Fes is one of the best starting points for a budget trip to the Sahara. The road to Merzouga crosses the Middle Atlas mountains, cedar forests and the palm groves of the Ziz Valley before the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon. Here is what to expect on a shared desert tour from Fes.
The route from Fes to Merzouga
The distance is about 470 km, or 7 to 8 hours of driving with stops. The main highlights on the way are:
- Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco”, with its alpine-style houses and clean streets.
- The cedar forest of Azrou, where wild Barbary macaques live.
- Midelt, the apple town between the Middle and High Atlas, a usual stop for lunch.
- The Ziz Valley and gorges, a long green ribbon of palm trees between red cliffs.
- Erfoud and Rissani, the last towns before the dunes.
Day by day (3-day shared tour)
Day 1 – Fes to Merzouga. Morning pickup in Fes, drive through Ifrane, Azrou and Midelt, then down the Ziz Valley. Arrival in Merzouga in the late afternoon, camel ride into the dunes for sunset and a night in a desert camp with dinner and Berber music.
Day 2 – Merzouga to the Dades Valley. Sunrise over the dunes, breakfast and camel ride back. Drive via Rissani and Tinghir to the Todra Gorges, then on to the Dades Valley for the night.
Day 3 – Dades to Marrakech or back to Fes. Depending on the tour, you continue through the Rose Valley, Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou to Marrakech, or drive back north to Fes.
Short on time? Our shared 2-day desert trip from Fes goes to the dunes and back with one night in the desert. For the full route, see the shared 3-day tour from Fes to Merzouga or the 4-day tour from Fes to Marrakech.
What is included?
Transport in an air-conditioned minibus with a driver, hotel pickup in Fes, the camel ride, the night in the desert camp, dinner and breakfast. Lunches, drinks and entrance fees are usually paid on the way. Always check the exact details on the tour page.
Tips
- Bring a small bag for the camp night; your main luggage stays in the vehicle.
- Pack a warm layer: the Middle Atlas and the desert nights can be cold, especially from November to March.
- Keep some cash for lunch and small purchases on the way.
- Sit on the right side of the minibus going south for the best views of the Ziz Valley.
Want to know if a shared or private tour suits you better? Read shared or private desert tour in Morocco.