Fes is the closest major city to Erg Chebbi, which makes it a natural starting point for a desert trip. The drive crosses the Middle Atlas, passes cedar forests and high plateaus, then drops through the Ziz Valley into the palm oases of the Tafilalet before the dunes appear. It is a long day, but it can be done in one go, unlike the route from Marrakech.
The basics
- Driving time: about 7 to 8 hours without long stops, via Ifrane and Midelt.
- Distance: roughly 460 to 480 km.
- Terrain: mountain roads through the Middle Atlas, then high plateau and desert valleys.
- Return options: back to Fes the same way, or onward to Marrakech via the gorges and Ait Ben Haddou over two days.
Times here are approximate and exclude stops unless stated.
The route, stage by stage
Fes to Ifrane
Leaving Fes in the morning, you climb steadily into the Middle Atlas. Ifrane, a tidy mountain town with sloping roofs, is often called "the Switzerland of Morocco". It is a pleasant coffee stop, and in winter the area can see snow.
The cedar forest near Azrou
Just beyond Ifrane are forests of Atlas cedar, where Barbary macaques are often seen near the roadside. Please do not feed them; it harms their health and encourages aggressive behaviour.
Midelt
The road crosses open plateaus to Midelt, a market town at the foot of the Jbel Ayachi range. It is a common lunch stop, often for trout or tagine. Midelt sits at altitude, so it can be cool even when the desert is hot.
The Ziz Gorges and Ziz Valley
South of Midelt the road climbs over the Tizi n'Talghemt pass, then descends towards Errachidia through the dramatic Ziz Gorges. Below, the Ziz Valley spreads out as a long ribbon of palm trees and earthen villages. There are good viewpoints for photographs.
Erfoud, Rissani and Merzouga
The last section passes through Erfoud, known for fossils, and Rissani, a historic market town. Merzouga is about 45 minutes from Rissani. You usually arrive in the late afternoon, in time to transfer to camp by camel or 4x4 for sunset.
How many days?
2 days
A 2-day Fes to Merzouga and back trip is technically possible, but it means about 14 to 16 hours of driving in two days with one short night in the desert. We generally do not recommend it unless you are very short on time and understand what it involves.
3 days (the classic)
The 3-day Fes to Merzouga desert tour usually runs:
- Day 1: Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane, Midelt and the Ziz Valley. Night at a desert camp or a hotel at the edge of the dunes.
- Day 2: A full day in the Merzouga area. This might include Khamlia, a 4x4 loop, sandboarding, then a sunset camel ride and a night at camp.
- Day 3: Sunrise, then the drive back to Fes.
This gives you a proper day in the desert rather than one rushed evening, which is a real advantage of starting in Fes.
3 days, Fes to Marrakech
If you are travelling on to Marrakech, the 3-day Fes to Marrakech Sahara tour goes Fes, Merzouga, then Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley, finishing in Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou. Merzouga to Marrakech is about 9 to 10 hours of driving, split across days two and three. It is efficient, but the dunes get one evening and morning.
4 days or more
A fourth day lets you add a second desert night or break the return. For a longer journey that combines the imperial cities with the desert, see the 8-day imperial cities and Sahara tour.
What to keep in mind
- Weather in the Middle Atlas. Snow can affect the roads around Ifrane and Midelt in winter. Pack warm layers even if your destination is the desert.
- Temperature swings. It is common to start the day cold in the mountains and arrive somewhere much warmer. Layers are key.
- Motion sickness. The Ziz Gorges section is winding. Sit near the front if you are susceptible.
- Arrival time. Leaving Fes early matters. Leaving late can mean arriving after sunset and missing the light on the dunes.
- Camel ride caveats. If you have back problems or are pregnant, ask for the 4x4 transfer to camp instead.
- Monkeys. Admire the macaques from a distance and keep food out of sight.
Combining with northern Morocco
Many travellers pair the desert with Chefchaouen and the north. Fes to Chefchaouen is about 3.5 to 4 hours, so it makes sense to visit Chefchaouen before or after the desert, not as a side trip from Merzouga. Our Merzouga desert tours guide explains how desert stays fit into longer routes.
Private or shared from Fes
Shared tours exist on the Fes route, but they are less frequent than from Marrakech and run subject to availability. A private tour lets you choose your departure time, stop where you like and pick your camp standard, which is especially useful for families and anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery rather than just pass through it.
Plan your trip from Fes
Tell us where you are starting and finishing and how many days you have, and we will suggest a plan with realistic driving times. Message us on WhatsApp via the contact page or put your ideas into build your tour.
