Fez to Merzouga Desert Tour: Sahara Camp & Barbary Macaques

Cedar forests and Sahara dunes in one loop from Fez

A 2-day round-trip tour from Fez that crosses the Middle Atlas Mountains, stops in the cedar forests of Azrou to see Barbary macaques, descends through Ziz Valley's palm oases, and ends with a camel trek at sunset into Erg Chebbi's golden dunes for an overnight in a Berber camp before returning to Fez. Includes private transportation, professional English-speaking driver, breakfast, dinner, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Fes to Merzouga via Atlas Mountains

• Depart from Fes at 8:00 AM
• Drive through Atlas Mountains
• Pass Berber villages like Imouzzer
• Stop in Ifrane Swiss-style town
• Walk in Cedar Forest to see Barbary macaques
• Arrive at Merzouga desert camp
• Dinner and overnight in tent

Day 2: Merzouga to Fes via Tafilalte

• Wake early for dune sunrise walk
• Shower and breakfast at camp
• Drive back to Fes with comfort stops

The experience

The tour departs Fez at 8:00 AM on day one, climbing into the Atlas Mountains past Berber villages like Imouzzer. You stop in Ifrane, a town built to resemble a Swiss alpine village at 1,650 meters, then walk through the cedar forests of Azrou where Barbary macaques live in the trees. The drive continues through the Middle Atlas, passing mountain springs and Berber settlements, before descending into the Ziz Valley's string of palm oases and arriving at Merzouga as the light shifts toward the dunes of Erg Chebbi.

At Merzouga you board a camel for the trek across the sand at sunset, heading toward a traditional Berber camp where you spend the night under open sky. Dinner and mint tea are part of the camp experience, built around the rhythms and hospitality of the people who live there. You wake early on day two to walk back across the dunes and watch the sunrise from near the Algerian border, roughly 50 kilometers from the camp.

The return journey to Fez takes approximately seven hours by car, with comfort stops along the way. Your professional driver speaks English and handles all the driving. The vehicle is air-conditioned. Breakfast is included before you leave Merzouga, and the tour ends with drop-off at your Fez hotel.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• pickup and drop-off at your Fez hotel.
• professional English-speaking driver.
• breakfast on day two and dinner at the Berber camp.
• mineral water throughout the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 07:30

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (17 to 80 years) · Under 17: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Audio guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Fez Fancy Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Fez without a rental car and want to reach the Sahara and back in two days. The fixed itinerary and included pickup mean you don't arrange transport separately, and the overnight camp is built into the single booking.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the Barbary macaques and where do I see them on this tour?

Barbary macaques are North African monkeys found in the cedar forests of Azrou, a stop on day one between Ifrane and Merzouga. You walk through the forest where they live in the trees, offering a close encounter with Morocco's natural wildlife.

How does the camel trek work and where does it take me?

On day one at Merzouga, you board a camel for a trek across the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset, traveling to a traditional Berber camp where you spend the night. The trek is timed to catch the light changing over the sand.

What time does the tour start and where do I meet the driver?

Departure from Fez is at 8:00 AM on day one. Hotel pickup is included, so the driver collects you from your accommodation in Fez before heading toward the Atlas Mountains.

What's included in the meals, and when do I eat?

Breakfast and dinner are included. Dinner is served at the Berber camp on night one, and breakfast is provided before the return drive to Fez on day two. Lunch is not included in the tour.

How long is the drive back to Fez on day two?

The return journey from Merzouga to Fez takes approximately seven hours by car, with comfort stops included along the way.