3 Days Desert tour from Fes to Merzouga and Marrakech

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Day 1: Fez – Middle Atlas – Erfoud – Merzouga

On the first day of this 3 Days Desert Tour from Fes, you will leave the bustle of the city and travel across the magnificent Middle Atlas sights to the oasis town of Erfoud in the desert. Make plans for a long driving day and pack your camera because there will be plenty of stops along the way to take in the constantly changing Moroccan landscape. Along the way, you will pass date palm-lined valleys, olive groves, shepherds tending to their flocks, cedar, pine, and oak forests, as well as glimpses of the High Atlas Mountains. Erfoud offers easy access to the Sahara Desert. The town is crowded with red sand constructions that blend in with the desert surroundings. Taste some fresh dates from the nearby market while you are here. Every year, a festival is held in Erfoud to celebrate the mouthwatering dates. Accommodation is offered in the Merzouga Desert camp.

Day 2: Golden Desert of Merzouga – Dades Gorges

A camel ride through the desert at sunrise, when the landscape turns an amazing shade of orange, will set the tone for the rest of the day. Drive to Todra Gorge, a sizable trench that rises over 250 meters to create one of Morocco’s most dramatic and breathtaking natural sights, after breakfast. You will take a quick and easy stroll through the gorge to fully enjoy the breathtaking surroundings before hiking among the limestone stacks. Then proceed to the lovely Dades Valley, where you will spend the following two nights. The landscape in this region is unlike anywhere else: broad, lush valleys give way to bizarre, wind-sculpted rock formations. You have a full day to discover the splendor of this largely unexplored Moroccan backcountry, and walking is the best way to do it. There are a few circuits in the area; you can choose to complete one that is 10 kilometers long and will take about 4 hours, but your leader can modify the route based on the group’s preferences. The hike will start after a brief transfer, where you will meet your local guide. Anyone with a basic level of fitness can access the undulating trail, though it can be challenging in some spots. In the neighborhood, stop for tea and visit an Amazigh (Berber) family. Few visitors to Morocco get the chance to experience this kind of insight into the Amazigh way of life. Take advantage of the opportunity to tell stories and learn about family life in the Dades Valley while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains and Rose Valley.

Day 3: Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou

The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs is accessible by leaving the Dades Valley. You should start by visiting the privately owned Kasbahs in Skoura Oasis, such as the ornately decorated Kasbah Amridil with its mud-brick walls. Keep going to Ait Ben Haddou, a hilltop area that has not undergone much change since the 11th century. One of Morocco’s most beautiful grand Kasbahs can be found there, and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture. Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia are just a few of the many movies and television shows that the website has been featured in. You can meander through the Old Town’s winding streets as you ascend the hill to take in some picturesque views. After that, enjoy a satisfying lunch at Tawesna, a riverside tea house in the neighborhood, which includes freshly baked Amazigh bread, soup, Moroccan sweets, and, of course, some mint tea. Working at this nonprofit allows women to support both themselves and their families. The women take great pride in sharing their experiences and giving guests a true Amazigh experience as they make tea and pastries with organic ingredients they purchase from nearby cooperatives. Leaving Ait Ben Haddou after lunch, take a long, winding drive through the Atlas Mountains. You can take your time and stop for a few photos if you would like due to the breathtaking scenery. Ouirgane is where we are headed today. This charming village offers visitors a distinct and less-traveled base for walking because of its concealed location in the serene High Atlas Mountain foothills. The winter and summer have mild temperatures, and both are enjoyable. A wide variety of birds can be seen nearby, you can take a stroll through the nearby red-earth hills and pine forests, or you can just unwind at a refreshing 1000 meters above sea level with the stunning Jebel Toubkal in the distance. Have a conversation with your leader about some fantastic hiking options for this afternoon. End of the 3 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga.