Private 2-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Fez with Luxury Camp

Summary

Sahara Desert Adventure: Camel Trekking & Erg Chebbi Dunes

If you want real desert adventure without crowds or hassle, this private Sahara tour from Fez is it. You’ll ride camels at sunset, sleep under stars in a luxury tent, hear live Gnawa music, and see Morocco’s wild side—all with local guides who know every shortcut and story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The day kicked off early, right after breakfast, when our driver pulled up outside our riad in Fez. The city was just waking up—fresh bread smells drifting from a bakery down the street. We loaded up and headed south, watching the landscape change fast: city blocks gave way to rolling hills, then thick cedar forests near Ifrane. We stopped for a bit in the woods—Barbary apes were everywhere, bold enough to come close if you had snacks. It was chilly up there, so I was glad I’d brought a jacket.

Midelt came next—a small town where we stretched our legs and grabbed mint tea at a roadside café. The air felt drier as we drove on through Ziz Valley; date palms lined the river and locals waved as we passed by. Our driver knew all the best photo stops—he pointed out an old kasbah tucked behind some palm trees that I would’ve missed otherwise. By late afternoon, we finally reached Merzouga. The sand here is unreal—fine and orange-gold—and our guesthouse had sweet mint tea waiting for us when we arrived.

Next morning, there’s no rush—breakfast is slow and quiet, just the sound of birds outside. Our driver offered to show us around Rissani’s old kasbahs before heading back to Merzouga for something special: Gnawa musicians playing live in a tiny mud-brick house. Their music is loud and hypnotic—you feel it in your chest more than your ears.

Later that afternoon, our nomad guide arrived with camels ready for trekking into the dunes. Riding at sunset is something else—the light turns everything gold and pink, and it’s dead quiet except for camel bells and soft wind over the sand. At camp, dinner cooked over open fire tasted better than anything I’ve had in ages (maybe it was just being hungry from all that fresh air). We sat around the campfire swapping stories with our guide while stars came out—no city lights here, just endless sky. You can climb the dunes or just lie back and watch shooting stars until you’re too tired to keep your eyes open.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive Fez to Erg Chebbi Dunes

• Drive from Fez to Merzouga via Ifrane and Midelt
• Visit Ziz valley and Efous oasis
• Overnight stay in Merzouga lodging

Day 2 — Explore Desert and Return to Fez

• Morning exploration of Kasabah of Ressani and Gnawa music
• Camel trekking and sunset in desert
• Evening meal and campfire at desert camp
• Return to Fez

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The trip involves some walking on sand and camel riding; moderate fitness helps but guides adjust pace for families or older guests.

What should I pack for this desert trip?

Bring layers—it gets cold at night even in summer! Sunglasses, sunscreen, comfy shoes, and a small overnight bag are handy.

Are meals included during the tour?

Yes! Dinner and breakfast are provided at camp; bottled water is always available during travel and trekking.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?

Just let us know ahead of time about allergies or preferences—we’ll do our best to arrange suitable meals.

What’s included

Your private vehicle with an English-speaking driver picks you up right at your hotel or guesthouse in Fez. All transport costs—including fuel—are covered. Enjoy bottled water throughout your journey plus dinner and breakfast at camp (with local taxes included). Camel trekking into the dunes comes with your own nomad guide. Hotel/port pickup and drop-off are part of the package too!