Fes to Merzouga: getting to the desert
Eight to ten hours via Ifrane, Midelt and Errachidia. It is the shorter of the two long drives to Merzouga.
How long does Fes to Merzouga take
Around 470 kilometres and 8 to 10 hours. The road passes Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco, crosses the Middle Atlas at Midelt and drops down the Ziz valley to Errachidia and Erfoud.
It is shorter than the Marrakech drive, so many people enter the desert from Fes and leave towards Marrakech, or the other way round, to avoid repeating the same road.
Ways to make the journey
By bus
CTM and Supratours connect Fes with Rissani and Merzouga. They are long journeys with stops along the way; check the timetable and book ahead in high season.
If you are driving
Fes, Ifrane, Midelt, Errachidia, Erfoud, Merzouga, paved throughout. In winter, watch for snow in the Middle Atlas. When you arrive, we come and get you.
By private transfer
Door to door, stopping where you want. Ask us when you book and we will help arrange it.
By plane to Errachidia
There are domestic flights from Casablanca. From Errachidia it is about 100 km to Merzouga.
Worth stopping for
If you are driving, these are worth the detour:
- IfranePitched roofs and mountain houses. It does not look like Morocco at all, which is why it surprises.
- Azrou cedar forestAncient cedars and the Barbary macaques, which come right up to the road.
- Ziz valleyOne of the finest palm groves in the country, seen from the viewpoint on the road.
- Erfoud and RissaniRissani is the historic capital of the Alaouite dynasty, with one of the most genuine souks in the south.
Arriving in Merzouga
We are in Erg Znaigui, 20 minutes from the centre of Merzouga on the N13 towards Taouz. Tell us your arrival time and we come and get you: the last 10 minutes are done by 4x4.
The transfer both ways is included in your stay.
Questions about the journey from Fes
How many hours is Fes to Merzouga?
Between 8 and 10 hours, about 470 kilometres. It is considerably shorter than from Marrakech, which is why many people enter the desert via Fes and leave via Marrakech, or the other way round.
What do you see along the way?
The route passes Ifrane, which does not look like Morocco at all, the cedar forests of Azrou with their monkeys, Midelt, the Tizi n’Talghemt pass and the Ziz valley with its endless palm groves. It is a drive that goes quickly.
Is there a bus from Fes to Merzouga?
Yes, Supratours and CTM both run the route daily. Check the timetable the same month you travel, because it changes by season.
Can it be done by shared taxi?
Yes, in legs: Fes to Midelt or Errachidia, then on to Rissani and Merzouga. It is cheap and has no fixed timetable, since they leave when they fill up. Leave yourself margin if you travel this way.
And once I reach Merzouga?
Tell us and we will come for you. We are 20 minutes from the centre of Merzouga, and the last stretch over sand is done by 4x4, included in your stay.
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Tell us when you arrive from Fes
We will confirm availability and exactly where to meet us.
+212 661 614 125 · We always reply the same day.
Keep reading
- How to get to Merzouga and to our camp We are in Erg Znaigui, 20 minutes from the centre of Merzouga on the N13 towards Taouz. You do not have to drive: we come and get you, and the last stretch is done by 4x4.
- Our luxury tents in the Merzouga desert Ten private tents, from €100 to €425 a night depending on occupancy. All with their own bathroom, a hot shower and air conditioning and heating.
- Book your stay at the camp From €100 per tent per night. WhatsApp is the fastest way: you write, we reply, it is done. If you would rather take your time, use the form.