Morocco, a land of captivating beauty and rich history, beckons travelers with its bustling souks, ancient cities, and the mesmerizing Sahara Desert. A desert tour from Fes is an incredible way to experience the magic of Morocco, offering a blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and breathtaking landscapes.
Fes: A Gateway to the Sahara
Fes, one of Morocco's imperial cities, is a treasure trove of history and culture. Its Medina, the oldest and largest in Morocco, is a labyrinth of interlacing alleys where craftsmen showcase their skills, from tanners to weavers and potters. The city's architectural masterpieces and vibrant squares create an atmosphere where an ancestral art of living is expressed through confident yet delicate gestures.
Stroll through the Medina, entering through the blue gate of Bab Boujloud to admire the sophistication of Arab-Andalusian art, the Zellijof blue and jade that adorn it, and the scrolls that carve out its openings. In the distance, you can see the minaret of the Qaraouine mosque. The succession of civilizations has accumulated treasures in Fes.
Fes Desert Trips: Your Journey to the Sahara
At Desert Discovery Tours, we arrange Top Fes desert trips & Historical tours that will give you a chance to explore the authentic Morocco. Take one of our Fes Sahara desert tours to admire the most beautiful landscapes and the magic of the Merzouga desert.
These Fes Desert trips go one step further, connecting you to the heart of our lovely Morocco. You’ll form a deeper understanding of Moroccan fascinating. Our handpicked Fes desert tours to the Moroccan desert will allow you to experience a unique desert bind in a very luxurious way & original at the same time.
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Highlights of Fes Desert Trips
- A complete Morocco Trip has to be fulfilled with a Sahara desert discovery including a camel ride adventure, sunset & sunrise in the Sahara sand dunes.
- Spending a night stay in a desert camp…
- You will have a camping experience & camel ride adventure, enjoying landscapes on a lifetime experience.
Visiting the Sahara Desert should be at the top of Moroccan visitors’ bucket lists. The tranquility and infinite beauty of the gold Morocco sand dunes is like nothing else on earth.
Our Fes to Merzouga desert tours includes the best accommodations on your way to the desert. We strongly recommend doing one of our Fes to Marrakech desert tours, on this way you will explore the stylish Boutique Riads and Guest Houses, have time in Berber Villages, visits Morocco’s Historic Kasbahs, and have the option to Hike in the Dades Valley Region.
Our Fes desert tours vary from a 2 days desert tour from Fes to Merzouga dunes, a 3 days desert trip from Fes to Marrakech & Erg Chebbi, a 4 days Morocco tour from Fes to even a full week to two of Morocco Sahara Desert regions. If you fancy wildlife and off the beaten track, we suggest the 6 days Sahara discovery, a remote and less touristy area.
Best value desert tour from Fes to Marrakech 3 days
Sample Itinerary: 10 Days in Morocco (Including a Desert Trip)
If you have 10 days in the country, the best way to spend it is by seeing the old cities and traditional markets, plus the Atlas mountains and desert scenery. Here’s a quick summary of the places in this itinerary:
- Marrakesh - 1 day
- Sahara Desert trip - 4 days
- Fes - 2 days
- Chefchaouen - 1 day
- Mount Toubkal - 2 days
It’s closely based on my own 10 day trip, although I streamlined it and made a few improvements based on my recent experiences in the country. In this travel guide, I’ll show you some of the top things to see and do in Morocco!
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Day 1: Marrakesh
Start your trip by exploring the historic city of Marrakesh, which is famous for its markets and architecture. If you’re staying at a hotel in the medina (old city), then you can walk from your hotel doorstep to all of the places listed below, which is what I did.
- Medresa Ben Youssef: This Islamic madrasa (college) was founded in Marrakesh in the 16th century, and at one time, it was the largest Islamic school in North Africa. Today, it’s a UNESCO-designated world heritage site. You can tour the building for a small fee, and it’s full of beautiful mosaics and other interesting details. If you’re looking for nice photo spots in Marrakesh, some of the doorways here are fantastic. This place is very popular with tourists, though, so getting here early in the day is a good idea.
- Marrakesh Medina: One thing you must do in Marrakesh is see the souks and markets in the old city. The biggest of these is Souk Semmarine. These markets are loaded with nice crafts to look at, buy, and photograph, and it’s fun to wander the alleys and hunt for souvenirs. You’ll see all kinds of pottery, rugs, lamps, shoes, spices, leather, wood carvings, and more. There are also the usual travel souvenirs like fridge magnets and coffee mugs.
A lot of the market sellers can be pushy, and they may not leave you alone, so you need to be ready to keep walking if you aren’t interested. You can also say ‘la shoukran’ (‘no thank you’) politely but forcefully. At the same time, you’ll also have to dodge incoming donkeys, motorbikes, and other foot traffic in the narrow alleys, so it’s a pretty hectic experience. I always asked the sellers before taking pictures of their wares, and they usually don’t mind as long as their face isn’t being photographed.
