Meknes Desert Tours – Guide to desert tours from Meknes: things to do in Meknes, the scenic route through the Middle Atlas and how to choose the best trip to the Sahara.
From the Imperial City to the Sahara
Meknes is one of Morocco’s historic imperial cities and an excellent starting point for an unforgettable journey toward the Sahara Desert.
A Meknes Desert Tour allows you to combine Moroccan history, traditional culture, spectacular landscapes, and the golden dunes of Merzouga in one incredible adventure.
Discover Historic Meknes
Before heading toward the desert, take time to explore Meknes. The city is famous for its historic medina, impressive gates, traditional markets, and beautiful architecture.
Bab Mansour is one of the most famous landmarks in the city and is considered one of Morocco’s most impressive gates.
Journey Through Morocco
The journey from Meknes toward the Sahara takes you through changing landscapes and fascinating destinations.
Depending on your itinerary, you may travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, visit Ifrane, explore cedar forests, and continue toward the southeastern desert.
Meet the Barbary Macaques
The cedar forests around the Middle Atlas Mountains are home to Barbary macaques.
If conditions allow, you can stop in the forest and observe these animals in their natural environment.
Continue Toward Merzouga
As the journey continues, the landscape gradually becomes drier and more dramatic.
Eventually, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes appear on the horizon, marking your arrival in the Sahara.
Camel Ride and Desert Camp
In Merzouga, enjoy a camel ride across the dunes and experience one of Morocco’s most famous desert adventures.
At sunset, arrive at your desert camp and enjoy traditional Moroccan food and Berber music.
How Long Is the Drive From Meknes to Merzouga?
The road from Meknes to Merzouga is roughly 520 km. Most travellers split it into one long but beautiful driving day, with stops in Ifrane, the Azrou cedar forest, Midelt and the Ziz Valley, arriving at the dunes in time for a sunset camel ride.
Because Meknes is only about an hour from Fes, many guests also combine the two imperial cities: one day for the medinas, then the road south to the Sahara.
Best Time of Year for a Meknes Desert Tour
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable seasons, with warm days and pleasant desert nights. Winter is sunny but the Middle Atlas can be cold and occasionally snowy around Ifrane and Azrou, while summer brings very hot afternoons in the Sahara, so we plan sunrise and sunset activities and rest during the midday heat.
What to Pack
Bring light layers for the day, a warm jacket for the desert night, sunglasses, sunscreen and a scarf to protect your face from wind and sand. Comfortable closed shoes are best for walking in the medina and climbing the dunes. A small overnight bag is ideal for the desert camp, so your main luggage can stay in the vehicle.
Which Meknes Tour Should You Choose?
A 2-day tour is perfect if you are short on time and want one night under the stars. The 3- and 4-day itineraries continue from the desert through the Todra and Dades gorges to Marrakech, the longer one with more time at each stop. You can compare every itinerary on our Meknes desert tours page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the tour start from my riad in Meknes? Yes. All our tours are private, so we pick you up at your hotel or riad.
Is the desert camp comfortable? Our camps have proper beds, blankets and private bathrooms, with dinner and breakfast included.
Can I combine Meknes with Volubilis? Yes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis are close to Meknes and can be added before you head south.
Experience Morocco Your Way
A private Meknes desert tour allows you to combine sightseeing and relaxation while traveling at a comfortable pace.
Whether you have three days, five days, or more, Merzouga Packages can create a personalized itinerary from Meknes to the Sahara.
Meknes Desert Tours: useful information
With Merzouga Packages, “Meknes Desert Tours” is a private experience run by a local Berber team that lives in Merzouga, at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The program adapts to your pace, with pick-up from your hotel or riad, an experienced driver-guide and hand-picked accommodation.
For more ideas, see also these pages: Morocco Tours and FAQ. To learn more about the places you will visit, read the article on Erg Chebbi on Wikipedia.
