2 Day Desert Tour from Fez with Camel ride Overnight luxury Camp

The desert is a long way from Fez. That distance is exactly what makes this private two-day trip interesting: you cross the Middle Atlas region, watch Morocco change from city and farmland to dry mountain country, then reach the dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. I like the convenience of having a private driver-guide and the chance to combine transport, a camel ride, dinner, breakfast, camping, and sandboarding in one booking.

I also like the personal service reported from guides such as Hassan, Zaki, Zakaria, Saki, Driss, Mohamed, Hachem, and Oumaima. Several were praised for explaining local places, helping with purchases, stopping for breaks, and looking after families. The main drawback is simple: two days is a tight schedule for the long return journey to Fez, and the quality of the camp may not match every guest’s idea of luxury.

The tour costs about $348.44 per person, with pickup and drop-off in Fez included. That is not a budget transfer, but it can be fair value for a private vehicle, driver-guide, overnight camp, dinner, breakfast, camel trekking, and sandboarding. The experience has a 4.7 rating from 24 ratings, with 92 percent recommending it.

Key points to know before booking

• The road to Merzouga takes much of the first day: This is a long cross-country transfer, not a quick outing from Fez.
• Sunset by camel is the emotional high point: The ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes gives you the classic desert scene.
• Private transport makes the distance easier: Your group travels alone, with a professional driver-guide and pickup from Fez.
• Guides can make or break the journey: Hassan, Zaki, Zakaria, Saki, Driss, Mohamed, Hachem, and Oumaima were praised for patience and practical help.
• Luxury does not mean hotel comfort: You sleep in a desert camp, and one serious complaint described poor maintenance.
• Lunch and drinks cost extra: Bring money for the road and plan for regular food and rest stops.

Leaving Fez at 8:00 in the morning

The tour begins with pickup in Fez at 8:00 am. Since this is a private activity, only your group participates, which gives you more control than a large coach tour. You are transported in an air-conditioned minivan with a professional driver-guide.

That private setup matters. You will spend many hours on the road, so a helpful guide is more important than a glossy vehicle description. Hassan and Zaki were especially praised for making the drive pleasant with stories about Morocco, explanations of town names, and advice about local prices. One guide even helped a passenger avoid paying too much for a scarf.

The vehicle is a practical part of the experience, not just a way to get from one sight to another. A long seat and air conditioning were appreciated, and regular breaks for food, drinks, and toilets helped make the long ride manageable. Still, do not mistake manageable for short. Fez to Merzouga is a major crossing of Morocco, and the tour gives you only one night in the desert before the return trip.

Crossing the Atlas region on the way south

The route takes you away from Fez and toward the Atlas Mountains. The scenery changes as you go, which is one of the best reasons to make this journey by road. City streets give way to open countryside, mountain views, dry valleys, and the harsher country around the Sahara.

The exact stopping points are not fixed in the information provided, so your route may depend on road conditions, timing, and your guide. Hachem was praised for pointing out monkeys, an oasis, food stops, and other places along the way. Guides also explained the meaning of town names and shared stories about Moroccan culture and local life.

I like this part because it gives the desert context. You do not simply appear beside a pile of sand. You watch the country grow drier and more spare, and that gradual change helps you understand the distance between Fez and the Sahara.

The tradeoff is time. You cannot linger everywhere. If you want several historic stops, long walks, or a relaxed visit to every mountain viewpoint, this two-day plan will feel rushed. It is better suited to you if the desert is the main goal and the road journey is part of the adventure.

Arriving near Merzouga and Erg Chebbi

The desert portion begins near Merzouga, beside the Erg Chebbi dunes. This is the sandy setting most people picture when they think of a Moroccan Sahara trip: broad dunes, open horizons, and changing light near sunset.

The camel ride is the main event. You ride out toward the camp, usually timed so the dunes catch the evening light. The experience is not a fast-paced safari. Camels move at a steady pace, and you should expect the ride to feel physical, especially when mounting, dismounting, and adjusting to the animal’s motion.

Several guides were praised for helping with photographs and making the ride comfortable. That assistance is useful because the best pictures often come from the right dune or at the right moment, and you may not know where to stop without local guidance.

You can also try sandboarding. The activity is listed as available, and it adds a playful change after the slower camel ride. Horse riding and quad biking are mentioned among the possible desert activities, but they are not clearly listed among the included features. If those matter to you, confirm the price before booking rather than assuming they are part of the package.

A night in the desert camp

The overnight stay is in a luxury desert camp, with dinner and breakfast included. The camp is meant to give you a more comfortable version of desert camping, but the word luxury needs a little caution.

Some guests described the camp as amazing, with welcoming staff and good service. Others praised the setting and the food, calling the night unforgettable. One detailed complaint described the cabins as poorly maintained and far below luxury standards. That is a meaningful warning, even though the overall rating is strong.

Your expectations should be practical. You are paying for a camp in the desert, not a city hotel. The setting, atmosphere, and access to the dunes are the real attractions. If you need polished facilities and guaranteed hotel-style standards, ask for current camp details before committing.

Dinner and breakfast are included, and the chance to eat Moroccan dishes in the desert adds value to the night. Drinks are not included, so keep cash available. The supplied information does not specify the exact menu, sleeping arrangements, bathroom setup, or heating, so ask those questions if comfort is important to you.

Temperature also deserves attention. One person found the night very cold. Desert temperatures can change sharply, and the tour information specifically says you should have moderate physical fitness. Pack warm layers even if Fez feels mild when you leave, particularly outside the hottest months.

