What is the typical duration of tours from Fes to the Sahara Desert?

The journey from Fes to the Sahara Desert spans 3-6 days with 4-day tours being the most common choice. The route takes travelers through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Merzouga making stops at notable sites. Visitors can explore Ifrane Morocco's "Switzerland" the cedar forests of Azrou and pass through the Ziz Valley before reaching the desert's edge. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Had an amazing adventure experienced beautiful landscape wonderful food and amazing local cultures. Would recommend this tour to anyone wanting to experience Morocco away from the bustling Medinas."

Where can I expect to stay during a Fes to Sahara Desert tour?

Each night offers different accommodation experiences on the desert journey. The first nights are spent in traditional riads in Fes such as Riad Rcif or Riad Al Makan. As the tour progresses travelers stay in desert lodges near Merzouga like Kasbah Mohayut and local guesthouses in the Dades Valley including Kasbah Tizzarouine. The highlight for many is spending a night in a luxury desert camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes where guests enjoy traditional Berber meals and entertainment. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The accommodations were incredibly comfortable and authentic especially the luxury desert camp under the stars - it was truly magical."

What are the main highlights between Fes and the Sahara Desert?

The route connects several noteworthy destinations starting with Ifrane's Imperial city and the Azrou cedar forests home to Barbary apes. Travelers pass through the Ziz Valley known for its palm groves and visit Erfoud a town famous for its fossils. The journey includes time in Khamlia village to experience Gnawa music and explores the Todra Gorges. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Every stop was incredible but seeing the sunset over the massive dunes of Erg Chebbi while riding camels was absolutely unforgettable."

How long is the drive from Fes to the Sahara Desert?

The drive takes 7-8 hours from Fes to Merzouga Desert. Tours break up this distance with rest stops and sightseeing including visits to Ifrane the Middle Atlas Mountains and the Ziz Valley. Many groups pause at Hotel Ramada By Wyndham Fes and other points of interest along the way. A TourRadar traveler shared "Though the drive was long the changing landscapes and frequent stops made it enjoyable."

What's the best time of year to take a tour from Fes to the Sahara?

October through April provides the most pleasant conditions for desert tours from Fes. The spring months of March through May and fall period of September through November offer comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. Summer brings intense heat with desert temperatures often reaching above 40°C (104°F). As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "We went in October and the weather was perfect - warm during the day but cool enough at night to enjoy the campfire in the desert."

What meals are typically included in Fes to Sahara Desert tours?

Tour packages generally cover breakfast and dinner with an emphasis on local Moroccan dishes. Breakfast at locations like Dar Anebar in Fes serves fresh bread jams and mint tea. Desert camp dinners feature traditional dishes such as tagines and couscous served outdoors. Lunch stops happen in towns like Midelt or Rissani at extra cost. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The food was exceptional throughout especially the traditional Berber dinner in the desert camp."

Sahara Desert Tours from Fes

Picture yourself riding camels across Merzouga's golden dunes, sleeping under Sahara stars in a Berber camp, then exploring Todra Gorge's massive cliffs. You'll discover Ait Benhaddou – that UNESCO spot from Game of Thrones – plus Ouarzazate's film studios and Ifrane (Morocco's little Switzerland). There's the Atlas Mountains crossing, Marrakech's chaos at Jemaa el-Fna, and those Barbary apes hanging out in Azrou's cedar forests.

