Fes el-Bali, the 9th-century walled medina, is both the cultural capital of Morocco and one of the world’s best departure points for a Sahara desert journey. Private tours from Fes route south through the Middle Atlas cedar forests, the Ziz Valley oasis, and the rose-red dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga — or north to the blue city of Chefchaouen for a mountain circuit. Read our guide on the best time to visit the Sahara to plan your Fes departure.
Fes is the ideal starting point for a one-way desert tour. From Fes you reach the Merzouga dunes in a day of driving through the Middle Atlas and cedar forests, then either return to Fes or continue across the desert to Marrakech — a popular route that avoids backtracking. All tours are private with hotel pick-up in Fes.
Experience the beauty of the Erg Chebbi dunes on a 2-day Sahara desert tour from Fes and back — travelling via Berber villages and the Middle Atlas cedar forests.
Adventure travel in Morocco — a private 2-day trip from Fes to Chefchaouen with guided excursions through the Rif mountains and the streets of the blue city.
A 3-day, 2-night private desert tour from Fes to Merzouga and back — a breathtaking camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes and a night in a Berber camp.
Travel across Morocco on a 3-day, 2-night private tour from Fes to Marrakech — private transfers, a camel ride in the Merzouga Sahara and a night under the desert stars.
A 4-day desert trip across the Merzouga dunes — a private tour from Fes to Marrakech that takes in the Erg Chebbi Sahara, kasbahs and Atlas passes.
This 5-day Fes-to-Marrakech desert tour is ideal for families exploring the best of Morocco — private travel, Sahara nights and the imperial cities.
The main private routes leaving Fes, and where each one ends.
| Duration | Route | Ends in |
|---|---|---|
| 2 days | Fes → Merzouga → Fes | Fes (round trip) |
| 3 days | Fes → Merzouga → Fes | Fes, with more desert time |
| 3 days | Fes → Merzouga → Marrakech | Marrakech (one-way) |
| 4–5 days | Fes → desert → Marrakech | Marrakech, via Ait Benhaddou |
The Fes-to-Marrakech one-way route is the most efficient way to see the desert if you're moving south.
A 2-day tour from Fes reaches the Merzouga dunes and returns to Fes. To continue across the desert to Marrakech without backtracking, plan 3 days. Longer 4–5 day routes add Ait Benhaddou and more Atlas time.
Yes — this is one of our most popular routes. A 3-day tour takes you from Fes to the Merzouga dunes and on to Marrakech, so you experience the desert once and finish in a different city rather than doubling back.
Merzouga is about 470 km from Fes — roughly 7–8 hours of driving through the Middle Atlas, the cedar forests near Ifrane and the Ziz Valley, which is why it's done over 2–3 days with stops rather than in a single push.
Yes. Every tour from Fes is private, with your own driver-guide and vehicle, flexible timing and hotel pick-up in Fes. You choose the pace and the stops.
The route passes Ifrane (the 'Switzerland of Morocco'), the Azrou cedar forest with its Barbary macaques, the Ziz Valley palm groves and Erfoud before reaching the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga.
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Winter is fine by day but the Middle Atlas and desert get cold at night, so bring warm layers. See our best time to visit the Sahara guide.
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