fes desert tour itinerary and trip
Morning: Depart from Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital, towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass through Ifrane, often called “Morocco’s Switzerland,” known for its European-style architecture and clean streets. This town is a stark contrast to the typical Moroccan landscape, offering a refreshing start to your journey.
Afternoon: Continue your journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at Azrou, a Berber village known for its cedar forest, home to Barbary macaque monkeys. This stop allows you to stretch your legs and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Evening: As you travel further south, you’ll reach the Ziz Valley, famous for its stunning oasis and palm groves. This lush area is a stark contrast to the dry desert landscapes you’ll encounter later in your journey.
Night: Arrive in Merzouga, a small village on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Here, you’ll experience the highlight of your day: a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. These towering sand dunes are some of the highest in Morocco, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your adventure. At the desert camp, you’ll enjoy a traditional Berber dinner under the starlit sky, complete with local music and hospitality.
Morning: Rise early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the dunes. The play of colors across the desert landscape is a mesmerizing sight and a photographer’s dream. This experience is often a highlight of trips to Morocco, offering a serene and unforgettable moment in the Sahara Desert.
Late Morning: Return to Merzouga village by camel for breakfast and a chance to freshen up. Take some time to explore the village and its surroundings. You may choose to visit Khamlia Village, known for its Gnawa music, or explore nearby oases and traditional Berber communities.
Afternoon: Depending on your preferences, you can relax in Merzouga or take part in optional activities such as quad biking or visiting the nearby lake of Dayet Srji, a seasonal salt lake that attracts a variety of migratory birds.
Evening: Enjoy another night at the desert camp, where you’ll savor another round of traditional Berber cuisine. The evening offers more opportunities for stargazing and enjoying local music around the campfire, immersing yourself fully in the desert culture and hospitality.
Morning: After breakfast, bid farewell to Merzouga and begin your journey back to Fes. The drive takes you through the Middle Atlas town of Midelt, known for its apple orchards and dramatic mountain scenery. This scenic route allows you to enjoy the changing landscapes of Morocco’s interior.
Afternoon: Continue your journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through cedar forests and Berber villages. Stop along the way to stretch your legs and take in the fresh mountain air.
Evening: Arrive back in Fes, marking the end of your memorable journey from the cultural heart of Morocco to the breathtaking Sahara Desert and back. Reflect on your experiences as you prepare to depart or continue your adventures in this vibrant country.
Morning Departure from Fes: Your journey begins early in the morning from Fes. You’ll travel southwards through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through picturesque landscapes and charming towns.
Stop in Ifrane: Your first stop is Ifrane, often referred to as “Little Switzerland” due to its architecture and surrounding forests. Take some time to explore the town and its unique European-style buildings.
Cedar Forests of the Middle Atlas: Continuing your journey, you’ll pass through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains. These forests are home to Barbary macaques, so keep an eye out for these playful primates.
Lunch in Midelt: Around midday, you’ll arrive in Midelt, a town known for its apples and minerals. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, sampling some traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Drive through Ziz Valley: After lunch, you’ll continue your drive through the Ziz Valley, known for its palm groves and ancient kasbahs. This scenic valley is a great place for a short break and some photos.
Arrival in Merzouga: By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Merzouga, a small village on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Check into your accommodation, which might be a desert camp or a hotel with views of the dunes.
Sunset Camel Trek: In the evening, embark on a camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi to witness the breathtaking sunset over the Sahara. The colors changing over the sand dunes are a sight to behold.
Dinner and Entertainment: After your camel trek, return to your accommodation for a traditional Moroccan dinner. Enjoy local Berber music around a campfire under the starry desert sky, a perfect end to your first day.
Sunrise in the Sahara: Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the dunes. This is a magical experience as the colors of the desert change with the first light of day.
Breakfast and Relaxation: After sunrise, return to Merzouga for breakfast and some relaxation time. If you’re staying in a desert camp, this might include a shower and packing up.
Visit to a Berber Village: Mid-morning, take a visit to a local Berber village near Merzouga. Learn about the traditional lifestyle of the desert inhabitants and perhaps buy some handmade crafts as souvenirs.
Lunch in Rissani: Around noon, depart Merzouga and head towards Rissani, an ancient town and a former capital of Morocco. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore the vibrant souks if time permits.
Drive through Todra Gorges: In the afternoon, continue your journey towards the Dades Gorges, passing through the Todra Gorges. These towering canyon walls are popular among rock climbers and offer stunning views.
Dinner and Overnight in Dades Gorges: Arrive in the Dades Gorges region by early evening. Check into your hotel or riad located amidst the dramatic rock formations. Dinner will be served at your accommodation, where you can relax and unwind after a day of exploration.
Exploring Dades Valley: After breakfast, explore the Dades Valley, known for its stunning kasbahs (fortresses) and picturesque landscapes. Take some time to visit local villages and interact with the friendly Berber people.
