Fes to Marrakech: tour of 3 days via Merzouga

Alright, so our 3-day desert adventure kicks off with us grabbing you right from where you’re staying in Fes, or another spot we’ve agreed on. Now, it’s about a 7-hour drive to get there, but trust me, the views along the way are totally worth it, so we’ll definitely be making some scenic pit stops. First up, we’ll swing by Ifrane to check out the statue of the old Atlas lion – pretty cool story behind that, which I’ll fill you in on while we snap some pics. Next, it’s a quick half-hour jaunt to the Azrou forest. This place is neat because you can actually see Barbary apes roaming around in the wild! After that, we’ll continue driving until we reach Errachidia, where you’ll see this massive dam – it’s the lifeline for water in the desert. Finally, we’ll arrive in Merzouga. By then, our camels will be all saddled up and waiting to take you on a trek across the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes. Now, depending on what time we roll into Merzouga from Fes, we might either pause on the dunes to catch a breathtaking sunset or head straight to the camp. Once we’ve had dinner, we’ll get a campfire going and treat you to some traditional Berber music played on drums – it’s a really cool vibe. And hey, if the night sky is clear, definitely climb up one of the dunes for an absolutely incredible view of the stars and the Milky Way. Seriously, you won’t regret it!

Day two kicks off early with a sunrise viewing from the dunes – a truly unforgettable experience. Afterward, we’ll ride our camels back to the starting point to begin our journey towards Dades. The drive from Merzouga to Dades is packed with interesting sights. Our first stop is Fezna, a beautiful area known for its numerous wells that sustain the local oases. Next, we’ll visit a Berber clothing cooperative where you can try on traditional attire for photos and receive a complimentary henna design. Continuing on, we’ll travel along the “road of a thousand Kasbahs” to reach Tinghir, famous for its dramatic canyons nestled at the edge of the Atlas Mountains, where you’ll have time for photography. Our final leg to Dades includes two noteworthy stops: the uniquely shaped “monkey fingers” rock formations, sculpted by natural erosion, and the winding Tissdrine road, a memorable location even used in a Cadillac advertisement. Upon arrival in Dades, we’ll check you into your hotel or Riad, marking the end of the second day of our Fes to Marrakech desert tour.

Day three promises more exciting discoveries as we journey from Dades to Marrakech. After leaving our accommodation, our first stop will be the “city of Roses.” Here, we’ll briefly visit a shop to see the variety of rose-based products and learn about their creation. Continuing our drive, we’ll head towards Ouarzazate, often called Morocco’s “movie city.” Ouarzazate boasts several attractions, but a highlight is a visit to one of Africa’s prominent cinema studios. Due to the numerous famous films shot in this region, the city has become a hub for movie production, leading to the construction of these impressive studios. Our next destination is the enchanting Kasbah of Ait-Benhaddou, where we’ll spend around 40 minutes exploring. This iconic location has served as the backdrop for many well-known movies, making a visit here feel like stepping into your favorite films. Moreover, this remarkable Kasbah is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Following lunch, we’ll begin our ascent into the High Atlas Mountains, making a few stops along the way. First, we’ll pause at the summit, reaching an altitude of 2260 meters, offering panoramic views. Our second stop will be at an Argan oil cooperative, where you can learn about the oil extraction process and browse their products if you wish. Finally, we will arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech, marking the conclusion of our incredible 3-day adventure from Fes through the Sahara desert of Merzouga.