§01 The experience
This is the shortest honest way to reach the Sahara from Fez. Two days, one night in the dunes, roughly 460 kilometres each way — and the driving is a large part of what you are paying for, because the road south is one of the great drives in Morocco.
Day one takes you up onto the Middle Atlas plateau through Ifrane and the cedar forest, over the Tizi n’Talghemt pass at just under 2,000 metres, and then down into the Ziz Valley, where a single river makes a green canyon of date palms run for a hundred kilometres through bare rock. You stop where it is worth stopping and nowhere else.
You reach Merzouga in the late afternoon, swap the vehicle for a camel, and walk into Erg Chebbi for sunset. The dunes here rise to around 150 metres, the highest in Morocco. Dinner is tagine and bread in camp, there is drumming if the crew are in the mood, and the sky is the real event — no light pollution for a hundred kilometres in any direction.
Day two starts with sunrise on the ridge above camp, then the long road north to Fez. Be realistic about it: it is a lot of driving for one night. If you can spare a third day, take the Grand Dunes Journey instead.
§02 Highlights
- 01Ifrane, the cedar forest and the Tizi n'Talghemt pass
- 02The Ziz Valley — a hundred kilometres of palms in a rock canyon
- 03Camel trek into Erg Chebbi at sunset
- 04A night in a desert camp with dinner and drums
- 05Sunrise from the ridge above the dunes
- 06Private vehicle and driver for both days
§03 Day by day
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Day 1
Fez to Merzouga
Early start. Ifrane and the cedars, Midelt for lunch, the Tizi n'Talghemt pass and the Ziz Valley. Arrive Merzouga late afternoon.
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Day 1 · evening
Into Erg Chebbi
Camel trek into the dunes for sunset, dinner in camp, drums and a clear desert sky. Night in camp.
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Day 2
Sunrise and the road north
First light on the ridge, breakfast in camp, then back to Fez via the Ziz and the Atlas. Evening arrival.
§04 What the price covers
- Included
- +Private air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan with driver for both days
- +Riad or hotel pickup and drop-off in Fez
- +Camel trek into Erg Chebbi at sunset
- +One night in a desert camp with private tent and bathroom
- +Dinner and breakfast in camp
- +Fuel, tolls and parking
- +Bottled water throughout
- Not included
- −Lunches on both days
- −Drinks other than water
- −Sandboard hire (around 50 MAD)
- −Gratuities for the driver and camp crew
§05 Questions
Is two days enough?
It works, and plenty of people only have two days. But it is roughly nine hours of driving each way for one night in the dunes. Three days is noticeably better value if you can spare it.
What are the camps like?
Private tent, proper bed, en-suite bathroom with a hot shower, rugs and a shared fire. We also run a luxury option with larger tents — ask for the difference in price.
How long is the camel ride?
About an hour each way, at walking pace. If you would rather not ride, a 4x4 can take you to camp instead at no extra cost.
How cold is the desert at night?
Cold from November to March, genuinely so in January. Camps provide heavy blankets, but bring a warm layer and socks.
Is it suitable for children or older travellers?
Yes, with the 4x4 transfer option instead of the camel. Tell us ages when you book and we will adjust the pace and the stops.
Do I pay now?
No. Reserve now and pay on the day. You get the full price in writing before you confirm.
