Experience the Magic: Morocco Desert Tours from Fes
Author:
Alyssa Faraji
Published:
For travelers looking to experience the beauty and wonder of the Moroccan desert, there are many tour options available. One popular starting point for these tours is the city of Fes, which is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. From Fes, visitors can embark on a variety of desert tours that showcase the unique landscapes and cultural traditions of Morocco.
Desert tours from Fes can range from day trips to multi-day excursions, and can be customized to fit the interests and needs of individual travelers. Some popular destinations for these tours include the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, the Todra Gorge, and the Ait Benhaddou kasbah. Along the way, visitors can experience traditional Moroccan hospitality, sample delicious local cuisine, and learn about the rich history and culture of the region.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Morocco, a desert tour from Fes is an unforgettable way to experience the beauty and diversity of this incredible country. With so many options available, it’s easy to find a tour that fits your interests, schedule, and budget. From camel treks through the dunes to visits to historic kasbahs, a desert tour from Fes is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Morocco.
For those looking to explore the vast and beautiful Moroccan desert, Fes is the perfect starting point. With its rich history and culture, Fes is a city that offers a unique perspective on the country’s past and present.
Experienced Tour Operators: There are several reputable tour operators based in Fes with years of experience in organizing Moroccan tours and excursions. They have a deep understanding of the country and its culture, and can provide a unique and authentic experience for travelers.
Customizable Tours: Fes tours offer customizable tours to fit the needs and preferences of each traveler. Whether you’re looking for a private tour or a group tour, there are plenty of options available.
Diverse Landscapes: From the rolling hills of the Atlas Mountains to the vast sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, Morocco offers a diverse range of landscapes to explore. Desert Tours can take you on a journey through these beautiful landscapes, providing a unique and unforgettable experience.
Top Itineraries to Visit on Fes desert tours
Fes, the cultural capital of Morocco, is a fantastic starting point for exploring the country’s stunning desert landscapes. From the towering sand dunes of Erg Chebbi to the rugged canyons of Todra Gorge, there are many incredible destinations to explore on a Morocco desert tour from Fes.
Here are the top itineraries to consider for your next adventure:
Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga: 3 Days
If you’re short on time but still want to experience Morocco’s stunning desert landscapes, this three-day tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga offers an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Sahara. Here’s a detailed itinerary for the trip:
Day 1: Fes to Merzouga
Depart from Fes and travel south towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, stop at Ifrane National Park and the Berber village of Azrou, known for its handicrafts. Continue to Midelt for lunch, then head to Merzouga, a small desert town located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Upon arrival, meet your camel guide and ride across the dunes to reach your traditional Berber camp. Enjoy a Moroccan dinner and spend the night in a tent under the stars.
Day 2: Merzouga to Todra Gorge to Dades Valley
Wake up early to witness a stunning sunrise over the desert, then ride your camel back to Merzouga. After breakfast, depart for the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon known for its towering rock formations and crystal-clear stream. Take a walk through the gorge and have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the Dades Valley, known for its scenic views and unique rock formations. Overnight in the Dades Valley.
Day 3: Dades Valley to Marrakech
After breakfast, depart for Marrakech, passing through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Along the way, visit the kasbahs of Skoura and Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for many Hollywood movies. Continue to Marrakech, the vibrant “Red City” of Morocco. Explore the city’s famous landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace, as well as the lively souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Overnight in Marrakech.
This three-day tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga offers a perfect introduction to Morocco’s desert landscapes and cultural attractions. You’ll have the chance to ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes, hike through the Todra Gorge, and explore the vibrant city of Marrakech. With so much to see and experience, this tour is sure to leave you with lasting memories of your journey through Morocco.
Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara: 4 Days
This four-day tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Sahara desert, from Fes to Marrakech. After departing Fes, visit the ancient city of Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis before reaching the picturesque town of Erfoud.
Day 1: Fes to Erfoud
Depart from Fes and travel south towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, visit Ifrane National Park, known for its cedar forests and Barbary macaques. Continue to Azrou, a Berber village famous for its handicrafts, and the town of Midelt, which lies between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Erfoud, a gateway to the Sahara desert. Overnight in Erfoud.
