4 Unforgettable Tours to the Sahara Desert from Fes
- Malika
- Jul 30, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Jun 13
Looking for the best tours to the Sahara from Fes? Explore this curated collection of multi-day trips, including budget-friendly small group adventures and private desert tours in Morocco.
If there’s one experience that’s high on many travellers’ lists when visiting Morocco, it’s spending a night in the Sahara Desert. Having been lucky enough to experience this myself, I'm here to tell you that it really is incredible - the silence, the stargazing and the unique opportunity to discover the region’s nomadic cultures.
While the Sahara is a wonderfully remote part of Morocco, it is relatively easy to access thanks to the numerous tours operating there. It’s possible to rent a car and drive yourself to Merzouga or M’Hamid (the two major gateway towns), then organise a night at a desert camp there.
Alternatively, you can join a guided Sahara tour from Marrakech or Fes for a multi-day experience with all the logistics taken care of for you. Fes is the closer of the two cities to the Sahara, making it a popular departure point for travellers based in the north of Morocco.
But you can also find LOTS of Sahara desert tours that begin in Fes and end in Marrakech (or visa versa) - this is the perfect way to transfer between the two.
If you're travelling to the Sahara from Fes, you’ll drive through the spectacular Ziz Valley, a part of Morocco that’s often overlooked. En route to Marrakech at the end of your desert adventure, you'll get to explore the spectacular gorges of Dades and Todra and the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Benhaddou.
Considering the affordability of many Sahara Desert tours, I’d highly recommend grabbing this opportunity. Not only will you have a hassle-free experience (no navigating rough roads on your own) but you’ll get to discover lots of other places along the way and gain unique cultural insights from your guides.
In this article, I’ll detail 4 of the best desert tours to the Sahara from Fes, whether you’re looking for a short adventure from the ancient city or want a leisurely transfer via the desert to Marrakech.
Travelling from Marrakech? Check out this list of the best tours to the Sahara from Marrakech.
If you're flying solo, this detailed guide has all the information independent travellers need to visit the Sahara Desert.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best budget tour to the Sahara from Fes
Best small-group Sahara tour from Fes
Best private Sahara tour from Fes
Best tour from Fes to the Sahara and Chefchaouen
Best budget tour to the Sahara Desert from Fes
If you’re short on time, then this two-day Sahara Desert tour from Fes to Marrakech is ideal. It receives consistently five-star reviews, with guests commenting on the comfortable accommodation, efficient transport and incredible camel ride included. Keep in mind this Sahara tour from Fes covers a LOT of ground in the space of two days, so be prepared for long days on the road.
From Fes, you’ll travel to the Swiss-inspired town of Ifrane and spot Barbary macaques in the surrounding cedar forest. Continue to the lively city of Midelt for an authentic roadside lunch before travelling through the palm-studded Ziz Valley. Your destination is the gateway town of Merzouga, where you’ll embark on a sunset camel trek to a desert camp to sleep under a canopy of stars.
Wake early to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes before returning to Merzouga. You’ll have time to shower at a Merzouga hotel before hitting the road once again. By lunchtime, you’ll arrive in the Valley of the Roses, which is particularly atmospheric during the harvest season in April/May.
After refuelling, this two-day Sahara Desert tour ends with a picturesque drive to Ouarzazate and over the Tizi n’Tichka pass en route to Marrakech.
"Truly an incredible experience. Accommodations were comfortable, more like glamping, and food was tasty! Would recommend this trip to all, solo, couples, friends.” - Armen (read more reviews here)
Discover things to do before or after your Sahara Desert experience in this Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes.
Best desert tours to the Sahara from Fes
Best small-group Sahara Desert tour from Fes
This three-day Sahara Desert tour provides a convenient way of getting from Fes to Marrakech (or visa versa) while covering a lot of ground along the way. The pace is a little more relaxing than the two-day Sahara Desert tour listed above, with an additional night spent in the “Hollywood of Morocco”, Ouarzazate.
Wheelchair-accessible transportation is available, making this a great Morocco desert tour for those with limited mobility.
After leaving the ancient streets of Fes, you’ll have time to admire the Swiss-style architecture of Ifrane and get up close to Barbary macaques in Azrou before enjoying the Atlas Mountains scenery en route to Midelt. The scenic drive will take in the magnificent landscapes of the Ziz Gorge before reaching Merzouga in the late afternoon.
From Merzouga, you’ll embark on a camel trek and a short hike to the Great Dune, where you’ll watch an unforgettable sunset over the Sahara.
Spend the night in a traditional nomadic tent in the heart of the desert and wake early to watch the day’s first rays illuminate the dunes.
Returning to Merzouga by camel, it’s time to get back on the road and head to the lively market town of Rissani and on to the date capital of Erfoud. You’ll drive through the dramatic gorge of Todra and visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah before spending the night in the film city of Ouarzazate.
On the final day of this Sahara Desert tour from Fes, you'll have time to wander through the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Benhaddou before making the spectacular drive up and over the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Your adventure ends in the "Red City" of Marrakech with drop-off at your accommodation of choice.
“Amazing combination of adventure, hospitality, happiness and stories. Great host. Life changing trip.” - Amaad (read more reviews here)
Best desert tours to the Sahara from Fes
Best private Sahara Desert tour from Fes
Beginning and ending in Fes, this four-day private Sahara Desert tour receives outstanding reviews, particularly when it comes to the incredible guide, Mohammed. He can arrange tours at the last minute and is accommodating to the changing travel plans of guests.
I also love that this Sahara tour from Fes gives you an extra day to drive to Merzouga as I think this is a really underrated corner of Morocco.
