An accessible two-day circuit from Fez to the golden Erg Chebbi dunes: ride camels at sunset, sleep in a desert camp, and wake for an early sunrise over rolling sands. Practical, cultural, and elemental—this trip pairs easy pace with dramatic scenery.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You leave Fez before dawn and the road peels away into cedar forests and red-rock gorges; by late afternoon the landscape has been rewritten by wind and sand. Erg Chebbi’s dunes rise like a movable ocean—each crest daring you to climb and each trough folding you into silence as the caravan threads its way toward the camp.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 days (approx. 48 hours)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be comfortable mounting camels and doing short walks on soft sand.
Wildlife
History
The route follows ancient trans-Saharan tracks used for salt and caravan trade; nearby oases and ksars (fortified villages) mark centuries of human adaptation to arid environments.
Conservation
Erg Chebbi is ecologically fragile—stay on established routes, avoid driving on dunes, and pack out all waste; local operators often support dune-restoration and water-saving practices.
Reserve your spot on the Fez to Merzouga Desert Trip camel ride and night camp today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Time your photos
Golden hour at sunrise and sunset delivers the best light; plan camel rides to coincide with both for dramatic shots and cooler temperatures.
Bring a reusable water bottle
Carry at least 1.5–2 L per day—staff will refill but the dry air dehydrates quickly.
Wear sturdy shoes
Closed, grippy shoes are better than sandals for climbing dunes and walking around camp where sand hides uneven ground.
Pack a headlamp
Camps are lit but a small headlamp makes late-night tasks and early-morning departures easier.
Closed hiking shoes
Protects feet from hot sand, sharp gravel, and provides traction on dunes.
Sun protection (hat + SPF 30+)
High desert sun is strong even when temperatures feel mild.
summer
Light insulating layer
Desert nights can drop sharply; a fleece or puffy layer keeps you warm at camp.
winter
Small daypack
Carries water, camera, and layers for camel treks and short walks.