Waking up to sand dunes beats most day trips. This Fes-to-Sahara plan takes you from the Middle Atlas to Erg Chebbi by camel, with a Berber camp night under stars.

I love that you get both the late-day sunset camel trek and a proper early-morning sunrise moment, not just a quick pass-through. I also like the comfort details: a private tent plus a hot shower and toilet in your camp setup.

One thing to consider: it’s a long travel day with a 7:00 am start, so it helps if you’re good with early mornings and road time between stops.

Key highlights at a glance

• Erg Chebbi dunes + camel trek with a guide, moving you right into the action
• Sunset and sunrise timing, so you see the desert change colors twice
• Private tent in the camp with hot shower and toilet
• Cedar forest stop in Azrou to spot monkeys briefly (bring patience, not expectations)
• Sandboarding in Erg Chebbi, included for an easy thrill

First Stop: Ifrane’s quick reset before the road gets real

This trip starts early, around 7:00 am, with pickup offered from your riad or hotel and a drive out of Fes in an air-conditioned vehicle with on-board WiFi. The point of that early start is simple: you’re banking daylight for desert timing later.

Your first quick stop is Ifrane, known for its tidy streets and Alpine-style vibe. You’ll only be there about 10 minutes, which is perfect if you want a fast palate cleanser before the scenery turns rugged. The admission here is free, so you’re not paying just to stretch your legs.

If you’re the type who likes to understand Morocco as more than one postcard, Ifrane helps. It’s a reminder that the Atlas region isn’t all rough roads and Berber villages; there’s also a more polished, cooler-altitude feel up in the Middle Atlas.

What to keep in mind at this stop

You’ll be moving again fast, so it’s not the place to plan a big wander. Think of it as a quick reset: water, quick photos, and back in the car.

Azrou Cedar Forest and Midelt: the breaks you actually need

Next comes Azrou Cedar Forest, a short 10-minute stop designed mainly for spotting monkeys and grabbing a few photos. This is one of those places where you’ll want to keep your expectations flexible. You might see monkeys immediately, or you might wait a bit while they do monkey things. Either way, it’s a worthwhile break on the way toward the dunes.

Then you’ll reach Midelt for about 1 hour. This is your lunch window, and it’s useful because desert days punish people who skip food. Lunch is not included, so plan to buy something simple and filling. The benefit of this timing is that you eat before the road-to-desert transition ramps up.

Why these stops feel practical

A lot of long trips forget the basics. This one doesn’t. You get short, functional breaks: a quick photo stop at Azrou and a longer reset at Midelt. It makes the later camel and camp parts easier to enjoy, because you’re not running on empty.

Erg Chebbi arrival: camel trek into the dunes where night starts

The heart of the experience is Erg Chebbi. You’ll arrive at the dunes edge and then head out on camel with a guide. This is the part you’re really paying for: moving from vehicle travel into slow, steady desert travel.

You’re also spending the night in the middle of the dunes. That detail matters. If you only see the desert from the road or from a viewpoint, you miss what makes nights here special. By camping deeper in the sand area, you get that quiet, wide-open feeling where darkness actually feels like something.

The timing is built around the best light and atmosphere. Even though you’re in the dunes for much of the first day, the trip is set up so sunset is part of the camel experience. The included activities include sunset camel trek and also sandboarding later during your stay in Erg Chebbi.

The camp comfort upgrade (and why it’s worth noting)

Your overnight is in a private tent with a private bathroom: hot shower and toilet. That’s a big deal for two reasons.

First, you can enjoy the night without that low-grade stress of doing hygiene with limited facilities. Second, the desert air can be cool after dark, and a hot shower helps you feel human again.

This is also where the included dinner comes in. After riding camels and walking in sand, you’ll be glad you don’t have to hunt for food.

Sunset over the dunes: the moment that makes the whole drive worth it

Sunset in the Sahara isn’t just pretty. It changes how the sand behaves visually and emotionally. The dunes go from harsh and bright to softer and more layered, and the shadows stretch in a way that makes the desert feel deeper than it looks in daylight.

This tour includes the sunset camel trek, so you’re not standing around waiting for the sky to do its thing. You’re moving with it. For most people, that’s the difference between seeing sunset and actually feeling it.

A small but real bonus: the group size is kept small, with a maximum of 18 people. That doesn’t mean you’ll have total privacy, but it helps keep the flow calmer than the huge caravan-style tours.