Day 2: Erfoud to Merzouga
After breakfast, depart for Merzouga, a small desert town located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Along the way, visit the ancient city of Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, and the charming village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music. Once you arrive in Merzouga, meet your camel guide and ride across the dunes to reach your Berber camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner and spend the night in a tent under the stars.
Day 3: Merzouga to Ouarzazate
Wake up early to witness a beautiful desert sunrise and ride back to Merzouga on your camel. After breakfast, depart for Ouarzazate, passing through the stunning Draa Valley and its lush palm groves. Along the way, visit the ancient kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for many Hollywood movies. Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara” and the “Hollywood of Morocco” due to its numerous film studios. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 4: Ouarzazate to Marrakech
After breakfast, depart for Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, visit the kasbahs of Taourirt and Tifoultoute before reaching Marrakech, the vibrant “Red City” of Morocco. Explore the city’s famous landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace, as well as the lively souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Overnight in Marrakech.
This four-day tour from Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, allowing you to experience the best of Morocco’s desert landscapes and historic sites.
Fes to Fes via Merzouga and Zagora: 5 Days
For those looking for an immersive desert experience, this five-day tour from Fes to Fes via Merzouga and Zagora is the perfect adventure. With visits to both the Erg Chebbi and Zagora deserts, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Morocco. Here’s a detailed itinerary for the trip:
Day 1: Fes to Midelt
Depart from Fes and travel south towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, visit Ifrane National Park and the Berber village of Azrou, known for its handicrafts. Continue to Midelt for lunch, then head to the Ziz Valley, a picturesque oasis known for its palm groves and Berber villages. Overnight in Midelt.
Day 2: Midelt to Merzouga
After breakfast, depart for Merzouga, a small desert town located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Along the way, stop at the stunning Gorges du Ziz and the towns of Erfoud and Rissani, known for their historic significance and lively souks. Upon arrival in Merzouga, meet your camel guide and ride across the dunes to reach your traditional Berber camp. Enjoy a Moroccan dinner and spend the night in a tent under the stars.
Day 3: Merzouga to Zagora
Wake up early to witness a stunning sunrise over the desert, then ride your camel back to Merzouga. After breakfast, depart for Zagora, passing through the stunning Draa Valley and its lush palm groves. Along the way, stop at the village of Tazzarine, known for its picturesque mudbrick buildings and ancient kasbahs. Overnight in Zagora.
Day 4: Zagora to Ouarzazate
After breakfast, depart for Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara” and the “Hollywood of Morocco” due to its numerous film studios. Along the way, stop at the picturesque town of Agdez and the kasbahs of Tamnougalt and Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for many Hollywood movies. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 5: Ouarzazate to Fes
After breakfast, depart for Fes, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Along the way, stop at the kasbahs of Taourirt and Tifoultoute and the traditional Berber village of Telouet. Arrive in Fes in the evening.
This five-day tour from Fes to Fes via Merzouga and Zagora offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, allowing you to experience the best of Morocco’s desert landscapes and historic sites.
Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara and Ouarzazate: 6 Days
For those looking for a more extensive desert tour, this six-day journey from Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara and Ouarzazate is a perfect option. With visits to some of Morocco’s most stunning landscapes and historic sites, this tour offers an immersive experience of the country’s rich culture and natural beauty. Here’s a detailed itinerary for the trip:
Day 1: Fes to Midelt
Depart from Fes and travel south towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, visit Ifrane National Park and the Berber village of Azrou, known for its handicrafts. Continue to Midelt for lunch, then head to the Ziz Valley, a picturesque oasis known for its palm groves and Berber villages. Overnight in Midelt.
Day 2: Midelt to Merzouga
After breakfast, depart for Merzouga, a small desert town located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Along the way, stop at the stunning Gorges du Ziz and the towns of Erfoud and Rissani, known for their historic significance and lively souks. Upon arrival in Merzouga, meet your camel guide and ride across the dunes to reach your traditional Berber camp. Enjoy a Moroccan dinner and spend the night in a tent under the stars.
Day 3: Merzouga to Tinghir
Wake up early to witness a stunning sunrise over the desert, then ride your camel back to Merzouga. After breakfast, depart for Tinghir, passing through the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon known for its towering rock formations and crystal-clear stream. Take a walk through the gorge and have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Tinghir. Overnight in Tinghir.
