Exploring Morocco’s Mountainous Terrain

Your adventure begins in the city of Fez, where you’ll start your journey towards the Sahara Desert. After breakfast, the tour departs from Fez, and the first leg of the journey takes you through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. The drive is a visual treat, with winding roads, cedar forests, and small Berber villages dotting the landscape.

Highlights:

• Ifrane: Known as “Little Switzerland,” Ifrane is a charming town that feels out of place in Morocco. Its Swiss-style chalets and alpine scenery are a refreshing contrast to the rest of the country. It’s a great place to stop for a quick coffee or explore the town.
• Azrou: Passing through Azrou, you’ll encounter forests filled with ancient cedar trees, and it’s here that you’ll have the chance to see the famous Barbary apes. Take a short walk in the forest to enjoy the fresh air and observe these playful monkeys.
• Ziz Valley: As you descend towards the desert, the Ziz Valley unfolds before you. Known for its palm groves and dramatic landscapes, this valley offers a stark contrast to the surrounding mountains and provides a perfect spot for photographs.

By the afternoon, you’ll reach the town of Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, you’ll switch to camels for a ride into the dunes, where you’ll experience the magic of the desert at sunset.

Overnight: Spend the night in a luxury desert camp located deep in the Sahara Desert. After dinner, enjoy traditional Berber music, and if you’re lucky, you’ll have the chance to stargaze under the clear desert sky.

Camel Trekking and Desert Adventure

Day two of your 4-day desert tour is dedicated to fully immersing yourself in the vastness of the Sahara Desert. Start your day with an early morning sunrise over the dunes—a truly mesmerizing experience as the first light of the day casts long shadows across the golden sands.

Highlights:

• Camel Trekking: After sunrise, embark on a camel trek deeper into the desert. Camels, the “ships of the desert,” are the perfect mode of transportation for traversing the sand dunes. Experience the silence and tranquility of the Sahara as you ride across the endless stretches of sand.
• Sandboarding: If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, try sandboarding down the towering dunes. The rush of gliding down the smooth sands is a fun way to experience the desert’s beauty.
• Nomadic Culture: Visit local Berber nomads and learn about their way of life. These resilient desert dwellers have lived in the Sahara for centuries, and their knowledge of surviving in such an extreme environment is fascinating.
• Oasis Visit: Explore one of the many oases in the desert, where you can rest and cool off under the shade of palm trees. These oases are like hidden gems in the midst of the arid landscape.

Sunset in the Sahara: Return to your desert camp in time to witness the spectacular Sahara sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the dunes transform, casting beautiful shades of orange, pink, and purple across the sky.

Overnight: Another night in your desert camp, where you can relax, enjoy a delicious Moroccan meal, and listen to more Berber music while watching the stars.

Exploring Morocco’s Rich History and Kasbahs

On the third day of your 4-day desert tour from Fez to Marrakech, you’ll travel from Merzouga to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Along the way, you’ll stop to visit iconic kasbahs and experience the beauty of the Dades Valley and Skoura Oasis.

Highlights:

• Rissani: Begin your journey by stopping in Rissani, an ancient city known for its historical significance and its bustling market. Rissani is also the starting point of the caravan routes that once connected Morocco to sub-Saharan Africa.
• Dades Valley: The Dades Valley, also known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” is a stunning region filled with dramatic rock formations and ancient adobe kasbahs. Take time to explore the valley and its picturesque landscapes.
• Ouarzazate: Arrive in Ouarzazate, a city famous for its role in the film industry, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Here, you can visit the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has appeared in several famous films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Overnight: Spend the night in Ouarzazate, where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and relax in the warmth of the city’s hospitality.

The Final Leg: Scenic Views and Historic Sites

On the final day of your 4-day desert tour, you’ll travel to Marrakech, crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains along the way. This scenic drive takes you through winding mountain roads, offering panoramic views of valleys, traditional Berber villages, and rugged landscapes.

Highlights:

• Tizi n’Tichka Pass: As you ascend the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest point on the road between Ouarzazate and Marrakech, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Atlas Mountains. The road is a series of hairpin bends, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn.
• Berber Villages: Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional Berber villages, where you can see how locals live and interact with their surroundings. Many of these villages are made of mud-brick houses that blend seamlessly into the landscape.
• Marrakech: By the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Marrakech, where your journey ends. Marrakech is known for its vibrant souks, historical landmarks, and bustling medina. You’ll have time to explore the city’s many wonders, such as the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Majorelle Gardens.