10 best Sahara Desert tours from Fes

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In-depth Cultural
From Fes to Marrakech: 5-Day Private Sahara Desert Tour
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"A very good tour that we wouldn't have done on our own."
Patrick, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Fes, Ifrane, Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, Khamlia, Rissani, Tinghir,Todra Gorge,Boumalne Dades,Kalaat M'Gouna,Skoura,Ouarzazate,Ait Benhaddou,Marrakesh+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English, French,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Morocco Flawless Travels
From
US$978per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Fez & Desert Magical Tour
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"This was a life experience and we have enjoyed every minute of it. It has outstripped our expectations."
Mohamed, traveled in February
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Fes, Errachidia, Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, Erfoud, Tinghir,Todra Gorge,Boumalne Dades,Ouarzazate,Ait Benhaddou,Marrakesh+5 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Discover Morocco
From
US$486per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Imperial Cities & Desert Tour
3.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"The pace was very fast but I enjoyed everything especially Ait Ben Haddou and watching the sunrise in the Sahara Desert."
Catherine, traveled in March
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Fes, Errachidia, Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, Erfoud, Tinghir,Todra Gorge,Boumalne Dades,Ouarzazate,Ait Benhaddou,Marrakesh,Casablanca+6 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Discover Morocco
From
US$938per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Best Morocco Tour Fes To Marrakech Desert Tour 5Days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The experience was top notch."
Lalit, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Fes, Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, Errachidia, Erfoud, Merzouga,Khamlia,Rissani,Tinejdad,Todra Gorge,Boumalne Dades,Kalaat M'Gouna,Skoura,Ouarzazate,Ait Benhaddou,Marrakesh+10 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch+6 more
Operator
Private Desert Tours
From
US$984per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
3 days 2 Nights Desert Tour from Fes via Desert to Marrakech
5.0 (10 traveler reviews)
"The tour was brilliant, we are very happy with this tour and we hope we can return in the future."
Richard, traveled in April
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Fes, Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, Erfoud, Merzouga, Khamlia,Tinghir,Todra Gorge,Boumalne Dades,Kalaat M'Gouna,Skoura,Ouarzazate,Ait Benhaddou,Telouet,Marrakesh+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Discover Morocco Tours
From
US$556per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
4 Days Desert Tour From Fes To Marrakech Via Merzouga Dunes
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"All of our dealings with Morocco Flawless Tours were excellent. The camel ride to the desert camp was a once in a lifetime experience."
Elizabeth, traveled in January
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Fes, Ifrane, Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, Khamlia, Todra Gorge,Boumalne Dades,Ait Benhaddou,Ouarzazate,Marrakesh+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English, French,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Morocco Flawless Travels
From
US$890per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Active
Sahara Desert Tour From Fez
4.5 (1 traveler review)
"We are deeply appreciative of the magical days we spent in the whole of Morocco."
Diane, traveled in May
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Fes, Merzouga, Boumalne Dades, Marrakesh
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Morocco Today Travel
From
US$968per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
4-day Moroccan Desert Journey
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The Mercedes van was perfect and comfortable and clean, and Aziz was friendly and cooperating."
Sara, traveled in May
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Fes, Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, Rissani, Erfoud, Todra Gorge,Boumalne Dades,Ouarzazate,Ait Benhaddou,Marrakesh+4 more
Age Range
Ages 13+
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English, French,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Perfectly Morocco Tours
From
US$809per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
4 Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Highly, highly recommend Discover Morocco tours and especially Rashid Aghad, who was so kind to us."
Jamil, traveled in January
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Fes, Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, Merzouga, Khamlia, Erfoud,Todra Gorge,Boumalne Dades,Skoura,Ouarzazate,Ait Benhaddou,Telouet,Marrakesh+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Discover Morocco Tours
From
US$834per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Fes To Marrakech Via Merzouga Desert
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Best Tours Morocco was able to accommodate extra locations we wanted to visit. Accommodations were comfortable and of very good quality."
McCarthy, traveled in July
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Fes, Ifrane, Midelt, Erfoud, Merzouga, Rissani, Tinghir,Boumalne Dades,Skoura,Ouarzazate,Ait Benhaddou,Marrakesh+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English, French,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Best Tours Morocco
From
US$970per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Active
3 Days Sahara Adventure (Fes / Marrakech)
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The food was outstanding, and our beds and lodging were extremely comfortable. We even had a full shower in our tent in the Sahara."
Vanderheiden, traveled in December
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Fes, Midelt, Merzouga, Tinghir, Boumalne Dades, Ouarzazate,Ait Benhaddou,Marrakesh+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Sahara DesertAtlas Mountains+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Morocco Joy Travel
From
US$498per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
4 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga, Morocco
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The accommodations exceeded our expectations and we will be recommending this trip to all our friends."
Emma, traveled in November
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Fes, Ifrane, Midelt, Merzouga, Rissani, Boumalne Dades,Ouarzazate,Marrakesh,Ait Benhaddou+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Sahara DesertGame of ThronesHigh Atlas+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Escorted Morocco Tours
From
US$973per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
3 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Fes, Ifrane, Merzouga, Rissani, Todra Gorge, Boumalne Dades,Ouarzazate,Ait Benhaddou,Marrakesh+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Morocco Travel Experts LLC
From
US$380per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Explore Merzouga Desert: A 3-Day, 2-Night Adventure
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Fes, Ifrane, Midelt, Merzouga, Azrou
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Sahara DesertAtlas Mountains+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Escorted Morocco Tours
From
US$857per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
From Fes : Private 3-Day Tour Merzouga Desert To Marrakech
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Fes, Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, Erfoud, Merzouga, Erg Chebbi,Todra Gorge,Boumalne Dades,Kalaat M'Gouna,Ouarzazate,Ait Benhaddou,Ait Ourir,Marrakesh+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English, French,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Come With Us Tours
30% Off
From $562
US$393per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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