Fes to Erg Chebbi: 2-Day Sahara Desert Tour with Camel Trek

Summary

From Fez to Merzouga’s dunes by camel, Berber tents and mint tea

You’ll cross from Fes into cedar forests and Berber villages before reaching Merzouga’s Sahara dunes for a camel trek at sunset. Sleep in a desert camp under stars, share mint tea around a fire, and wake up early if you want for sunrise over endless sand. Includes pickup, meals, overnight tent stay—and you can finish back in Fes or continue on to Marrakech.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how strange it felt leaving Fes behind—one minute we’re dodging scooters in the medina, next thing I know we’re winding up into the Middle Atlas. Our driver, Hassan, pointed out the cedar trees near Azrou and laughed when I tried to spot monkeys before he did (he always won). The air smelled sharp and cold up there, nothing like what I’d expected from Morocco. We stopped for lunch in Midelt—some kind of lamb tagine that tasted earthy and sweet at once. I think my hands still smelled faintly of cumin after.

The road stretched forever after that. Villages flashed by, kids waving at our minivan. By late afternoon the landscape started turning gold and flat—Hassan said we were close to Merzouga. The first time I saw the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, honestly, I just stared. Camels were waiting for us; mine was called Mouloud and he made these grumpy noises every time I shifted in the saddle. Riding out into the desert as the sun dropped felt surreal—quiet except for camel footsteps and wind brushing past my ears.

The camp was simple but warm—Berber tents set in a little circle. After dinner (chicken with olives, bread baked under sand), we sat outside with mint tea while someone played music on a drum. It got cold fast; I pulled my scarf tighter and tried counting stars until I lost track. Didn’t sleep much but didn’t mind either—the silence was something else.

Next morning some folks got up early to walk over the dunes for sunrise—I managed it halfway before just sitting down to watch the colors change behind Algeria’s border way off in the haze. On the way back, we took a 4x4 through Rissani before heading back toward Fes (you can go on to Marrakech too if you want). My legs were sore but my head felt clear—funny how quiet sticks with you longer than noise sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fez to Merzouga via Atlas Mountains

• Depart from Fez
• Pass through Ifrane and cedar forest
• See monkeys in Azrou forest
• Stop for lunch in Midelt
• Continue towards Merzouga
• Arrive Merzouga and rest
• Camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes
• Reach desert camp and have dinner
• Watch stars and overnight in tent

Day 2 — Merzouga sunrise and return trip

• Walk sand dunes and watch sunrise
• Take 4x4 to Rissani
• Change to minivan and travel to Fez
• Stop for rest and lunch en-route
• Arrive in Fez late afternoon or evening

Top questions

How long is the drive from Fes to Merzouga?

The drive takes most of the day, usually around 8-9 hours including stops for lunch and rest along the way.

Is camel riding included in this Sahara desert tour?

Yes, a camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes is included as part of your overnight experience.

Can I end this tour in Marrakech instead of returning to Fes?

Yes, you can choose to finish your trip in either Fes or Marrakech depending on your plans.

What kind of accommodation is provided at the desert camp?

You’ll stay overnight in a standard Berber tent; upgrades to luxury tents are possible for an extra cost.

Are meals included during this 2-day trip?

Dinner and breakfast are included at the desert camp; lunch stops are made en route but not always included.

Is hotel pickup available from Fes?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Fes is included at the start of your journey.

What activities are available besides camel riding?

You can try sandboarding free of charge; quad biking or horse riding may be available at extra cost.

Is this trip suitable for children or families?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup from your hotel in Fes by air-conditioned minivan with a professional driver guiding you through cedar forests and mountain villages all the way to Merzouga. You’ll get an evening camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes, spend one night in a Berber desert camp with dinner and breakfast provided (plus hot mint tea), enjoy sandboarding if you like—and return transport either back to Fes or onward to Marrakech is arranged according to your preference.