Day 4: Tinghir to Ouarzazate
After breakfast, depart for Ouarzazate, passing through the stunning Dades Valley and its unique rock formations. Along the way, visit the kasbahs of Skoura and Amerhidil and have lunch in the town of Kelaat M’Gouna, known for its rose gardens. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 5: Ouarzazate to Marrakech
After breakfast, depart for Marrakech, passing through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Along the way, visit the kasbahs of Taourirt and Tifoultoute and the traditional Berber village of Telouet. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening.
Day 6: Marrakech
Spend the day exploring Marrakech, visiting famous landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace, as well as the vibrant souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Departure in the evening.
This six-day tour from Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara and Ouarzazate offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, allowing you to experience the best of Morocco’s desert landscapes and historic sites.
What to Expect on Fes Desert Tour
If you’re planning a Morocco desert tour from Fes, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. From the stunning landscapes to the rich culture and history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s what you can expect on your tour:
Accommodations
During your tour, you’ll stay in a variety of accommodations, from traditional riads in the cities to cozy desert camps in the Sahara. These accommodations are carefully chosen to provide comfort and convenience while immersing you in the local culture. Many tours offer the option to upgrade to luxury accommodations for an even more indulgent experience.
Transportation
Transportation will vary depending on the tour you choose, but most include private transportation in a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Fes and driven to each destination on your itinerary. Some tours also include camel rides or other unique modes of transportation to enhance the experience.
Activities
From exploring ancient ruins to camel trekking through the Sahara, there’s no shortage of activities on a Morocco desert tour from Fes. You’ll have the opportunity to visit historic cities, hike through scenic valleys, and experience local culture through food and music. Many tours also offer the chance to sleep under the stars in a desert camp and witness the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes.
Food
Food is an important part of Moroccan culture, and your tour will give you the chance to sample a variety of local dishes. From tagine to couscous, you’ll enjoy flavorful meals made with fresh ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan options are often available, and many tours can accommodate other dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Tips for Planning Your Morocco Desert Tour from Fes
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Morocco desert from Fes is during the months of October to April. During this time, the weather is mild and comfortable for exploring the desert. The summer months, from May to September, can be extremely hot and uncomfortable.
Duration of the Tour
The duration of the tour depends on the itinerary and the attractions you want to see. A typical desert tour from Fes can range from 2 to 5 days. It is recommended to take at least a 3-day tour to fully experience the desert and its surroundings.
What to Pack
It is important to pack light for your desert tour from Fes. Some essential items to pack include comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a jacket, and a camera. It is also recommended to bring a scarf or shawl to cover your head and face from the sun and sand. If you are planning to ride camels pack jeans.
Budgeting
The cost of a Morocco desert tour from Fes can vary depending on the duration of the tour and the level of comfort you desire. A budget tour can cost around $100 per person for a 2-day tour, while a luxury tour can cost upwards of $500 per person for a 5-day tour. It is important to research and compare different tour operators before booking to ensure you get the best value for your money.
FAQs on Fes Desert Tours:
How far is the desert from Fes?
The distance between Fes and the Sahara desert depends on which desert you want to visit. The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga are approximately 470 km (292 miles) from Fes, while the Zagora desert is approximately 360 km (224 miles) away. Both destinations can be reached by car or tour bus.
Is there a train from Fes to Marrakech?
Yes, there is a train that runs from Fes to Marrakech. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and offers stunning views of the Moroccan countryside. There are also options for high-speed trains, which can reduce travel time to approximately 3 hours. Tickets can be purchased online or at the train station.
Are Fes Desert Tours and a Marrakech desert tour the same?
Fes desert tours and Marrakech desert tours are not the same, as they offer different itineraries and destinations. Fes desert tours typically explore the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga or the Zagora desert, while Marrakech desert tours often visit the Erg Chigaga dunes or the Agafay desert. Both might offer the same activities like a camel ride or 4×4 driving.
Fes Morocco tours may include stops at other destinations in northern Morocco, while Marrakech desert tours may include stops at historic sites in southern Morocco, depending on the tour company. It’s important to choose a tour that suits your interests and travel plans to ensure you have the best experience possible and to find all those hidden gems.
