2-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Fes to Merzouga & Back

Fes – Cedar Forest – Middle Atlas Mountains – Erfoud – Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Ifrane – Fes

Overview

Experience the Sahara Desert on this exhilarating private 2-day round trip from Fes to Merzouga with LGBTQ Morocco Tours. In just two days, you will travel from Morocco's most ancient imperial city through the wild Middle Atlas Mountains and arrive at the edge of the Sahara — where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise up to 150 metres from the desert floor. It is one of Morocco's most dramatic landscape transitions, and one of the most popular short desert escapes from Fes.

The journey south passes through the ancient cedar forest of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques, and crosses the high Middle Atlas plateau with its sweeping mountain views before descending through the palm corridor of the Ziz Valley to Erfoud and on to Merzouga. Your afternoon in the Sahara includes a sunset camel ride into the dunes and a night in a private desert camp beneath an extraordinary canopy of stars — one of the darkest skies in all of Morocco.

The return on Day 2 retraces the route northward, with time to stop and explore along the way. You will be back in Fes by early evening, having experienced the full breadth of Morocco's most iconic landscape in two unforgettable days.

Tour Highlights

• Private 2-day desert tour from Fes — no shared vehicles or groups
• Drive through the ancient Azrou cedar forest and encounter wild Barbary macaques
• Cross the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains plateau
• Journey through the spectacular Ziz Valley palm oasis
• Sunset camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes
• Overnight in a private luxury desert camp at Merzouga
• Stargazing in the Sahara — one of Morocco's darkest night skies
• Scenic return via Rissani historic market town and Ifrane alpine resort
• Flexible itinerary with stops for photography

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Fes – Cedar Forest – Middle Atlas – Erfoud – Merzouga

Depart Fes in the early morning and travel south through the heart of Morocco. Your first stop is the Azrou cedar forest, a magnificent ancient woodland of Atlas cedar trees on the Middle Atlas plateau. This forest is famous for its population of wild Barbary macaques — North Africa's only native primate — who are remarkably relaxed around visitors. Stop to observe the monkeys in the treetops and photograph the beautiful dappled forest light.

Continue south across the rolling high plateau of the Middle Atlas, passing through Midelt — a market town known for its carpets and mountain apples — and gradually descending into the dramatic Ziz Valley. This extraordinary palm-lined canyon stretches for over 100 kilometres, its emerald date palms a startling contrast against the bare ochre cliffs. Stop at the Hassan Addakhil Dam viewpoint for sweeping panoramic views over the valley.

Continue through Erfoud — the gateway to the Tafilalet, Morocco's largest historic oasis and a major crossroads on the ancient trans-Saharan caravan routes — and on to Merzouga. Arrive in the late afternoon, mount your camel, and ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes in time for a spectacular sunset. The vast golden dune sea, stretching 25 kilometres long and rising over 150 metres, is one of the most dramatic sights in all of Morocco. Settle into your private desert camp for a traditional Berber dinner, live music around the fire, and an unforgettable night of stargazing.

Overnight: Sahara Eden Camp or similar private luxury desert camp
Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included

Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Ifrane – Fes

Wake before dawn and climb a dune to watch the Saharan sunrise — a spectacular show of shifting light and colour over the endless dunes. After breakfast at camp, explore the Merzouga village and the edges of the dune field before departing northward.

Stop in Rissani, the historic walled town at the heart of the Tafilalet oasis. Rissani is the ancestral home of the Alaoui dynasty — Morocco's current royal family — and its ruined Ksar Abbar and weekly souk have been drawing traders and travellers for centuries. Browse the covered market and soak up the atmosphere of this ancient Saharan town.

Return north through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas, stopping again in Ifrane — Morocco's charming alpine resort town at 1,650 metres altitude, with its red-roofed European-style villas and manicured gardens. Arrive back in Fes by early evening, completing one of Morocco's most memorable short desert escapes.

Meals: Breakfast included

What's Included

• Private comfortable 4x4 with professional multilingual driver
• All vehicle and fuel costs
• 1 night in a private luxury desert camp (private bathroom)
• Sunset camel ride into Erg Chebbi
• Dinner and breakfast on Day 1; breakfast on Day 2
• Flexible photo stops

What's Not Included

• International or domestic flights
• Lunches and drinks
• Entrance fees
• Personal expenses and tips
• Optional activities (ATV, sandboarding)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is this a private tour?

A: Yes, this is a fully private 2-day tour from Fes. You travel exclusively with your own group, with your own professional multilingual driver, in a private 4x4 vehicle.

Q2: How long is the drive from Fes to Merzouga?

A: The drive is approximately 6–7 hours, with stops along the way in the cedar forest and Ziz Valley. Early departure is recommended to arrive in Merzouga before sunset for the camel ride.

Q3: What is the desert camp like?

A: We use private luxury camps with comfortable beds and private en-suite bathrooms. Camps are set among the dunes and powered by solar panels, providing a genuine desert experience with modern comfort.

Q4: Can this tour be extended to 3 days?

A: Yes. A 3-day version allows for an extra day of Saharan exploration — visiting the Khamlia Gnawa village, nomadic families, desert mines, and the flamingo lake — before returning to Fes. Contact us for options.

Q5: Is this suitable for first-time visitors to Morocco?

A: Absolutely. This is one of the most rewarding introductions to Morocco's landscapes, and our experienced drivers ensure a smooth and comfortable journey at all times.

Why Book with LGBTQ Morocco Tours

At LGBTQ Morocco Tours, we believe that the Sahara Desert should be experienced by everyone — and we are committed to making that possible in a safe, private, and fully welcoming environment. Our drivers are carefully selected for their professionalism, local knowledge, and respectful approach to all travellers.

Every tour is fully private: your vehicle, your driver, your schedule. We never mix groups, and your accommodation is always reserved exclusively for your party. Whether you are a couple seeking a romantic escape, a group of friends on an adventure, or a solo traveller, you are always at the centre of your journey.

Morocco's Sahara is extraordinary, and we are proud to share it with every traveller who chooses to explore it with us.