Fes is the closest of Morocco's big cities to the Sahara. A Fes to Merzouga desert tour crosses the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas and the Ziz valley to reach the dunes in a single day of driving, which makes it the easiest way to sleep in the desert from the north of Morocco.
Two ways to go from Fes
Starting in Marrakech instead? See our 3 day desert tour from Marrakech.
Along the way
- Ifrane and the cedar forestA cool mountain town, then forests where Barbary macaques live along the road.
- The Middle Atlas and MideltHigh plateaus and apple orchards at the foot of the mountains.
- The Ziz valleyA long green ribbon of palm trees in a deep canyon.
- Erfoud and RissaniFossil workshops, and the old market town of the Tafilalet oasis.
- MerzougaThe dunes at sunset, a camel or 4×4 ride and the night at our desert camp.
The night in the desert
From Fes you can leave in the morning and reach Merzouga in time for sunset. You ride into the dunes and spend the night at our Merzouga desert camp, in a standard or luxury tent. Add a second night to try quad biking or a longer camel trek.
Private, with your own driver
Every Desertiva tour is private. We pick you up at your riad in the Fes medina or at Fes airport, drive at your pace and stop where you want. You can change the route, add a night or start from another city.
Ask for availability
Plan your Sahara trip with us
Send your dates and we reply on WhatsApp or by email, usually within a day, with availability and the price. Nothing is paid until you confirm.
Questions
How far is Merzouga from Fes?
About 470 km, or 7 to 8 hours of driving without stops. It is the shortest road to the dunes from any big Moroccan city.
Is a 2 day desert tour from Fes possible?
Yes, it is possible: one long day to the dunes, a night at the camp and the drive back. Three days is more relaxed and gives you a full day in the desert.
Can I go from Fes to the desert and end in Marrakech?
Yes. Our 4 day Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara tour runs in either direction.
How much is a desert tour from Fes?
It depends on the number of days, travellers, the tent type and the season. Send a request and we reply with the exact price, usually within a day.
Updated 08/11/2026 by the Desertiva team in Merzouga.