Many travelers who visit Morocco They dream of experiencing the unique adventure of discovering the Sahara Desert. The vast golden dunes, sunset camel rides, and nights under a sky full of stars make the Sahara one of the most fascinating destinations in the world.

However, one of the most frequent questions among travelers is which city is best to start the trip to the desert from: From Marrakech or from Fez?

Both cities offer incredible excursions to the Sahara, and each route allows you to discover completely different landscapes of Morocco. Choosing the best option will depend mainly on your travel itinerary, the time available, and the places you want to visit along the way.

In this guide Viajes Desierto We explain the main differences between the Desert tours from Marrakech y from Fez, to help you choose the best option for your trip.

Desert tour from Marrakech

Desert tours from Marrakech They are the most popular among travelers visiting Morocco. This is because Marrakech is one of the country's most important tourist destinations, and many itineraries begin in this city.

The journey from Marrakech to the Sahara allows you to discover some of the most spectacular landscapes in southern Morocco. During the trip, you will cross the majestic Atlas Mountains, an impressive mountain range that separates the north of the country from the desert regions.

One of the first important stops on the trip is usually the famous Ait Ben Haddou, An ancient kasbah declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This place is one of the most photographed sites in Morocco and has been the setting for numerous films and television series.

During the route to the desert, you will also visit other incredible landscapes such as:

The spectacular Dades Valley
The impressive Todra Gorge
Traditional Berber oases and villages of the south

Finally, the journey reaches the desert near the village of Merzouga, where the famous dunes of Erg Chebbi.

These dunes can reach more than 150 meters high and offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Sahara.

What does a tour from Marrakech usually include?

Desert tours from Marrakech usually last between 3 and 5 days, depending on the chosen itinerary.

They typically include:

Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
Local driver or guide
Accommodation in riads or hotels during the tour
Camel ride through the Sahara dunes
Night camping in the middle of the desert
Traditional Moroccan dinner and breakfast

The most anticipated moment of the trip is usually the sunset camel ride, when travelers cross the dunes to reach the camp in the middle of the desert.

At night you can enjoy Berber music around the fire and contemplate one of the most starry skies in the world.

Desert tour from Fez

Desert tours from Fez They offer a completely different route.

While the route from Marrakech crosses more desert-like landscapes, the journey from Fez allows you to discover a wide variety of natural landscapes before reaching the Sahara.

One of the first places visited during the tour is Ifrane, a city known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture and cool climate.

The journey then continues towards the cedar forests near Azrou, where it is possible to see the famous Barbary monkeys in their natural habitat.

As the journey progresses south, the landscape gradually changes until reaching the more arid regions surrounding the Sahara.

Finally, the travelers arrive in Merzouga, where the desert experience begins.

What does a tour from Fez include?

Desert tours from Fez usually last between 2 and 4 days, depending on the chosen itinerary.

They typically include:

Transportation in a comfortable vehicle
Stops at natural landscapes and traditional villages
Camel ride through the desert
Camp in the middle of the dunes
Dinner and breakfast

As with tours from Marrakech, the desert experience includes an unforgettable night under the stars in a Berber camp.

Differences between tours from Marrakech and Fez

Although both tours end in the same Sahara Desert, the experience during the trip is different.

Tours from Marrakech

More desert-like landscapes
Historic Kasbahs
Spectacular gorges and valleys
Classic route through southern Morocco

Tours from Fez

Green mountains of the Middle Atlas
Cedar forests
Traditional villages of the north
Very varied natural landscapes

Both routes are incredible, but they offer completely different landscapes.

Which is better for visiting the Sahara?

There isn't really a single answer, as the best option will depend on your travel itinerary.

If your trip starts in Marrakech, the most logical thing to do is to take a desert tour from there.

If you are visiting Fez, then the best option will be to travel to the desert from that city.

Many travelers even choose to do a combined route, starting in Marrakech and ending in Fez, passing through the Sahara Desert.

This option is one of the most interesting because it allows you to discover two completely different regions of Morocco during the same trip.

Tips for choosing the best desert tour

Before booking a desert tour, it is advisable to consider some important aspects:

Trip duration
Ideally, choose a tour of at least 3 days to enjoy the desert in peace and quiet.

Camp type
There are standard camps and luxury camps in the desert.

Time of year
Spring and autumn are usually the best times to visit the Sahara.

Discover the Sahara with Desert Trips

In Viajes Desierto We organize desert excursions from different cities in Morocco.