As with the itinerary above, this four-day Sahara Desert tour includes stops in Ifrane and Azrou to see the Barbary macaques before enjoying the views of the Middle and High Atlas Mountains en route to Midelt. Here you will spend a night and get to enjoy the local comings and goings in a town that most simply rush through.
The following day, you'll continue driving through the palm-studded Ziz Valley en route to Merzouga.
In the late afternoon, ride a camel through the dunes to a Sahara Desert camp where you’ll have the opportunity to test your skills at sandboarding. Experience an unforgettable night around the campfire listening to Amazigh music and enjoying some of the world’s best stargazing.
The following day, you’ll embark on a short camel ride back to Merzouga where you’ll have breakfast and a shower before making the return journey to Fes.
"Mohammed organised the trip on short notice and was very helpful in figuring out an itinerary that fit our needs and timeline.” (read more reviews here)
Best tours to the Sahara from Fes
Best tour from Fes to the Sahara and Chefchaouen
Spanning 10 days, this private Morocco desert tour can start and finish in various cities, including Fes, Marrakech, Casablanca and Tangier. Since it is a private tour, the schedule can be customised to suit your preferences, offering a mix of guided activities and leisure time for exploration.
If you're hesitant about committing to a 10-day tour of Morocco, I'd suggest checking out the reviews - they're glowing and five-star all the way!
Begin in the north of the country to discover the relaxed Moroccan capital, Rabat, and its charming Kasbah of the Oudaias before spending a night in the picturesque blue town of Chefchaouen. It's a paradise for photographers!
Next, visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the majestic city of Meknes before staying overnight in the historic medina of Fes. You'll have a whole day to explore before heading through the beautiful alpine landscapes near Ifrane to Merzouga, where you'll spend the night in a hotel with a view of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
The thing that makes this private Sahara Desert tour unique is that you have the opportunity to spend an entire day in Merzouga, with the choice to take a camel ride, join a cooking class or meet some of the local villagers. This is different from most other Sahara Desert tours from Fes and Marrakech, where you arrive in the afternoon one day and leave the next morning. You also get to stay overnight at a luxurious desert camp for an incredible stargazing experience.
From Merzouga, you'll travel on to Marrakech through the breathtaking gorges of Dades and Todra, and have time to explore the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Benhaddou.
While this 10-day Sahara tour in Morocco covers a lot of ground, the pacing is good so it never feels rushed. Plus, the amazing guides will handle all the logistical details for you, so all you have to do is wake up and enjoy each day!
"The perfect all round tour to see the major sights of Morocco.” - Alexander (read more reviews here)
FAQs about visiting the Sahara Desert from Fes
Is the Sahara Desert worth visiting?
Absolutely! The Sahara Desert is a remarkable place and spending a night beneath the stars here is definitely a “must-do” experience when visiting Morocco. Not only will you get to ride a camel across the rolling sand and learn about nomadic culture but experience some of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets - the colours in the dunes are a photographer's dream!
Should you visit the Sahara from Marrakech or Fes?
Both Marrakech and Fes serve as excellent departure points for visiting the Sahara Desert - you can even travel between the two cities through the desert! Generally speaking, Marrakech offers a wider selection of tour operators, which can result in slightly lower prices due to the competition.
However, Fes is closer to Merzouga (it’s around 7 hours drive compared to a little over 9 hours from Marrakech), meaning your journey to and from the Sahara will be quicker. Regardless of which Moroccan city you depart from, I’d suggest opting for at least a three-day/two-night Sahara tour, as anything shorter may feel too rushed.
When is the best time to visit the Sahara Desert?
Anytime outside of the scorching summer season is the best time to explore the Sahara Desert. From June to September, temperatures in the desert can exceed 40°C (104°F) and the heat is sometimes unbearable, making outdoor activities rather uncomfortable.
The winter months, from November to February, are generally pleasant during the day (with average temperatures around 14°C (57°F)). But it can get quite cold at night (almost freezing), so be sure to bring plenty of warm layers!
The shoulder months of March to May and October/November offer a great balance - moderately warm days and less chilly nights - and I think this is the best time to visit the Sahara Desert.
Can you visit the Sahara Desert from Fes?
Yes, Fes is a popular starting point for trips to the Sahara Desert, particularly if you’re based in northern Morocco. Many local tour companies offer Sahara Desert tours that leave from Fes, with most lasting a minimum of two days and one night. Some continue on to Marrakech after a night in the desert, offering a convenient option for transiting between the two cities.
The journey to the Sahara from Fes does require a lengthy drive (over 7 hours), which is why three-day and four-day tours are becoming increasingly popular. These Sahara Desert tours allow you to experience a lot more of Morocco at a far more relaxed pace.
Is Agafay or the Sahara Desert better?
Agafay and the Sahara Desert provide two entirely different desert experiences and neither is inherently "better" than the other. The Sahara is known for its endless sand dunes (which is the image most people have of a desert) whereas Agafay presents a more rocky desert terrain.
Agafay is conveniently located less than an hour's drive from Marrakech while reaching the Sahara requires over 9 hours of travel from the "Red City” or 7.5 hours from Fes. This makes Agafay a more suitable option if you're pressed for time or don’t like spending long periods on the road.
On the other hand, the Sahara is perfect for those looking to explore more of Morocco, beyond just Marrakech and its surroundings. Most multi-day tours to the Sahara include visits to Ait Benhaddou, Dades Gorge and the Ziz Valley, all while enjoying a traditional desert experience.
Both locations offer a variety of desert activities such as camel riding, quad biking and sandboarding. Although stargazing in Agafay is enjoyable, it is far more impressive in the Sahara due to the lack of light pollution.
