Fes
The world's largest car-free urban area — medieval splendour and Morocco's cultural soul
Why Visit Fes?
Fes is Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital — a medieval city that has remained essentially unchanged for over 1,000 years. Fes el-Bali, the largest car-free urban area in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage maze of 9,000 alleyways where donkeys still carry goods, artisans work with techniques unchanged since the Middle Ages, and the medieval Chouara Tanneries operate exactly as they did 900 years ago. Home to the world's oldest university (founded 859 AD), Fes is where you come to understand the soul of Morocco.
Fes el-Bali — Living Medieval City
9,000 alleyways, 400 mosques, 80 fountains, and tens of thousands of residents — Fes el-Bali is the world's largest car-free urban zone and has been continuously inhabited since the 9th century. It's like stepping into a time machine.
Chouara Tanneries
The iconic leather tanneries have operated for 900 years using the same natural methods — workers standing knee-deep in stone vats of dye is one of Morocco's most photographed and atmospheric scenes.
World's Oldest University
Al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, is recognised by UNESCO as the world's oldest existing and continually operating university. Its stunning courtyard is now accessible to non-Muslim visitors.
Master Artisans
Fes is Morocco's artisan capital — zellige tilework, brass work, wood carving, and pottery are crafted using techniques passed down for generations. Visiting workshops is a highlight of any Fes tour.
Fes Safari Highlights
Signature experiences that make this destination unforgettable
Fes el-Bali Medina
The world's largest car-free urban area — 9,000 alleys unchanged for 1,000 years
Read MoreChouara Tanneries
900-year-old leather tanneries with workers in stone vats of natural dye
Read MoreAl-Qarawiyyin University
The world's oldest continuously operating university, founded 859 AD
Read MoreBou Inania Madrasa
Masterpiece of Marinid architecture — intricate carved stucco, cedar, and zellige tilework
Read MoreRoyal Palace Gates
Seven magnificent bronze gates of the Royal Palace — Fes's most ornate entrance
Read MorePottery Village
Visit artisans crafting the famous blue-and-white Fassi ceramics by hand
Read MoreWildlife & Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
March to May and October to November — pleasant temperatures for exploring the medina on foot. Summers (June–August) can be very hot.
March – May, Oct – Nov
Wildlife You'll See
A Typical Day in Fes
Hour by hour — from the first coffee to stargazing
4:00 AM
night
Wake-Up Call
A gentle knock and hot coffee delivered to your tent. The African bush is still dark — listen for the last calls of the nightjars.
Dry Season vs Green Season
Drag the slider to see how Fes transforms between seasons
Top Accommodation in Fes
Hand-picked luxury lodges and camps recommended by our safari experts
Can't decide? Let our experts help you choose the perfect lodge.
Get Expert RecommendationsEssential Tips for Fes
Fly to Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ) or arrive by train from Marrakech (7 hours) or Casablanca (4 hours).
A licensed guide is essential for Fes el-Bali — it's genuinely impossible to navigate alone on a first visit.
Wear comfortable flat shoes — the medina streets are narrow, uneven, and can be slippery.
Watch out for donkeys and handcarts — "Balak! Balak!" means "Make way!" and you should step aside quickly.
The tanneries are best viewed from the surrounding leather shops' terraces — vendors offer free mint sprigs to counter the smell.
Fes is more conservative than Marrakech — dress modestly, especially near mosques and in residential areas.
Fes Safari — FAQ
2–3 days is ideal to explore Fes el-Bali, visit the tanneries, artisan workshops, and major monuments. Add a day trip to Volubilis (Roman ruins) or Meknes for a deeper experience of the region.
Fes feels more "real" — it's less touristic, more conservative, and the medina is genuinely medieval. Marrakech is more cosmopolitan and easier to navigate. Both are essential Morocco experiences, and we recommend visiting both if time allows.
You can, but a guide will enhance the experience enormously — explaining the 900-year-old process, navigating to the best viewpoints, and helping you find quality leather goods. Shop owners on the terraces above the tanneries will show you the view in exchange for browsing their goods.
Fes is famous for its leather (bags, slippers, jackets), blue-and-white ceramics, brass lanterns, and embroidered fabrics. The quality of artisanship in Fes is generally higher than Marrakech, and prices are often more reasonable.
Fes Safari Packages
Hand-crafted itineraries for every travel style — from luxury honeymoons to budget adventures
Ready to Experience Fes?
Let our expert safari consultants craft a tailor-made Fes itinerary just for you. No obligation, no cookie-cutter packages — every trip is as unique as a leopard's spots.
