Luxury Desert Tour from Fes: 2 Days Sahara Camp & Camel Ride

Summary

Morocco Sahara Experience: Group Luxury Camp Adventure

You’ll cross Morocco’s Middle Atlas mountains to sleep in a luxury tent beneath Saharan stars, ride camels at sunset, and wake up to sunrise over Merzouga’s dunes—all with local guides who know every shortcut and story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

It’s funny how the air changes as you leave Fes—cooler, sharper, almost pine-scented by the time we rolled into Ifrane. Our driver, Youssef, joked that it felt more Swiss than Moroccan, and honestly, with those tidy sloped roofs and clean streets, he wasn’t wrong. We grabbed coffee at a tiny café near the main square—locals call it “Le Chamonix”—and watched bundled-up kids chase each other past flowerbeds.

The road to Azrou wound through cedar forests where wild monkeys darted between trees. Our guide handed out bits of apple so we could tempt them closer—one bold little guy snatched mine right out of my hand. Lunch was in Midelt, nothing fancy but hearty: lamb tagine and fresh bread still warm from the oven. The Ziz Valley opened up after that—palms everywhere, and you could smell cumin from roadside stalls selling spice blends. We stopped for photos; the light was golden and soft, perfect for catching the patchwork fields below.

By late afternoon, Erfoud’s dusty streets gave way to endless sand as we switched to a 4x4 for Merzouga. The camp staff met us with mint tea (sweet enough to make your teeth ache) before we dropped our bags in these surprisingly plush tents—proper beds, thick rugs underfoot. Camel rides at sunset felt surreal; the dunes glowed orange and pink while our Berber guide hummed an old song I didn’t recognize. Dinner was lively—tagines again, plus music around a crackling fire. I lost count of shooting stars overhead.

Next morning came early—a gentle knock on canvas just before dawn. The sunrise over Merzouga is something else: colors shifting every minute, total silence except for a distant rooster somewhere behind the dunes. Breakfast was simple but filling (eggs, flatbread, strong coffee), then we packed up for the drive back through Rissani and Midelt to Fes. By then, the desert dust had settled into every pocket of my bag—and honestly, I didn’t mind one bit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fes to Merzouga Desert Journey

• Drive from Fes to Merzouga via Middle Atlas
• Visit Ifrane, Little Switzerland
• Berber lunch stop
• Explore Ziz Valley
• Visit Erfoud oasis town
• 4x4 ride to desert camp and camel ride at sunset

Day 2 — Sunrise and Return to Fes

• Sunrise viewing and breakfast at camp
• Drop off at accommodation in Fes

Top questions

Is this desert trip suitable for families with young children?

Yes! The tour provides infant seats and allows prams or strollers. Kids usually love meeting monkeys in Azrou and riding camels in Merzouga.

What should I pack for the overnight stay in the desert?

Bring layers—it gets chilly at night even if days are warm. A small bag is best since big suitcases stay in the car during your camp stay.

Are vegetarian meals available during this tour?

Absolutely! Just let us know ahead of time about dietary needs and we’ll make sure you’re well taken care of at lunch stops and dinner in camp.

What’s included

Your spot covers private transport from Fes (with AC), a 4x4 ride to camp, one night in a luxury tent with real beds and linens, camel ride at sunset, dinner under Saharan skies, breakfast next morning—and always someone nearby if you need anything.