3 Days Tour From Marrakech To Fes & Atlas And Desert Merzouga
Highlights
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Witness the stunning sunrise from the top of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, one of the most memorable moments of the desert
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Enjoy far-reaching views of the High Atlas Mountains
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Visit traditional High Atlas Berber villages
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Experience an overnight camping adventure in Erg Chebbi Merzouga Desert, including dinner and breakfast.
🕰️ Duration : 3 Days / 2 Nights
📍Start From : Marrakech
🚗 Departs : All Year Round
🏠 Hotels : 4 & 3 Stars
🛩️ Arrival : Airport (Marrakech)
🗓️ Availability : Everyday
Overview
The journey from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara desert, spanning three days, is a well-known and sought-after tour, connecting two imperial cities. The route takes you through the southern region of Morocco, commencing from the city of Marrakech, passing through the Atlas mountains, and meandering along winding roads dotted with Berber villages that merge with the mountains. The tour also includes visits to famous kasbahs, such as the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou and the cinematic attraction of Ouarzazate. The first night is spent in a comfortable traditional hotel located in the heart of the Dades gorges. On the second day, after exploring the vast Todgha gorges, you travel to the arid plains of Merzouga, marking the beginning of the desert, where you ride camels and head deep into the desert to spend a night in a nomadic bivouac under a starry night sky. The third day follows a different route that passes through various villages, stunning sceneries, before reaching the cultural capital of the country: Fes, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel.
What's Included?
*pickup and dropoff at accommodation is included in all our tours*
Price Includes:
✅ Air-conditioned minivan or 4WD Fuel included
✅ Hotel pick-up and drop-off
✅ Professional driver/Driver (Multilingual)
✅ 1 Night in a Hotel (Dinner & Breakfast)
✅ Overnight camping in Erg Chebbi Merzouga Desert (Dinner & Breakfast)
✅ Camel ride in the dunes
✅ Sand boarding in the dunes
✅ You can stop everywhere to take photos
Price Excludes:
❎ Soft drinks are not included in the price
❎ Lunches are not included in the price
❎ Tips and gratuities are not included in the price
❎ Travel insurance is not included in the price
❎ Optional activities are not included in the price
❎ Personal expenses incurred during the itinerary are not included in the price
Itinerary
Day 1 - Marrakech / High Atlas Mountains / Ait Ben Haddou / Ouarzazate / Dades
Our Marrakech to Fes desert tour will commence at approximately 08:00 from Marrakech, embarking on a journey across the Atlas Mountains towards Dades Gorges via the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Following a scenic four-hour drive through the mountains, we will be greeted by breathtaking landscapes and charming Berber villages. A stop will be made to explore the renowned Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ancient Kasbahs served as crucial points along the historic Caravan routes and have become significant landmarks for international filmmakers, having been featured in over 20 films. Furthermore, they were vital fortresses on the old Salt Road, facilitating the transportation of slaves, gold, ivory, salt, and silk from sub-Saharan countries to Marrakech and beyond. Moving on from Ait Ben Haddou, our journey continues to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the "Hollywood of Africa," as it has gained fame as a favored location for filmmakers. Notably, movies such as Gladiator and The Mummy were filmed here. After Ouarzazate, we will proceed towards Dades Gorges, passing through Mgouna, Skoura, and several other Berber villages nestled within the valley.Arrive in Zagora in the late afternoon, where you can ride camels across the dunes to witness the breathtaking sunset. Afterward, ride your camels back to the Zagora Luxury Desert camp, and take advantage of its amenities for a magical night under the stars.
Day 2 - Dades Gorges / Todra Gorges / Merzouga (Camel Ride & Night In Sahara)
Once we've had breakfast and taken a shower, we'll begin the second part of our adventure, which involves traveling from Dades to the Erg Chebbi Sahara desert. Along the way, there are numerous Berber villages scattered about, and we'll pass through Tenghir, Tinjdad, and Jorf. We'll make a stop to walk through Todra Gorges, one of the most breathtaking canyons in the world. Continuing on, we'll reach Erfoud, where we'll begin to feel the presence of Saharan oasis and villages. From here, we'll drive to Merzouga desert and, after a brief rest, go on a camel ride through the sand dunes, embarking on a desert adventure. We'll spend the night in Nomad Berber tents at the desert campsite, with drums playing in the middle of the Sahara. This presents a fantastic opportunity to capture amazing pictures of the sunset and sunrise over the sand dunes. Dinner and Berber music will be provided at the campsite.
Day 3 - Merzouga Desert / Er Rissani / Ziz Valley / Azrou / Ifrane / Fes
Our camp guide will wake you up early in the morning to witness the stunning sunrise, after which we will ride the camels back to Merzouga. After freshening up and having breakfast, we will commence our journey towards Fes. On the way, we'll make some stops to capture picturesque moments or relish a cup of tea at the Ziz Valley before crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains. Lunch will be served in Midelt, a mountain city situated at 1488m altitude and surrounded by the towering Jbel Ayachi (3737m). In the afternoon, we'll resume our drive towards the iconic city of Fes, making stops at Ifrane and Azrou (Cedar Forest) on the way.
Enjoy the drive
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The drive from Marrakech to Fes via Atlas and Desert Merzouga is a scenic journey that passes through the majestic Atlas Mountains, charming Berber villages, and the awe-inspiring dunes of the Sahara desert. The trip offers a unique opportunity to witness the diverse landscape of Morocco, including the lush greenery of the Atlas Mountains, the arid beauty of the desert, and the cultural richness of the Berber villages. The journey is an adventure in itself, filled with unforgettable experiences and stunning views.