Itinerary

Day 1: From Marrakech to Dades Valley

Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Skoura Oasis → Roses Valley → Dades Valley

Your adventure begins in Marrakech, where we’ll meet at your accommodation or arrival point in the city. Leaving behind the city’s vibrant streets, we’ll head toward the High Atlas Mountains. This scenic drive takes you over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest mountain pass in North Africa, providing awe-inspiring views of rugged peaks and valleys.

Along the way, you’ll notice ancient kasbahs and fortified granaries scattered across the landscape. This area, known as the Glaoua region, has a rich history and offers a glimpse into Morocco’s past, where these traditional structures were built to protect villages and store crops.

Our next stop is Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and perhaps the most famous kasbah in Morocco. Known as the backdrop for iconic films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, as well as the series Game of Thrones, the kasbah is a treasure trove of Moroccan heritage. Here, you’ll have time to explore its winding alleyways and fortified walls, immersing yourself in the history of this iconic landmark. Afterward, we’ll stop for lunch and rest in Ouarzazate, known as “The Hollywood of Morocco” for its role in the global film industry.

In the afternoon, we continue on through the Skoura Oasis, where lush date palms line the road, leading to the Roses Valley, famous for its fragrant rose fields and products. As the day winds down, we’ll reach the breathtaking Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations and verdant landscapes. This is where we’ll spend the night, in a traditional hotel or riad nestled within the valley.

Day 2: Dades Valley to the Golden Dunes of Merzouga

Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Erfoud → Merzouga Dunes (Erg Chebbi)

After breakfast, we continue our journey along the Todra Valley, a lush corridor lined with olive, pomegranate, and orange trees. We’ll reach the Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering cliffs that create narrow passageways through which the river flows. Take some time here to walk through the gorge, appreciating the natural beauty of the towering rock walls that surround you. The gorge is a popular spot for climbers and photographers alike, with its unique, rugged landscape.

Leaving the gorge behind, we travel toward the vast plains of the Sahara Desert. The scenery transforms as we descend into the arid desert landscapes dotted with occasional patches of green. Passing through Erfoud, a town known for its fossils and marble, we’ll make our way to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara and the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes.

In Merzouga, we’ll prepare for our desert experience by leaving any unneeded luggage at a hotel. From here, you’ll embark on a camel trek, riding through the golden dunes as the sun begins its descent, casting a warm glow over the desert. Upon reaching our Berber camp in the dunes, you’ll have time to explore the sands or simply relax, taking in the vastness of the Sahara around you.

As night falls, a traditional Moroccan dinner awaits, served alongside live music performed by local musicians around the campfire. The evening is yours to enjoy the serenity and quiet of the desert, under a blanket of stars that illuminates the night sky. Spend the night in a private tent, experiencing the tranquility of the Sahara in a unique, unforgettable setting.

Day 3: Sunrise in the Sahara, Atlas Oases, and Arrival in Fes

Merzouga → Erfoud → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou Forest → Ifrane → Fes

Wake early to catch the magical sight of sunrise over the desert dunes, a breathtaking experience as the first light of day casts golden hues across the landscape. After breakfast at the camp, we’ll return to Merzouga by camel or vehicle, retrieve our belongings, and begin the journey toward Fes.

Our first destination is the Ziz Valley, a lush oasis known for its extensive palm groves and stunning views. We’ll stop at various viewpoints to capture the beauty of this valley, with its winding rivers and clusters of kasbahs nestled among the palms. This is a photographer's paradise, offering a unique glimpse into the natural and historical beauty of Morocco.

Continuing on, we pass through Midelt, a town set against the backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains. Here, we’ll pause for lunch, allowing you to relax and enjoy views of the surrounding peaks before resuming our journey.

As we enter the cedar forests near Azrou, keep an eye out for the Barbary Apes that inhabit this area. These unique primates are native to the Atlas Mountains and add an element of wildlife to our journey. Our route then takes us through the charming town of Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its European-style architecture and alpine setting.

By evening, we arrive in Fes, a city rich in history and culture. Known as the cultural capital of Morocco, Fes is home to one of the most complete medieval Islamic cities in the world, with labyrinthine alleyways, vibrant souks, and a wealth of historical sites. Our guide will assist you in finding your riad, where you’ll settle in for the night, marking the end of our unforgettable three-day adventure from Marrakech to Fes.

Tour Inclusions

• Transportation: Three days of travel in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Local Guide and Driver: Multilingual, knowledgeable guides and drivers throughout the trip.
• Accommodation: One night in selected hotels or kasbahs and one night in a luxurious Berber tented camp.
• Camel Ride: A scenic trek through the Sahara, with one camel per person.
• Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner (Half Board), including a traditional dinner in the desert.
• Activities: Sandboarding and live traditional music in the desert camp.
• Insurance: Travel insurance within the vehicle for the duration of the tour.

Tour Inclusions

• Flights
• lunches
• tips, entrance fees, beverages, and personal expenses are excluded.