Tour Plan
This trip offers a balanced mix of desert adventure, cultural discovery, and scenic exploration. You’ll enjoy camel rides, stay in desert camps, and discover the beauty and traditions of Morocco’s desert regions while traveling comfortably between Fes and Marrakech.
01
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
DAY 1: Fes to Merzouga via the Middle Atlas (Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga)
Begin your journey from Fes, traveling through the picturesque Middle Atlas Mountains. You’ll pass through Ifrane, often called the "Switzerland of Morocco," and drive through cedar forests near Azrou. Continue towards the Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm groves, before arriving in the desert town of Merzouga by evening. After settling into your desert camp, you’ll embark on a camel ride to watch the sunset over the majestic sand dunes.
*OPTIONS (possible to add): camel ride (ride camels through the Sahara dunes at sunset)
02
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
DAY 2: Discover Merzouga and Nomadic Culture (Merzouga – Rissani – Merzouga)
Start the day with a camel ride at sunrise, then explore the surrounding desert. Visit a nomadic family to learn about their traditional way of life. Afterward, you’ll head to the town of Rissani, where you can explore the vibrant souk, a bustling market where locals trade goods. Return to your desert camp in the afternoon for some relaxation, with a traditional Gnawa music performance in the evening under the stars.
*OPTIONS (possible to add): sandboarding (slide down the dunes for a fun adventure) + nomadic family (visit a nomadic family to experience their traditional lifestyle and hospitality in the heart of the desert) + Gnawa Music (experience traditional Gnawa music in local homes, immersing yourself in the spiritual rhythms and cultural heritage) + oasis (visit a desert oasis and experience the lush greenery amidst the arid surroundings)
03
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
DAY 3: Todra Gorges and Dades Valley (Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Boumalne Dades)
On Day 3, travel through the arid landscapes towards the dramatic Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs rise from the desert floor. This is one of Morocco's most impressive natural sights. After exploring the gorge, continue to Boumalne Dades for the night, surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Dades Valley, with its palm groves and winding roads.
*OPTIONS: hike Todra Gorges (embark on a hike through the stunning Todra Gorges, exploring its towering cliffs and lush surroundings) + hike Boumalne Dades (enjoy a scenic hike in the Boumalne Dades area, discovering the rugged beauty of the Dades Valley and its rock formations) + cooperative Berber carpet (learn the art of traditional Berber carpet weaving and the techniques passed down through generations)
04
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
DAY 4: Ait Ben Haddou and Return to Marrakech (Boumalne Dades – Rose Valley - Skoura - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech)
On your final day, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a historic kasbah famous for its cinematic appearances. After exploring the ancient fortress, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, arriving in Marrakech by the afternoon to conclude your adventure.
*OPTIONS (possible to add): Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou (tour the famous kasbah and learn about its history) + palm groves (explore lush oases filled with towering date palms and traditional irrigation systems) + rose distillation (learn about rose essential oil extraction and traditional distillation methods)
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