How to Get to Merzouga Desert from Fez

Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes are about 470 km (290 miles) south-east of Fez. Fez is one of the most popular starting points for the desert, because the drive crosses the Middle Atlas and can be done in a single day. Here are your options.

1. By private car or private tour (recommended)

The drive takes 7–8 hours without stops. You can go straight to the dunes in one day or take it slowly with stops along the way:

• Ifrane – the “Switzerland of Morocco”, a neat mountain town with chalet-style houses.
• Azrou cedar forest – ancient cedars and wild Barbary macaques by the road.
• Midelt – the “apple capital”, with views of the snowy High Atlas in winter and spring.
• Ziz Gorges and Ziz Valley – a deep canyon, then miles of palm groves and old kasbahs.
• Errachidia → Erfoud → Merzouga – arrive in time for a camel ride at sunset.

A private driver means you stop when you like and arrive rested. See our desert tours from Fez – from 2 days in Merzouga to a 3-day trip from Fez to Marrakech across the desert.

2. By bus

CTM and Supratours run buses from Fez towards Merzouga, often overnight. The trip takes about 9–11 hours. It is the cheapest option, but you arrive tired and see little on the way. Book a day or two ahead in high season.

3. By rental car

The road is good and well signposted. In winter the Middle Atlas passes near Ifrane and Midelt can have snow and ice, so check the weather and avoid driving at night.

4. By plane?

There are no direct flights from Fez to Errachidia, the nearest airport to Merzouga. Flying via Casablanca takes longer than driving, so for most travellers the road is the best way from Fez.

Which option is best?

• Comfort and scenery: a private tour, ideally 3 days so you have a full day in the dunes.
• Tight budget: the overnight bus.
• Continuing to Marrakech: a one-way tour from Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga, the Todra Gorge and Ouarzazate.

Practical tips

• Leave Fez early in the morning to reach the desert before sunset.
• Bring warm clothes from November to March: the Middle Atlas and desert nights are cold.
• Carry some cash in dirhams for stops along the way.

This is a private tour, so you travel only with your own group. Groups of friends, students and families get a discount – contact us on WhatsApp or by email for a quote.