Discover the beauty of Morocco on a journey from Fes to Marrakech. Begin in the majestic Middle Atlas Mountains, where you can spot Barbary Macaque monkeys in the sprawling Azrou Forest. Immerse yourself in the mystical beauty of the Sahara Desert, riding camels across golden dunes, witnessing breathtaking sunsets, and sleeping under a star-studded sky in traditional Saharan tents. Explore ancient kasbahs, visit the captivating Todgha Gorges, and delve into the cinematic wonders of Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Africa. Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou and cross the Tizi’n’Tichka Pass. Finally, arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech.
| Category | standard |
|---|---|
| Arrival city | Marrakech |
| Departure city | Fes |
| Duration of the trip | 4 Days |
| Included |
|
| Excluded |
|
|
Travel With
|
|
This day’s journey from Fes to Merzouga promises to be an exhilarating one. You will traverse the Middle Atlas Mountains, reaching the city of Ifrane, affectionately known as the Switzerland of Morocco. This charming town is renowned for its sky-high altitudes and picturesque landscapes, reaching up to 1,665 meters. Next, we will proceed to the Azrou Forest, the largest cedar forest in Africa, where you may have the opportunity to encounter and feed the rare Barbary Macaque monkeys. For lunch, we will make a stop in the town of Medilte and enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal at a local restaurant. Our journey continues through the captivating Tiz N’Talghamt pass and Ziz Gorge, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking views of the expansive date palm-filled valley. We will then make our way to the renowned Merzouga, where you will transition from car to camelback for an enchanting trek through the dunes. Prepare to be mesmerized by the magical sunset over the dunes before arriving at our camp. Once at the camp, you will enjoy a delightful dinner followed by a night spent in a Saharan tent, immersing yourself in the serene atmosphere. Experience the joy of sharing music and stories under the starlit sky with the local nomads, creating memories that will last a lifetime
Today, following a delightful breakfast, you will indulge in a unique expedition amidst the vast sand dunes! If the timing aligns, there’s a chance you may encounter a local nomadic family, providing you with insights into their ancient way of life. You’ll be warmly greeted with a refreshing glass of tea, embracing their hospitality. After the enriching encounter with the family, a visit to a nearby fossil museum awaits, boasting a modest yet impressive collection. At this establishment, skilled specialists uncover, prepare, and trade fossils that find their way to esteemed universities, collectors, and museums worldwide. Should you be intrigued, you can witness the meticulous process of extracting fossils from the surrounding bedrock by visiting one of the workshops. Following the museum tour, it’s time to embark on a thrilling fossil hunt in the untamed wilderness. The fossils are abundant and can be found almost everywhere. A bottle of water will suffice to wash away the dust, revealing these ancient treasures as if by magic. Next, if your visit aligns with one of Rissani’s market days, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere firsthand. Explore the market’s diverse sections, witness the bustling donkey parking lot complete with a service center and sales area, and observe the locals engaging in the age-old tradition of trading goods. The highlight of the Rissani market experience lies in savoring the local specialty known as medfouna, also referred to as Berber Pizza. For the adventurous, the traditional approach involves purchasing meat from the butcher and having it expertly prepared and cooked by the baker. Finally, find a cozy spot at a local café, sit back, and relish this delectable dish. Continuing your special desert tour, a stop at the village of Khamlia awaits, a vibrant community entirely comprised of Gnaoua musicians. While being treated to another refreshing glass of mint tea, you’ll be captivated by their mesmerizing performances, and we challenge you to resist moving your body in sync with the infectious rhythms! The tour culminates at the edge of the dunes, allowing you ample time to unwind and rejuvenate before embarking on your next thrilling adventure
This morning, you'll want to be sure to get up early to watch the sun rise over the dunes. Grab
some coffee and climb up the nearest dune and watch as the sun sets the sand aflame. After
this near-transcendental experience, you’ll have breakfast at camp and prepare for your day
and when you are ready, you’ll take your camels back to the Kasbah on the edge of the dunes.
(Note: A 4x4 transfers is available if you prefer).From here, you’ll head back towards the
mountains, but first you'll stop at a few interesting stops in the desert region. Your first stop
will be Khamlia, a village comprised of Gnaoua musicians. You'll have tea and a short
concert before moving on to the next stop: a small fossil museum that also provides Moroccan
fossilsNext, you'll stop to visit the ancient irrigation system that once brought water to the
desert from the distant SaghroMountains. After this, you’ll head to the oasis town of Tinghir
where you will visit nearby Todgha Gorge where you will walk through the most impressive
part of the canyon. After this, you’ll head to your accommodations located in the heart of the
Valley of Dades.
After breakfast, you will take the road of 1000 Kasbahs on your way to the city of Skoura and
Ouarzazate, also known as the “ Hollywood of Morocco”. After passing through Ouarzazate
you will make the short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou. You’ll
have a chance to explore this impressive ksar, before traveling over the High Atlas Mountains
via the Tizin’Tichka path, reaching an altitude of nearly 7500 feet above sea level. There will
be plenty of stops for tea and photographs as you take in the breathtaking vistas before
arriving in the evening to Marrakech.
