FROM FES: 4 Days Desert Tour: Erg Chebbi dunes – Dades Gorge – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

On this trip you will experience the contrasty Morocco.

From the ancient and holy city of Fes – through cedar forests and ski resorts in North Morocco – to pittoresque valleys with Kasbahs and canyons in the south – to Erg Chebbi dunes at the edge of Sahara – to the red city of Marrakech.

We start in Fes which is the medieval capital of Morocco founded in 789, and a holy Islamic city. Fes is the best-preserved old city in the Arab world with buildings like Medersas, Palaces, Mosques, Fountains and Fondouks. The labyrinthine medina of Fes el-Bali is listed on UNESCO and is beleived to be the world’s largest car-free urban zone. Here the goods are transported by donkeys, mules and handcarts.

 
  • From Fes to Marrakech
  • Start/stop: At your hotel or riad
  • Duration: 4 days
  • Transport: Landcruiser 4×4 car with aircondition
  • Language: Driver/guide speaks English and French

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    DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAM
    Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Errachidia – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga
    Morning departure from your hotel or riad in our comfortable 4×4 car. We leave Fes and head towards Merzouga. The journey takes us through the red-brown mountains of Middle Atlas. We pass Ifrane, a well-known ski resort, also called the Switzerland of Morocco.  The tour continues to Azrou, famous for its Berber carpets. Passing by views of cedar and pine forest and high meadows filled with flowers in springtime. Lunch in the town Midelt before we continue to Erfoud via the Ziz valley and Errachidia. The landscape changes along the way and we now pass by palm trees, Berber villages and ksars.

    We visit the small desert towns Erfoud and Rissani. Then we head to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in the magical Sahara desert. From the highest sand dune you can watch an amazing sunset. The night is spent in a Berber tent in a desert camp.

    Day 2: Merzouga – Erfoud – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley – Dades Gorge
    Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes before we return by camels to Merzouga.

    We continue on our adventure tour through the High Atlas mountains to the spectacular canyon Todra Gorge. The massive canyon is breathtaking with gigantic rock walls that change colours all through the day. During the drive from Tinerhir to the gorge there are thick passages of palmeries, pink rose gardens (in spring) and Berber vilages.

    After visiting Todra Gorge, we continue on the snaking road down to Boumalne Dades.

    We drive through the red Atlas mountains, Berber villages, red mud kasbahs. Also through green valleys with palm groves and pink rose gardens (in the springtime). The Dades Gorge is amazing with its finger-formed rock formations. The night is spent in a typical riadstyle guesthouse in Dades.

    Day 3: Dades - Kelaa M'gouna – Rose Valleys – Skoura Oasis – Ouarzazate
    After breakfast there is time for a walk in the Dades Gorge, before we head towards Ouarzazate. We turn off the road and drive along the Bou Tharar piste. Here we visit a Berber family who live in their caves and are served a glass of tea. From here we continue through the Valley of Roses and the town Kelaa M’Gouna. The village is famous for its sea of pink Persian rose landscape. Each spring they celebrate a Rose Festival here. We continue through the valley of a thousands kasbahs and the beautiful oasis of Skoura with all its kasbahs situated among palm trees.. We stop for a visit at Kasbah Amridil, the most well-known.

    Arrival in Ouarzazate, the city which is nicknamed the door to the desert and Morocco’s Hollywood. This is the capital of the Ouarzazate Province. We spend the night in a hotel or guest house.

    Day 4: Ouarzazate – Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
    After an early breakfast we start our way towards Marrakech. Our first stop is Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. This is a fortified town of earthen buildings and listed on UNESCO World Heritage site. The kasbah is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat surrounded by high walls. It is the most famous kasbah in Morocco and has served as location for many famous Hollywood films, such as «Lawrence of Arabia», «The Gladiator» and «Alexander».

    We continue into the High Atlas mountains, along the former route of the caravans until we arrive at Kasbah Telouet. This kasbah lies at an elevation of 1,800 metres (5,900 ft). It was built in the 1800’s and once the seat of the El Glaoui family’s power. Inside it has stunning mosaics and intricate wood carvings similar to the Bahia Palace in Marrakech. The attention to details are incredible.  From the roof terrace there is an amazing view of the mountains and the valley below.

    From here we drive to Marrakech through the stunning Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass, the highest in North Africa. This drive provides a dramatic panoramic view of the Atlas mountains. Arrive in Marrakech late afternoon.

    Price information
    The starting price is EUR 570 per person, when 2 persons travel together on a private basis and transport in 4wdLandcruiser.

    For bigger groups, please contact us for price.

    Included:

    • Private transport in 4wd Landcuiser
    • Guide/driver
    • 1 night in desert camp
    • 2 nights in riad/hotel
    • 3 dinners
    • 3 breakfasts
    • Camel ride
    • Sandboarding
    • Local music around camp fire

    Not included:

    • Lunches
    • Drink
    • Tip
    • Travel insurance

    Booking & Payment: Click here

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