Sahara Desert Tours from Fes

Mint Tea Tours shares all of the details to plan your best Sahara Desert trip to the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, all starting from Fes.

Option 1: Moroccan Sahara Desert 2-day Tour from Fes, Return to Fes

Fes – Merzouga – Fes (2 days / 1 night)

This desert tour is for any traveler in Morocco who is short on time but still wants to visit the sand dunes of the Moroccan Sahara near Merzouga as part of their escorted trip to Morocco!

Day 1: Fes to Merzouga via Azrou and the Ziz Valley

Today’s drive takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the gateway to the South of Morocco. En route is Azrou, aptly named in Berber for the volcanic rocks on which it is built.  Azrou also hosts the area’s largest weekly souk or market.  Feed the Barbary macaques on your way through the area’s cedar forest. Traverse the Ziz Valley, where brown bluffs marry fertile green date palm tree groves. Finally, continue to Merzouga, where you will make your way into the Sahara Desert, in time for your sunset camel trek or quad ride to your tent.  The rocky flat landscape quickly gives way to rolling sand dunes, and the swaying gait of your camel among the quiet peacefulness of the desert is typically one of our guests’ most favorite experiences in Morocco.

Day 2: Merzouga to Fes via Midelt – Ifrane

Wake up early for any sunrise photo opportunities amidst the golden sand dunes, then meet up with your driver. Midelt, known for mining and agriculture, is the mid-way point for today’s drive, where you may stop for lunch. Pass through Ifrane, a decidedly European town known as Morocco’s Switzerland and home to the Al-Akhawayn University.  Continue through Immouzer du Kandar is a popular weekend getaway and summering spot for many Moroccans wishing to leave the heat of Fes and Meknes. This area is well-known for its inhabitants’ cave dwellings.  Travers the fertile landscape and evening arrival in Fes.

Option 2: Moroccan Sahara Desert 3-day Tour from Fes, Return to Fes

Fes – Erfoud – Merzouga – Fes (3 days / 2 nights)

This desert tour is for travelers who have limited time to visit Merzouga but still want to explore the Sahara Desert before returning to Fes!

Day 1: Fes to Erfoud via Azrou and the Ziz Valley

Today’s drive takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains, a gateway to the South of Morocco. En route is Azrou, aptly named in Berber for the volcanic rocks on which it is built.  Azrou also hosts the area’s largest weekly souk or market.  Feed the Barbary macaques on your way through the area’s cedar forest. Traverse the Ziz Valley, where brown bluffs marry fertile green date palm tree groves. Evening arrival in Erfoud.

Day 2: Erfoud to Merzouga

Erfoud is the starting point for Sahara treks. Spend the morning exploring the old town of ErfoudMaadid, learn about the local fossils, or visit Rissani, a lively town with a Berber bazaar and frequent market days. Be sure to taste medfouna, a delicious local Berber specialty of stuffed or “buried” treasure of meat, onions, almonds, and spices. Not a meat-eater?  Don’t worry; the vegetation option is just as tasty. In the late afternoon, head into the Sahara Desert, either by 4×4 or with your private driver. The rocky flat landscape quickly gives way to rolling sand dunes. Choose a simple sunset camel trek, or if you are more adventurous, consider a night under the stars. The swaying gait of your camel among the quiet peacefulness of the desert is typically the most favorite experience in Morocco.

Day 3: Merzouga to Fes via Midelt – Ifrane

Wake up early for any sunrise photo opportunities amidst the golden sand dunes, then meet up with your driver. Midelt, known for mining and agriculture, is the mid-way point for today’s drive, where you may stop for lunch. Pass through Ifrane, a decidedly European town known as Morocco’s Switzerland and home to the Al-Akhawayn University.  Continue through Immouzer du Kandar is a popular weekend getaway and summering spot for many Moroccans wishing to leave the heat of Fes and Meknes. This area is well-known for its inhabitants’ cave dwellings.  Travers the fertile landscape and arrive in Fes.

Option 3: Moroccan Sahara Desert 3-day Tour from Fes, Return to Fes

Fes – Merzouga – Boumalne Dades – Fes (3 days / 2 nights)

This desert tour is for travelers in Morocco who want to maximize their time in the Moroccan desert and explore other types of nature and landscapes in the south of Morocco.

Day 1: Fes to Merzouga via Azrou and the Ziz Valley

Today’s drive takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains, a gateway to the South of Morocco.En route is Azrou, aptly named in Berber for the volcanic rocks on which it is built.  Azrou also hosts the area’s largest weekly souk, or market.  Feed the Barbary macaques on your way through the area’s cedar forest. Traverse theZiz Valley, where brown bluffs marry fertile green date palm tree groves. Finally, continue to Merzouga, where you will make your way into the Sahara Desert, in time for your sunset camel trek or quad ride to your tent.  The rocky flat landscape quickly gives way to rolling sand dunes, and the swaying gait of your camel among the quiet peacefulness of the desert is typically one of our guests’ most favorite experiences in Morocco.