- Jemaa el-Fnaa: This is the main square of Marrakesh, and it’s a crazy place with snake charmers, street performers, food stalls, and fruit juice sellers. It’s an assault on your senses, and scammers abound, so keep your wits about you; but it’s still an interesting place to see while you’re in Marrakesh.
Other Places To See In Marrakesh:
- Bahia Palace - 19th century palace with a photogenic courtyard and fountains.
- Saadian Tombs - Royal necropolis from the 16th century with marble columns and detailed mosaics.
- Badi Palace - Ruined palace from the 16th century.
- Koutoubia Mosque - Largest mosque in Marrakesh, built in the 12th century.
Day 2: Sahara Desert Trip (Marrakesh To Tinghir)
One of the best excursions you can do in Morocco is a trip to Merzouga, where you can ride camels in the sand dunes and camp on the outskirts of the Sahara Desert. This was a highlight of my time in Morocco! This is normally done as a 3 or 4 day trip since Merzouga is a long drive from Marrakesh. You’ll spend one night in a hotel on the way there, and see lots of interesting sights along the way. I’d recommend doing a 4 day trip instead of 3 days, because you want to make the driving worthwhile.
- Drive To The Atlas Mountains: The first day of your Sahara tour will involve approximately 6 hours of driving, but it’ll be broken up into segments to make it easier. After being picked up by your tour company in Marrakesh, you’ll first drive approximately 2 hours to the mountain pass of Tizi n’Tichka, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the High Atlas mountains. The road winding up the mountain makes the view even more impressive! This is the highest mountain pass in North Africa, with an elevation of 2,205 meters (7,234 feet).
- Ait Ben Haddou: From Melladi, it’s a 1 hour drive to your next stop, which is the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou. This photogenic Moroccan clay village is a UNESCO-designated world heritage site, and it was used as a background set for a lot of famous movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones. The view across the river is my favorite. It’s great for photos, and it’s easy to see why this place has been featured in so many Hollywood movies.
Day 3: Tinghir To Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
- Todgha Gorge: After breakfast, we drove 30 minutes from Tinghir to the Todgha Gorge, which is a giant slot canyon with rock walls up to 400 meters high (1,312 feet). This canyon is impressive, and it reminded me a little bit of the Zion Narrows in Utah, USA. It’s a popular spot for rock climbing, and we got to see some people actively climbing while walked through the canyon on foot with our guide.
- Exploring Tinghir: Next, we spent some time exploring the town of Tinghir, where we had stayed the night before. Our local guide took us on a walk through the Todra river valley and showed us some of the fruits they grow there, including apples, figs, apricots, and pomegranates. Our 30 minute walk through the valley eventually brought us back to town, where we wandered the streets of the ancient Jewish quarter and visited a rug shop.
- Drive To Merzouga: From Tinghir, it’s a 3 hour drive to your final destination, the Merzouga desert. We broke this up by stopping for lunch and then visiting an outfitter shop in Ksar Touroug where we could buy head scarfs, henna tattoos, and Berber clothes to wear in the desert. Having a proper desert outfit makes the photos more fun when you go on your camel ride, which is next!
- Sunset Camel Ride: It’s time for a camel ride into the desert! This is a great experience and the tour companies time it to happen during the sunset, that way you can see the camels casting long shadows across the sand dunes. It’s epic. We transferred our main bags and backpacks to the tour company so they could bring them to the desert camp in their vehicle, and then I hopped on a camel with only my camera bag and a water bottle. If this is your first time riding a camel, it can be a bit intimidating, but it gets easier as you go. We were even able to take pictures and videos while we rode. We spent about 1 hour riding the camels to our desert camp in Erg Chebbi, with short pauses for photos along the way.
- Overnight In Merzouga: After arriving at our desert camp in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, we got our baggage and we were assigned to our tents. Some of these tents are luxurious, but I chose to stay in a basic tent, which was cheaper and still pretty comfortable. The bathrooms and showers were in a separate tent. We were given some free time to explore the dunes or go sand boarding near our camp, and then we had dinner, which was amazing. After dark, they made a bonfire and did some Berber singing and dancing, which was joined by most of our group. Before you go to sleep, don’t forget to venture out of the camp and climb a dune to look at the stars!
Day 4: Exploring Merzouga
This day can be spent exploring the area and cultures around Merzouga. You’ll listen to Saharan music in the village of Khamlia, see the traditional markets at the town of Rissani, and try the local Berber pizza for lunch. If you love the desert, like me, then you’ll be happy to know you get some more time there as well. You can ride the camels again, go quad biking on the sand dunes, or just rest at your camp.
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Day 5: Merzouga To Fes
On the last morning at Merzouga, you’ll wake up early for another camel ride at sunrise. This is optional, and you can go back in a car if you prefer, but I enjoyed riding the camels again. We started in the dark and rode the camels under the moonlight, which was a cool experience, and then dismounted and waited for sunrise on one of the sand dunes.
