seanmh

Hello all

I have been reading many travel forums and tourist operator websites about trips to the desert, for a night or to to see the dunes and the stars... Everyone seems to say that the nearest desert is 9 or so hours away, in Merzouga and other towns nearby. So most tours are a minimum of three to five days. Is there a place closer to Fes to see the sand dunes? Is there a way to leave Fes and just go on a two day, one night trip to the desert?

Thanks much

Sean

mcwomble

It's rather a big country! Easier to do short desert trips from Marrakech.

dutyfree

Sean-our family is leaving for Morocco in December for two weeks and I am organizing our trip by myself. Could you be kind enough to tell me where you are going on your trip and anything else you could share? This is somewhat of a last minute trip so I am trying to get everything together ASAP. Thanks!

mcwomble

hi dutyfree - you already have lots of good advice on another post: Essouira, Fes etc. Starting another can lead to confusion.

Sounds like Sean is not that sure of where parts of Morocco is, so a good guide book(some are online) is useful for anyone going to this great and varied country.

The imperial cities - the Atlas mountains - the desert - the coast - the Mediterranean coast - the Rif mountains...etc.

jgg

The drive from Fez to Merzouga is about 7 hours, so it is possible to do as a 2 day one night trip, but would be a lot of driving. It is my understanding that there isn't any other place to see the dunes - apparently you can see some in Zagora, but I've heard they are really not the same and I also think they are closer to Marakkech not Fez.

patula

Hello,
the desert near Fes is the Erg chebbi in Merzouga ,
from Fes to Merzouga is about 6/7 hours
it's possible to do 2 days/ 1 night to merzouga
good travel

seanmh

Thanks everyone for your thoughts! I look forward to a great trip.