Our tours include comfortable transportation, accommodation, a camel ride through the dunes, and an unforgettable night in a Sahara camp.

If you want to discover the impressive desert dunes, ride a camel at sunset and live an authentic experience in Morocco, a desert tour will undoubtedly be one of the most unforgettable moments of your trip.

You can discover all our tours in Morocco here:

👉 https://www.viajesdesierto.com/rutas-por-marruecos/

Frequently asked questions about desert tours from Marrakech or Fez

Is it better to go to the desert from Marrakech or from Fez?

Both routes are excellent for visiting the Sahara Desert. Tours from Marrakech often include more desert-like landscapes and visits to historic kasbahs such as Ait Ben Haddou, while tours from Fez cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and places like Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou.

How many days are needed for a desert tour?

The best option is to take a tour of at least 3 days to enjoy the trip in peace. There are also excursions 4 or 5 days, which allow you to better explore the landscapes of southern Morocco and spend more time in the desert.

Which desert can be visited from Marrakech and Fez?

Most tours from both cities visit the desert of Merzouga, where the famous dunes of Erg Chebbi, considered some of the most spectacular in the Sahara.

Is it possible to take a tour from Marrakech and end in Fez?

Yes, many travelers choose a route that starts in Marrakech and ends in Fez, passing through the Sahara Desert. This option allows you to discover different regions of Morocco during the same trip.

What does a desert tour usually include?

Most desert tours include transportation in a comfortable vehicle, accommodation during the tour, a camel ride through the dunes, dinner and breakfast at the camp, and a night in the desert under the stars.

What is the best time to visit the Sahara Desert?

The desert can be visited year-round, but the best times are usually spring and autumn, when temperatures are more pleasant for excursions through the dunes.

Is it safe to travel to the Sahara Desert?

Yes, the desert tours organized by Viajes Desierto They are safe and guided by experienced local drivers and guides who know the region perfectly.

Can you really sleep in the desert?

Yes. During the tour, travelers spend the night in a camp in the middle of the Sahara dunes, one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip.

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PASCUAL RODRIGUEZ TABERNACLE

November 16, 2025

We traveled as a family, taking the 5-day desert tour. Our guide, Said, was more than just a driver-guide; he took great care of us, was incredibly attentive to detail, and a fantastic driver. He listened to all our requests and showed us many unforgettable places. A true professional and an even better person. Thank you, Said! As for the agency, we are incredibly grateful to Mila for her hospitality and recommendations.

Maria De Lafuente Iglesias

November 15, 2025

A group of friends and I took the 5-day desert tour, and this experience will stay with me forever... everything was wonderful. From my first contact with Mila when making the reservation, she was in touch with me, acting as the group's spokesperson, long before the trip even started, answering all my questions and more! The organization was absolutely perfect, the hotels were generally very good, and a special mention goes to the Nomad Desert Hotel, which was truly beautiful, as was the Berber tent camp. The breakfast and dinner, which were included in the price, were very good, and thanks to the excellent advice and attention of our guide, Mohamed, the lunch, which wasn't included, was also perfect. Mohamed deserves a special mention in my comments, as he made the trip so much fun and we felt like family. He's a very endearing person and incredibly knowledgeable about his region, so his explanations were fascinating. Thanks to him, we were able to better understand the way of life of the desert people. Everything we saw was breathtaking. Although the journey to the desert from Marrakech is quite long and includes stretches of winding mountain road (the road is very good and new, so don't worry), Mohamed made it seem much shorter. He's a fantastic driver. As he says, if you learn to drive on the dunes, everything else is easy. I encourage anyone wanting to visit the Moroccan desert to book with them. You'll return home, just like we did, wanting to do it again. Thank you so much, Mohamed, Mila, and Ismail, for making this possible. Mohamed!! Hugs, my friend!

