This two-day tour is a quick escape from the city of Fes into the Sahara, weaving in some of Morocco’s most striking settings: Ifrane, the Middle Atlas Mountains, the cedar forest of Azrou, Midelt, the Tizi n’Talghemt pass, the Ziz Valley, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes around Merzouga, Rissani, and Erfoud. You drive over the Middle Atlas Mountains, watch Barbary macaques in the cedar forest, take in the panoramic views of the Ziz Valley, ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes, watch an unusual sunset and sunrise over the dunes, and spend a starry night in a luxury desert camp — all in a short, memorable desert experience.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DAY 1: FES -> IFRANE -> MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> ZIZ VALLEY -> MERZOUGA
Departure from Fes around 08:00, travelling to Merzouga. The first destination is the little Switzerland of Morocco, Ifrane. After having a cup of coffee here, you’ll have an opportunity to watch the Barbary apes in the cedar forest of Azrou. From here, we drive over the Middle Atlas Mountains to Midelt (also called the apple capital of Morocco), where you can have lunch.
We continue travelling over the Tizi-n-Talghemt pass (known as the she-camel pass) and along the Ziz Valley (an oasis full of palm trees and small traditional villages). You’ll have many stops along the way.
Reach Merzouga in the afternoon. Your camels and guide will be waiting for you to take you across the Erg Chebbi Dunes to your desert camp. Get to watch an orange sunset from a high dune. After a delicious dinner, the staff of the camp will light the fire, so you can sit around a campfire while enjoying some Berber music under a starlit sky.
Approximate driving distance/time: 500 km / 7 hours 30 minutes
DAY 2: MERZOUGA -> RISSANI -> FES
Today, it’s highly recommended to wake up early to get an opportunity to watch a spectacular and glorious sunrise. After a tasty breakfast at your camp, we leave for Rissani (the foundation of the current ruling family). Here you can discover a traditional Moroccan market if today is a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday). Then, travel back to Fes via Erfoud and along the Ziz Valley again. End of your tour by dropping you off at your accommodation in Fes.
Approximate driving distance/time: 473 km / 7 hours
IMPORTANT NOTES
THE PRICE
The price varies depending on the number of travelers. The more people join the tour, the lower the price per person can be. Transportation costs are fixed and shared between the travelers. The final price also depends on the accommodation category you choose, such as standard, superior, or luxury. Contact us for an exact quotation based on your group size, travel dates, and preferences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the tour private or shared?
The tour is a completely private experience. You will travel exclusively with the members of your own group, without joining other tourists. This gives you greater flexibility with the schedule, stops, pace, and overall experience.
How long is the camel ride? What is the alternative to camels?
The camel ride usually takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours to reach the desert camp, depending on the camp location and conditions. If you prefer not to ride a camel, you can be transferred to the camp by 4×4 vehicle at no additional cost. Quad biking and buggy excursions are also available at an extra cost.
Is the desert tent private? Does it have a private bathroom and shower?
Yes. Our luxury desert camp offers private tents equipped with private en-suite bathrooms, including a shower and hot running water.
What happens to our luggage during the camel ride?
During the camel ride, you only need to carry a small backpack with the essentials you need for the night. Your main luggage will be transported by the camp’s 4×4 vehicle and will be waiting for you at your tent when you arrive.
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best times to visit Morocco are generally spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, when temperatures are usually pleasant across much of the country. Winter can also be an excellent time to travel, especially for exploring the southern desert regions.
What type of vehicles are used?
We use modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles:
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes. We can accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific requests. Please let us know when booking so we can arrange the included meals and stops along the route accordingly.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is suitable for travelers of different ages. Please note that this itinerary involves long driving days to cover the distances between Fes and the desert. Our vehicles are comfortable, and regular stops can be made during the journey.
Where does the tour start and finish?
Pick-up is available directly from your hotel or riad in Fes on the first day. The tour also ends in Fes, with a drop-off at your accommodation on the final day. If preferred, the itinerary can also finish in Marrakech upon request.
Expenses and additional costs
Currency exchange: Euros and US Dollars can be exchanged for Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) at banks, airports, and exchange offices. ATMs are also widely available throughout Morocco.
Cost of meals: Lunches are not included in the tour price and generally cost around 5–20 EUR per person, depending on the restaurant and location.
Bargaining: Negotiating prices in souks and traditional markets is a normal part of shopping culture in Morocco.
BOOKING PROCESS
1. Contact us
Contact us through our contact form, email, or WhatsApp and provide the number of travelers, your approximate travel date, and your preferred accommodation category.
2. Confirm your booking
A small deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Payment can be made through PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer.
The remaining balance can be paid in cash in EUR, USD, or MAD directly to the driver upon arrival.
WHY CHOOSE A PRIVATE MOROCCO TOUR?
A private tour allows you to travel at your own pace, with greater flexibility over departure times, sightseeing stops, breaks, activities, and accommodation choices.
You will have an experienced private driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group, giving you more freedom and comfort throughout the journey. Whether you are traveling as a couple, family, group of friends, or a small private group, the itinerary can be adapted around your interests and travel preferences.
Organizzazione ottima e grande attenzione ai bambini. il falò berbero e la foresta di cedri vicino ad Azrou sono stati i preferiti dei piccoli.
Un incredibile tour di 2 giorni da Fes al deserto di Merzouga. La notte nel campo nel deserto sotto le stelle è stata pura magia, e le dune dell’Erg Chebbi è stato un momento clou. Organizzazione impeccabile.
Traveling alone but never lonely thanks to the guide. the Berber campfire and the cedar forest near Azrou were unforgettable stops.
Esperienza autentica dall’inizio alla fine. la Valle del Ziz e la foresta di cedri vicino ad Azrou ci hanno emozionato. Rifaremmo tutto senza esitazioni.
Tour privato curato in ogni dettaglio. Ci sono piaciuti molto il falò berbero e le dune dell’Erg Chebbi. Autista e guida esperti.
