2025 Fez Desert Tour: A 2-Day Private Trip Review

Leaving the wonderfully chaotic maze of the Fez medina is, you know, a pretty big shift in itself. Actually, one moment you are surrounded by the sounds and smells of the city, and then, suddenly, you are on an open road pointing south. This 2-day private desert trip is, basically, all about that contrast. We decided on a private option because, frankly, the idea of having our own space and a flexible schedule was just too good to pass up. A lot of folks wonder if two days is enough time, and well, it’s definitely a quick trip, but at the end of the day, it’s an amazing way to see a whole other side of Morocco. The point of this review, sort of, is to give you a real sense of what this speedy adventure actually feels like from start to finish.

From Fez to the Sahara’s Edge: The Long Drive

Alright, so the first day is mostly about the drive, which is a really long one, to be honest. But it’s not just an empty road; actually, the scenery changes dramatically all the time. For instance, you pass through Ifrane, which people often call the ‘Switzerland of Morocco,’ and you can sort of see why with its alpine-style houses. You typically make a stop in the cedar forests of Azrou to see the Barbary macaque monkeys. They are, you know, quite used to people, so you can get fairly close for some great pictures. Seeing these monkeys in the wild is, obviously, a very special part of the day’s events.

Having a private car and driver for this long stretch of road is, in a way, a huge benefit. So, you can stop whenever you want, maybe for a coffee or just to take a picture of the incredible Ziz Valley. Your driver is often a local person who can, like, give you little bits of information about the places you are passing. By the way, this makes the hours feel much shorter and a lot more interesting. It’s really different from being on a large bus with a fixed schedule, that’s for sure. The comfort of stretching out is, as a matter of fact, not something to overlook on a drive that takes up most of the day.

The Main Event: Camel Trekking into the Merzouga Dunes

Finally, after all that driving, you arrive at the edge of the Sahara, near a town called Merzouga. This is where, basically, you meet your camel for the trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. That moment is pretty much what this whole trip is built around. Climbing onto your camel is, in some respects, a slightly awkward but fun experience. Soon, you are part of a silent caravan moving across massive waves of orange sand. The only sounds you hear are, pretty much, the soft padding of the camels’ feet and maybe the gentle wind.

Honestly, the feeling of peacefulness out there is almost absolute. The world just kind of slows down, you know.

As the sun begins to set, the whole area is just bathed in this incredible golden light. Seriously, the shadows get very long and the colors of the sand change every few minutes. Your guide will often stop at a high dune so you can watch the sunset, which is an absolutely unforgettable view. You are, at the end of the day, completely surrounded by a quiet and immense natural space. It’s a feeling that is, like, very hard to put into words but is something that stays with you for a very long time.

A Night Under the Stars: The Desert Camp Experience

Just as dusk settles, you see your desert camp appearing almost out of nowhere. Now, these camps can range from basic to quite luxurious, but they all offer a really amazing experience. Our private tour included a camp that was, frankly, more comfortable than we expected. The tents are usually traditional Berber-style but, you know, they often have real beds and sometimes even a private bathroom, which is a nice touch. After you settle in, it’s typically time for dinner.

Dinner in the desert is, basically, an event in itself. You will often sit down to a delicious homemade meal, like a chicken or vegetable tagine, served right there in the main tent. Afterwards, the camp hosts usually light a campfire, and this is where the magic really happens. They bring out their drums and start to play traditional Berber music, and it’s a very wonderful and authentic cultural moment. Of course, the main show is above you. The sky is filled with so many stars, it’s honestly overwhelming. With no city lights for miles, you can see the Milky Way so clearly; it is really something you have to see to believe.

Read our full review: 2 Days Private Fez Desert Tour 2025 Full Review and Details

The Journey Back: Sunrise and Atlas Mountain Views

The next morning, your hosts will usually wake you up very early, and you definitely want to get up for this. Watching the sunrise over the Sahara is, arguably, just as impressive as the sunset. The desert is so still and quiet at that hour. Seeing the first light hit the tops of the dunes and slowly spill across the sand is, you know, a very peaceful way to start your day. After a quick breakfast, it’s time to ride your camel back out of the dunes to meet your driver.

Then, it’s another long drive back to Fez, but in a way, you don’t mind so much. You spend most of the time just looking out the window, replaying the experiences from the night before in your head. Seeing the Atlas Mountains again on the return trip feels, sort of, different. You have a new appreciation for the huge variety of places in Morocco. Honestly, you will probably be a little tired by the time you get back to Fez, but it’s the kind of good tired that comes from having a really full and amazing adventure.

Things To Keep in Mind for Your Trip

Okay, so before you book this two-day desert experience, there are a few things to consider. This isn’t a slow-paced vacation; it’s a very fast-moving trip with a great deal of time spent in a vehicle. You should, obviously, be prepared for that. Here are a few key points we gathered from our trip:

• The Drive is Long: Honestly, you spend more time driving than anything else. You should just accept that this is part of the experience to get to the remote dunes.
• Pack Smart: So, you need layers. It can be quite hot during the day but, you know, the desert gets very cold at night, even in summer. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and also a warm jacket.
• Manage Expectations: A two-day trip, basically, gives you one night in the desert. It is a fantastic snapshot, but it is a quick one. If you have more time, a three or four-day trip might feel a little less rushed.
• Private is Worth It: At the end of the day, the ability to stop when you want and have a more personal talk with your driver makes the long journey much more pleasant.
• Cash for Extras: By the way, it’s a good idea to have some smaller Moroccan Dirham cash on you for things like drinks, snacks, and tips for your driver and camel guide.

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