Fez to Merzouga Luxury Desert Tour with Camel Trek & Camp

Summary

Luxury Sahara Overnight Adventure from Fez: Camel Trek & Camp

You’ll cross Morocco’s Middle Atlas by private vehicle, meet cheeky Barbary apes in Azrou’s cedar forest, ride camels through Merzouga’s golden dunes at sunset, and spend a cozy night in a luxury desert camp with live music under Saharan stars.

What’s the experience like?

The day kicked off early—8am sharp, right outside my riad in Fez. Our driver, Youssef, greeted us with a grin and a thermos of mint tea (which honestly helped since mornings in Fez can be chilly). The road out of the city wound up into the Middle Atlas. We stopped in Ifrane—locals call it the “Switzerland of Morocco”—and I could see why: tidy streets, pointy rooftops, and even a lion statue in the park. It was brisk, almost cold, and the air smelled like pine needles. Next up was Azrou’s cedar forest. We got out to stretch our legs and suddenly there were Barbary apes everywhere—one bold little guy tried to snatch my biscuit right from my hand. Lunch was at a roadside café; nothing fancy but the tagine was hot and filling.

Rolling into Merzouga late afternoon, the sand already glowing orange under the sun. A tray of sweet tea waited for us at camp—Moroccan hospitality never fails—and then came the real highlight: camel trekking into Erg Chebbi’s dunes. I’d never ridden a camel before; it’s bumpier than you’d think! The quiet out there is something else—just wind and the soft crunch of hooves on sand. We climbed one of the bigger dunes just as the sun dipped low, painting everything gold and pink. Dinner back at camp was hearty (lots of bread for scooping up sauce), then local musicians started drumming around the fire. My tent had an actual bed—not just mats—and even a proper shower, so I slept better than expected.

Next morning after breakfast (fresh msemen pancakes and strong coffee), we piled back into the van for the drive to Fez. The mountains looked different in morning light—misty and blue this time. We made it back by late afternoon, dusty but happy, dropped right at my hotel door.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fez to Merzouga Desert Tour

• Pickup by driver-guide around 8:00 AM
• Drive through Atlas Mountains with stops at Ifrane and Azrou
• Lunch stop
• Arrival in Merzouga and welcome tea
• Camel trek through dunes
• Sunset from tower dune
• Dinner with live music at desert camp
• Overnight in luxury desert camp

Day 2 — Merzouga to Fez Return

• Breakfast at camp
• Drive back to Fez via Middle Atlas Mountains
• Drop off at hotel in Fez around 5 PM

Top questions

Is this desert tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Kids can ride camels with adults or walk alongside if they prefer. The camp is comfortable for families and meals are kid-friendly.

What should I pack for this overnight trip?

Bring layers—it gets cold at night even if days are warm. Closed shoes for walking on sand help too. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses!

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Absolutely—just let your guide know ahead of time about any dietary needs and they’ll make sure you’re taken care of.

Is there Wi-Fi or phone signal at the desert camp?

The signal is spotty once you’re deep in the dunes; best to plan for some digital detox while you’re out there.

What’s included

Your overnight stay in a private luxury tent (with real beds and bathroom), all meals (dinner & breakfast), camel trek at sunset, live music around the fire, plus round-trip transport from Fez with an experienced driver-guide are included.