3-Day Adventure: Merzouga Desert, from Marrakech to Fez

Set off on an extraordinary journey across the magnificent Sahara Desert. This 3-day excursion will guide you from Marrakech to Fez, showcasing some of Morocco’s most breathtaking scenery.

Duration: 3 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Day 1: Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Dades Valley

Marrakech-Safi - After gathering at 8 am, the group will depart from Marrakech and head towards Ouarzazate. The journey, which lasts about 4 hours, offers breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains as the group crosses the Tizi n’Tichka pass, which stands over 2,000 meters high.

At the midpoint of the trip, there will be a stop at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a site featured in films like Gladiator and The Kingdom of Heaven. Following this brief visit, the journey will continue to the town of Ouarzazate, where the impressive Kasbah of Taourirt awaits.

The group will then travel along the Thousand Kasbahs Road towards Skoura, arriving at the Roses Valley approximately 30 minutes before sunset. The day will conclude in the Dades Valley, a unique location where the group will enjoy their first night’s accommodation.

Tizi n Tichka - Tizi n’Tichka is a mountain pass in Morocco, connecting the southeast of Marrakesh to the city of Ouarzazate through the High Atlas Mountains. It lies above the vast Marrakesh plains and serves as a gateway to the Sahara Desert.

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou - Aït Benhaddou is a historic site on the longest caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in modern Morocco. It is an excellent example of marble bar architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987.

Taourirt Kasbah - Kasbah Taourirt is a historic complex of fortified residences located in Ouarzazate, Morocco.

Vallee Des Roses - The Valley of the Roses begins with the round rocks of Imassine and extends to the river Mgoun, showcasing its full splendor from Kelaat Mgouna. It is one of the most beautiful valleys in the High Atlas and southern Morocco. Ascending through this succession of palm groves and gardens that make up the Roses Valley is truly enchanting.

Dades Gorges - The Dadès Gorges are a series of wadi gorges carved along the Dadès River in Morocco. The river originates in the High Atlas Mountains and flows about 350 kilometers southeast before merging with the Draa River on the edge of the Sahara.

Day 2: Dades Valley - Todra Gorges - Merzouga

Merzouga Desert - With the first rays of light illuminating the Dades Gorges, the group will have breakfast and head towards the Dades Valley. Once there, they will explore the spectacular Todra Gorges and take in the stunning panoramic views of the valley.

The journey will then continue towards Merzouga, passing through the Jorf Palm Grove, known for producing the best dates in Morocco. A traditional Moroccan meal will be enjoyed just before reaching the small village of Erfoud.

After visiting the fossil remains in Erfoud, the group will proceed to Merzouga. Upon arrival, they will switch to camels and ride into the desert to the camp where they will spend the night.

Once settled, the group will enjoy an authentic Moroccan dinner in Erg Chebbi under the stars, surrounded by the tranquility of the desert - an unforgettable experience!

Todgha Gorge - The Todgha Gorges are a series of limestone river canyons in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, near the city of Tinerhir. Both the Todgha and Dades Rivers have carved out these deep gorges over time.

Merzouga - Merzouga is a small Moroccan town in the Sahara Desert, near the Algerian border. It is known as the gateway to Erg Chebbi, a vast expanse of sand dunes north of the town. To the west of Merzouga lies Dayet Srji, a seasonal salt lake that often dries up in the summer. When filled, it attracts a variety of migratory birds, including desert sparrows, Egyptian nightjars, and occasionally flamingos.

Erg Chebbi Dunes - Erg Chebbi is one of several ergs in Morocco, consisting of large dunes formed by wind-blown sand. Other notable ergs include Erg Chigaga near M’hamid. Technically, these ergs are located within a semi-arid region and are not part of the Sahara Desert, which lies a short distance to the south.

Day 3: Rissani - Ziz Valley - Middle Atlas - Fez

Fes - What better way to start the final day than by witnessing the sunrise in the desert? After this unforgettable experience, the group will ride camels to a hotel for breakfast and a shower (depending on the chosen option, breakfast and shower may be taken before the camel ride).

The journey will then continue to Fez, passing through Tafilalet and Rissani, the ancient capital of the Alaouite sultans and the birthplace of the dynasty that still reigns in Morocco today.

The tour will proceed through Azrou and Ifrane, with a stop at the monkey forest to admire and feed these beautiful animals.

After this delightful encounter, the journey will resume, arriving in Fez approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes later, around 6 pm.

Azrou Cedar Forest - The Azrou Cedar Forest is a source of national pride. Moroccan cedars, some over 400 years old, grow to heights of nearly 200 feet and cover around 320,000 acres on the slopes of the Middle Atlas. The forest is home to Barbary macaques and a variety of bird species, including the red-headed Moroccan woodpecker, owls, and eagles.

Ifrane - Known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” Ifrane is a perfect spot for a brief rest.

What's Included
  • English-speaking guide
  • Two nights accommodation (hotel and Berber tent)
  • Transport in minivan or 4WD
  • Dinner and breakfast included
  • Camel ride at sunset and sunrise
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off outside the Medina of Marrakech
What's Not Included
  • Lunch and drinks
  • Guide in Ait Ben Haddou
  • Tips
Location
Argana
Znikat Rahba
If you're staying in the Medina you should go to the restaurant Café ARGANA, in the Plaza Jemaa el Fna. If you're staying outside the Medina we'll pick you up at the hotel free of charge.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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(5 Ratings)
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978valescav
Jan 8, 2024
An unmissable experience - The visit to the desert is totally recommended, it is an unmissable experience. We were pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the facilities, the meals and the warmth of the staff. As for the route, it is important to keep in mind that it is a long journey. However, the friendliness of the driver makes it very bearable. In addition, the driver provides interesting information during the trip and stops are made at strategic places that enrich the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diofig92
Jan 7, 2023
Recommended! - Totally, best part was our guide. Recommended! Everything went smoothly and the optional activities like quad bikes were very fun and worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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