Merzouga to Fez Trip: 3 Days
Trip Description
Day 1: Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Dades Valley
At the designated time, we'll leave Marrakech and set off for Ouarzazate. During the journey, which takes approximately 4 hours, we'll enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the Atlas as we cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass, which is over 2,000 metres high.
At the halfway point of our journey, we'll stop at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, which you might recognise from films such as Gladiator or The Kingdom of Heaven. After the brief stop, we'll resume our journey to reach the town of Ouarzazate, to be amazed by the impressive Kasbah of Taourirt.
Finally, we'll set off again to travel along the Thousand Kasbahs Road towards Skoura until we arrive approximately 30 minutes before sunset at the Roses Valley. We'll end the day in the Dades Valley, a unique spot where we'll enjoy our first night's accommodation (it's possible that, on some occasions, we'll stay at Skoura).
Day 2: Dades Valley - Todra Gorges - Merzouga
With the first rays of light shining on the Dades Gorges, we'll have breakfast and head towards the Dades Valley. Once there, we'll go through the spectacular Todra Gorges and walk around them while being surprised by the incomparable panoramic views of this valley.
We'll then resume our journey towards Merzouga by crossing the Jorf Palm Grove, famous for having the best dates in Morocco. We'll have a break for lunch before arriving in Erfoud, a small village known for its fossil fragments.
After visiting the fossil remains in Erfoud, we'll continue our journey to Merzouga. Once there, we'll change our vehicle to go up on the back of a camel and head into the desert to the camp where we'll sleep. If you'd prefer, instead of taking the camel ride you can take part in a quad bike tour, which cost must be incurred by those taking part.
Once settled in, we'll let the darkness of the night and the silence of the desert surround us while eating an authentic Moroccan dinner in Erg Chebbi under the stars - one of the most unforgettable experiences of your trip!
Day 3: Rissani - Ziz Valley - Middle Atlas - Fez
Can you think of a better plan to start the last day than witnessing the sunrise in the desert? After enjoying an unforgettable experience and being fascinated by the reddish tones of the sun on the desert dunes, we'll take a shower and have breakfast at the camp before starting our camel ride.
Then we'll set off for Fez, passing through Tafilalet and Rissani, the ancient capital of the Alaouite sultans and the birthplace of this famous dynasty that still reigns in Morocco today.
The tour will continue through Azrou and Ifrane, where we'll stop at the monkey forest to admire these beautiful animals.
After our meeting with the friendly primates, we'll resume our journey to arrive in Fez approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes later, around 6 pm. The journey can be made by taxi with an English, Spanish or French-speaking driver, depending on availability.
Accommodation
The first night we'll stay in Dades and the accommodation will be the same for the standard and superior options: Dar Essyaha, Hotel Babylon, Hotel Le Vieux Chateau, Kasbah Tifawen or similar.
The second night will be spent in a haima camp in Merzouga. The difference between the standard and superior category (Azawad Luxury Desert Camp or similar), is that in the standard category the bathrooms and showers are located in common tents, and the superior category has a private bathroom with a shower in each haima. Moreover, depending on the category you choose, the menu and the interior decoration of the haimas varies.
The standard and superior camps are totally separate and, in addition to the distinction of the bathrooms, there are differences in lunch and the interior decoration of the haimas. Also, air-conditioning in the luxury camps has an additional charge of € 30 (US$ 32.10) per person. Also, keep in mind that not all campsites have wifi.
Rooms are double or, if you prefer, triple or family rooms.
Temporary Closure of the Kasbah of Taourirt
The Kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate is temporarily closed. However, you can take photos from outside.
More Information
Duration
3 days.
Language
The activity takes place with a driver that speaks in English, although it may occasionally be done in two languages.
Included
Pickup and drop off for hotels outside the Medina of Marrakech
Transport in 4x4 or minibus
English–speaking driver
Two nights accommodation (hotel and Amazigh tent)
Dinner and breakfast
Camel ride at sunset and sunrise
Towels in the accommodation
Shampoo (only in the superior category)
Wifi (only in the superior category)
Not included
Lunch and drinks
Guide in Ait Ben Haddou: € 2 (US$ 2.10) per person
Use of air–conditioning in the luxury haimas: € 30 (US$ 32.10) per person
Quad bike tour around the desert: € 50 (US$ 53.50) per individual quad and € 70 (US$ 75) per double quad
When to book?
You can book up until 12 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
Provider
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Maroc Expedition
Corporate name: Maroc Expedition Travel S.A.R.L
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - Which hotels have the free pick-up service available?
A - We'll contact you to specify and agree on the exact time and place of collection.
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Q - Can we take suitcases?
A - Yes, you can take luggage.
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Q - Where does the activity end in Fez?
A - The tour ends at the parking lot closest to your accommodation if you're staying inside the Medina and at your hotel if you're outside the Medina.
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Q - Is there WiFi available on the campsite?
A - WiFi is available in the luxury category, but you should be aware that it only works for receiving and sending messages. Therefore, we recommend that you purchase a SIM card for Internet access.
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
Free cancellation
If you're staying in the Medina you should go to the restaurant Café de France, in the Plaza Jemaa el Fna. If you're staying outside the Medina we'll pick you up at the hotel free of charge.
