Category: Morocco Travel Experiences | Reading Time: 9 Minutes
Fes is a city of intensity. The ancient Medina is a sensory assault of donkey carts, shouting merchants, aromatic spices, and narrow alleyways that block out the sky. It is exhilarating, but it is also exhausting.
This is why a Sahara tour from Fes is the perfect antidote.
In just one day of travel, you can trade the claustrophobic stone walls of the Medina for the infinite horizon of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The contrast between the spiritual capital of Morocco and the silence of the desert is a journey that every traveler should experience.
If you are currently planning your itinerary and wondering if you should depart from the north, this guide explains why Fes might just be the best starting point for your desert adventure.
Why Fes is the “Secret” Gateway to the Sahara
Most tourists flock to Marrakech to start their desert trips. However, savvy travelers know that the Sahara tour from Fes offers a completely different and often superior experience.
- A Diverse Landscape: The route from Marrakech is arid and rocky. The route from Fes, however, takes you through the lush Middle Atlas Mountains. You will see cedar forests, alpine lakes, and even snow before you reach the sand.
- Les Traffic: The road south from Fes is generally quieter and less clogged with tour buses than the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass near Marrakech.
- The “Monkey” Factor: Departing from Fes is the only way to easily visit the Cèdre Gouraud Forest, home to the wild Barbary Macaque monkeys.
What to Expect: The Experience
A Sahara tour from Fes is not just about the destination; it is about the transition of worlds. Here is what the typical experience looks like.
The Morning: Europe in Africa
You depart Fes around 8:00 AM. Within an hour, you are in Ifrane. With its chalet-style architecture and pristine parks, it feels like Switzerland. It is a surreal start to a desert trip.
The Afternoon: The Red Canyon
As you cross the Middle Atlas, the greenery fades. You descend into the Ziz Valley. This is a highlight of the Fes route—a massive limestone gorge filled with a river of millions of date palms. It is the perfect prelude to the desert.
The Evening: The Golden Dunes
You arrive in Merzouga (the village at the edge of the dunes) in the late afternoon. Here, the pavement ends. You switch to a camel (dromedary) and trek for 45 minutes into the Erg Chebbi.
- The Magic Moment: Watching the sunset from the top of a high dune. The sand changes color from yellow to gold, to pink, and finally to purple as the sun vanishes.
The Night: Berber Hospitality
Whether you choose a luxury camp or a standard bivouac, the night is spent around a campfire. You will eat a traditional tagine, listen to Berber drums, and look up. Because there is zero light pollution, the Milky Way looks like a cloud painted across the sky.
3 Ways to Structure Your Trip
When booking a Sahara tour from Fes, you aren’t limited to a simple round trip.
1. The “Recharge” Loop (Fes to Fes)
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights.
- The Vibe: You leave your heavy luggage at your Riad in Fes. You go to the desert, recharge your soul, and return to Fes to continue exploring the north (Chefchaouen or Meknes).
2. The “Grand Crossing” (Fes to Marrakech)
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights.
- The Vibe: The most efficient route. You start in Fes, hit the desert in the middle, and finish in Marrakech. You see the Middle Atlas, the Sahara, and the High Atlas in one trip.
3. The “Deep Desert” (4 Days)
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights.
- The Vibe: You spend two nights in the desert. This gives you a full day to go 4×4 off-roading, visit the Gnawa musicians in Khamlia, or have tea with nomadic families living in traditional wool tents.
Safety & Scams: How to Book Smart
In the Fes Medina, you will encounter many “faux guides” (unofficial guides) offering cheap desert tours. Be cautious.
- The “Too Good to Be True” Price: If a Sahara tour from Fes is offered for €50, ask questions. Does it include the camel? Is the camp actually in the dunes or just a hotel on the road? Is the driver licensed?
- The Vehicle: The drive through the Middle Atlas involves mountain roads. You want a well-maintained vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser or Mercedes Sprinter) with a professional driver, not a beat-up taxi.
- Recommendation: Book in advance with a reputable, licensed agency. This ensures accountability, insurance, and quality control.
Packing for the Fes Departure
Departing from Fes requires slightly different packing than Marrakech due to the altitude.
- Warm Layers are Mandatory: You will pass through Ifrane and Midelt, which are high-altitude areas. Even in spring, the morning stops can be chilly (5–10°C).
- Motion Sickness Meds: The road from Azrou to Midelt is twisty.
- Cash (MAD): Once you leave Fes, ATMs are rare until you reach Rissani. Bring cash for lunch and tips.
Final Thoughts: A Journey of Contrasts
There are few road trips in the world that offer as much variety as the Sahara tour from Fes.
You start the day feeding monkeys in a cedar forest and end it counting shooting stars in the sand. It is a journey that highlights the incredible geographical diversity of Morocco, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling energy of the Imperial City.
Ready to trade the Medina for the Milky Way?
Browse our Top-Rated Fes Desert Packages to secure your camel trek today.
