From Fes: 3-Day, 2-Night Desert Trip to Marrakech via Merzouga

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert Your adventure begins at 7:45 AM with pickup from your hotel or the nearest meeting point in Fes. From there, we head south through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains on our way to the Sahara. Our first stop is in Ifrane, often called the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its clean streets and alpine-style buildings. Enjoy free time to stroll and take photos, including the famous stone lion statue. Next, we stop at the cedar forest in Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques. Enjoy the fresh air and feel free to interact with the monkeys—just be careful. Continuing through Berber villages and mountain landscapes, we arrive in Midelt for a lunch break (meal not included, a restaurant is suggested and is optional). After lunch, we travel through the Ziz Valley, lined with palm groves and fortified villages. By late afternoon, we reach Merzouga, on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. We may relax at a local kasbah before beginning your camel trekking adventure. As you ride across the dunes (approx. 50 minutes), watch the golden sands light up under the setting sun. Upon arrival at the desert camp, settle into your tent and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, followed by Saharan music around the fire under the stars. Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes—a peaceful and unforgettable moment. After breakfast at the camp, we begin the day’s journey. Our first stop is Rissani, a historic town known as the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty. Depending on timing, you may visit its Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif and explore the bustling local market. Next, we drive to the dramatic Todra Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower over a narrow river path. You’ll have time to walk around and take photos of this natural wonder. We continue through the scenic Dades Valley, passing striking rock formations, Berber villages, and winding roads carved into the red landscape. In the evening, we reach Ouarzazate, Morocco’s film capital, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night in a local hotel. Day 3: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech After breakfast, we explore Ouarzazate, including a visit to Atlas Studios, where films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were shot. Then, we head to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar made of mudbrick architecture. You’ll have time to explore its narrow paths and enjoy panoramic views. Lunch will be at a local restaurant (not included). In the afternoon, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the stunning Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), making several stops for scenic photos of Berber villages, valleys, and landscapes. We expect to arrive in Marrakech around 6:00 PM, depending on traffic. Drop-off will be at Jamaa El Fna Square (if your riad is in the Medina) or at your hotel if it's accessible by road.