Category: Morocco Travel Guides | Reading Time: 12 Minutes
Fes is the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. With its 9,000 winding alleyways, the Fes Medina (Fes el Bali) is an intense, medieval labyrinth that assaults the senses in the best way possible. But after a few days of history and chaos, the silence of the Sahara calls.
For many travelers, Fes is actually theĀ bestĀ jumping-off point for the desert. Why? Because the drive from Fes to the dunes of Merzouga is shorter and more diverse than the route from Marrakech, passing through “Little Switzerland,” ancient cedar forests, and dramatic canyons.
Whether you are looking for a round-trip adventure or a cross-country expedition ending in Marrakech, this is yourĀ comprehensive pillar guideĀ to theĀ Fes Desert Tour.
Part 1: Why Choose a Fes Desert Tour?
Most travel guides focus on Marrakech, but starting your desert adventure from Fes offers unique advantages:
- The Middle Atlas Diversity: The route from Fes takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains. You will see alpine snow, lush green forests, and volcanic plateaus before you hit the sand.
- Closer to the Dunes: The drive from Fes to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) is approximately 7 hours. From Marrakech, it is closer to 9 or 10 hours.
- The Monkeys: Only the Fes desert tour route guarantees a stop at the Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to the endangered Barbary Macaque monkeys.
Part 2: The Route ā What You Will See
The journey is an attraction in itself. Here are the iconic stops included in almost every Fes desert tour itinerary.
1. Ifrane (“Little Switzerland”)
Just an hour south of Fes, you will rub your eyes in disbelief. Ifrane looks like a European ski resort. With its Alpine-style roofs, manicured parks, and snowy winters, it is the starkest contrast to the desert you will find in Morocco.
2. The Cedar Forest of Azrou
A short drive later, you enter the ancient cedar forests. This is the natural habitat of the Barbary Macaques. These monkeys are wild but accustomed to humans. Most tours stop here so you can feed them peanuts and take photos. It is a highlight for animal lovers.
3. The Ziz Valley
As you cross the mountains and descend toward the desert, you will encounter the Ziz Valley. It is a massive canyon filled with a “river” of date palm treesāmillions of themāsnaking through the red rock.
4. Merzouga & Erg Chebbi
The destination. Erg Chebbi is a sea of wind-blown sand dunes rising up to 150 meters. This is where the road ends and the camel trekking begins.
Part 3: Choosing Your Itinerary
When booking a Fes desert tour, you generally have two main logistic options. Choosing the right one depends on your flight plan.
Option A: The Loop (Fes to Merzouga to Fes)
- Best for: Travelers flying in and out of Fes, or those heading north to Chefchaouen afterwards.
- The Schedule:
- Day 1: Fes -> Ifrane -> Azrou -> Merzouga (Overnight in Camp).
- Day 2: Merzouga exploration (4×4 tour, Khamlia village music, tea with nomads) -> Second night in hotel or camp.
- Day 3: Drive back to Fes.
- Pros: You can leave heavy luggage at your hotel in Fes.
Option B: The Grand Crossing (Fes to Merzouga to Marrakech)
- Best for: Travelers wanting to see the whole country without backtracking. This is the most efficient use of your time.
- The Schedule:
- Day 1: Fes -> Middle Atlas -> Merzouga (Overnight in Camp).
- Day 2: Merzouga -> Todra Gorge -> Dades Valley (Overnight in Hotel).
- Day 3: Dades Valley -> Ait Ben Haddou -> High Atlas -> Marrakech.
- Pros: You see the Middle Atlas and the High Atlas. You finish in a new city.
Part 4: How Many Days Do You Need?
This is the most common question we get.
- 2 Days / 1 Night:Not Recommended.
- It is possible to drive Fes to Merzouga, sleep, and drive back the next day. However, this involves 14+ hours of driving in 48 hours. You will be exhausted.
- 3 Days / 2 Nights:The Sweet Spot.
- This allows a relaxed drive down, a full night in the desert, and a comfortable journey to your next destination (whether back to Fes or on to Marrakech).
- 4 Days / 3 Nights:The Relaxed Pace.
- Perfect if you want to spend a full day “off-grid” in the desert, reading a book, sandboarding, or exploring the area by 4×4.
Part 5: Accommodation ā Luxury vs. Standard
Your experience on a Fes desert tour relies heavily on where you sleep.
The Standard Camp
- What to expect: Traditional black wool tents (bivouacs). Beds are comfortable with blankets.
- Bathrooms: Usually shared facilities located outside the tent.
- Vibe: Authentic and communal.
The Luxury Camp (Glamping)
- What to expect: Large white canvas tents with king-sized beds, exquisite Moroccan rugs, and sitting areas.
- Bathrooms: En-suite. You have a private flush toilet and a hot shower inside your tent.
- Vibe: Romantic and comfortable. After a long drive, the private shower is a game-changer.
Part 6: Practical Planning Tips
When is the Best Time to Go?
- Spring (MarchāMay): Lush green landscapes in the north, pleasant temps in the desert.
- Autumn (SeptemberāNovember): Perfect weather.
- Winter: Cold nights (bring a jacket!) but clear skies. Snow in Ifrane is possible.
- Summer: Very hot. Ensure your car and camp have A/C.
What to Pack?
Since you are coming from Fes (mountains) to the Sahara, you need layers.
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses: The sun is strong.
- A Warm Jacket: Even in April, the desert is cold at night.
- Motion Sickness Meds: The roads are winding.
- Camera: For the monkeys and the dunes!
Conclusion: The Road Less Traveled
While the masses flock to the road from Marrakech, the Fes desert tour remains a slightly quieter, greener, and more diverse alternative. It offers the unique chance to see snow-capped cedars in the morning and ride camels into a golden sunset the same evening.
Whether you are looking for a romantic escape or a family adventure with the wild monkeys, this route connects the soul of Morocco’s culture with the soul of its landscape.
Ready to book your adventure?
Explore our Fes to Marrakech Desert Tours or our Round-Trip Fes Excursions to secure your spot in the sand.
