How can I travel from Fes to the Sahara Desert? A Traveler’s Guide

Are you planning a trip to Morocco and fantasizing about golden sands and starry desert nights? If you start your journey in Fes, you’re in for a treat — the trip to the Sahara Desert is a feasible one, and it has plenty to offer you along the way. Here’s everything you need to know to travel from Fes to the Sahara Desert.

Which Part of the Sahara Are You Headed To?

Though the Sahara crosses many countries, in Morocco, most visitors set their sights on Merzouga, a tiny town on the edge of the mighty Erg Chebbi dunes. These wind-and-sand-carved dunes provide the textbook desert experience: Camel rides across undulating sand, 4×4 Sahara terrain excursions, nights spent in a nomad-style Berber camp.

The distance between Fes and Merzouga is approximately 470 to 500 km (around 290 to 310 miles). Prepare for a travel time of seven to 10 hours, in the case of stops and route changes.

Private 3 day trip from Fes to Merzouga desert

The most expedient and comfortable is through organising a private tour or with a driver. Some of the common tours run 2-3 days and can include:

• Visit Ifrane (nicknamed ‘little Switzerland’), the Middle Atlas mountains, andthe  Ziz valley
• Camel rides at sunset.
• Luxury or classic desert-camp overnight accommodations.
• Cultural encounters with the Berber population – they host us for meals.

This is the one to choose if you don’t want to do anything and have little time.

Self-Drive from Fes to the Desert of the Sahara

As an adventurous traveler, renting a car can be the ultimate in freedom of the road. The roads aren’t in bad shape, and the scenery along the way is beautiful. Popular stops include:

• Ifrane
• Azrou (famous for its wild monkeys and cedar forests)
• Midelt
• Erfoud

Refuel frequently, stock up on snacks, and download offline maps. If you’re driving to Merzouga, you can park your car here and hop a camel caravan into the dunes.

Public Transport: Bus from Fes to Merzouga

On a budget: There are daily bus routes from Fes to Merzouga with CTM and Supratours. The journey will last between 11 and 12 hours. These are modern, air-conditioned buses, though, do remember:

• There are no scenic stops
• You will have to plan your own desert camp or hotel in Merzouga
• Seats can sell out quickly, particularly in high season, so plan ahead.

Shared Desert Tours

A fantastic in-between option is a desert group tour. They are cheaper than private tours but still all-inclusive: transport, guided stops, meals, camel rides, and desert camp accommodations. And, you can meet other travelers in the process.

Tips for Your Journey

• Wear layers: The desert can bake under the sun, but can also be chilly at night.
• Bring cash; ATMs are scarce in Merzouga.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a scarf for the sun and the sand.
• Book ahead, especially during peak travel months like spring and fall.

Final Thoughts

The drive from Fes to the Sahara Desert is a passage through Morocco’s richest and most stunning landscapes. Regardless of whether you opt for a luxury tour or instead jump on a local bus, the destination — strewn with golden dunes and infinite horizons — is worth the journey.

So now that you know how to travel from Fes to the Sahara Desert, the only thing left to ask is: when are you going?