Fez is one of the best starting points for the Moroccan Sahara. In one long day on the road, you go from the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas to the palm groves of the south, all the way to the golden dunes of the Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. Here is the itinerary of a Fez to Merzouga desert tour, with the stops not to miss and our guides’ tips.
How long from Fez to Merzouga?
Allow about 470 km and 8 to 9 hours on the road with photo stops and lunch. The drive is done in one day by leaving early in the morning, arriving in Merzouga in the late afternoon, just in time for the sunset camel ride.
Stops along the way
- Ifrane, Morocco’s “little Switzerland”, with its chalets and parks, an hour from Fez.
- The Azrou cedar forest, where you stop to watch the Barbary macaques.
- Midelt, between the Middle and High Atlas, known for its apple orchards and views of Jebel Ayachi: a good place for lunch.
- The Ziz gorge, a spectacular canyon carved by the river, followed by the Ziz valley and its mud-brick ksour.
- The Tafilalet palm grove, one of the largest in Morocco, around Errachidia and Erfoud, famous for its dates and fossils.
- Rissani, cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, then the first dunes of Merzouga.
Sample 3-day itinerary
- Day 1 – Fez → Merzouga: drive via Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt and the Ziz. Arrive in Merzouga, camel ride to the camp and Berber dinner under the stars.
- Day 2 – Desert day: sunrise over the dunes, 4×4 tour around the erg, the village of Khamlia and its Gnawa music, Dayet Srji lake depending on the season, Rissani souk. Second night at the camp or guesthouse.
- Day 3 – Merzouga → Fez or → Marrakech: back to Fez by the same road, or on to Marrakech via the Todgha gorge, the Dades valley and Ouarzazate (more comfortable over two days).
Nomad bivouac or luxury camp?
In Merzouga you can choose between a nomad bivouac, simple and authentic, and a luxury camp with private rooms and bathrooms. All the details in our guide to a night in the Merzouga desert.
Our tips for the Fez to Merzouga tour
- Leave between 7 and 8 am to enjoy the stops without arriving after dark.
- Pack layers: it can be cold in Ifrane and hot in the desert on the same day, especially in spring and autumn.
- Keep a small bag for the night at the camp; suitcases stay in the vehicle or at the guesthouse.
- The best time is October to April (see the best time to visit Morocco).
Why a private tour?
With a driver-guide, you stop wherever you like, set your own pace and learn about the regions you cross. To compare Morocco’s deserts before choosing, also read which desert to choose: Merzouga, Zagora or Erg Chigaga.
The Fez to Merzouga drive is one of the stages of our 10-day grand tour of Morocco. We also organise, on request, private desert tours starting from Fez. Ask for your free quote.
