4 Days Trip From Marrakesh To Fez Via Merzouga Desert

Day 1: Marrakesh- Tizi N’Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou- Ouarzazate- Rose Valley- Dades Gorge:

After breakfast, we will pick you up from your riad/hotel, and depart toward the Dades Gorge,  driving through the High Atlas Mountains and through a pass called Tizi-n-Tichka,  which stand at an altitude of 2260m, stopping for the panoramic views and enjoying the beautiful houses of the Berbere villages,  the lush river beds where  farming still flourishes , castles still in ruins and those which are being restored.

We will stop in  Ait Ben Haddou for lunch in a local restaurant and then visit the UNISCO World Heritage site with its popular Kasbah. We continue our drive, passing through Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa where the Atlas Film Studio resides.

The studio has been the filming site of some of the largest movies in the world, such as The Mummy , Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and parts of the Game of Thrones. We continue driving to Kalaa M’Gouna,  known for its “Festival of Roses”, which takes place each May.

We’ll stop to take photos in the panoramic views  before heading to your hotel in the Dades Valley.

Day 2: Dades Valley- Tinjdad – Erfoud -Erg Chebbi Dunes (Merzouga):

After breakfast, we’ll  explore the Dades Gorge. We’ll see the rock formations and then drive along the road to Tinghir, known as the Grand Canyon of Morocco, enjoying the amazing scenery along the Todra Gorge, observing the fortified villages.

Eventually,  we reach a famous rock climbing spot. We’ll stop for a walk to enjoy the beautiful rocky mountains, stretch our legs and then continue our drive to Tiinjdad for lunch in a local restaurant.

Next, we drive to Erfoud where we’ll visit a marble factory. You’ll see the artisans work and have time to purchase beautiful native marble decorations.

We continue on to Erg CHebbi, the largest sand dunes in Morocco. Your camel caravan will be waiting to walk you to your camp. You can stop on the way to enjoy the sunset.

Day 3: Hassi Labyad -Merzouga -Khamlia – Tamradanite:

The camel man will wake you before sunrise. From the top of the dunes you can watch the sunrise and then trek back to your hotel for breakfast and a shower.

Next, we have an off road drive over the dunes, driving close to the Algerian Moroccan border. Today we explore another aspect of the desert. You’ll meet Berbere families, living their lives in tents, with an opportunity to speak with them and learn about their culture  with the help of your guide.

Next we’ll visit two small Berbere Villages,  Tamrdanite and M’Fis. Here we’ll see working mineral mines and continue on until we reach Khamlia, a remote village of 32 families. You’ll listen to Gnawa music, played by locals who originate from Mali and Senegal. For lunch, we will dine in a local restaurant known for its authentic Berbere pizza.

We will  drive on to your hotel, giving you the rest of the day to relax by the pool, enjoying  an amazing view of the sand dunes.

Day 4: Erg Chebbi -Erfoud -Ziz Valley – Medelt – Azrou – Ifran – Fez:

After breakfast, we drive towards Fez, with stops along the way to see the sights of  Ziz Valley, passing Errachidia, and eventually arriving in Medelt for lunch. We continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, a two hour drive, to stop in the Cedar Forest to spend some time with the Barberry Monkeys where we’ll feed and photograph them.

Next, on to Ifrane, an adorable town known as the Switzerland of Morocco. This will be the last stop before we take you to your hotel or Riad I Fez.