Sahara Desert: Multi-day Trips and Tours from Fez

The Sahara Desert is famed as one of the largest expanses of sand in the world. Covering 11 nations across Africa, the sweeping plains of the desert hold untold magic, from Berber villages to towering dunes and everything in between.

One way to experience this natural wonderland is through a multi-day trip to the Sahara Desert from Fez. With traditional activities, such as camel riding, and nights spent under the inky black skies of Morocco, these excursions are bound to be a highlight of any vacation.

Here's all you need to know about the Sahara Desert, one of the most exciting multi-day trips from Fez.

How to get to the Sahara Desert from Fez?

The Moroccan part of the Sahara Desert is located close to the border of Algeria and is approximately 460 kilometers south of Fez.

From Fez to the Sahara Desert by car

The journey to the Sahara Desert takes approximately 7 hours by car. Most tourists travel to the village of Merzouga, where they can find lodging and necessities while being surrounded by the desert. In order to reach this destination, you’ll head south out of Fez along the N8 as far as Ifrane.

From there, you’ll utilize Avenue Hassan II to reach Azrou, followed by the N13, which you’ll continue on until you reach the R702, which leads you to Merzouga.

From Fez to the Sahara Desert by bus

Those without access to a car can make the jaunt to the Sahara Desert via public transportation instead. An overnight bus connects the city with Merzouga and leaves from the Fez Bus Station each night at 8:30 PM. The route takes just under 10 hours and arrives in Merzouga around 6 AM the following day.

Guided tour to the Sahara Desert from Fez

Alternatively, you can select a guided excursion to the Sahara Desert and let someone else take care of the transportation details for you. These usually include a convenient accommodation pickup, for which you’ll simply select your hotel from a dropdown list upon booking and, on the day of your trip, await collection from your guide in the lobby.

Multi-day trips to the Sahara Desert typically begin between 8 AM and 9 AM, and last either 2 or 3 days.

What is the typical itinerary?

While the itinerary varies slightly between each Sahara Desert multi-day tour, you’ll find that all excursions share many similarities. After a seamless hotel pickup, you’ll begin driving down the country, passing by a multitude of sights along the way. You’ll make several stops so that you can stretch and enjoy a breath of fresh air or dine on local cuisine before reaching the village of Merzouga in the afternoon.

You’ll waste no time in meeting a guide who has prepared a camel ride for you through the desert's golden plains to watch the sunset. Evenings are spent at a desert camp, which provides you with an insight into how the Berber tribe chooses to live, and you’ll be provided with a well-deserved meal.

The following day, you’ll wake early to catch the sunrise. Then, you may pack your bags ready for the return journey to Fez. Alternatively, those who opt for a longer multi-day trip to the Sahara Desert can spend the day exploring further into the vast dunes of the desert, followed by a second night of sleeping in this tranquil setting.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Sahara Desert?

There are several multi-day tours to the Sahara Desert to choose between, depending on how much time you have to spare on your Moroccan vacation.

2-Day tour to the Sahara Desert from Fez

You’ll begin this multi-day trip to the Sahara Desert with a breathtakingly scenic ride through Morocco’s wilderness, passing by the European-style ski resort of Ifrane, as well as the soaring Atlas Mountains. You’ll stretch your legs and enjoy a local feast in Midelt before continuing to Merzouga — a popular village surrounded by lofty sandy dunes.

Here, you’ll switch out your comfortable vehicle for a camel’s back and ride through the desert to reach Erg Chebbi, the dunes of which reach heights of 150 meters. Admire the vibrant oranges and romantic pinks of the sunset as you make your way to a Berber-style camp where you’ll spend the night staring at the stars before sleeping in a traditional tent.

After a restful night, you’ll head out early to catch the sunrise before heading back to Fez. Alternatively, choose to continue your adventure by opting for a hotel drop-off in Marrakesh instead.

3-Day tour to the Sahara Desert from Fez

If you’d like to slow the pace, consider adding an additional day to your Sahara Desert excursion. You’ll spend the first day much the same as on a 2-day trip, traveling through the Berber villages and mountain ranges of Morocco to reach Merzouga, where you’ll participate in a camel ride.

On the second day, you’ll hop back on your four-legged friend for a desert safari, during which you’ll have the opportunity to meet a traditional Berber family and learn about the customs of this nomadic tribe. After a thorough introduction to this sweeping desert, you’ll head back to camp where you can enjoy the simple pleasures of a Moroccan meal.

The following day, you’ll return to Fez, stopping at the cedar forest of Azrou where you’ll seek out the endangered Barbary ape.

How much does a multi-day trip to the Sahara Desert from Fez cost?

Multi-day trips to the Sahara Desert range in price depending on their duration and how comfortable an experience you’re seeking.

A 2-day tour that operates in a group capped at 17 participants costs US$170 per person of any age. You can instead opt for a small-group experience with just six people per group. This costs between US$230 and US$240 per adult, while children from 2 to 14 cost approximately US$120 each. Children under 2 are welcome to participate and cost between US$80, and US$90 each.

Alternatively, those who are seeking extra comfort can choose to make this multi-day tour to the Sahara Desert private and benefit from a luxury tent with an en-suite bathroom. For this addition, each adult will pay US$450, while children cost US$160. Those under 2 cost just under US$110 each.

You’ll find that 3-day trips from Fez to the Sahara Desert are private affairs. You’ll pay just under US$930 as a solo traveler. However, you’ll save money per head with each member added to your party and, with the maximum group size of 7, you’ll each pay US$490. Children under the age of 4 incur no additional charge.

What will you see and do?

The Sahara is the largest hot desert and third largest desert overall in the world. It covers 11 countries throughout North Africa and spans more than 9 million square kilometers. The territories that the Sahara Desert touches include Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Western Sahara, Sudan, Tunisia and of course, Morocco.

There is some debate as to the age of this colossal desert, with some claiming it was formed just a few thousand years ago, while others are certain it existed several million years ago.

While the environment is thought to be inhospitable, you’ll find that the Sahara Desert is in fact home to many types of fauna, including spotted hyenas, as well as Fennec foxes and dromedaries.

The most popular area that most travelers visit on a multi-day tour of the Sahara Desert is Merzouga, which is located close to Erg Chebbi. The natural phenomenon is formed by great clusters of sand dunes and is one of several ergs across the desert.

When is the best time to visit the Sahara Desert?

The best time to visit the Sahara Desert is from October to May, when the temperatures are milder and more comfortable for exploring the vast outdoors. July and August are typically the hottest months, where daytime temperatures can easily exceed 45 degrees Celsius.

The cooler months are also better for spotting wildlife, as animals are more active during these periods than in the scorching heat of summer.

Are there any tours to the Sahara Desert from other cities in Morocco?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Morocco:

• Multi-day tours to the Sahara Desert from Marrakesh
• Tours to the Sahara Desert from Agadir
• Day trips to the Sahara Desert from Essaouira

Travel tips

• The dry desert climate can quickly lead to dehydration. Carry ample water with you (at least 2-3 liters per day) and drink regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Wear lightweight, breathable, and light-colored clothing to reflect sunlight and consider wearing long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from the harsh sun and blowing sand.
• A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a scarf can be useful to protect your face and neck from sun and sand.
• Wear comfortable and closed walking shoes. Sand dunes can be challenging to walk on, and you'll want to prevent sand from entering your shoes.
• Always apply a high-SPF sunscreen to exposed skin and reapply as needed. The sun's rays are much stronger in the desert.
• While the Sahara is known for its heat, temperatures can drop significantly at night. Bring layers to accommodate the cooler evenings. Also, be aware of the potential for sandstorms.