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PRIVATE TOUR — 2 Days Fes Desert Tour to Merzouga
OVERVIEW
For travellers based in Fes with only a couple of days to spare, this private two-day trip reaches the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga and returns, with a night in a desert camp in between. It’s a there-and-back route rather than a one-way crossing, so you sleep in the Sahara and come back to Fes.
The drive is long on both days, but it’s broken up by the Middle Atlas, the cedar forest at Azrou, and the palm groves of the Ziz Valley, and the reward is a camel trek into the dunes, dinner under the stars, and sunrise over the sand.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DURATION: 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
START: FES
END: FES
TOUR STYLE: PRIVATE
HIGHLIGHTS
– Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco
– Barbary macaques in the cedar forest at Azrou
– Crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains
– The palm groves of the Ziz Valley
– Camel trekking across the Erg Chebbi dunes
– Sunset over the desert
– A night in a luxury desert camp
– Berber music around a campfire
– Sunrise over the Sahara
DAY 1: FES -> IFRANE -> AZROU -> MIDELT -> ZIZ VALLEY -> MERZOUGA DESERT
We pick you up around 08:00 from your accommodation in Fes and set off south towards the desert. The first stop is Ifrane, a tidy Middle Atlas town with alpine-style houses, often called the Switzerland of Morocco. From there we continue to the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques often gather at the roadside.
The route crosses the Middle Atlas to Midelt — known for its apples — where you can stop for lunch. Afterwards, we follow the Ziz Valley, with its long ribbon of palm groves, and reach Merzouga in the afternoon. Your camels and guide are waiting to carry you across the Erg Chebbi dunes to camp, pausing on a high dune for sunset. After a welcome and dinner, the evening ends around a campfire with Berber music under a starlit sky. Your luggage is brought to camp by 4×4, so it’s there when you arrive.
Approximate driving distance/time: 460 km / 7 hours
DAY 2: MERZOUGA -> RISSANI -> ERFOUD -> ZIZ VALLEY -> FES
An early start is worth it for sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at camp, we leave for Rissani, historically the seat of the current ruling dynasty, where you can visit the traditional market if it’s a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday).
From there we return towards Fes via Erfoud and back along the Ziz Valley, retracing the mountain route through the Middle Atlas. Drop-off at your accommodation in Fes, usually around early evening, marks the end of the tour.
Approximate driving distance/time: 460 km / 7 hours
IMPORTANT NOTES
– Driving times don’t include stops for lunch and sightseeing.
– This is a there-and-back trip; to finish in Marrakech instead, choose the Fes to Marrakech desert tour 2 days.
– With more time, the 3-day version splits the driving and adds the gorges and Ait Ben Haddou.
– Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated — please mention this at booking.
– Prefer not to ride a camel? A 4×4 will take you to the camp instead.
– The camp is a luxury camp with private en-suite tents; you’ll be asked which camp you prefer at booking. If a listed property isn’t available, a similar one of the same category is used.
– Pricing varies by group size, accommodation, and season.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SECTION 1: BOOKING & PAYMENT
Q: How far in advance should I book my tour?
A: We recommend securing your reservation as early as possible to guarantee availability, particularly during peak travel seasons. Early booking also gives you maximum flexibility when selecting accommodation options and customising your itinerary.
Q: How do I pay for my tour?
A: Our payment process is straightforward. To confirm your booking, a small deposit is required upfront, payable via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The remaining balance is settled in cash on the first day of your tour, paid directly to your driver-guide. We accept euros, US dollars, or an equivalent amount in Moroccan dirhams.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Full details of our cancellation terms are available on the dedicated cancellation policy page of our website. We encourage all travellers to review these conditions before confirming their reservation.
Q: Can I customise my itinerary?
A: Absolutely. All of our private tours are fully tailorable. You are welcome to request changes to the route, adjust the duration, add or remove destinations, and select accommodations that suit your budget and preferences. Simply contact us and we will design a trip around your requirements.
SECTION 2: TRANSPORT
Q: What vehicles are used on tours?
A: The vehicle provided depends on the size of your group. We typically use Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX 4x4s for smaller parties, Ford Tourneo Custom vans, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses for groups of eight or more. All vehicles are air-conditioned and maintained to a high standard of comfort.
Q: Are airport transfers included?
A: Yes. Every private tour we operate can include a pick-up at your arrival airport and a drop-off at the end of your trip, if you require it. Your driver-guide will be waiting for you upon arrival. Please note that flights are not included in the tour price.
Q: Which airports serve Morocco?
A: The majority of international flights arrive into Marrakech and Casablanca. Additional options include Fes, Tangier, Agadir, Ouarzazate, and Errachidia. We can arrange a meet-and-greet at any of these airports.
SECTION 3: GUIDES
Q: Who are the driver-guides?
A: We handpick each of our driver-guides for their knowledge, professionalism, and genuine passion for Morocco. Beyond navigating the country safely, they serve as cultural interpreters — sharing local history, traditions, and stories throughout the journey. Many of our guests mention their guides by name in reviews, which reflects the lasting impression they make.
Q: Are guides English-speaking?
A: Yes. All standard tours are conducted in English. If you prefer a guide who speaks French, Spanish, or another language, please inform us at the time of booking and we will make every effort to accommodate your request.
