Fes Desert Tour 2 Day Merzouga: A Real 2025 Review

So, you are thinking about that Fes desert tour, the 2-day dash to Merzouga, and you’re probably wondering if it’s really possible to pull off. I mean, it seems like a very short time to get all the way out to the Sahara and back, right? Honestly, I had that exact same thought. People picture this huge, open desert space and it’s sort of hard to imagine cramming it into a weekend. Well, the simple answer is that yes, you totally can do it. As a matter of fact, it’s an incredibly popular option for people who are a little short on time but absolutely want to see those famous orange dunes of Erg Chebbi. This review is basically going to walk you through what the 2025 version of this quick desert trip feels like, from the minute you leave Fes to the moment you get back, so you can decide if this fast-paced adventure is really for you. You know, no sugarcoating, just the straight-up details.

Day 1: The Long Road from Fes to the Sahara’s Edge

Alright, so day one begins really early, and you have to be ready for that. I mean, you’ll likely be picked up from your riad or a nearby point when it’s still kind of dark outside. The whole idea is to get a head start on what is, to be honest, a pretty long drive. Still, watching Fes wake up as you head out of the city is actually a nice way to start the day. Anyway, you quickly leave the city streets behind, and the scenery just completely transforms. The drive takes you straight into the Middle Atlas Mountains, which are, frankly, a total surprise if you’re expecting desert right away. It’s almost all green and woody, you know? It’s pretty much a big change of pace.

The first main stop is typically the town of Ifrane, and seriously, this place doesn’t look like Morocco at all. With its sloped-roof houses and neat little gardens, it sort of has this “Swiss town” feel, which is why people call it the “Switzerland of Morocco.” It’s a bit of a quirky and quick photo stop. Not long after that, you get to the cedar forests near Azrou. This is where you actually get to see the Barbary macaque monkeys. You can pretty much get out of the car and watch them play; they’re very used to people, so you can get some great pictures. Your driver will likely have some peanuts for them, and honestly, seeing them up close is a really cool little break from sitting in the car. It is kind of amazing to see them just hanging out in the trees. It’s a small moment, but one that definitely sticks with you.

After the monkeys and mountains, the drive continues, and in the afternoon, things start to feel a bit more like you’re approaching the desert. A really amazing part of the drive is when you go through the Ziz Valley. I mean, from a high viewpoint, you can look down and see this gigantic ribbon of green palm trees cutting through the red-brown canyon. It’s absolutely massive, a huge oasis that seems to go on forever. It’s pretty much the first real sign that you’re getting close to a different kind of world. Lunch usually happens in a town called Midelt, which is more or less the halfway point. You should expect a pretty standard meal here, like a tagine or some grilled meat, which is usually quite tasty and gives you the fuel you need for the rest of the drive. The second half of the drive feels a lot longer, I’ll be honest, but that’s when the anticipation really starts to build. You know you’re getting closer and closer.

Then, in the late afternoon, you finally see them. I mean, the road will be flat and a bit rocky, and then out of nowhere, you’ll spot a line of golden-orange sand on the horizon. Those are the Erg Chebbi dunes, right near the town of Merzouga. Actually, seeing them for the first time is a pretty special feeling. They’re just so big and soft-looking. Your driver will take you to the point where the camels are waiting. Swapping the car for a camel is sort of when you know the real adventure is starting. The camel ride into the dunes is usually about an hour or so, and it is timed perfectly to coincide with the setting sun. The way the colors of the sand shift as the sun goes down is just breathtaking. You are gently rocked from side to side as your camel walks over the silent dunes, and at the end of the day, it’s a completely peaceful feeling. This is definitely the moment everyone comes for.

An Evening Under the Stars: The Berber Camp Experience

As dusk settles over the dunes, you’ll actually spot your desert camp for the night. The camps are typically set up in a hollow between the big sand hills, so it feels very private and cozy. You know, there are different levels of camps, from standard to luxury. Standard camps are pretty simple, with shared bathrooms, but they are perfectly comfortable. The luxury camps, on the other hand, can be incredibly fancy, with private bathrooms, showers, and even king-sized beds inside your tent. Honestly, whatever level you choose, the location is the real luxury here. You are literally in the middle of the Sahara Desert. After you settle into your tent, dinner is usually served in a main dining tent. You can expect a good, filling meal, something like a hearty chicken or vegetable tagine, along with bread, salads, and fruit. It is pretty amazing what the camp staff can cook up in such a remote location.

You think you’ve seen stars before, but you actually haven’t, not like this. Out in the Sahara, with zero light pollution, the sky just explodes with them. It feels like you could almost reach out and touch them.

