5 Days Tour from Casablanca to Merzouga

Overview:

5-day tour from Fes to Merzouga. Explore Fes’s ancient medina and vibrant souks. we’ll through the Middle Atlas Mountains, visiting Ifrane and Azrou, and stay overnight in Midelt. 

We’ll Continue to Merzouga for a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, you will enjoying a sunset and night in a Berber camp. Visit Todra Gorge and Dades Valley before concluding your journey back. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and desert adventure.

Features:

Highlight

  • Start your journey in Fes, exploring the historic Medina.
  • Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and Azrou to see Barbary macaques in the cedar forests. 
  • Continue to Merzouga, a village on the edge of the Sahara Desert.
  •  Take a camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes, marvel at the vastness of the Sahara, and enjoy a traditional Berber dinner under the stars at a desert camp.
  • Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes. 
  • Visit nearby nomadic villages and learn about their way of life.
  •  Enjoy optional activities like sandboarding or quad biking.
  • Depart from Merzouga and head back to Fes, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way. 
  • Reflect on your desert adventure as you journey back to Fes.

Tour Itinerary : 5 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga

Day 1 : Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Camel Trekking Tour

Pick up from your riad/Hotel at 8:00 am. departure from fes  to Merzouga we will going to meet the dunes of Erg Chebbi are located. An 8 hours journey that takes you across the Atlas Mountains to the southern Morocco’s largest oasis, Tafilalet, composed of many villages, palmeries and 2 main Saharan towns, Erfoud and Rissani. 

We will make many stops along the road at the alpine town of Ifrane, Azrou cedar forest where are the monkeys, Midelt for lunch and Ziz valley at the panoramic and impressive views over the palm trees, the green valley in the middle of the Sahara. 

Then we’ll head for the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. We continue deeper into the desert landscape until the dunes appear in the middle of nowhere. Dinner & Overnight in a hotel with a pool at the dune line of Erg Chebbi to relax for the first night.

Day 2 : Erg Chebbi (4×4 desert tour)

After breakfast at the hotel, You may go to explore the neighboring villages of Merzouga such as Hassi Labied, Khamlia where the black musicians. You may also enjoy an offroad drive around the dunes of Erg Chebbi and see the nomads living in tents in the desert. 

Enjoy the swiming pool in summer months, or climb dunes in front of your hotel at Erg Chebbi dune line.

Day 3 : Erg Chebbi – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges

After having breakfast, camel trek back to the hotel at the dune line for a quick shower. 

We leave the Sahara desert dunes of Erg Chebbi, an off-road drive across the hamada (black Desert) to get to the Sahara town of Rissani, optional visit of the animated local market.

 Afterwards, we head north to Erfoud that is known for the fossils, here we can stop to visit a fossil workshop before we continue to the impressive Todra canyons, known for rock climbing, where you can hike before we check into to the hotel, Dinner and overnight.

Day 4 : Dades valley – Boutghrar – Skoura – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, you will begin your journey through the valley of Dades , with exploring the marvelous sights of the valley. 

After that we drive you over the wonderful Pist “Mil Kasbah” which is accessible only on 4×4 passing by the amazing Berber villages such as “Boutaghrar”

Besides that you will have the opportunity to meet some Berber nomads whom are living in the caves. 

Then continue to El Kelaa M’gouna (the valley of roses) where you will have a break for lunch,after heading to Ourzazat by crossing the beautiful oasis of the palm grove in Skoura, where you can see many exotic Kasbahsuch as Amerhidil Kasbah till reaching Ouarzazate. Overnight include Bed, Dinner and Breakfast your Moroccan authentic Riad.

Day 5 : Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, we can enjoy a visit of cinema sets & studios located in Ouarzazate which is known as Hollywood of Africa. 

Afterwards we will visit the universal Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou Kasbah as it has been named by UNESCO in 1987.

Ait Benhaddou is the World Heritage site that has been used as a backdrop for more than 20 films including “Gladiator” “Indiana Jones” and “Lawrence of Arabia”. 

Enjoy a walk to explore the traditional Moroccan style of architecture in which the Kasbahs are built. We continue our way to Marrakesh through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka pass. Break for lunch in the middle of the Atlas Mountains. Drop off at your Marrakech Riad/Hotel.

Included:

 

  •  Pick-up and drop off at Hotel / Riad
  •  Deset tour in 4×4 vehicle / Minibus with A/C
  •  Expert Engish speaking driver / guide
  •  4×4 desert tour around Erg Chebbi
  •  Hotel / Riad overnight stays
  •  Camel ride & night in a desert camp
  •  Camel per person

Not Inclueded:

 

  •  Flight Tickets
  •  Lunches & Drinks
  •  Entrance to monuments
  •  Tips and personal expenses

Additional info about: 5 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga

  • Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
  • English-speaking driver/guide
  • Accommodation in hotels/riads and a desert camp
  • Meals as per the itinerary (typically breakfast and dinner)
  • Camel trek in the Sahara Desert
  • Guided tours of key attractions

Travel Tips: 5 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga

  • Packing: Bring comfortable clothing for varying temperatures, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and comfortable walking shoes.
  • Hydration: Carry enough water for your journey, especially during desert excursions.
  • Photography: Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and cultural sites.
  • Currency: Bring cash for personal expenses, as credit cards may not be accepted in all locations.
  • Language: While English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, knowing a few basic phrases in Arabic or French can enhance your experience.
  • Respect Local Customs: When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions.

FAQ: 5 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga

1. How do I get to Merzouga?

You can reach Merzouga by car, bus, or a private transfer from major cities like Marrakech or Fes.

 

2. What type of accommodation is provided in the desert camp?

Accommodation is in traditional Berber tents, with options for basic or luxury camps depending on the tour package.

3. Is there electricity in the desert camp?

Most desert camps have limited electricity, usually provided by generators or solar power, sufficient for basic needs and charging devices.

 

4. What languages are spoken by the guides?

Most guides speak English, and many also speak French, Spanish, and other languages.

 

5. What activities are available during the day?

Activities include sandboarding, visiting a nearby oasis, and interacting with local nomadic families.

6. What currency is used in Morocco?

The currency used in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). It’s advisable to have some cash on hand for small purchases.

7. Are there opportunities for shopping?

Yes, there are opportunities for shopping in souks and markets along the route. Your guide can provide recommendations for reputable shops.