2 Day Desert Tour from Fes to Merzouga

Your 2 days Sahara tour begins early in the morning with departure from Fes. As you leave the bustle of the medina behind, the road climbs into the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you’ll witness a dramatic change in scenery. The first stop is in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” known for its clean streets, European-style architecture, and cool mountain climate. Continuing south, you’ll pass through the Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to the friendly Barbary macaque monkeys — a great chance for photos and a short walk in nature.

The drive then continues toward Midelt, a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas ranges, where you’ll pause for lunch. From here, the journey offers spectacular views as you descend into the Ziz Valley, a lush corridor of palm groves, kasbahs, and small Berber villages stretching along the Ziz River. The scenery becomes increasingly desert-like as you approach Errachidia and Erfoud, known for their date palms and fossils. Finally, you’ll reach Merzouga, the edge of the legendary Erg Chebbi dunes.

Here, your adventure shifts from road to sand. You’ll ride a camel caravan guided by local nomads through the rolling dunes as the sun sets, painting the desert in shades of gold and orange. Upon arrival at your desert camp, you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and Moroccan hospitality. Enjoy a traditional dinner under a sky filled with stars, followed by Berber music and drumming around the campfire. Spend the night in a comfortable tent surrounded by the silence and serenity of the Sahara.

Wake early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, one of the most magical moments in the desert. After breakfast at your camp, you can return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4 vehicle, where you’ll meet your driver and begin the return journey to Fes. The route passes through Rissani, a historic market town and the cradle of Morocco’s Alaouite dynasty. Its bustling souk is a fascinating glimpse into traditional Saharan trade life.

Continuing north, you’ll pass through Erfoud, a town famous for its fossils and marble crafts, then retrace your way through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping for photos and lunch along the way. As you approach Fes, the green hills and cedar forests reappear, signaling your return to the north. You’ll arrive in Fes by early evening, bringing an end to your unforgettable 2-day desert journey — a compact yet rich experience of Morocco’s landscapes, culture, and desert magic.