3 days from Marrakech to Fez via the Merzouga desert

Marrakech, Merzouga

6 photos

Duration

3 Days

Maximum number of people

Minimum age

Tour type

From Marrakech

Overview:

This 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fez via the Merzouga Desert is the perfect choice for those who want to discover the contrasts of southern Morocco and experience the authentic magic of the Sahara. The journey begins by crossing the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi N’Tichka pass, offering breathtaking panoramic views and cultural visits such as the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route continues through Ouarzazate, the Valley of Roses, and the enchanting Dades Valley, where the first night is spent in a traditional mountain setting.

The second day is highlighted by the spectacular Todra Gorge, a canyon with vertical walls reaching 300 meters in height, considered a paradise for nature lovers and climbers. From there, the route ventures into the Merzouga Desert, where travelers enjoy a sunset camel ride and an unforgettable evening in a Berber tent camp. The experience is rounded out with a traditional dinner, live music, and the opportunity to contemplate the Sahara’s starry sky in all its grandeur.

The final day offers a unique journey to Fez, passing through iconic locations such as Erfoud, famous for its fossils, and the majestic Ziz Valley. The route continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains, with stops in the cedar forest, home to Barbary macaques, and in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture and verdant landscapes. Finally, the arrival in the historic city of Fez marks the perfect end to a route that combines nature, culture, and the authentic essence of the Moroccan desert.

Included/Excluded

Transportation and Guide
Accommodation and Meals
Tourist Visits

Meals
Additional Expenses
Travel insurance

Tour Plan

Day 1 Marrakech – High Atlas – Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

Pick-up at 8:00 AM from your hotel, riad, or the square where you are staying in Marrakech. Departure for a 3-day, 2-night excursion to the Merzouga desert from Marrakech to Fez, towards the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi N'Tichka pass at approximately 2,260 meters altitude. We will make stops to enjoy spectacular panoramic views and visit an Argan oil cooperative, where we will discover the production process and learn about its numerous health benefits. We will continue south and then turn off onto a 6 km track that will take us to the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, where we will visit its famous Kasbah (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). In this spectacular setting, renowned films such as Gladiator, The Jewel of the Nile, Sahara, and Lunch in the Village have been filmed. We will then continue our journey to Ouarzazate, considered the gateway to the desert, the starting point for major expeditions and home to the magnificent Kasbah of Taourirt. From there, we will proceed to the Valley of Roses, passing through the vast Skoura palm grove, and finally arriving in the Dades Valley where we will spend the night.

Hotel accommodation with dinner and breakfast.

Day 2 Dades – Todra Valley and Gorges – Merzouga Dunes (Desert):

After breakfast, we'll travel to Merzouga. We'll ascend a path to a strategic mountain viewpoint to admire the gorges, then continue along a road dotted with beautiful Kasbahs, each one unique. After several stops, we'll arrive at one of the highlights of southern Spain: the Todra Gorge. At 300 meters high, the Todra River has carved a stunning canyon with towering vertical walls, a paradise for climbers and a truly unique place. We'll have lunch there and then continue into the desert to reach the impressive Merzouga Dunes, where we'll enjoy a traditional tea and a short rest. We'll leave our luggage at the hotel and depart on a camel caravan, which will take us to the Berber tent camp in about an hour. We'll stop along the way to watch the sunset over the dunes and stretch our legs before continuing to the camp. Before or after dinner, we'll have the opportunity to climb the dunes near the camp to enjoy the peace and quiet and the stars of this famous desert. We'll spend the night in a traditional Berber tent.

Accommodation in Berber tents with dinner and breakfast, and a live Berber music show after dinner.

Day 3 Merzouga – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Middle Atlas – Ifrane – Fez

We'll wake up early before dawn to watch the sunrise over the dune behind the camp. After breakfast, we'll return by 4x4 or camel to the hotel for our 3-day, 2-night excursion to Fez from the Merzouga Desert. We'll pass through Erfoud, the city known for its fossils, and continue to the Ziz Valley, where we'll make a panoramic photo stop. Then we'll head towards Midelt, where we can stop for lunch. We'll cross the Middle Atlas Mountains to reach the cedar forest, home to the Barbary macaques. We'll stop if you're interested in feeding them and taking photos (they're originally from Gibraltar). Next, we'll arrive in Ifrane (the Swiss city), where you'll have 20 minutes to take photos and stroll around the town square. In the afternoon, we'll arrive in Fez, transfer you to the nearest parking spot, and conclude our 3-day, 2-night excursion from Marrakech to Fez via the Sahara Desert in Morocco.