coffee at a café where everyone seemed to know each other, and then drove on through cedar forests near Azrou. The monkeys (Barbary macaques) were everywhere — one tried to snatch my sandwich right out of my hand. I didn’t expect that part.

The road south twisted through the Middle Atlas Mountains for hours. Sometimes it felt like we’d never reach Merzouga, but then the landscape changed — suddenly all gold and silence. Rissani was busy with motorbikes and dust; after that, just empty space until those first dunes appeared. Our camel trek started as the sun dipped low. The sand felt cool under my fingers, and there was this hush except for the camels’ soft grunts and our guide Hassan humming something old and slow. Riding into Erg Chebbi at sunset is something I still think about — the light kept changing every few minutes.

At camp, dinner tasted smoky and sweet (I never figured out what all the spices were). Afterward, some of us tried drumming with the Berbers around a fire — not very well, honestly, but nobody cared. Later I lay awake in my tent listening to wind moving over sand dunes outside. The stars were so bright it felt like you could reach up and grab them if you wanted.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fes to Sahara Desert Journey

• Pick up from accommodation
• Drive through Middle Atlas Mountains
• Stop at Ifrane town
• Visit Cedar forests near Azrou
• Lunch near Barbary Apes habitat
• Drive through Atlas Mountains landscapes
• Arrive at Rissani town
• Explore Erg Chebbi sand dunes
• Camel trek at sunset
• Dinner at Berber desert camp
• Overnight in desert tent

Day 2 — Desert Dawn and Return to Fes

• Sunrise over sand dunes
• Camel ride back to hotel
• Breakfast
• Drive back through Middle Atlas Mountains
• Return to Fes

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Fes to Merzouga on this tour?

The drive from Fes to Merzouga takes most of the day with stops along the way in Ifrane and Azrou.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Fes are included.

Do we ride camels during sunset?

Yes, there is a camel trek at sunset into Erg Chebbi before arriving at camp.

Are meals provided on this tour?

Dinner and breakfast are included during your stay in the desert camp.

Is there a private bathroom in the desert tent?

Yes, overnight accommodation includes a private tent with bathroom and hot shower.

Are guides fluent in English?

The driver-guide speaks English, French or Spanish depending on your preference.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, infants can join using prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Fes, an English-, French-, or Spanish-speaking driver-guide throughout both days, bottled water for the journey, a sunset camel ride across Erg Chebbi’s dunes, overnight stay in a private desert tent with its own bathroom and hot shower, plus dinner under the stars and breakfast before heading back through the Atlas Mountains.