Private Fez Desert Tours – Guide to private desert tours from Fes: things to do in Fes, the route through the Middle Atlas and how to choose the best Sahara trip.
From the Ancient Medina to the Sahara
Fes is one of Morocco’s most fascinating cities and a wonderful starting point for a private journey to the Sahara Desert.
A Private Fes Desert Tour allows you to combine the history and culture of Fes with the spectacular landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and the golden dunes of Merzouga.
Explore the Ancient Medina of Fes
Fes is famous for its historic medina, narrow streets, traditional markets, and artisan workshops.
Spend time exploring the old city before beginning your journey toward the desert.
Travel Through the Middle Atlas
Leaving Fes, your journey takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains.
You can stop in Ifrane, known for its European-style architecture and mountain surroundings.
You may also visit the cedar forests near Azrou, where Barbary macaques can sometimes be seen.
Discover the Ziz Valley
As you continue south, the landscape changes dramatically.
The Ziz Valley offers spectacular views of palm groves, cliffs, and traditional villages.
It is an excellent place to stop for photographs and enjoy the scenery.
Arrive in Merzouga
Eventually, you will reach Merzouga and the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes.
Your desert adventure begins with a camel ride across the golden sand.
Spend the Night Under the Stars
At the desert camp, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and experience local music around the campfire.
Luxury camps provide comfortable accommodation for travelers who want to enjoy the Sahara without sacrificing comfort.
Sunrise Over Erg Chebbi
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes.
After breakfast, you can continue exploring Merzouga or begin the next stage of your Moroccan journey.
How Long Is the Drive From Fes to Merzouga?
The road from Fes to Merzouga is about 465 km, a little over 8 hours of driving without stops. With breaks in Ifrane, the Azrou cedar forest, Midelt and the Ziz Valley viewpoint, it becomes a full and varied day that ends at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, just in time for a camel ride at sunset.
Round Trip or One Way?
Fes tours come in two styles. Round trips bring you back to Fes after one or two nights in the Sahara, which suits travellers who have a flight from Fes. One-way tours continue from the desert through the gorges and the Draa or Dades valleys to Marrakech, so you cross the whole country without driving the same road twice.
Best Time of Year
Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with mild days and comfortable nights in the desert. In winter the Middle Atlas around Ifrane can see snow and the desert nights are cold, while in summer the afternoons are very hot, so the most beautiful moments are sunrise and sunset on the dunes.
Which Fes Tour Should You Choose?
The 2-day tour is the shortest way to sleep in the Sahara. The 3-day round trip gives you a full day around Merzouga, while the 3-, 4- and 5-day tours to Marrakech add the gorges, the kasbahs and more time along the way. For a complete loop, the 6-day tour ends in Casablanca. Compare them all on our Fes desert tours page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the drive comfortable? Yes. You travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle and we stop whenever you like for photos, tea or a rest.
How many nights are spent in the desert? One night on most tours, and two nights on the longer itineraries.
Can we leave our luggage in the car? Yes. Take a small bag for the camp and leave the rest safely in the vehicle.
Travel Privately From Fes
A private tour from Fes gives you flexibility throughout the journey.
With Merzouga Packages, we can help organize your transportation, accommodation, desert activities, and itinerary from Fes to Merzouga.
Private Fez Desert Tours: useful information
With Merzouga Packages, “Private Fez 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.
