Escape Fez for a two-day drive across the Middle Atlas to Erg Chebbi’s sweeping dunes, ending with a camel trek and a night in a nomad-style camp. This overnight packs geology, Berber culture, and dramatic sunrise-sunset desert light into a compact journey.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The day begins with a highway ribbon unspooling out of Fez as the city’s bustle gives way to open plains and the rising ridges of the Middle Atlas. By midday the road climbs through cedar forests and Ifrane’s alpine-style houses, then falls again toward Midelt and the ochre light of the Ziz Valley. The final approach is a long reveal: the plain opens and Erg Chebbi’s dunes appear like a living sea of sand.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (approx. 48 hours)
Fitness Level
Good for travelers who can handle long vehicle transfers, short camel treks, and walking on soft sand
Wildlife
History
The route follows former caravan corridors; towns like Rissani were historically hubs for trans-Saharan trade and date cultivation that shaped local settlement patterns.
Conservation
Erg Chebbi’s dune ecology is fragile—stick to established camps and paths, avoid littering, and minimize wood fires; support locally run camps that follow sustainable practices.
Reserve your spot on the Day trip desert 1 night in desert from Fez today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring cash for villages
Small markets and tips for camel handlers are cash-only; ATMs are scarce outside major towns.
Layer for temperature swings
Desert days can be hot while nights drop sharply—pack a warm layer and breathable sun protection.
Limit luggage weight
Camel treks and small desert vehicles have tight storage—use a soft duffel and keep essentials in a daypack.
Time your photography
Arrive at dunes 45–60 minutes before sunset (and before sunrise) for the best light and cooler sand.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Protects feet for dune walks and rocky stops between towns.
Sun hat and UV sunglasses
Crucial for daytime sun in the open desert and reflective sand.
summer
Warm insulated jacket or fleece
Nighttime temperatures can fall sharply at the camp.
winter
Small daypack and reusable water bottle
Keeps essentials handy during camel treks and helps you carry water on remote stretches.