4 days Fez to Sahara desert and Marrakesh
Day 1: Fez - Ifrane - Midelt – Ziz Valley - Merzouga desert
We will pick you up from your Hotel or Airport in Fez then drive to Sahara desert, On the way we will stop at cedar forest to see the Barbarian Ape in their natural habitat (not sure as they are not there always). Traveling through the Tizi Ntalghamt pass to Midelt and along the magnificent Ziz valley carved through volcanic rock, you’ll see views of the Middle-Atlas plateau, noticing how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city Errachidia. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey through the Ziz valley and Merzouga. When you arrive the Sahara desert, camel guide is waiting for you to start your camel ride crossing sand dunes to enjoy sunset. It is a unique and diverse environment. The camel ride takes about 40-mins to the camp that called Dihya Desert Camp or similar where we continue the spirit of luxury Berber lifestyle. The tents are well equipped and we provide mattresses, blankets, and cushions. After dinner we gather round the fire and enjoy the desert trip night perhaps with traditional Berber drums.
Day 2: Merzouga desert – Nomads – desert oasis - Camel trek
After breakfast in the big tent at the desert camp you will start an explorative journey of the area. You’ll visit the Gnawa people (originally slaves brought from Sudan) to experience their music and lifestyle. Not far away there’s the lake of Merzouga, with its bird populations (NOT always available as it become dry if there is no rain for long time). You may also visit the souks in Rissani , a traditional town which was the origin of the ruling family in Morocco and the meeting place of the Caravans trading as far as Timbuctou in Mali. Here you will see a lot of men hooded and women veiled. Overnight will be at our desert camp, where you will have your dinner. For your convenience, the camp is equipped with western bathrooms.
Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Toudra Gorges – Palm Groves of Tinghir – Dades Valley
Early in the morning, your camel guide will wake you up to watch what well may be the best sunrise of your life. After sunrise you will trek back to the village of Merzouga. Enroute you couldn’t fail to appreciate the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses. After breakfast in your riad, you’ll leave for Rissani , Tinghir, and Todra gorges – the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. After lunch in the heart of the gorge we’ll drive through the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as “monkey toes”. Overnight accommodation will be in a fancy hotel overlooking the Dades valley.