Category: Morocco Travel Planning | Reading Time: 9 Minutes
You have decided to escape the medieval maze of the Fes Medina and head for the Sahara. Excellent choice. Fes is arguably the most strategic starting point for reaching the dunes of Merzouga, offering a diverse route through mountains and forests.
But now you face a confusing menu of options.
When you search for Fes desert trips, you are bombarded with choices: 2-day sprints, 3-day crossings to Marrakech, 4-day deep dives, shared buses, private 4x4s.
Which one offers the best value? Which one is too rushed?
This Fes Desert Trips – Full Guide breaks down the pros, cons, and logistics of the most popular packages so you can book the adventure that fits your schedule and budget.
1. The “Express” Option: 2 Days / 1 Night
The Time-Saver
This is the shortest of the available Fes desert trips.
- The Plan: You leave Fes early (7:30 AM), drive straight to Merzouga (7–8 hours), ride camels at sunset, sleep in the camp, and drive back to Fes the next morning.
- Who is it for? Travelers with very limited time who absolutely must see the dunes.
- The Honest Truth: This is a tiring trip. You will spend roughly 14 to 16 hours in a car over a 36-hour period. You get to see the Sahara, but you won’t have much time to relax there.
- Route: Fes -> Merzouga -> Fes. (It is generally too far to go Fes -> Merzouga -> Marrakech in 2 days).
2. The “Classic” Option: 3 Days / 2 Nights
The Best Seller
When people talk about Fes desert trips, this is usually the itinerary they mean. It is the perfect balance of driving and downtime.
- The Plan:
- Day 1: Drive Fes to Merzouga (Stop at Ifrane & Cedar Forest). Sunset camel trek. Night in camp.
- Day 2: This is the variable day. You either explore the desert area (visit nomads, listen to Gnawa music in Khamlia village) OR you start driving toward Marrakech if you are doing a one-way trip.
- Day 3: Return to Fes or finish arrival in Marrakech.
- Who is it for? First-time visitors who want the full experience without rushing.
- Route Options: You can do Fes to Fes (Loop) or Fes to Marrakech (One-Way).
3. The “Slow Travel” Option: 4 Days / 3 Nights
The Deep Dive
If you want to disconnect from the world, this is the best of the Fes desert trips.
- The Plan: Similar to the 3-day tour, but you add an extra night in the desert (either in the camp again or in a hotel at the dune line).
- The Benefit: You have a full “Day Zero” in the Sahara. You can go sandboarding, take a 4×4 excursion to the fossil mines, or just read a book while watching the dunes shift color.
- Who is it for? Photographers, honeymooners, and “slow travel” enthusiasts.
4. The Logistics: Shared vs. Private
Once you pick your duration, you must choose your travel style.
Shared Group Trips (Budget)
- Vehicle: A modern minibus (Mercedes Sprinter type).
- Pros: Very affordable (prices often range from €100–€180). Great for meeting other backpackers.
- Cons:
- Fixed Schedule: You cannot stop for photos whenever you want.
- The Transfer: If you are going to Marrakech, you often have to switch vehicles on the last day.
- Speed: Minibuses are slower than 4x4s in the mountains.
Private Trips (Premium)
- Vehicle: Toyota Land Cruiser (Prado) or similar 4×4.
- Pros: Luxury and freedom. You stop for the monkeys in Azrou as long as you want. The suspension is better for off-road driving. You have a dedicated driver/guide.
- Cons: More expensive (expect €300–€500+ per person depending on group size).
5. What is Included (and What isn’t)?
To avoid surprises, here is what is standard for most professional Fes desert trips:
- Usually Included:
- Transport (Fuel + Driver).
- Camel trek (one camel per person).
- Accommodation (Camp or Hotel).
- Dinners and Breakfasts.
- Usually Excluded:
- Lunch: You will stop at roadside restaurants. Expect to pay 100 –120 MAD (€10–€12) per meal.
- Drinks: Water and soda are extra.
- Tips: Customary for your driver and camel guide.
- Monument Fees: If you visit the Cinema Museum in Ouarzazate (on the way to Marrakech), the ticket is extra.
Final Verdict: Which Trip Should You Book?
If you are looking for our professional recommendation:
- If you are finishing in Fes: Take the 3-Day Fes to Fes Loop. It gives you one night in the dunes and one night in a hotel to break up the driving.
- If you are going to Marrakech: Take the 3-Day Fes to Marrakech Grand Tour. It is the most efficient way to see the Middle Atlas, the Sahara, the Todra Gorge, and the High Atlas in one go.
Ready to explore the sands?
Browse our curated list of Private Fes Desert Trips to find the itinerary that fits your Moroccan dream.