Sunrise, sand, and the return to Fez

After breakfast, the trip continues with the return toward Fez. The exact morning schedule is not stated, but the second day is primarily the journey back. You may have more desert time depending on the departure arrangement, though you should not assume a leisurely full morning.

This is the point where the tour’s short format becomes most demanding. You travel a long distance in two days, so the return can feel tiring. The reward is that you get a Sahara night without adding several extra days to your Moroccan itinerary.

A private vehicle helps here. Your driver can stop for breaks, and families have appreciated that flexibility. Zaki was praised for patiently stopping when needed for children, while other guides were noted for checking on passengers and offering help throughout the route.

You should still plan for lunch and drinks yourself. Neither is included. Several people appreciated having food, water, and toilet breaks, but the package does not promise those items as part of the price. Bring snacks, water, and cash, then use the planned stops rather than waiting until you are uncomfortable.

Guides are the strongest part of the package

The human side of this tour receives the most consistent praise. Hassan was described as friendly and full of useful facts. Zaki was repeatedly praised for his driving, patience, stories about Moroccan culture, and practical advice. Zakaria was noted for explaining local names and helping people understand how included activities worked.

Saki received especially warm praise for being attentive and friendly with everyone in the minivan. Driss and Mohamed were described as humorous, informative, and careful with their passengers. Hachem was praised for showing points of interest along the road, including monkeys and an oasis. Oumaima was described as sweet, helpful, and well informed about the areas crossed.

That does not guarantee that every departure will have the same guide. Names are useful because they show the kind of service the company can provide, but your assigned driver may be different. When you book, request confirmation of the driver-guide’s role and ask whether the same person will handle the full route.

There is also a practical lesson here: listen to the advice about shopping and local offers. One person was disappointed by a guide at the end of the camel ride who tried to sell an overpriced item. Your driver may help you avoid such situations, but you should still ask clearly what is included and decline anything you do not want.

Is $348.44 per person fair value?

At $348.44 per person, this is a sizable purchase. The price makes more sense for two or more people sharing the private arrangement than for a solo passenger, especially since a minimum of two people is required.

You are paying for more than a camel ride. The package includes:

• Pickup and drop-off in Fez
• Private transport in an air-conditioned minivan
• A professional driver-guide
• One night in a luxury desert camp
• Dinner and breakfast
• Camel trekking
• Sandboarding availability

Lunch, drinks, quad biking, and possibly horse riding are outside the clearly stated inclusions. Confirm those extras before you compare prices with other tours.

The strongest value is convenience. Organizing Fez transport, Merzouga arrival, desert transfers, camel trekking, camp accommodation, meals, and the return journey on your own would take more planning. The private format also gives you more personal attention and may make the long road sections less stressful.

The weaker value is the compressed schedule. If you can spare extra days, a longer desert route may give you more time in the south and reduce the feeling of rushing back to Fez. If your itinerary is tight, this package provides a direct way to reach the dunes.

The tour is often booked about 11 days ahead, so do not leave it until the last minute if your dates are fixed. Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this desert trip most?

I would recommend this tour to couples, families, and small groups who want the Sahara experience without arranging every piece themselves. The private format is also useful if you want a driver who can explain the country as you cross it rather than simply deliver you to the dunes.

Families should note that children must be accompanied by an adult. The flexible stops and patient service described by one solo mother traveling with children are encouraging, but the long driving hours may still test younger children.

You should have moderate physical fitness. Camel riding, walking on sand, climbing dunes for sandboarding, and getting in and out of the minivan all require some effort. The tour is not presented as accessible for people with limited mobility.

This is less suitable for you if you dislike long road journeys, need guaranteed high-end accommodation, or want a slow desert holiday. It is also not the best choice if you want extensive sightseeing in the Atlas region, since the route’s main purpose is reaching Merzouga and returning to Fez quickly.

What to pack and what to confirm

Pack light, since you will be moving between a minivan, camels, and a camp. Useful items include:

• Warm clothing for the desert night
• Comfortable trousers for camel riding
• Closed shoes for sand and dune walking
• Water and snacks for the road
• Cash for lunch, drinks, and optional activities
• Sun protection
• A phone or camera with enough battery

Before paying, confirm the camp name, sleeping and bathroom arrangements, whether blankets or heating are supplied, and the exact timing of the camel ride. Also ask whether horse riding and quad biking are included or charged separately.

The experience provider is Fes Desert Tours. Pickup is offered in Fez, and the tour operates as a private activity for your group. Public transportation is nearby, but that matters less because the tour includes vehicle pickup.

Should you book this Fez desert tour?

Book it if you want a direct, private route from Fez to the Merzouga dunes, and you accept that much of the experience takes place on the road. The camel ride at sunset, the overnight camp, Moroccan dinner, and sandboarding provide the memorable desert moments, while a good driver-guide can make the long transfers enjoyable.

I would hesitate only if camp standards are your top concern or if two days feels too short for Morocco. Ask for current accommodation details and confirm optional activities before booking. For couples and small groups with limited time, the convenience and personal service make this a sensible way to add the Sahara to a Fez itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately two days, beginning in Fez and traveling to Merzouga for an overnight desert camp before returning to Fez.

What time does the tour start?

Pickup and departure are scheduled for 8:00 am.

Is pickup from Fez included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off in Fez are included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private tour or activity.

How many people are required to book?

A minimum of two people per booking is required.

Is the camel ride included?

Camel trekking is part of the desert experience described for this tour. The camel ride is generally taken on the route to the camp, with sunset being a key part of the experience.

Is sandboarding included?

Sandboarding is available and is listed among the included features.

Are lunch and drinks included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included in the price.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.