5-day tour from Fez to Marrakech through the desert
Marrakech Via Sahara
Duration
5 days
Tour Type
Embark on a captivating 5-day tour from Fez to Marrakech through the desert, immersing yourself in the stunning Moroccan landscapes. You’ll have the opportunity to experience a camel trek at sunrise and sunset in the mesmerizing dunes of Merzouga, explore ancient Kasbahs, visit the magnificent gorges of Toudra and Dades, and live the desert life with a night in a desert camp.
- Enjoy breathtaking landscapes during the drive from Fez to Merzouga.
- Encounter Barbary monkeys in the Cedar Forest of Azrou.
- Traverse the Ziz Gorge with its lush palm groves.
- Take short walks in the Dades and Todra Gorges.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Visit Ouarzazate and its famous Film Studios and Taourirt Kasbah.
- Experience camel rides for both sunset and sunrise and spend the night in desert tents.
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Fez at 8:00 am. You'll head towards Merzouga, crossing the Middle Atlas region, which spans 350 kilometers from southwest to northwest. Along the way, you'll pass through fascinating cities such as Ifrane, known as the "Moroccan Switzerland" for its unique architecture, and Azrou, a renowned Berber city.
The journey will take you through the Ziz Valley and its stunning gorges, passing by cities like Midelt and Erfoud. Upon reaching Erfoud, you'll embark on a desert track leading to Merzouga. Your overnight stay will be in a hotel located near the desert entrance.
Your second day is dedicated to exploring the captivating Merzouga Desert. You'll venture into the desert in a 4x4 vehicle, visiting nomadic villages, oases, and navigating the dramatic dunes of Erg Chebbi. Afterward, you'll visit the village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa people of African origin, where you'll enjoy their enchanting folk music.
As dusk approaches, you'll return to the hotel to prepare for a camel trek that will take you to a Berber camp nestled in the heart of the dunes. Here, you'll dine under the starry desert sky and spend the night in traditional Berber tents.
Begin your day by witnessing a breathtaking sunrise over the desert. Following breakfast and a refreshing shower, you'll depart for Rissani and Erfoud, where you'll visit a fossilized marble factory. The journey continues through the Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves, leading you to the remarkable Todra Gorge, where you'll break for lunch.
In the afternoon, you'll continue your drive to the Dades Gorge via Boumalen Dades and the captivating Valley of Roses (Kalaat M'Gouna). Dinner and an overnight stay await you at a hotel in the Dades Gorge.
After breakfast, your journey will take you to the Boutaghrar region, where you'll encounter a vibrant blend of natural colors. You'll continue along the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, meandering through kasbahs and ksours, passing through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura palm grove.
You'll have the option to visit the Kasbah Amredhyle and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, known for its historic significance in cinema and television. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel in Ouarzazate.
Explore Ouarzazate, renowned for its kasbahs, including Taourirt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the region's most splendid palaces. A visit to the cinema museum and film studios, where numerous international films were produced, will be a part of your journey.
Continuing your drive, you'll reach the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a historic site that deserves at least an hour of exploration. As you journey on, you'll pass through the magnificent High Atlas Mountains, offering spectacular vistas and glimpses of hidden Berber villages tucked into immense valleys.
Lunch can be enjoyed at a local restaurant along the Tichka Pass, or you can proceed directly to Marrakech if you wish to spend your remaining time exploring the enchanting Majorelle Gardens.
- Comfortable transportation (4x4 or minibus).
- Experienced driver/guide.
- Fuel costs.
- Camel trek.
- Night in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast.
- Half-board accommodation (dinner and breakfast).
- Lunch.
- Drinks.
- Tips.
- Personal expenses.
