5 Days From Fez To Marrakech (Atlas & Sahara )
From Fes
📝 Tour Description: What to Expect on Your Journey
Step beyond the usual Moroccan comfort zone and embark on an unforgettable 5-day journey from Fes to Marrakech, where adventure and discovery await. This tour offers a deep dive into the heart of Morocco’s iconic landscapes, combining the majesty of the Atlas Mountains with the mystique of the vast Sahara Desert. Experience what travel vloggers rave about, with a desert excursion that captures the essence of Morocco in just five days.
From the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to thrilling camel treks, this tour delivers the best of Moroccan travel—immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Sahara, where the journey is as exciting as the destination. Sip traditional Moroccan tea under starry skies, traverse the Atlas passes, and discover why this adventure is regarded as one of the top excursion experiences in the country.
| Destination | Merzouga Desert – Marrakech |
|---|---|
| Departure | Yes, Required |
| Departure Time | 07:00 AM |
| Arrival Time | 06:00 PM |
What’s Included / What’s Excluded
- Pick-up from your hotel/riad /Aeroport in Fez
- A modern air-conditioned vehicle driven by an English-Italian-Spanish speaking guide-driver
- Private room with dinner and breakfast
- Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi
- Overnight at a nomads’ luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi
- Private luxury tent with dinner and breakfast
- Berbere music+ dance…
- Drop off at your Marrakech Hotel/Riad
- Lunches on the way
- Beverages
- Drink
- Personal expenses
🌟 Explore the Full Itinerary of Your Journey👇
- 7:00 a.m. - Departure from Fes
- Pick-Up:
- Your journey begins with a convenient pick-up from your Fes riad or hotel.
- Pick-Up:
- Scenic Drive to Merzouga:
- Destination:
- Depart towards Merzouga, where the stunning sand dunes of Erg Chebbi await.
- Destination:
- 8-Hour Journey Overview:
- Route:
- This 8-hour journey will take you across the majestic Atlas Mountains, leading you to Tafilalet, the largest oasis in southern Morocco, known for its scenic villages, lush palmeries, and two key Saharan towns: Erfoud and Rissani.
- Route:
- Stops Along the Way:
- Ifrane:
- Known as "Little Switzerland," Ifrane charms with its alpine architecture and scenic surroundings.
- Azrou Cedar Forest:
- Explore the enchanting Azrou Cedar Forest, home to playful Barbary macaque monkeys.
- Midelt:
- Stop for a delicious lunch nestled at the base of the Atlas Mountains, where you can savor local flavors.
- Ziz Valley:
- Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over palm groves and the lush green valley cutting through the Sahara.
- Ifrane:
- Afternoon Arrival in Merzouga:
- Transition to Desert:
- As you approach Merzouga, the landscape transitions into a vast desert, and soon you'll witness the impressive Erg Chebbi sand dunes rising in the distance.
- Transition to Desert:
- Evening at the Hotel:
- Welcome and Relaxation:
- Once at Merzouga, you'll be welcomed at a comfortable hotel with a pool right by the dunes, where you can relax and unwind.
- Welcome and Relaxation:
- Dinner and Overnight:
- Prepare for Adventure:
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel and settle in for the night, preparing for the exciting adventures that await you in the Sahara.
- Prepare for Adventure:
- Breakfast at the Hotel:
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for a day of adventure.
- Exciting Options to Explore the Merzouga Region:
- Visit Nearby Villages:
- Take a trip to local villages like Hassi Labied and Khamlia, where you can immerse yourself in the rich culture and experience the soulful music of local Gnawa musicians, known for their rhythmic, trance-inducing performances.
- Off-Road Adventure:
- Embark on an off-road drive around the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll encounter nomadic families living in traditional desert tents. This unique experience allows you to learn about their way of life and rich cultural heritage.
- Relax by the Pool:
- If you're visiting during the warmer months, unwind and cool off at the hotel’s swimming pool, enjoying the serene desert surroundings.
