Special 5-Day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga

Your 5-day tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga kicks off in the imperial city of Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural city. Next, we’ll drive across the Middle Atlas Mountains, while making our first stop in the fascinating Ifrane, often called the little “Switzerland of Morocco”  given its European-style architecture and snowy winters. Following that, we’ll stop at Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to the friendly monkeys. From there, we will continue our drive through Midelt. As we drive, the landscape will gradually shifts to more desert, before reaching the magical Ziz Valley with its palm groves and Berber villages.

Later in the day, we will arrive in Erfoud, famous for its fossil stores and is often referred to as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. By sunset, we’ll arrive in Merzouga. Here, we will ride a camel deep into the Sahara to witness a magical sunset before spending the night in a traditional desert camp.

After our breakfast, today will be dedicated to exploring the desert’s unique lifestyle and landscapes. We’ll set out on our adevnture in a 4×4 vehicle & discover Merzouga region, starting with a visit to Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa people people originated in Sub-Saharan Africa and known for their calm spiritual music. We will enjoy a live performance and learn about their rich cultural heritage.Later, we’ll drive through the Desert dunes to meet nomadic families living in the harsh desert environment, Enjoy a cup of tea with them and get a glimpse into their simple way of life. Also, there is optional desert activities like quad biking, buggy rides, or horse riding .We could arrange something for you if you are interested.

We’ll get up early to watch the sunrise from the highest sand dunes. It is a highlight of any desert trip. After our breakfast and probably shower, we will drive to Rissani; it used to be a trading center of Tafilalt and an ancient caravan route to sub-Saharan Africa. Now it is known for its vibrant souks and historic feel. Next, we will carry on travelling to the breathtaking Todra Gorges, a canyon that is perfect and ideal for rock climbing and photography. Once there, we’ll walk along the Todra River, surrounded by high cliffs before we continue toward Dades Valley, where we’ll enjoy our dinner and spend the night in a beautiful hotel overlooking the gorge.

We will hit the road toward Kelaat M’Gouna, via the Valley of Roses, a region famous for roses and rose products. If any of you is interested & if time allows, we could visit a local cooperative .Then, we will continue to Ouarzazate, known as the little Hollywood of Africa, where parts of movies like Gladiator and series like Game of Thrones were filmed. Following that, Our next stop will be in the legendary Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be amazed by its fine architecture and its cinematic charm. From there, we’ll drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, to Marrakech.

On the last day of our 5-day desert tour, we will finally be in Marrakech and immerse ourselves in its culture and vibrant atmosphere. We will go on a guided city tour to do some sightseeing. First, we will visit to the majestic Koutoubia Mosque and its towering and well-decorated minaret. Second, we will explore the Bahia Palace, known for its magical architecture and captivating gardens. Next, we will visit the historical Jewish Quarter (Mellah). Then, head over to the Saadian Tombs.

In the late afternoon,  we will be lost in the colorful souks of the Medina, where artisans sell everything from spices to leather goods. Also, we will visit the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, full of snake charmers, storytellers, and food booths. We will conclude our tour with a mint tea on a rooftop terrace overlooking the big square. Our 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech comes to an end and we will drop you off at your Riad/ Airport.