4 Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour with Two Nights in Merzouga

Overview

Highlights

• Two nights at the edge of the Sahara, one in a Berber camp
• Camel trek into Erg Chebbi on the first evening
• Gnawa music in Khamlia and the souk of Rissani
• Free afternoon to rest or explore the dunes
• Todra Gorge walk and a night in the Dades Valley
• Aït Benhaddou and the Tizi n'Tichka pass into Marrakech

Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Merzouga, camel trek and desert camp

   Early pickup in Fes and a scenic climb into the Middle Atlas. Stop in Ifrane, the mountain resort nicknamed the Switzerland of Morocco, then cross cedar forests and high plateaus to Midelt for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, descend into the Ziz Valley, a gorge filled with palms, and continue through Errachidia and Erfoud to Merzouga. At the edge of Erg Chebbi, swap the minibus for a camel and ride about an hour into the dunes. Watch the sunset from a high crest, then enjoy dinner, music and stargazing at the Berber camp.

   Overnight: Desert camp in Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) Meals: Dinner

2. 2

   Day 2 Merzouga: Khamlia, Rissani and free time

   Wake for sunrise over the dunes and ride back to Merzouga for breakfast. Today has no long drive. Visit Khamlia, a village of Gnawa musicians descended from sub-Saharan families, and listen to a performance over mint tea. Then explore Rissani, the old capital of the Tafilalet and once the end of caravan routes from West Africa, with its busy souk and mountains of dates. The afternoon is free: relax by the pool, try sandboarding, book a quad or 4x4 ride, or walk into the dunes for a second sunset. Overnight in Merzouga.

   Overnight: Hotel or camp in Merzouga Meals: Breakfast, dinner

3. 3

   Day 3 Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades

   After breakfast, head west through Erfoud and Tinejdad, past rows of khettara, the old underground irrigation channels that look like lines of craters across the desert. In Tinghir, the long palm grove leads to the Todra Gorge, where you walk between cliffs rising up to 300 m above a clear stream. After lunch (not included), continue to Boumalne and drive into the Dades Gorge past the rippled rocks called Monkey Fingers. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon, with time to walk before dinner.

   Overnight: Hotel in the Dades Gorge Meals: Breakfast, dinner

4. 4

   Day 4 Dades – Ouarzazate – Aït Benhaddou – Marrakech

   After breakfast, follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through Kelaat M'Gouna and the oasis of Skoura to Ouarzazate, Morocco's movie capital. Continue to Aït Benhaddou, the UNESCO-listed ksar of earthen towers that has starred in many films. Explore it on foot and climb to the top for the view across the valley. After lunch (not included), cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 m, stopping at viewpoints on the way down. You reach Marrakech in the early evening, with drop-off at or near your accommodation.

   Overnight: — (tour ends in Marrakech) Meals: Breakfast

Prices

J$ 41,138 (€230) per person

Fixed price per person in a small group (max 17 people).

Prices in euros per person. The amount in your currency is an estimate; payment is processed in USD. Some peak-season dates carry a supplement; you will see it when you pick a date.

Included

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