Fes activities price
How Much Does a Fes Sahara Desert Tour Cost? (2026 Price Guide)
A 3-day/2-night desert excursion from Fes to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes) costs 900–1,400 MAD per person in a shared budget minibus and 2,200–3,500 MAD per person for a private 4x4 tour with luxury desert camp accommodations.
The 3-day excursion from Fes to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga is one of Morocco's premier road trips. Traversing the Middle Atlas mountains, cedar forests inhabited by Barbary macaques, and the palm-filled Ziz Gorge, the journey culminates in an overnight camel trek into the Sahara Desert.
Tours operate as either Fes-to-Fes round trips or 3-day one-way transfers ending in Marrakech. Rates depend primarily on whether you choose a shared group minibus with standard Berber tents or a private 4x4 vehicle with a luxury glamping camp featuring en-suite bathrooms.
Fes sahara desert tour from fes prices
Compare basic terrace access against guided experiences.
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Group Minibus Tour (3 Days / Standard Camp) | ... | Per-person rate in a shared tourist minibus (12–17 passengers) including hotel driver, sunset camel trek, standard desert camp, dinners, and breakfasts. |
| Private 4x4 Tour (3 Days / Mid-Range Camp) | ... | Private Toyota Prado 4x4 vehicle charter with private driver, flexible scenic stops, private desert tent with comfortable bed, and traditional dinners. |
| Private Luxury Glamping Package (3 Days / VIP Camp) | ... | All-inclusive private experience with private driver, luxury desert camp featuring en-suite hot shower/toilet, gourmet dinners, sandboarding, and campfire music. |
Per person / per package, in MAD.
Usually included
- Round-trip transport from Fes (or one-way drop-off in Marrakech)
- English/French-speaking professional driver and fuel
- Sunset and sunrise camel treks across Erg Chebbi dunes (or 4x4 dune transfer)
- 1 night accommodation in a hotel/guesthouse along the route + 1 night in Sahara camp
- Dinners and daily breakfasts
Usually extra
- Daily lunches (~60–100 MAD per meal at roadside restaurants)
- Beverages and bottled water
- Local guide tips in Azrou/Ziz Valley and gratuities for the driver/camp team
- Quad bike or buggy rentals in Merzouga (~400–600 MAD per hour)
What actually changes the price
Standard vs. Luxury Desert Camps
Standard desert camps use shared bathroom facilities located in a central building. Luxury camps provide spacious private canvas suites equipped with flush toilets, private hot showers, electricity, and plush bedding.
Drop-Off Destination (Fes vs. Marrakech)
Most tour operators offer the option to return to Fes on Day 3 or continue across the High Atlas mountains to drop you off in Marrakech for a nominal 100–200 MAD route adjustment.
Long Driving Distances
Fes to Merzouga is an 8-hour drive each way (approx. 470 km). Ensure your package includes an experienced driver and a modern air-conditioned vehicle.
Before you book
Pack a small overnight daypack. Large suitcases remain secured in the minibus/4x4 trunk at the Merzouga base hotel while you pack a smaller bag to carry on your camel or 4x4 to the desert camp.
Bring warm layers for winter nights. Desert temperatures drop drastically after sunset. Between November and February, night temperatures in Erg Chebbi often fall close to freezing (2–5°C).
Confirm en-suite bathroom details. If booking a 'luxury' tour, explicitly confirm that your tent includes a private inside bathroom, as some mid-range operators label shared facilities as luxury.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 3-day desert tour from Fes cost?
Shared group minibus tours cost 900–1,400 MAD per person. Private 4x4 tours range from 2,200 MAD (mid-range camp) up to 3,500 MAD per person (luxury glamping suite).
How far is the Sahara Desert from Fes?
The Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga are approximately 470 km south of Fes, taking about 7 to 8 hours of driving time through the Middle Atlas mountains.
Can I do a desert tour from Fes and end in Marrakech?
Yes, 3-day 'Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga' tours are extremely popular and allow travelers to connect both imperial cities without back-tracking.