Helium

November 14, 2025

Wonderful experience. Mohamed, thank you.This experience will stay with me forever... everything was wonderful. From my first contact with Mila when making the reservation, she was in touch with me, as the spokesperson for my group, long before the trip began, answering all my questions and more! The organization was absolutely perfect, the hotels were very functional overall, and a special mention goes to the Nomad Desert Hotel, which was truly beautiful, as was the Berber tent camp. The breakfast and dinner, which were included in the price, were very good, and thanks to the excellent advice and attention of our guide, Mohamed, the lunch, which wasn't included, was also perfect. Mohamed deserves a special mention in my comments, as he made the trip so much fun and we felt like he was part of our family. He is a very endearing person and very knowledgeable about his region, so his explanations were incredibly interesting. Thanks to him, we were able to better understand the way of life of the desert people. Everything we saw was breathtaking. Although the journey to the desert from Marrakech is quite long and includes stretches of winding mountain road (the road is very good and new, so don't worry), Mohamed made it seem much shorter. He's a fantastic driver. As he says, if you learn to drive on the dunes, everything else is easy. I encourage anyone wanting to visit the Moroccan desert to book with them. You'll return home, just like we did, wanting to do it again. Thank you so much, Mohamed, Mila, and Ismail, for making this possible. Mohamed!! Hugs, my friend!

Carmen Vidal Lopez

November 13, 2025

We are a group of seven friends who just returned from this wonderful desert trip. We took a five-day tour. It was a unique and unforgettable experience with Mohammed, our guide, who was always friendly, always providing timely, concise, and clear explanations. He answered any questions we had and was always willing to help. He is also an excellent driver. The hotels we chose were very good. The desert tents were lovely and charming, with private bathrooms and showers. Our hotel in the desert was the Nomad Palace, and it was wonderful in terms of location, food, staff, entertainment, and accommodations. The meals were also excellent. It's clear this company has experience because everything is well-organized and planned. As constructive criticism, I would suggest providing a speaker or microphone for the guide/driver in the van because those sitting in the back row can't hear the guide's explanations due to being too far away. Mohammed, our guide, repeated his explanations without any problem... but it's an issue that needs improvement.

Nuria F

November 9, 2025

From Fez to the desertWe decided to take a trip with friends to explore Morocco. We took the advice of Ismael, our guide, who planned the trip according to our preferences. We started in Marrakech, where he gave us a guided tour of the city, and afterwards we had free time which we used to go to the souk and try different food stalls. The next day we headed towards the desert, stopping along the way to visit Ouarzazate, Dades, the Todra Gorge, and more. In the desert, we did several activities: quad biking, visiting markets, watching sunsets, visiting nomads—in short, we loved it. We plan to repeat the experience to continue exploring Morocco, and we'll definitely do it again with ViajesDesierto, an experience we highly recommend to everyone.

Pere M

November 8, 2025

Great trip through southern MoroccoAn extraordinary trip to southern Morocco, visiting the desert and arriving in Marrakech. We were very well accompanied and looked after by Mohamed, an excellent guide—very friendly, kind, and attentive—who gave great explanations about his country. The organization by the agency was impeccable. Not a single problem throughout the entire trip. Highly recommended!

Maria Ines Ambrosini

November 4, 2025

Incredible experience, impeccable and meticulously cared for at every destination, the places, the tours. Highly recommended, I would choose them every time. ❤️❤️

Pablo Díaz Muíño

November 3, 2025

We took the desert tour for three days and I have nothing but positive things to say. Our guide was Ahmed, and from the very first moment he made sure we were comfortable and told us everything we needed to know about the places we were going to. Thanks to him, the trip was very enjoyable and fun. He's a really great guy. The desert was an incredible experience. We went on a camel trek and rode quad bikes to see the sunrise; it was one of the best experiences of our lives. If we go back, or if someone we know is interested in doing this tour, we will definitely recommend doing it with this agency and especially with Ahmed.

Carmen Corral Lopez

November 3, 2025

We took the 3-day desert tour with Ahmed. Everything was incredible. From the very first moment, Ahmed made sure we were comfortable and gave us all the recommendations we needed to make the most of the trip. He's a lovely guy. For the entire three days, we felt like he was one of us. The desert was spectacular; we went on a camel trek and watched the sunrise on quad bikes. It was truly one of the best experiences we could have had. If we go back, or if someone we know wants to do this tour, we will definitely recommend this agency and Ahmed in particular.

Pablo D

November 3, 2025

Sahara tourWe took the desert tour for three days and I have nothing but positive things to say. Our guide was Ahmed, and from the very first moment he made sure we were comfortable and told us everything we needed to know about the places we were going to. Thanks to him, the trip was very enjoyable and fun. He's a really great guy. The desert was an incredible experience. We went on a camel trek and rode quad bikes to see the sunrise; it was one of the best experiences of our lives. If we go back, or if someone we know is interested in doing this tour, we will definitely recommend doing it with this agency and especially with Ahmed.