After dinner is when the magic really happens, you know? The camp crew, who are all local Berber people, usually get a campfire going. They bring out their drums and start playing traditional music. The rhythm sort of echoes in the silence of the desert, and it’s an incredible atmosphere. You can just sit back on the carpets, sip on some mint tea, and listen. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, they’ll encourage you to get up and try drumming or dancing with them. After the music, most people just wander a little away from the camp’s light and look up. Seriously, the sky is just unbelievable. You’ll see the Milky Way so clearly, and there are just countless stars. It’s so quiet and so vast that it’s a little bit humbling. At the end of the day, just lying on the sand and staring at that amazing sky is a memory you definitely won’t forget.

Day 2: Sunrise Over the Dunes and the Return Trip

Okay, the wake-up call on day two comes very, very early, well before the sun is up. The camp staff will gently wake you so you don’t miss one of the main events of the whole trip. Honestly, it might be tough to pull yourself out of bed, but it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll climb up one of the tall dunes near the camp, find a good spot to sit in the cool sand, and just wait. It is a really quiet and contemplative time. Then, you’ll see the first hint of light on the horizon, and slowly, the sun begins to appear, casting these incredibly long shadows across the dunes. The colors are just phenomenal, shifting from deep purples and blues to bright oranges and pinks. Watching the desert slowly come to life as the sun rises is a truly peaceful and beautiful moment. It’s pretty much the perfect way to start your day, and it’s another one of those core memories you’ll take away from this quick visit.

Once the sun is up, you head back to the camp for a simple breakfast. It is typically coffee, tea, bread, and some jams or boiled eggs—just enough to get you going for the day ahead. After that, you’ll say goodbye to the desert camp and get back on your camel for the ride out of the dunes. That morning ride is really lovely, too, because the light is still so soft and the air is fresh. When you get back to the edge of the desert in Merzouga, your driver will be waiting for you. And from there, to be honest, it’s all about the return trip to Fes. This is the part of the tour where you have to be mentally prepared for a lot of driving. I mean, it’s basically the same long route in reverse, roughly seven to nine hours in the car. There are fewer sightseeing stops on the way back, as the main goal is just to get you back to Fes by the evening. So, just have a book or some music ready, or use the time to look at your photos and think about the amazing things you just saw.

Is a 2-Day Fes to Merzouga Tour Right for You?

So, the big question is, who is this super-fast tour really for? Well, basically, it’s for the person who is on a very tight schedule in Morocco. Maybe you only have a week in the country, but seeing the Sahara is a must-do on your list. This tour gives you a very real, concentrated taste of the desert. You get to check off all the big items: the camel ride at sunset, dinner under the stars, sleeping in a Berber tent, and watching the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. At the end of the day, it’s like a highlights reel of the Sahara experience, perfectly packed into about 36 hours. If you’re okay with a fast pace and just want that iconic desert snapshot, then this tour is actually a great fit for you.

On the other hand, you need to be very honest with yourself about the drawbacks. The biggest one is the amount of time you will spend in a car or minivan. It is almost twenty hours of driving packed into two days. That is a lot of sitting, and it doesn’t leave much time for spontaneous stops or slowly exploring the places you pass through. It’s literally drive, desert, drive. If you are someone who gets carsick, or if you prefer a more relaxed and immersive style of travel, you might find this trip to be a little too rushed and exhausting. In that case, you might want to look at a 3-day or 4-day tour instead, which breaks up the driving and allows for a bit more time to breathe and just soak everything in. So, it really comes down to your personal travel style and how much time you have.

Practical Tips for Your 2-Day Desert Adventure

Now, if you do decide this tour is for you, here are a few practical tips to make it a little smoother. As for packing, you really want to travel light. You should basically just bring a small overnight bag or backpack with you on the tour. The rest of your luggage can usually be safely stored at your hotel in Fes. Here is a short list of things you should definitely bring:

• Comfortable Clothing: I mean, you should have light layers you can add or remove.
• Something Warm: The desert gets surprisingly chilly at night, so a fleece or a light jacket is a very good idea.
• Sun Protection: You definitely need sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. The sun out there is really strong.
• A Scarf or Headwrap: It’s actually very useful for protecting your face from sand if it gets windy.
• Comfortable Shoes: Just sneakers or other closed-toe shoes are fine.
• Cash: For lunch, drinks, and any souvenirs or tips you might want to give.
• Power Bank: To keep your phone charged, as electricity at the camp can sometimes be limited.

When it comes to choosing the right tour operator, you know, it’s a good idea to do a little research. Read recent reviews online to get a sense of what people’s experiences were like. You’ll find options for private tours, which give you more flexibility, or small group tours, which are more budget-friendly and a great way to meet other people. Another thing to consider is the type of camp you want. As I was saying, there’s a big difference between a standard and a luxury camp, so just make sure the tour you book aligns with the level of comfort you’re looking for. A little bit of planning upfront can really make a big difference in how much you enjoy your quick desert escape.

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