Overview
5 days tour from Marrakech to Fes through the Sahara desert. In these 5 days / 4 nights you will visit so many amazing sites. Including: the high Atlas mountains, the Tizi-N-Tichka pass, the Ait-Ben-Haddou Kasbah and Ouarzazate city. In addition to Amridil Kasbah, Dades valley and Todra gorges. Also visit Merzouga Sahara desert. Where ride camels, witness magical sunset and sunrise and spend the night in a desert camp. Explore the Sahara desert of Merzouga in a 4×4 car. Furthermore you will visit the Rissani traditional market, and Erfoud the fossils town. Then visit the Switzerland of Morocco Ifrane, and the cedars forest where the Barbary macaque live. Finally, the tour ends in Fes.
Itinerary
The 5 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour starts with an early pick up from the airport or your accommodation in Marrakesh. Then drive through the fascinating High Atlas mountains, and Tizi-N-Tichka pass. Stops will be made for panoramic views of the breathtaking landscapes. Then we visit the Kasbah of Telouat.
After that we continue to visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. A fortified village recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Furthermore, the Kasbah has appeared in many movies including: Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy...etc. And also TV series including Game Of Thrones. Then we head to "The gate of the desert" Ouarzazate. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.
After breakfast, we explore the city of Ouarzazate. Firstly, we visit the Atlas studios, where various famous movies were shot, and also visit the Taourirt Kasbah -A fortified mud castle, and one of the most ancient and spectacular Ksars in Morocco. After that we drive east to visit Amridil Kasbah surrounded by palm groves in Skoura. Then continue to Kalaa Magouna famous for the Rose valley. A Rose Festival is held annually in May, where the locals offer their rose products, from: perfumes, rose water, oil, to cosmetic products. Then we drive to Dades valley through Boumalne Dades. Inevitable stops at the "monkey fingers" rock formation, and on a spot atop a mountain overlooking the Dades valley. Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Boumalne Dades.
After breakfast, we continue the 5 days desert tour to Todra Gorges, the course of Todra river has carved out a grand canyon through the mountains -Making a high red cliff-sided canyon. Feel free to wander in the gorges and appreciate the beauty of the landscape. Then drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. Free time for lunch on the way.
In the afternoon we reach the Sahara desert of Merzouga. Where you switch to camels and cross the sandy desert. A stop will be made for you to enjoy the magical sunset on top of a high dune. Then continue to the desert luxury camp. Where you can enjoy the Berber drums music while dancing around the campfire, under vast open sky of stars. Dinner and overnight in the camp.
Wake up early in the morning is a must do, in order to contemplate the beautiful sunrise, in the middle of the desert. Free time for breakfast. Then you return on camels to Merzouga, where the driver awaits. We dedicate the day to explore the region of Merzouga. The area has so many incredible sites, from sand dunes, wild lake, mines, fossils areas to fabulous oases. Which are ideal places for so many outdoor activities.
Firstly, we start our journey in Merzouga, by driving off-road to visit an ancient eyeliner mine. Then we pay the nomads a visit, in their handmade woven tent. Learn how they live while drinking a Berber tea. Our next destination is the Khamlia village, where you will enjoy the Gnaoua music, and dancing performances. Its inhabitants are originating from sub-Saharan countries like Mali, Sudan and Niger. Free time for lunch in a restaurant. After that we take a stroll in a palm trees grove. Then drive a few kilometres to see the wild lake of Merzouga, also called flamingos lake. Dinner and overnight In a hotel.
In the last day of your 5 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour. You wake up early morning to contemplate the beautiful sunrise in the middle of the desert. Free time for breakfast, then you return on camels to Merzouga where the driver awaits. Then we leave the desert to visit Rissani town, the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Rissani still a major trading center in the region, with a large souk lively on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. After a stroll in Rissani souk, we continue to Erfoud where we visit one of the workshops of fossilized marble
After that we drive along the Ziz river, we stop for a panoramic view of the Ziz valley. Free time for lunch in Midelt. Then we continue to cedars forest, where the Barbary Macaques live. Feel free to feed them while wandering in the forest. After that we visit Ifrane, famous for its low temperature, snow and the alpine-style houses -No wonder it is called the Switzerland of Morocco. Finally, we drop you off at the airport or your accommodation in Fes. End of the tour.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up & Drop-off at your Hotel or Airport
- Transport in a private 4x4 car or minibus with A/C
- English / Spanish Speaking Driver.
- Nights in the hotels.
- 1 Night in the desert camp.
- Camel ride in the Sahara desert (a Camel Per person)
- Dinners and Breakfasts.
- Fuel.
The Cost Excludes
- Lunches & drinks.
- Entrance fees to monuments.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The road trip from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert, specifically to Merzouga, is an approximately 9-hour journey. To make this travel more comfortable and enjoyable, we include an overnight stay at Dades Valley and in Ouarzazte to break up the drive. On the third day, you will continue your journey from Merzouga back to Marrakech
Of course! If you are not keen on riding camels, we have covered you with an alternative. You can relax in the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle at no extra cost, and we will transport you to the camp hassle-free. Your satisfaction is our priority!
Absolutely, all the camps in our selection are classified as luxury camps, guaranteeing your comfort with the added convenience of private en-suite bathrooms.
Great question! Our vehicle type depends on how many people are in your group. Different vehicles are available, like the Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, Ford 8- seater van, and Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus (suitable for groups ranging from eight to seventeen passengers), in addition to other comfortable car options.
The early bird catches the worm, it is recommended to book the trip as soon as possible.
Our payment procedure is simple and hassle-free. To confirm your reservation, we kindly ask for a small deposit. This deposit can be easily paid via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise when you make your booking. The outstanding balance is due in cash on the first day of your tour directly to our knowledgeable driver/guide. You have the flexibility to pay in euros, US dollars, or an equivalent sum in dirhams.