Cristina C

November 3, 2025

Amazing desert experience with Ahmed 🌵✨We took the three-day desert tour with Ahmed, and it was simply spectacular. From the very first moment, he made sure we were comfortable and gave us all the necessary advice to make the most of every part of the trip. He's a lovely and very attentive person, always making sure we were happy. The desert was magical: we explored the dunes on camels and enjoyed an incredible sunrise on quad bikes. Both activities are highly recommended.

Alex Varela

November 3, 2025

100% experience highly recommended!!A fantastic experience to share with friends, family, or even solo! All the activities were incredible: the many places we visited by car, the camel ride, the night in the desert, the sunrise while riding quad bikes… And above all, a special mention to our driver, Ahmed, who was such a great companion that for a few days it felt like he was traveling with us rather than guiding us. A wonderful person, always concerned about our comfort and safety, willing to share the experience with us as if he were one of the group, curious about our concerns, and eager to learn about us and our country, as well as show us his own. All this and much more made this a truly enriching experience for me and my friends. Highly recommended!

Carmen C

November 3, 2025

Spectacular and funWe took the 3-day desert tour with Ahmed. Everything was incredible. From the very first moment, Ahmed made sure we were comfortable and gave us all the recommendations we needed to make the most of the trip. He's a lovely guy. For the entire three days, we felt like he was one of us. The desert was spectacular; we went on a camel trek and watched the sunrise on quad bikes. It was truly one of the best experiences we could have had. If we go back, or if someone we know wants to do this tour, we will definitely recommend this agency and Ahmed in particular.

Salvador Lopez

October 29, 2025

Thank you so much to Mila for organizing the trip; we loved it. The service from Mohamed on our tours and from Jussef in the desert was excellent. The children were very happy, and so were we. We will recommend it to friends who were considering it. I will pass on the contact information to them. Thank you so much, Viajesdesierto.

Explorer62833084610

October 22, 2025

Trip to the Merzouga desertAn unforgettable experience! The places and activities were very interesting. The hotels were excellent, and the driver/guide was always attentive to our needs. Highly recommended.

JOHNNY S

October 14, 2025

Incredible experience with @viajesdesierto.com 🌵✨ Everything was super well organized, the guides were friendly, and the scenery was like something out of a movie. AMy trip with ViajesDesierto.com was, honestly, one of the best experiences I've ever had. From the very first moment, the service was excellent: Mila and Ismael were attentive to every detail, answering all my questions and tailoring the itinerary exactly to what I was looking for. During the trip, everything was perfectly organized: the transfers, the riads, the desert camp—even the schedules were perfect! The drivers and guides spoke Spanish, were friendly, and shared so much about Berber culture and desert life, which made the experience much more authentic. The most magical moment was undoubtedly the night in the desert, under a sky full of stars, with music, a campfire, and an unforgettable silence. I felt it wasn't just a trip, but a human and cultural adventure.

Sea

October 13, 2025

It was an unforgettable trip. Highly recommended. It was well-planned, with very interesting visits and good hotels. Our driver/guide, Abdul, was always attentive to detail and anything we needed. We will definitely do it again.

Elena J

October 13, 2025

Meeting Ahmed has been the best part of the trip!We met Ahmed in Chefchaouen, at his shop in the medina. A wonderful place filled with objects that transport you to countless places and stories. But the best part, without a doubt, was meeting Ahmed and sitting down to chat with him. What a fantastic person! I'm already looking forward to going back and taking a trip to the desert, since we didn't have the chance this time. With all the things he told us, we can't wait to return and share a trip with him.

Carolina Castillo

October 7, 2025

The experience was fantastic from the start. They picked us up at the airport, the service was excellent, and our driver, Ahmed, was the best. He went at our pace, catered to our requests for food, and took us wherever we wanted, without any rush. The experience was very good. The only slight inconvenience was that we had to pay in cash, and we didn't travel with cash. We were able to resolve this with a Western Union transfer. Otherwise, the experience was excellent.

Immaculate Canovas Sanchez

October 7, 2025

An extraordinary trip. Ahmed accompanied us the whole time. He took us to many beautiful places. Thank you, Ismail, your tour is 1000% recommended. This is the second time I've traveled with them and it won't be the last.

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Desert tour from Marrakech or from Fez: which is better?

Desert tour from Marrakech or from Fez: which is better?

Desert tour from Marrakech

What does a tour from Marrakech usually include?

Desert tour from Fez

What does a tour from Fez include?