Sahara Expeditions
Sahara Desert Tours from Fes
Fes offers the shortest drive to the Erg Chebbi dunes of any imperial city, and arguably the most scenic — through cedar forests, alpine towns, and the green Ziz Valley before the sand begins. It is the ideal starting point for a one-way desert crossing that ends in Marrakech, turning the Sahara into the centrepiece of a grand Morocco loop.
Erg Chebbi — the same great dunes as the Marrakech route, but via a greener northern approach Drive: about 7 to 8 hours to Merzouga Gateway: the Ziz Valley and Erfoud
The Route
Why start from Fes
Because Fes is closer to Merzouga than Marrakech is, you spend less time driving and more time in the dunes. Many travelers begin in Fes, overnight in the Sahara, and continue to Marrakech — seeing the whole country in one seamless private journey.
Recommended
Three days from Fes to Merzouga and on to Marrakech is the classic crossing. A 2-day round trip back to Fes is possible but spends a lot of the second day driving.
On the way
- Ifrane, the alpine "Switzerland of Morocco"
- Azrou cedar forest, home to wild Barbary macaques
- Midelt and the high plains of the Middle Atlas
- The dramatic Ziz Gorges and palm-lined Ziz Valley
- Erfoud, the fossil capital, on the desert's edge
Choose Your Journey
Desert tour options from Fes
3 days / 2 nights
Fes to Merzouga to Marrakech
The great one-way crossing — cedar forests and the Ziz Valley to a desert camp at Erg Chebbi, then south through the gorges and Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech.
Request this itinerary2 days / 1 night
Fes to Merzouga Round Trip
A focused desert overnight returning to Fes, best when the dunes are your single priority.
Request this itinerary4 days / 3 nights
Northern Sands & Gorges
A relaxed crossing with extra time in the Dades and Todra gorges and a second desert night.
Request this itineraryBest time to go: October to April is ideal. The Middle Atlas can see snow in winter, which makes the cedar-forest leg especially beautiful before you drop into the warm desert.
Speak with a desert specialist
Private 4x4, expert guide, luxury camps. We tailor every mile.
Good to Know
Fes to the Sahara — FAQ
How far is the Sahara Desert from Fes?+
The Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga are about 470 km from Fes, or 7 to 8 hours of driving — the shortest desert route of any Moroccan imperial city. It is best done over 2 to 3 days.
Is it better to start a desert tour from Fes or Marrakech?+
Fes is closer to the Merzouga dunes, so you drive less. Many travelers start in Fes and finish in Marrakech (or vice versa) as a one-way crossing, which is the most efficient way to see the desert and both imperial cities without backtracking.
What do you see on the drive from Fes to the desert?+
The route passes Ifrane (an alpine resort town), the Azrou cedar forest with its wild monkeys, the high plains around Midelt, and the spectacular Ziz Gorges and palm valley before reaching Erfoud and the dunes.
Can I fly back to Fes after the desert?+
Yes. There are small airports at Errachidia and, seasonally, near the desert, and we can arrange a one-way itinerary that ends in Marrakech or returns you to Fes. We tailor the logistics to your flights.