- Dune Climbing:
- For those seeking a more active experience, climb the dunes right in front of the hotel. The breathtaking views from the top are especially stunning at sunset, offering a perfect photo opportunity.
- Visit Nearby Villages:
- Personalized Experience:
- Spend the day at your own pace, indulging in the activities that resonate with you, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the Sahara.
- Morning Camel Trek:
- After breakfast, embark on a camel trek back to the hotel at the dune line for a quick shower and freshen up.
- Off-Road Journey to Rissani:
- Leaving behind the majestic Sahara dunes of Erg Chebbi, you'll take an off-road journey across the hamada (black desert) to reach Rissani, an ancient trading hub and gateway to the desert.
- Rissani:
- Explore the vibrant local market (optional), where traders sell everything from spices to handmade crafts, providing a glimpse into the traditional life of the region.
- Erfoud:
- Known for its rich fossil deposits, Erfoud is an excellent place to stop and visit a fossil workshop. Here, you’ll learn about the ancient creatures that once roamed this area.
- Khettara:
- Discover the ancient underground irrigation systems known as khettara, which once brought water to the desert towns, showcasing the ingenuity of local engineers.
- Todra Gorges:
- Continuing north, the road leads you to the breathtaking Todra Gorges, famous for its towering canyon walls that rise up to 300 meters. This stunning location is a paradise for rock climbers, and even if you're not climbing, you can enjoy a peaceful hike along the gorge's winding paths.
- Evening Check-In:
- After a day of exploration, check in to your hotel at Todra Gorges for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the serene beauty of this natural wonder.
- Morning Departure:
- After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, set out on a scenic journey along the famous "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs." This route is dotted with numerous ancient, fortified houses, with some beautifully restored and others standing as ruins, offering a glimpse into Morocco's rich past.
- Dades Valley:
- Travel through the lush Dades Valley, renowned for its stunning rock formations and deep gorges. As you venture further, take an off-road trail that winds through mountainous terrain, passing by traditional Berber villages and nomadic families who live in caves. You'll have a unique opportunity to visit one of these families, observe their daily routines, and learn about their way of life, which primarily centers around herding goats and sheep.
- Roses Valley:
- Continue the journey through the scenic Roses Valley, famous for its blooming rose gardens and the annual rose festival. The vibrant colors of the valley create breathtaking views and excellent photo opportunities.
- Skoura:
- Pass through the lush Skoura palm grove, where a vast oasis of palm trees is interspersed with small kasbahs and farms. This area is known for its picturesque scenery, providing a tranquil backdrop as you make your way toward the day's final destination.
- Evening Arrival in Ouarzazate:
- After traveling an additional 45 km, arrive in Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara and a popular filming location for numerous movies. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel, preparing for the last leg of your Moroccan adventure.
- Morning Departure:
- After breakfast at your hotel, begin the final day of your journey with a visit to the famous cinema sets and studios in Ouarzazate, often referred to as the "Hollywood of Africa." Discover the film-making magic of this iconic town, which has served as the backdrop for many international movies.
- Ait Benhaddou:
- Continue your journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou. This historic kasbah, recognized in 1987, is a prime example of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture. It has appeared in over 20 films, including classics like “Gladiator,” “Indiana Jones,” and “Lawrence of Arabia.” Stroll through the ancient streets, marvel at the intricate architecture, and learn about the history of this fortified village.
- High Atlas Mountains:
- After exploring Ait Benhaddou, embark on a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the winding roads of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. This route offers breathtaking views of valleys, rugged mountains, and charming Berber villages.
- Lunch Stop:
- Stop for lunch in a picturesque setting in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, savoring traditional Moroccan cuisine as you take in the surrounding beauty.
- Arrival in Marrakech:
- Continue the descent through the mountains, arriving in vibrant Marrakech in the late afternoon. Your driver will drop you off at your Riad/Hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable 5-day adventure through Morocco.
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