3 days desert trip from Fez

3 days desert trip from Fez

This whirlwind 3-day itinerary highlights the best of Morocco start from the imperial city of Fes and make your way south, traversing the Middle Atlas mountain range into the Sahara Desert. Cross up and over the High Atlas mountains before ending your trip in bustling Marrakech.

Day 1: Over the mountains and into the desert

Start your day bright and early and travel south toward Merzouga. Along the way, you will climb up and over the Col du Zad pass (7,146 feet or 2,178 m) through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas mountains. Enjoy sightings of the local Barbary macaque monkeys before stopping for lunch in Midelt (the ‘apple city’), relishing the nearby Moulouya River. Continue over the Tizi n’Talremt pass and into the Ziz Valley, known for its hidden oases and palm tree clusters. Along the road, you will see many fortified houses known as ksars—built to protect precious wares, including gold, salt, and spices.

Continue on to Erfoud, known for its date festival and fossil mining. Here you can visit a local collective to learn more about the process and meet some local artisans. Continue to Erg Chebbi, an extensive sea of sand dunes covering an area of 13.5 square miles (35 square km). Never stationary, the massive dunes shift and travel depending on the changing wind! Upon reaching Merzouga, climb atop your camel to ride through the dunes to your already-prepared-for-you camp. Climb a nearby sand dune to watch the sunset before returning to camp for a delicious dinner, relaxing by the campfire.

Day 2: Erg Chebbi, Tinghir and head to Dades valley

After breakfast in your hotel, we visit the town of Rissani, the incredible birthplace of Moulay Ali Cherif — founder of Morocco’s ruling Alaouite Dynasty. Get into your air-conditioned minivan and travel to the oasis of Tinghir in the foothills of the High Atlas mountain. Take a 1-hour walk along the Todgha River and admire the palm trees and olive groves. Visit Berber villages and learn about the locals’ traditional lifestyle. Head to the magnificent Todgha Gorge for lunch. In the afternoon, drive out through the Dadès Valley along the famous ‘Road of 1,000 Kasbahs.’ Visit one of the region’s ancient kasbahs, then join your guest house in Boumalne. Dinner and overnight in Boumalne.

Day 3: Aït Benhaddou kasbah, Tizi n’Tichka Pass over the High Atlas to Marrakech

After breakfast, head to the Roses Valley to Kelaa Mgouna, a famous rose plantation. Visit one of the rose-growing cooperatives. Continue through palm groves of the Skoura oasis. Travel through Ouarzazate — also known as ‘The Gate of The Sahara’ — Lunch at the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou kasbah. Explore the kasbah and learn of the many famous films and photo shoots in which it has featured over the years. In the afternoon, take the Tizi-n-Tichka through Atlas mountain. In the early evening, arrive at your riad or hotel in Marrakech.