Stories of Discovery & Wonder

Two Days in the Sahara: Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour

Drive from Fes through cedar forests, Ziz Gorges and Berber villages to the towering Erg Chebbi dunes, ending with a camel trek and an overnight desert camp. This concise two-day route mixes geology, culture and sunrise dune climbs.

Merzouga, Drâa-Tafilalet•

2 days

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

The road leaves Fes before dawn and climbs into the folded ribs of the Middle Atlas, where cedar trees cast deep shade and Barbary macaques watch travelers from limestone boughs. By midday the landscape opens to the volcanic-black cuts of the Ziz Gorges and the irrigated palms of the Ziz Valley; the desert is a slow approach—first a promise on the horizon, then an avalanche of sand.

Before You Go

Start Early on Day 1

Most of the scenic stops happen en route—leaving Fes early gives you time at Azrou, Midelt and the Ziz overlooks without rushing.

Layer for Big Temperature Swings

Desert nights are cold and daytime heat intense—pack a warm midlayer plus sun protection for daytime.

Carry Cash for Markets and Tips

Small towns and camps accept cash; have Moroccan dirhams for purchases and gratuities.

Hydrate and Pace Dune Climbs

Bring a refillable water bottle—climbing dunes is aerobic and sun exposure is high, especially after camel rides.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•Early morning Rissani market—less touristy local trade and traditional bread ovens
•Tizi n’Talghamt pass viewpoints for wide desert-to-mountain panoramas away from main stops

Wildlife

•Barbary macaque (in cedar forests)
•Fennec fox (rare, nocturnal in desert areas)

Conservation Note

Water is scarce—tour operators and visitors are encouraged to minimize single-use plastics, use water sparingly in camps, and stay on designated tracks to protect dune ecology.

This corridor links High Atlas settlements to Saharan trade routes; ksour and markets in Rissani recall centuries of caravan commerce and Berber settlement patterns.

What to Bring

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Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreenEssential

Protects against intense Saharan sun during daytime drives and dune walks.

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Lightweight insulating layerEssential

Keeps you warm at night in desert camps when temperatures drop sharply.

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Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential

Useful for walking rocky viewpoints, village streets and dune bases after camel rides.

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Reusable water bottle and small hydration packEssential

Maintains hydration on long transfers and during dune climbs; water stations may be limited.

Common Questions

How long is the driving each day?

Expect roughly 6–8 hours driving each day with stops; the route includes mountain passes and valley viewpoints so pace is relaxed with multiple photo breaks.

Are meals included?

Yes—dinner on both nights and breakfast on both mornings are included, typically at local restaurants and at the desert camp.

Can children and infants join?

Families can join; infants may sit on laps during transfers and arrangements for infant seats are available—check with the operator for specifics.

Is the camel ride difficult?

Camel rides are short to moderate and guided; they are stable but involve mounting/dismounting and sitting for up to an hour—those with serious back issues should consult the operator.