Tours from Fes: The Best Sahara Desert Trips
Why Fes Is the Perfect Starting Point
Fes is where Morocco’s story begins. Its 9th-century medina, Fes el-Bali, is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world and one of the best departure points for a Sahara adventure. Leave the tanneries and medersas behind in the morning, and by nightfall you can be watching the sun set over the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga.
If you are looking for a memorable desert trip from Fes, you will find several options depending on your schedule and interests. This guide explains what to expect, how the journey unfolds, and how to choose an experience that is comfortable, authentic and well organised.
About Sahara Desert Crew
Sahara Desert Crew is a family-run Moroccan tour company rooted in the Sahara’s nomadic heritage. Led by Youssef, a Saharan native, the team designs private and small-group tours that combine desert knowledge passed down through generations with the comfort modern travellers expect. Camel treks, Berber camp nights and cultural stops are at the heart of every itinerary.
Our Desert Trips Starting in Fes
Every trip below starts in Fes and crosses the Middle Atlas towards the Sahara. Choose the length that suits your schedule.
3-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Trip
The most popular way to see the Sahara without backtracking. You travel from Fes through the cedar forests of Ifrane and the Middle Atlas town of Midelt to Merzouga, ride a camel at sunset and spend a night under the stars in a desert camp. The journey then continues across Morocco to Marrakech.
- Route: Fes, Ifrane, Midelt, Merzouga, then on to Marrakech
- Highlights: cedar forests, Berber villages, camel ride, desert camp
- Book the 3-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Trip
4-Day Fes to Marrakech Sahara Tour
A slower, more relaxed itinerary for travellers who want extra time in the desert and along the route. More time means fewer long driving days, more photo stops and a deeper feel for the landscapes between the imperial cities and the dunes.
- Highlights: extended time in the Sahara, scenic Atlas passes, kasbahs and oases
- View the 4-Day Fes to Marrakech Sahara Tour
What a Typical Journey Looks Like
Day 1: Fes to the dunes. After a morning pick-up from your riad or hotel in Fes, you climb into the Middle Atlas. Expect a stop among the cedars near Ifrane, then the long drive through Midelt and the Ziz Valley towards Merzouga. At the edge of the dunes you meet your camel and guide for the sunset ride into camp.
Night in the desert. Dinner, Berber music around the fire and a sky with more stars than most travellers have ever seen. Sleep in a comfortable Berber-style camp.
Day 2 onwards: across Morocco. Wake early for sunrise on the dunes, then begin the journey towards Marrakech through dramatic valleys, gorges and kasbah country.
Why Travel with a Local, Family-Run Team
- Local knowledge: guides who know the desert, the routes and the best places to stop.
- Private and small-group options: more space, more flexibility and a more personal experience.
- Authentic experiences: Berber hospitality, traditional food and a genuine camel trek rather than a rushed photo stop.
- Fes to Marrakech in one trip: the desert becomes your transfer, so there is no wasted day.
Practical Tips for Your Sahara Adventure
- Best seasons: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant temperatures. Summer is very hot in the desert, and winter nights can be cold.
- What to pack: a scarf for sand and sun, layers for chilly evenings, closed shoes, sunscreen, a power bank and a small day bag.
- Book ahead: peak seasons and holidays fill quickly, so reserve your dates early.
- Allow time in Fes: spend at least a day in the medina before or after your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Fes to the Sahara? The drive to Merzouga takes most of a day, which is why a 3-day or 4-day itinerary works best. Stops along the way make the journey part of the experience.
Can I finish in Marrakech instead of returning to Fes? Yes. These itineraries are designed exactly for this, so the desert doubles as your transfer between the two cities.
Is a camel ride included? The desert tours include a camel trek into the dunes and a night in a desert camp. Check the details on each booking page for the latest inclusions.
Are private tours available? Sahara Desert Crew offers both private and small-group experiences. Contact the team through the booking pages above to arrange your preferred option.
Ready to Explore the Sahara from Fes?
Whether you have three days or four, a journey from Fes to the Sahara is one of the most memorable things you can do in Morocco. Start with the 3-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Trip or the 4-Day Fes to Marrakech Sahara Tour or the 5-day Tour From Fes to Marrakech and let Sahara Desert Crew take care of the rest.