3-Day Desert Safari from Fes to Marrakech with Merzouga Camp
About This Tour
Experience the vibrant culture and history of Fes while immersing yourself in the tranquility and breathtaking beauty of the Sahara on this 3-day journey to Mar...
Duration: 3 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Luxury · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Fez, Marrakech, Errachidia, Midelt, Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Merzouga, Todgha Gorge, Erfoud, Rissani, Aït Benhaddou, Tizi n'Tichka, Ziz Valley, Atlas Mountains, Erg Chebbi, Azrou, Ifrane, Skoura, Dadès Gorges · Languages: English, French, Spanish
Know before you go: Cultural sensitivity and etiquette: Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, and cultural norms reflect this. Dressing modestly is important, especially for women; shoulders and knees should be covered, particularly in rural areas and religious sites. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon. It is also polite to ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in local markets or rural areas.; Language and communication: While Arabic is the official language, Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and Berber languages are widely spoken. French is also commonly used, particularly in business, government, and tourism. English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic phrases in French or Arabic can be helpful and appreciated by locals.; Haggling and shopping: Haggling is a common practice in Moroccan markets (souks) and is expected when shopping for goods like textiles, spices, and souvenirs. Prices are often initially set high, so negotiating is part of the experience. Approach haggling with a friendly attitude, and do not feel pressured to buy if you are not comfortable with the final price. Be aware that some items, especially in tourist-heavy areas, might be overpriced, so it is worth exploring less touristy markets for better deals.
About Errachidia
Errachidia
A dusty, Bedouin come Berber town of rustic cottages and Atlas peaks, local guides in Errachidia offer everything from camel rides to 4X4 excursions over the dunes of the mighty Sahara Desert.
Itinerary
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1Day 01
Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane, Midelt, and Ziz Valley
This 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech starts early in the morning from your riad or hotel in Fes. Your driver will pick you up and begin the journey towards the Merzouga Desert. It is one of the longest drives of the trip, around 7 hours, but the changing landscapes make the journey enjoyable. Along the way, we will stop in Ifrane, a small town with a European look, characteristic weather, parks with lakes and chalets, and a ski resort. With its winter snowfall, the town has earned the nickname "Moroccan Switzerland". Near Ifrane, we will see the huge cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains and stop to see the wild monkeys on the way to Azrou. We will stop for lunch in Midelt. Afterwards, the route continues through the gorge and valley of the Ziz River, and as we get closer to Er-Rashidia, the landscape gradually changes into desert scenery. In Merzouga, we will ride camels to the desert camp, or you may take a 4x4 instead. The camp offers comfy beds, as well as separate showers and toilets. In the evening, we will enjoy a Moroccan dinner, play drums around the fire, and listen to Berber songs in the desert. Overnight stay in the camp.
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2Day 02
Merzouga to Dades via Rissani, Erfoud, Tinghir, and Todra Gorge
On this day of your 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech, we will rise early at the first touch of sunlight to watch the sunrise over the marvellous and quiet sand dunes. This moment will be one of your strongest memories of Morocco. After breakfast, we will head back to the village of Merzouga and continue on towards Dades. On the way, we will stop in Rissani at the fossil factory, where you can see the many fossils that this region is rich in. An approximately 3-hour break is planned near the beautiful town of Tinghir, located at the heart of a large palm oasis, with time to take panoramic pictures. We will then continue to the well-known Todra Gorge, where we will hike along the gorge and have lunch at a local restaurant. After that, the tour proceeds through the fantastic Dades village. Overnight stay in Dades.
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3Day 03
Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou
On the last day of your 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech, we will take a short drive to Dades Gorges and then continue on to Ouarzazate. We will pass through Mgouna, where the Roses Festival is held every year, and then continue to Skoura Oasis, an alluvial palm oasis crossed by numerous rivers. Next, we proceed to Ouarzazate, just 30 minutes from Skoura. This city is known as the "Hollywood of Morocco" because a number of historical films have been shot here. We should visit Taourirt, one of the ancient marvels of the region, where we can see the kasbah, the Cinema Museum, and the Atlas Film Studio. After that, we take a short drive to Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Game of Thrones was filmed and which attracts many visitors. After our 1-hour visit, we will head to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka, at an elevation of 2,260 m. The drive takes around 3.5 to 4 hours without stops and includes photo stops along the way. This is one of the most beautiful roads in Morocco, offering views of green river valleys, adobe villages, and the remains of ancient kasbahs. We then continue to Marrakech. You may take a break at the hotel and enjoy some free time.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Fes, Morocco · Tour start: Fes, Morocco — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
