Fes to Merzouga Desert Tours
Starting a desert tour in Fes gives you a different, quieter approach to the Sahara. The route climbs through Ifrane — Morocco's alpine-style hill town — and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, where Barbary macaques live, then descends the dramatic Ziz Valley with its endless palm groves before reaching Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Most travellers use this route in one of two ways: as a one-way journey to Marrakech, crossing the whole south and finishing over the Atlas; or as a round-trip from Fes for those flying in and out of the north. Both are private and fully tailor-made — because Fes-start desert trips vary so much by flight plan, we usually build these around your specific dates.
Highlights on the Fes to Merzouga road
- Ifrane and the Middle Atlas cedar forests
- The Ziz Valley palm groves and gorges
- A camel trek and desert-camp night at Erg Chebbi
- Optional continuation through the Dadès and Todra gorges toward Marrakech
To combine both directions into a full loop, see our Morocco tour packages and grand routes. For timing, read the best time to visit Morocco.
Fes desert routes
4-Day Marrakech to Fes
Cross the whole south through the Sahara and finish in Fes. No backtracking.
7-Day Morocco Itinerary
One perfect week — the Sahara, Fes, Chefchaouen and the imperial capitals.
5-Day Sahara & Kasbahs
Two full desert nights and a slower return through Skoura and the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.
Frequently asked questions
Can a desert tour start in Fes?
Yes. We build private tours that begin in Fes, reach Merzouga through the Ziz Valley, and either return to Fes or continue one-way to Marrakech. Because these depend on your flights, we usually tailor them to your dates.
How long from Fes to Merzouga?
Around 470 km — a long but scenic day through Ifrane and the Ziz Valley. Most tours break it with stops, reaching the dunes in time for the sunset camel trek.
Plan your Fes to Merzouga tour
One-way to Marrakech or round-trip from Fes — we'll tailor it to your flights.