After sunrise, it’s time to start driving back to Marrakesh or Fes. In this case, we’ll be going to Fes since it’s the next destination on this itinerary anyway. Along the way, there will be some new sights like the Ziz Valley, Midelt, and Azrou. You’ll see cedar forests, wild monkeys, and other things since it’s a different route from where you started on the first day of the Sahara trip.
Spend the next 3 nights in the city of Fes, which has plenty of good hotel options. Here are some of my recommendations:
- Budget - Dar Usham Fes. Small hotel in the middle of the Fes medina. This is where I stayed, and the owner was very friendly. The only downside is navigating the dark maze of tunnels to find the hotel, but the owner can help you out with this.
- Midrange - Riad Sidrat Fes. Hotel with breakfast on the north end of the medina, near the main road but within walking distance of the tanneries.
- High End - Riad Marjana. Beautiful Moroccan-style hotel on the outskirts of the medina. Includes breakfast and a pool.
Day 6: Fes
If you thought the medina in Marrakesh was crazy, the one in Fes is an absolute maze, with endless tunnels and fake guides constantly approaching you to try to scam you. Even my hotel owner joked that it’s like something out of a horror movie. It’s still worth seeing, but I would highly recommend hiring a guide in Fes to help you with navigation and avoiding scams. I did this without a guide and it was nightmarish at times.
- Tanneries: One of the main things Fes is known for is its leather tanneries, which have been operating in basically the same way for centuries. There are several active tanneries, but the largest is the Chouara Tannery. You can visit any of the tanneries for a small fee. The smell is nauseating, but it’s interesting to see the process at ground level, and there are also rooftop platforms where you can watch it from above.
Day 7: Chefchaouen Day Trip
For my second day in Fes, I did a day trip to the famous blue city of Chefchaouen, which I booked online through GetYourGuide. This is a long day trip from Fes because it involves a 4 hour drive in each direction, plus 4 hours spent touring the city. In my experience, this was plenty of time to see the city, take tons of pictures, and even eat lunch at a cafe there. There are hotels in Chefchaouen if you want to stay longer, and some people may prefer to do that, but I was happy with a day trip. There really isn’t a whole lot to see or do if you stay longer.
Day 8: Fes To Marrakesh
It’s time to go back to Marrakesh for the last leg of your trip in Morocco. You can do this by flying or taking the train. If you fly, it only takes about 1 hour and prices are surprisingly cheap for a one way ticket with RyanAir. You can shop for flights on Skyscanner. The train is even cheaper, but takes about 6.5 hours for the journey. However, train rides can be fun, and you get to see more of the countrysi...
Customized Fes Tours & Itineraries
Customized Fes Tours & Custom Trips are tailor-made itineraries & Desert Tours designed for individual travelers, families, or small groups. We can arrange a plan itinerary that matches your interests, timetable, Departure location, ending location, and special requests.
Our Fes Morocco trips include private drivers, private touring, Top rated accommodations, and exclusive experiences.
Types of Fes Desert Excursions
- Trips from Fes & Ending in Marrakech
- Trips from Fes & Back to Fes
- Trips from Fes & ending in Casablanca
- Trips from Fes & ending in Tangier
Tips for an Unforgettable Desert Tour
- Embrace the Culture: Morocco is a land of rich traditions and customs. Respect the local culture by dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and learning a few basic Arabic phrases.
- Bargain with a Smile: Haggling is a common practice in Moroccan markets. Approach it with a friendly attitude and be prepared to negotiate for the best price.
- Stay Hydrated: The desert climate can be harsh, so drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing to protect yourself from the sun. In the evenings, temperatures can drop, so pack a jacket or sweater.
- Capture the Memories: Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and unforgettable moments of your desert tour.
Fes Desert Tour FAQs
Is there a desert near Fes?
Yes, there is a desert near Fes.
Can you do a day trip to the desert from Fes?
It is not feasible to visit the desert from Fes in just one day.
Where is the best desert in Morocco?
The best desert in Morocco is the Sahara Desert, and one of the most renowned areas to experience its beauty is in Merzouga, known for its stunning dunes and unique desert landscapes.
Book Your Dream Desert Tour Today!
Morocco Fabulous Travel is a specialist tour operator offering the best Morocco Sahara desert tours. We have unique and full programs of Morocco tours, all at incredible prices.
Moroccofabuloustravel.com team is made of an enthusiastic group of people all sharing a deep feeling for the Sahara desert and Morocco in general.
⇢ Booking through a local expert saves time, money, and stress and assures that your itinerary is co-ordinated perfectly.
⇢ We work with individuals who are highly motivated and totally in love with their country. Individuals who never tire of learning more about Morocco, who are capable of tailoring their tours to their interests.
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