Day 2: Merzouga to Boumalne Dades via Todra Gorge – Tinghir

Wake up early for any sunrise photo opportunities amidst the golden sand dunes, then meet up with your driver. Todra Gorge is today’s first stop. Dramatic steep cliffs border the road, and this is a natural starting point for the area’s hiking trips and rock-climbing expeditions. Close-by is Tinghir, a charming and bustling town. Carry on to Boumalne Dades. The route is spotted with ksour, palm trees, and Berber villages.

Day 3: Boumalne Dades to Fes via Midelt – Ifrane

Boumalne Dades is famous for its interesting rock formations, which are known locally as Monkey Fingers. Appreciate the winding road out of Boumalne Dades when you arrive at the top and gaze upon the serpentine route. Then start today’s drive toward Fes.  Midelt, known for mining and agriculture, is the mid-way point for today’s drive, where you may stop for lunch. Pass through Ifrane, a decidedly European town known as Morocco’s Switzerland and home to the Al-Akhawayn University.  Continue through Immouzer du Kandar is a popular weekend getaway and summering spot for many Moroccans wishing to leave the heat of Fes and Meknes. This area is well-known for its inhabitants’ cave dwellings.  Travers the fertile landscape and arrive in Fes.

Option 4: Moroccan Sahara Desert 4-day Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Fes – Erfoud–Merzouga – Skoura – Marrakech (4 days / 3 nights)

This desert tour is a must for any traveler in Morocco who wants a practical, efficient but enjoyable way to travel between Fes and the Sahara Desert at Merzouga before arriving in Marrakech!

Day 1: Fes to Erfoud via Azrou – Ifrane and the Ziz Valley

Today’s drive takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains, a gateway to the South of Morocco. En route is Azrou, aptly named in Berber for the volcanic rocks on which it is built.  Azrou also hosts the area’s largest weekly souk or market.  Feed the Barbary macaques on your way through the area’s cedar forest. Traverse the Ziz Valley, where brown bluffs marry fertile green date palm tree groves. Finally, continue to Merzouga, where you will make your way into the Sahara Desert, in time for your sunset camel trek or quad ride to your tent.  The rocky flat landscape quickly gives way to rolling sand dunes, and the swaying gait of your camel among the quiet peacefulness of the desert is typically one of our guests’ most favorite experiences in Morocco.

Day 2: Erfoud to Merzouga

Erfoud is the starting point for Sahara treks. Spend the morning exploring the old town of ErfoudMaadid, learn about the local fossils, or visit Rissani, a lively town with a Berber bazaar and frequent market days. Be sure to taste medfouna, a delicious local Berber specialty of stuffed or “buried” treasure of meat, onions, almonds and spices. Not a meat-eater?  Don’t worry; the vegetation option is just as tasty. In the late afternoon, head into the Sahara Desert, either by 4×4 or with your private driver. The rocky flat landscape quickly gives way to rolling sand dunes. Choose a simple sunset camel trek, or if you are more adventurous, consider a night under the stars. The swaying gait of your camel among the quiet peacefulness of the desert is typically the most favorite experience in Morocco.

Day 3: Merzouga to Skoura via Todra Gorge and Boumalne Dades

Wake up early for sunrise photo opportunities and then meet with your driver to start today’s travel. Todra Gorge is one of today’s stops.  Dramatic steep cliffs border the road, and this is a natural starting point for the area’s hiking trips and rock-climbing expeditions. Close-by is Tinghir, a bustling yet charming town. Carry on to Boumalne Dades.  The route is spotted with ksour and palm trees, Berber villages and interesting rock formations, which are known locally as Monkey Fingers.  Appreciate the final winding road into Boumalne Dades when you arrive at the top and gaze upon the serpentine route. Breathe in the scent of Kelaa M’Gouna, as you pass through the Rose Valley.  Though the name means “fortress”, this village is best known for its rose agriculture and distillation. Continue to Skoura, a beautiful oasis with palm groves and the Kasbah Amridil.  It dates from the 17^th century and is still inhabited today.   Fun fact: it graces Morocco’s 50 dirham bill.

Day 4: Skoura to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou

Today’s drive will take you along the Road of 1,000 Kasbahstoward the Red City, Marrakech. From Skoura, head toward Ouarzazate, founded by the French and used as an outpost for the French Foreign Legion.  Also located here is the Taourirt Kasbah, former property of the ruling Glaoui tribe before Morocco took independence from the French. Ouarzazate and the surrounding area are Morocco’s Hollywood.  Many international movies have featured its surroundings assets and backdrops, such as Kudu, Kingdom of Heaven and most recently, Games of Thrones.  These movie sets are open to the public. Visit a women’s embroidery co-operative to see firsthand this intricate traditional craft. Not to be missed: Ait Ben Haddou, a traditional ksar listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a fantastic example of a fortified village and has also been the location for such films as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Cross the High Atlas Mountains as you make your way toward Marrakech.  Your early evening arrival makes for a great sunset against the red-colored walls of the medina.