A practical note for the sunset moment

Bring a layer you can pull on quickly. Even if the day starts warm, desert temperature can shift fast after the sun drops. You’ll want to feel comfortable while you watch the sky change.

Sunrise and Merzouga camp breakfast: the desert starts again

Day two is about timing, and it’s why this style of tour works. You’re encouraged to wake early to support sunrise from the top of the Chebbi dunes. This isn’t a vague sunrise; it’s built into the schedule so you’re positioned for the best light.

After sunrise, you return by camel to where your driver meets you. Then you get a shower and a Berber breakfast served at the Merzouga desert camp. Breakfast is included, and it’s part of why this overnight isn’t just sleeping in sand. It’s also a cultural stop, with food served by friendly Berber people.

Why breakfast here feels different

Even when food is simple, eating it in a desert camp changes the whole day. You’re warmed up after the cool morning, and you’re no longer just thinking about logistics. You’re actually living the rhythm of the place.

High Atlas return to Fes: dates, photo stops, and monotony breaks

After breakfast and shower, you head back toward Fes via the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way you’ll pass through Rissani, Erfoud, Errachidia, and Midelt. There’s also a date stop for a break and pictures.

One more thing: the route includes time to get photo opportunities with wild monkeys again at the Cedar forests of Azrou as you go back. This means if you missed the monkey moment on day one, you might catch it on the return. The stop time listed earlier is short, so again, it’s best to think of this as a quick chance rather than a guarantee.

Lunch isn’t included on the second day either, so if you want a plan, treat lunch as an on-your-own meal. The upside is that the day is structured with breaks so you’re not stuck thinking about food and timing at the same time.

You’ll arrive in Fes and be dropped at your riad or hotel. The tour ends with you back in the city, not stranded in some random transfer point.

A gentle reality check

This is still a long two days. You’re trading comfort of doing things slowly in Fes for the bigger payoff of reaching the dunes. If you hate being in a car for hours, choose a different format. If you’re okay with that trade, this route is one of the most direct ways to get from Fes into Erg Chebbi without losing half your time on transfers.

Price and logistics: what $134.39 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $134.39 per person for a roughly 2-day trip, the value comes from what’s covered together. You’re not just paying for transportation to the desert. You’re paying for a full package: dinner + breakfast, sunset and sunrise camel trek, sandboarding, a private tent night, and the hot shower/toilet in camp. You also get hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and an English-speaking driver/guide during the tour.

Let’s break down what you do pay extra for:

• Lunches and drinks are not included.
• Tips are optional.

So the real cost you’ll manage yourself is mostly lunch and drinks. If you budget for that, the price is easier to judge. Given that included items include both camel trekking and camp comfort, you’re not paying separately for the big-ticket parts.

Also, you don’t have to worry about carrying paper tickets since you get a mobile ticket. That sounds small, but it reduces travel friction.

Who should book this Fes to Sahara 2-day trip?

This tour fits best if you want a desert experience with a balance: you get authentic desert time without sacrificing basic comfort.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You want sunset and sunrise in the dunes, not just one photo moment
• You care about camp comfort, including a private tent and hot shower/toilet
• You prefer a group kept to a maximum of 18
• You want an English-speaking guide and clear structure for a short, time-limited trip from Fes

You might think twice if:

• You hate early mornings (sunrise timing means you’ll be up early)
• You’re hoping for long, leisurely stops at every site. This is a fast-moving route with purposeful breaks.

Should you book this Fes to Sahara 2-Day Tour?

I’d book it if your main goal is Erg Chebbi dunes with camel trekking, sandboarding, and a real overnight camp setup. The price makes sense because the included package covers the items that usually cost extra when you plan desert time independently.

If you’re picky about weather, pay attention to the trip’s weather dependency: the experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. And if your plans change, cancellation can be free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

My final advice: pack for early starts, bring warm layers for night and sunrise, and budget separately for lunch and drinks. Do that, and this becomes a clean, rewarding route from Fes to one of Morocco’s most memorable desert zones.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:00 am.

Is pickup and drop-off included in the price?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with an air-conditioned vehicle and on-board WiFi.

What meals are included during the 2 days?

The tour includes dinner and breakfast. Lunches and drinks are not included.

Will I do camel trekking and see sunrise and sunset?

Yes. You get sunset camel trek and sunrise camel trek, with an early wake-up recommended for sunrise from the dunes.

Is sandboarding included?

Yes. Sandboarding in Erg Chebbi is included.

What happens if weather is poor or I need to cancel?

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

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