This trip departure from Fez is an ideal tour for medium stay in Morocco. This trip to Merzouga takes you through mountains, oasis, valleys, gorges, Berber villages and the immense sand dunes of Erg Chebbi.
The trip departure from Fez 4 days program :
Day 1: Fez – Ifrane – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga
We will Pick you up at 8 the morning at your hotel or Riad. Then we start this trip departure from Fez. We will pass through Ifrane (The moroccan Switzerland) where we will make a stop to enjoy the city with its completely European style. After that we continue the road crossing the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas where a spacy of wild monkeys live and can often be seen. Beautiful landscapes all along the road.
On arrival at Midelt we will make a stop. Midelt is known for its apple trees. Lunch break in a local restaurant or we will do some shopping (vegetables and fruits) and to have to prepare the lunch ourself near a river. Then we contine our adventure crossing the gorges of the Ziz valley with its palm groovs, Also we will pass through many typical Berber villages to arrive in the city of Erfoud. This beautiful city is a world capital of fossils and fossilized marble. We will make a visit to to a fossils workshop to allow you to have an idea about how plates of fossils and fossilized marble are transformed into real objects of art.
After this visit we will continue the path to reach the amazing dunes of Erg Chebbi, incredibly beautiful expanse of undulating dunes. Thouse dunes are also known as the Dunes of Merzouga. Upon arrival at the dunes of Erg Chebbi, we take you to the Auberge (local inn in the desert). You will enjoy the rest of the day walking on the dunes and to watch the magical sunset. Dinner and accommodation.
Day 2: Desert exploration – Merzouga – Nomad family – Rissani
In the morning after breakfast we will visit the village of Khamlia. This village is known for its Gnawa music native to the great African Sahara. We will visit some deserted mines and we will share a cup of mint tea with a berber nomad family in a oasis of palm trees. After the visit we will continue driving through the black desert (Hamada) following the path of the DAKAR Rally. Then we will continue driving to Rissani where you can walk through the most authentic and traditional souk in Morocco and the largest one in the south of Morocco. In this Souk you will find all kinds of crafts, food and animals. Market days are Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Also Rissani is known to be the capital of Sijilmassa and the origin of Alaouite dynasty. You will taste the madfouna (Berber stuffed pizza) at the home of a local family. After that we will return to the sand dunes of Merzouga. At the end of the afternoon, camel ride to access to the desert camp in the middle of the great dunes of Erg Chebbi to spend un unforgettable night under stars and the the sweetness of the rhythms of local music. Also it will be the oportunity to explore the secrets of the Sahara and its limitless horizons. We will spend the night in a berber nomadic tents.
Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra gorges – Dades gorges
You can get up early to enjoy the first rays of sun and to enjoy the magical sunrise from the top of the great dunes. After that we will enjoy a delecious breakfast in the camp. Then we continue the 4 days trip departure from Fez. A camel ride back to the hotel to meet your driver. The itinerary of this day of our trip will take us to the Todra Gorges to enjoy the wonderful landscpes of its canyons walls walking through them. After that we will continue our way through berber villages and palm groves. We will make a stop on the road for lunch break in a local restaurant.
After that we will cross the administrative city of Boumalene Dades to reach the Dades Gorges where the activity of this day will end in a charming hotel. Dinner and accommodation.
Day 4 :Dades gorges– Valley of roses – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Today after breakfast we will drive along Kelaa Mgouna (Valley of Roses) known for its production of roses and its festival organized every year during April and May when you can buy a bouquet of roses. We will then continue to Ouarzazate the Hollywood of Africa thanks to its cinema studios which hosted many international film productions.
We follow the road along the Ounila Valley and at just 40 kms from the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, we will visit the Kasbah of Telouet on the ancient path of old caravans that link the Sahara to Marrakech in the Atlas Mountains. Marrakech was the seat of power of El Glaoui family. King Moulay Hassan gave them political power in south of Morocco. The Glaoui was almost as powerful as the Sultan himself.
The palace of Pacha Glaoui can still be visited, but it is increasingly damaged and is slowly collapsing. At 2010 work was underway to restore the property. Lunch in the Atlas Mountains. Then we cross the Tizi-n-Tichka pass to reach Marrakech late in the afternoon or early the evening.
The end of our service for the 4 days trip departure from Fez.
| Included | No included |
| * Private vehicle 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with air-conditional, for the entire itinerary * Conductor / Guide speaking your language * Pick up and drop off at your accommodation in Marrakech * Night in a Kasbah & Riad with dinner and breakfast (vegetarians dishes are available) * Night in the desert camp (private tents) with dinner and breakfast * Camel trekking * Free time to explore sites such as Ait Benhaddou, film studios, etc. | * Drinks * Lunches * Entrance to monuments / visits. * Tips. * Air ticket. |
