The route from Fes to Merzouga
Day 1 is a beautiful mountain drive: Ifrane, often called the little Switzerland of Morocco, the cedar forest of the Middle Atlas, lunch in Midelt, then the Ziz Gorges and the endless palm groves of the Ziz Valley. You leave the car at the edge of the dunes and ride a dromedary to the camp for sunset.
Fes to Marrakech, or back to Fes?
Most travellers continue to Marrakech, so they never drive the same road twice and see the Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley, the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and Ait Ben Haddou on the way. If your flight leaves from Fes, tell us and we plan a round trip from Fes on request.
Not sure where to start? Read Marrakech vs Fes: which first and our Fes medina guide.
Coming from Chefchaouen or Tangier?
Fes is the natural gateway to the desert from the north. Our 11 day tour and 13 day tour combine Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes and Fes with a night in Merzouga before continuing to Marrakech.
Best time for a desert tour from Fes
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable. Winter days are sunny but the Middle Atlas can be cold and snowy around Ifrane, so pack a warm layer. See the best time to visit the Sahara Desert.