6 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech to Chefchouen via Merzouga & Fes
In this tour, you will explore so many incredible sights. As you drive south you will explore Berber villages, old Kasbahs, Gorges and valleys, Canyon, and palm Groves. You will learn stories about Moroccan culture, local life experiences, history in the Atlas Mountains/Desert, and Berber people in the Sahara desert with its amazing sandy dunes.
Activities
Activities
Day 01
Marrakech- Atlas mountain- Telouate- Aitbenhaddou–Rose valley
Day 02
Rose valley-Dades Gorges- Todgha gorge-Tinjdad- Jorf- Arfoud- Erg Chebbi.i
After breakfast, we drive via the oasis of Skoura. You will have the opportunity to explore the Kasbah of Amridil. We will go through the Valley of roses to KalaaM’gounawhere you may (if wanted) visit a rose water cooperative and learn how locals manufacture rose water perfume essences.Our journey continues to the nearby Dades Gorge where you will be immersed in the natural beauty of the valley and enjoy seeing the amazing Rock formation called “the monkey Toes” and the still-standing19th century Kasbah of Kasbah AitYul. Before you continue your journey towards the dunes of Merzouga, you will experience the Todgha gorge from above and below. In the gorge, you can walk 300 m high red cliff, where many rock climbers spend their time. You will stop in Rissani where you will search for fossils before you complete the final stretch of your journey to one of the magical sand seas of the Sahara dunes Erg Chebbi where your camels will be awaiting you. You will be welcomed with a glass of mint tea before riding your camel towards your desert camps. Overnight in a berber tent and a dinner will be served. You will enjoy a traditional berber music and night stars.After breakfast at your magical Kasbah in the rose valley, you will head towards another absolutely gorgeous valley which is Dades gorge. It’s in this ridiculously idyllic setting.We continue passing the strange rock creation of Tamnalt Hills and we arrive to Dades Gorge carved by centuries by the Dades River. You will enjoy the natural scenery of red and mauve rocks tower above the road. We depart Dades Gorge and travel to another spectacular gorge Todra (the highest oasis in Morocco). The gorge is cut into the ochre-colored cliffs of the High Atlas. Its walls are 300 meters high and at their most narrow part are 20 meters apart. You might want to climb the gorge because it is a great place to learn to climb. The area is absolutely beautiful and the sky is so blue. There are some great climbing areas geared towards beginners with good bolt and anchor placement with moderate grades. It is easy to find climbing at all grades. After lunch in Todgha gorge, you will make our way towards Tinjdad. We reach Merzouga which is known for the highest sand dunes in North Africa. It is called Erg Chebbi Sahara desert. On our way, we will have the chance to see many oasis such as the oasis of Tinjdad. After we arrive to Rissani, we will continue our way enjoying the green oasis of palm trees of Ziz –Tafilalet and the Hamada before arriving to Merzouga. There you will ride camelas an amazing adventure in the sand dunes. We will spend the night in an equipped desert camp in the middle of the Sahara dunes! This is a great opportunity to take lovely pictures of the sunset and sunrise. At this time, we will explore the secrets of the Sahara and its unlimited horizons.Overnight in a Nomad private Tent, dinner & breakfast
Day 03
Erg Chebbi – Merzouga – Fes
You will wake up to enjoy the sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, possibly the best moment of the Merzouga desert. Make your way after breakfast Fes to through the ziz valley and the cedar forest of Azrou. There you will see a colony of monkeys along the road which will keep you amused. You will have plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs as you will stop for coffee, lunch, photographs, and more coffee as you travel through these forests, valleys and mountains. We will reach the Switzerland of Morocco which is Ifrane city. Drop off at your Riad / Hotel at around 6PM in Fes.
Day 04
Fes City
After breakfast, you will meet with your local guide for your tour of the Old Madina, one of the worlds largest walled in cities. You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. A visit to the King’s Palace, the tanneries, and potters are just a few places you will experience. You will be dropped off at your Riad at the end of the tour. Enjoy your evening exploring the medina and the hustle bustle of the street stalls. The tour will take you into Bab Boujloud (the Blue Gate), where you will discover the ancient streets and neighborhoods, as well as Al-Qarawaiyin University. Founded in 864 AD and still in operation today, it holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest continually operated university in the world. After exloring all that the Medina has to offer, we will drive to get a high up panoramic view of the old city before returning to your riad in the evening.
Day 05
Fes- Volubilis- Chefchaoun.
After breakfast, you will leave Fes to head to the blue city of Chefchaoun via Volibilis. We will drive to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site in North Africa and very well-preserved; Roman ruins of Volubilis and see the well-preserved mosaics.Youwill arrive chefchaoun and you may choose to do a little exploring after you’ve rested. Enjoy a walk to explore the white and blue washed walls of the medina and the markets that offer some unique native handicrafts. Chefchaouen is a fantastic destination for photography with its wonderful views of the Rif Mountains. Overnight will be at your Riad.
Day 06
Chefchaoun – Casablanca transfer.
After breakfast at your hotel, you will have time to explore this nice blue city which is known for its traditional buildings.Thenyour driver will transfer you to the airport or your hotel in Casablanca. Depending on your departure, you may wish to explore a little and your driver will be at your disposal if you need him. Your driver will take you to visit Hassan II Mosqueand the Old Medina before going back home.
Included
- Private A/C 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser/minivan/ bus throughout the tour + fuel
- Experienced English-speaking driver (guide)
- Pick up from and drop off at airport
- Accommodations with breakfast
- Overnight in Nomad desert bivouac with guide (private tents) with dinner and breakfast
- Camels and guide, including sandboarding
- Accommodation in Dades Gorge with dinner and breakfast
- Local guide in Marrakech and Fes
- Free time to explore interesting sites such as Ait Benhaddou, kasbahs, walks and canyons, breaks for photos etc.
Not Included:
- Personal and Alcoholic beverages
- Lunch
- Tips and gratuities