5 Days Morocco Tour from Fez to Merzouga

5 Days Morocco Tour from Fez to Merzouga

Overview

This 5-day tour from Fes to Marrakesh offers a comprehensive journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes and historical sites. The trip begins with a scenic drive from Fes to the Sahara, passing through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the Ziz Valley to reach the Erg Chebbi dunes for a night in a nomad tent. The next day, you’ll travel to the Dades Gorges, with a stop to walk in the stunning Toudgha Gorges. The third day takes you south through the Saghro mountain range to the village of Nkob, famous for its numerous mud-built kasbahs. The journey continues on day four with a walk in the Dra’a Valley and a visit to the historic Kasbah Tamnougalte before arriving in Ouarzazate. The final day of the tour includes visits to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the historic Kasbah Telouet before crossing the High Atlas mountains to conclude the trip in Marrakesh.

Itinerary

Fez, departure

 Fes to Merzouga
  • Morning Departure: The tour starts at 8:00 AM from Fes.

  • Barbary Apes: Travel through the Middle Atlas, with a stop in Azrou to see Barbary apes in the cedar forest.

  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch in Midelt, known as “the apple capital.”

  • Scenic Drive: Continue through the Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves and ancient “ksars” (fortified villages).

  • Fossils and Dates: Pass through Erfoud, a town renowned for its fossils and date festival.

  • Desert Arrival: Arrive at the Erg Chebbi bivouac, where you’ll be greeted with a glass of tea.

  • Evening Experience: Walk on the dunes to see the sunset, followed by dinner, music, and a night in a nomad tent.

Merzouga, sunrise over the erg chebbi dunes

 Merzouga to Dades
  • Sunrise: An option to wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi.

  • Morning Activities: After breakfast, you have the option of a short camel ride before departing the desert.

  • Toudgha Gorges: Travel to Tinghir and the Toudgha Gorges for lunch.

  • Walking Opportunities: Enjoy walks along the river, through gardens, or up the road within the gorges.

  • Accommodation: The day concludes with an overnight stay in a hotel in the Dades Gorges.

Dades, through Saghro Mountain

 Dades to Nkob
  • Saghro Mountains: Depart from the Dades Gorges and travel south through the Jebel Saghro mountain range via the Tizi n’Tazazert pass.

  • Scenic Views: Enjoy views of oases and Berber villages along the river.

  • Dra’a Valley: The route enters the beautiful Dra’a Valley, famous for its extensive palm groves.

  • Nkob: Arrive in the village of Nkob, which is renowned for its unique architecture, boasting around 45 traditional mud-built kasbahs.

Nkob, the village of 45 Kasbahs

 N’kob to Ouarzazate
  • Morning Walk: Begin the day with a walk through the village of Nkob and its surrounding oases.

  • Caravan Route: The journey to Ouarzazate follows an off-road track along the ancient caravan route, driving through the Dra’a Valley.

  • Kasbah Tamnougalte: Stop near Agdez to visit Kasbah Tamnougalte, the oldest kasbah in the Dra’a Valley, where you can see parts still in use and parts in ruins.

  • Dra’a Valley Walk: Enjoy some time for a walk through the scenic Dra’a Valley.

  • Accommodation: The day concludes with an overnight stay in a riad or hotel in Ouarzazate.

Ouarzazate, visiting Ait ben haddou

 Ouarzazate to Marrakesh
  • Ait Ben Haddou: After breakfast, visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a well-known filming location for Hollywood movies.

  • Kasbah Telouet: Continue to Kasbah Telouet, the former palatial residence of the Pasha of Marrakesh, El Glaoui.

  • Tizi-n-Tichka Pass: The journey concludes by crossing the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, the highest mountain pass in North Africa.

  • Arrival: Arrive in Marrakesh by the end of the afternoon.

  • Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver.
  • Accommodations in riads, hotels, and a luxury desert camp.
  • Breakfasts throughout the tour and selected dinners.
  • Guided tours in imperial cities and major attractions.
  • Camel trekking and overnight stay in the desert camp.
  • International airfare.
  • Lunches and some dinners.
  • Entrance fees to monuments and attractions.
  • Tips for guides and drivers.
  • Travel insurance and personal expenses.

FAQs

Q1: Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, this tour is ideal for solo travelers, groups, and families. It can be customized to fit your preferences.

Q2: Can I start the tour in Tangier instead of Marrakech?
Yes, the itinerary can be reversed, starting in Tangier and ending in Marrakech.

Q3: Are the drives long on this tour?
Some drives, especially from Chefchaouen to Tangier, are lengthy but offer scenic stops and beautiful views.

Q4: What is the best time to take this tour?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Q5: Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, the tour can cater to vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary preferences upon request.