Valley of Roses: As you continue your journey, stop at the Valley of Roses, famous for its annual Rose Festival and production of rose water and cosmetics. Learn about the rose cultivation and its importance to the local economy.
Lunch in Ouarzazate: Around midday, arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco” due to its film studios and numerous movie sets. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ait Benhaddou: In the afternoon, visit Ait Benhaddou, another UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient mud-brick ksar (fortified village) is famous for its appearance in many movies and TV series, including “Game of Thrones.”
Drive through the High Atlas Mountains: After exploring Ait Benhaddou, continue your journey to Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. Enjoy the scenic drive with panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.
Arrival in Marrakech: By late afternoon or early evening, arrive in Marrakech, where your desert trip concludes. Depending on your schedule, you can either head to your hotel or riad for some rest or start exploring Marrakech’s bustling medina and souks.
Here’s a detailed itinerary for your Fes to Marrakech desert trip:
– Depart from Fes early morning.
– Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Ifrane and Azrou.
– Stop at cedar forests to see wild monkeys.
– Continue southwards through Ziz Valley, Erfoud, and Rissani.
– Arrive in Merzouga, gateway to the Sahara Desert.
– Check into your desert accommodation.
– Enjoy a sunset camel ride over the dunes.
– Dinner and overnight in a desert camp under the stars in Merzouga.
– Wake up early to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the dunes.
– Return to your accommodation for breakfast.
– Explore the surrounding desert area, visit nomadic families, and learn about their way of life.
– Optional activities: ATV/Quad biking in the desert.
– Enjoy a traditional Berber lunch.
– Afternoon free to relax or explore the area.
– Dinner and another night in the desert camp.
– Depart from Merzouga after breakfast.
– Drive towards Tinghir and visit Todra Gorge.
– Enjoy a leisurely walk through the narrow canyon walls.
– Continue towards Dades Valley, passing through Boumalne Dades.
– Check into your accommodation in Dades Valley.
– Dinner and overnight stay in Dades Valley.
– After breakfast, depart from Dades Valley.
– Drive through the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing Skoura and Ouarzazate.
– Visit Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
– Continue through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka pass.
– Arrive in Marrakech in the evening.
– Drop-off at your accommodation or the airport.
This itinerary offers a blend of cultural exploration, desert adventures, and scenic drives, showcasing the diverse landscapes of Morocco from Fes to Marrakech.
Here’s a detailed itinerary for your 6-day Fes to Marrakech desert trip:
– Depart from Fes in the morning.
– Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Ifrane and Azrou.
– Continue southwards through Ziz Valley, Erfoud, and Rissani.
– Arrive in Merzouga, gateway to the Sahara Desert.
– Check into your desert accommodation.
– Enjoy a sunset camel ride over the dunes.
– Dinner and overnight in a desert camp in Merzouga.
– Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes.
– Return to your accommodation for breakfast.
– Explore the desert area, visit nomadic families, and learn about their lifestyle.
– Optional activities: ATV/Quad biking in the desert.
– Enjoy a traditional Berber lunch.
– Afternoon free to relax or explore the area.
– Dinner and another night in the desert camp.
– Depart from Merzouga after breakfast.
– Drive towards Tinghir and visit Todra Gorge.
– Enjoy a leisurely walk through the narrow canyon walls.
– Continue towards Dades Valley, passing through Boumalne Dades.
– Check into your accommodation in Dades Valley.
– Dinner and overnight stay in Dades Valley.
– After breakfast, embark on a full-day trek in Dades Valley.
– Enjoy the scenic landscapes and the unique rock formations.
– Have lunch in a traditional Berber house, experiencing local hospitality.
– Return to your accommodation in Dades Valley for dinner and overnight stay.
– After breakfast, depart from Dades Valley.
– Drive through the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing Skoura and Ouarzazate.
– Visit Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
– Explore the kasbah and its surroundings.
– Check into your accommodation near Ait Benhaddou.
– Dinner and overnight stay in Ait Benhaddou area.
– After breakfast, depart from Ait Benhaddou.
– Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka pass.
– Enjoy the scenic views and stops along the way.
– Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon.
– Drop-off at your accommodation or the airport.
This itinerary allows you to experience the best of fes desert tour itinerary and trip landscapes, cultural heritage, and scenic drives from Fes to Marrakech over 6 days.
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Rachid Morocco Tours offers a wide range of tour packages to Morocco’s imperial cities, the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic coast. As a Morocco travel specialist, Rachid personalizes private and group tours with a unique and authentic flavor that ensures experience of the best of Morocco’s culture, people, landscapes and cuisine. Rachid Morocco Tours offers historical tours in Morocco, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 day tours in the Sahara Desert region, art and jewelry boutique tours and cultural tours of a duration of 7 to 20 days.