2 days - Desert route ending in Fez
A two-day trip from Fez to the Merzouga desert: crossing the Middle Atlas, sunset among the Erg Chebbi dunes, a night in the desert and the return to Fez the next day.
About this tour
This route is for travellers who are short on time but do not want to leave Morocco without seeing the desert. It starts in Fez, crosses the Middle Atlas and heads south to the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, where you spend the night.
It is an intense trip: much of both days is spent on the road. In return, the landscape keeps changing, from cedar forests and mountain villages to the palm groves of the Ziz valley and, finally, the sand of the Moroccan Sahara.
Highlights
Crossing the Middle Atlas, with possible stops in Ifrane and the cedar forest near Azrou.
Views over the Ziz valley and its palm groves on the way south.
Sunset and sunrise among the Erg Chebbi dunes.
A night in the desert, far from city lights.
Who is this route for?
It suits travellers who are already in Fez and only have a couple of days, and who accept long driving days in exchange for seeing the Merzouga desert. If you are travelling with young children or prefer a gentler pace, a four-day route spreads the driving better.
Good to know
Both days involve many hours on the road; bring water, snacks and comfortable clothes.
Desert nights can be cold for much of the year, even when the days are hot.
The itinerary is a guide: the order of stops and the pace may change with the season, road conditions and what is agreed when booking.
Included services, the type of accommodation and the conditions are set out in your personalised quote.
Keep planning your trip
Places on this route: Fez and Merzouga.
Worth reading before you travel: Desert from Fez or from Marrakech: how to choose your Sahara route and A night in the Sahara: preparing your visit to Merzouga.
For the price, or to adapt the route to your dates, message us on WhatsApp and we will prepare a quote.
Itinerary
Day 1
Fez – Middle Atlas – Merzouga
Departure from Fez heading south. The road crosses the Middle Atlas, with possible stops in Ifrane and the cedar forest near Azrou, and continues towards the Ziz valley with its palm groves and mud-brick villages.
Arrival in the Merzouga area in the afternoon. Weather permitting, you head out to the Erg Chebbi dunes for the sunset and the night in the desert.
Day 2
Merzouga – back to Fez
Early risers can watch the sunrise over the dunes. Then the journey back north begins, through the Ziz valley and the Middle Atlas, with whatever stops the day allows.
Arrival in Fez at the end of the day and end of the route.
Places on this tour
Related experiences
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth going to the desert in just two days from Fez?
It is possible and many travellers do it, but be aware that much of the time is spent on the road. If you have more days, a four-day route lets you enjoy the desert at a calmer pace and add other stops.
What should I wear for the night in the desert?
Layers and something warm for the night, which is usually cool or cold depending on the season. For the day, sun protection, sunglasses and a scarf or cap. Comfortable shoes you do not mind filling with sand are also a good idea.
When is the best time for this route?
Spring and autumn are usually the most pleasant seasons. In summer the desert is very hot during the day and in winter the nights are cold, although the route can be done all year round.