SECTION 4: ACCOMMODATION
Q: What types of accommodation are offered?
A: We offer a range of options to suit different budgets and tastes, from characterful riads and boutique guesthouses in medina settings to luxury desert camps in Merzouga. We do not offer standard desert camps with shared facilities. All camps in our portfolio feature private tents with en-suite bathrooms and showers.
Q: Do the desert camps have private bathrooms?
A: Yes. Every camp we work with is classified as a luxury camp. Each tent includes a private en-suite bathroom with a shower, ensuring comfort throughout your desert stay.
Q: Can I choose my own accommodation?
A: Yes. We present a selection of pre-vetted accommodation options at each price point for you to choose from. You may mix and match across the options provided. If you have a specific property in mind, let us know and we will do our best to arrange it.
SECTION 5: DESERT & ACTIVITIES
Q: How far is the Sahara desert from Marrakech?
A: Merzouga, gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, is approximately 560 kilometres (348 miles) from Marrakech. Given this distance, our 3-day tours from Marrakech include an overnight stop in the Dades Valley en route, rather than attempting to cover the journey in a single day.
Q: How far is the Sahara desert from Fes?
A: The journey from Fes to the Merzouga desert covers roughly 500 kilometres, equivalent to approximately 310 miles.
Q: How far is Casablanca from the desert?
A: Casablanca sits approximately 660 kilometres (around 410 miles) from the Merzouga desert. A tour of five days or more is recommended when departing from Casablanca in order to allow adequate time in the desert without excessive driving pressure.
Q: Is the camel ride compulsory?
A: Not at all. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we are happy to transfer you to the desert camp by 4×4 vehicle at no additional charge. Just let us know your preference in advance.
Q: What activities are available in the desert?
A: Beyond the camel trek and overnight camp experience, a range of optional activities can be arranged in and around Merzouga, including quad biking, buggy driving, sandboarding, and horseback riding. A professional photographer can also be booked to accompany your desert experience. Romantic dinners and desert proposal setups can be arranged upon request.
Q: What additional activities can be added to a tour?
A: Before your main tour, we can arrange transfers from the airport, a guided city tour, or day excursions to destinations such as Essaouira, the Ouzoud Waterfalls, or the Ourika Valley. During the tour, optional extras include the activities listed above. After the tour, hot air balloon rides over Marrakech, guided Fes tours, and day trips to Chefchaouen or Volubilis and Meknes can be arranged.
SECTION 6: TOUR STRUCTURE & EXPERIENCE
Q: What is the difference between a private tour and a shared group tour?
A: On a private tour, your vehicle, guide, and complete itinerary are reserved exclusively for your group. On a shared tour, you travel alongside a small number of other guests — typically no more than ten in total — sharing the vehicle and stops but retaining a private room at the hotel and a private tent at the desert camp. Shared tours offer a more cost-effective option while still maintaining a high level of comfort and service.
Q: Are 7 days enough to see Morocco?
A: Yes, a well-structured 7-day itinerary provides enough time to visit several of Morocco’s key destinations, including Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara Desert, Ait Ben Haddou, and the Atlas Mountains. It is a comfortable pace for most travellers and allows genuine engagement with each place rather than a rushed overview.
Q: What can I see in Morocco in 7 days?
A: In one week, a typical itinerary covers Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, Rabat, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the ancient medina of Fes, a night in the Sahara Desert with a camel trek, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and the High Atlas Mountains en route to Marrakech.
Q: What is the best 7-day itinerary for Morocco?
A: The ideal route depends on your starting point. Travellers beginning in Tangier typically follow the Tangier-to-Marrakech route via Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara, and the Atlas Mountains. Those starting in Casablanca can follow the Casablanca-to-Marrakech circuit. We are happy to advise based on your arrival and departure airports.
Q: Where can I book a Morocco tour?
A: Tours can be booked directly through Morocco Fabulous Travel. As a locally based operator with in-depth knowledge of the country, we offer personalised service, expert guidance, and competitive pricing. You can contact us via our website, email, phone, or WhatsApp.
Q: Are meals included?
A: On desert tours, two dinners and two breakfasts are typically included — dinner and breakfast at the desert camp, and breakfast at the hotel in the Dades Valley. Lunches are generally not included, as guests often prefer to explore independently during midday stops. Full details of meal inclusions are listed on each individual tour page.
Q: Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
A: Yes. Please inform us of any dietary preferences — including vegetarian or vegan requirements — at the time of booking, and we will ensure appropriate meals are arranged throughout the tour.
Without exaggerating, Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge were just as impressive as the Sahara. The camel ride at sunset was unforgettable. It became one of my favorite trips ever.
Without exaggerating, The desert camp was comfortable and the evening music around the fire created unforgettable memories. The camel ride at sunset was unforgettable. Five stars from me.
My children still talk about this experience. Our guide shared local stories that made every place more meaningful. I’d return without hesitation.
Honestly, The desert camp was comfortable and the evening music around the fire created unforgettable memories. Every day felt different. I’d happily recommend it to anyone visiting Morocco.
Looking back on our holiday, The balance between sightseeing and free time was excellent. I’d return without hesitation.
