Two days from Fes to the Merzouga desert and back — the ideal option for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the Sahara. Day 1 crosses the Middle Atlas Mountains, with a short stop in Ifrane and the cedar forest of Azrou, continues through the Ziz Valley, and arrives in Merzouga for a camel ride at sunset and an overnight stay in a luxury camp. Day 2 returns to Fes via Rissani and along the Ziz Valley. The journey involves approximately 7.5 hours of driving each way, so the 3-day version is much more comfortable for those who can extend their trip.
Departure from your riad or hotel in Fes at 8:00 AM. The road quickly descends from the city into the south and then climbs into the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is Ifrane, the mountain town known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine-style architecture and cool climate. It is the coldest place in Morocco in winter and one of the most pleasant in summer. A short break to enjoy a coffee and admire the contrast between this European-style town and the Moroccan landscape.
We continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the cedar forest of Azrou, where Barbary macaques — the only wild primates in North Africa — live freely among the trees and often approach visitors out of curiosity. One of the most unique natural stops in Morocco.
Lunch is taken at a local restaurant along the route. Afterwards, the road crosses the Tizi n’Talghemt Pass (“Camel Pass”) and descends into the Ziz Valley, one of the most beautiful landscapes in southern Morocco: a long corridor of palm groves and adobe villages stretching along the riverbed.
Arrival in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Camels await at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The camel trek to the camp takes place at the most magical time of the day — sunset transforms the sand from ochre to gold as the dunes stretch into long shadows. A stop on a high dune to watch the sunset before continuing to the camp. Upon arrival, welcome with mint tea, private tent with bathroom, dinner with traditional Berber cuisine, and an evening around the campfire with local musicians — drums, songs, and an unforgettable star-filled sky.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
Waking up early for sunrise is one of the most rewarding moments in Merzouga: the Erg Chebbi dunes shift from black to grey, amber, and deep orange within minutes, and the silence of the desert is absolute. Breakfast at the camp.
If the day falls on Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, we stop at the Rissani souk — the most authentic traditional market in this region, where locals trade dates, spices, ceramics, and livestock far from mass tourism. Rissani is also the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty that has ruled Morocco since the 17th century.
The return to Fes follows the Ziz Valley route in reverse, with Erfoud as a possible stop for fossil workshops and Midelt for lunch before crossing the Middle Atlas again. Arrival in Fes in the late afternoon. Drop-off at your riad or hotel.
End of the 2-day desert tour from Fes.
IMPORTANT NOTES
