Category: Morocco Travel Routes | Reading Time: 8 Minutes
You have explored the medieval labyrinth of the Fes Medina. You have smelled the tanneries and tasted the pastilla. Now, you are ready for the silence of the Sahara.
The journey south is not just a transfer; it is a transformation.
The Fes to Merzouga tour is widely considered one of the most diverse drives in North Africa. In a single day (or two), you will travel from the imperial city, through “Little Switzerland,” past ancient cedar forests inhabited by monkeys, and down into the golden dunes of the desert.
If you are wondering what the road looks like, where you stop, and what to expect on this iconic route, this is your essential guide.
The Route at a Glance
- Distance: Approximately 470 km (292 miles).
- Driving Time: 7 to 8 hours (excluding stops).
- Terrain: Mountains, Alpine forests, dry plains, canyons, and sand dunes.
- The Goal: Arriving in Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) before sunset.
Many travelers worry that the drive is too long. While it is a full day of travel, the constantly changing scenery keeps you glued to the window. Here is the step-by-step breakdown of the Fes to Merzouga tour.
Stop 1: Ifrane (Little Switzerland)
1 Hour from Fes
Leaving the chaotic streets of Fes, you climb into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Suddenly, the architecture changes. Flat roofs disappear, replaced by steep, red-tiled Alpine roofs designed to handle heavy snowfall.
This is Ifrane. Built by the French in the 1930s as a hill station, it feels more like a village in the Swiss Alps than a town in Morocco. It is clean, green, and cool.
- Photo Op: Most tours stop briefly here so you can take a photo with the famous “Atlas Lion” stone statue.
Stop 2: The Cedar Forest of Azrou
1.5 Hours from Fes
Just south of Ifrane lies the Cèdre Gouraud Forest. This ancient woodland is home to the Barbary Macaque.
These are not aggressive city monkeys; they are wild but accustomed to visitors. On your Fes to Merzouga tour, your driver will stop here so you can stretch your legs. You can often feed the monkeys peanuts (vendors are usually nearby), but remember—they are wild animals, so keep a respectful distance!
Stop 3: Midelt & The Tizi n’Talghamt Pass
3.5 Hours from Fes
As you leave the forest, the landscape opens up. You traverse the volcanic plateau towards Midelt, the apple capital of Morocco. This is the standard lunch stop for most travelers.
After lunch, the road climbs again over the Tizi n’Talghamt pass (1,907 meters). The greenery fades, the earth turns red, and you begin your descent toward the Sahara.
Stop 4: The Ziz Valley
5.5 Hours from Fes
This is the moment the camera needs to be ready. As you descend from the mountains, a massive crack in the earth appears. This is the Ziz Valley.
It is a stunning canyon filled with a dense river of date palm trees—millions of them—snaking their way through the arid rock. It is the largest oasis in Morocco and a breathtaking contrast of lush green against rusty red cliffs.
Arrival: The Gates of the Sahara
By late afternoon, the terrain flattens. You pass through Erfoud (famous for fossils) and Rissani. Then, on the horizon, you see them: the glowing orange waves of Erg Chebbi.
On a standard Fes to Merzouga tour, you arrive at the dune line around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM (depending on the season). Here, the logistics shift:
- The Switch: You leave your car/minibus at a hotel or secure lot at the edge of the dunes.
- The “Ship of the Desert”: You pack a small overnight bag (leave big luggage in the car) and mount your camel.
- The Trek: You ride for roughly 45 minutes into the dunes to reach your camp just as the sun sets.
Practical FAQs for this Specific Route
Can I do this trip in one day?
Yes. Most travelers leave Fes at 8:00 AM and arrive in Merzouga by 5:00 PM. It is a long day, but the stops make it manageable.
Is the road safe?
The N13 highway from Fes to Merzouga is paved and in good condition. However, it winds through mountains. If you suffer from motion sickness, bring medication for the stretch between Azrou and Midelt.
What is the weather like?
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Since you are crossing the mountains, you might see snow in Ifrane! It will be cold.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): It gets very hot once you pass the Ziz Valley. Ensure your vehicle has strong Air Conditioning.
Where do I go after Merzouga?
Once you complete your Fes to Merzouga tour, you have two choices:
- Loop Back: Return to Fes (another 7-8 hours).
- Continue to Marrakech: Drive west through the Todra Gorge and Ouarzazate (this takes 2 more days). Check out our Ultimate Fes Desert Tour Guide for the full multi-day itineraries.
Final Thoughts: A Road Trip to Remember
The drive from Fes to the desert is not just a means to an end. It is a geology lesson, a wildlife encounter, and a scenic adventure rolled into one. From the snow of Ifrane to the sand of Erg Chebbi, the Fes to Merzouga tour showcases the incredible diversity of the Moroccan Kingdom.
Ready to hit the road?
Book your Private Transfer or Shared Group Tour today and get your camera ready for the Ziz Valley!
