Journey from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate with a Visit to Ait Ben Haddou.

Ouarzazate - Begin the day with an early morning pick-up from your accommodation, embarking on an exciting adventure to explore the historic towns situated in the semi-arid plains beyond the High Atlas Mountains. As you depart from Marrakesh, the journey ascends through the impressive winding switchbacks of the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass, a testament to modern engineering marvels. At an elevation of 2,260 meters, a stop at the summit of Tizi n’Tichka offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. After traversing the High Atlas Mountains, the journey continues to the village of Ait Benhaddou, a significant UNESCO site in the region. With its numerous towers and traditional houses, Ait Benhaddou is a stunning example of pre-Saharan architecture in southern Morocco. After exploring the area, enjoy lunch at one of the excellent restaurants overlooking Ait Benhaddou. The final destination for the day is Ouarzazate, the capital of southern Morocco. Like Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate features an important fortified center, the Taourirt Kasbah. However, Ouarzazate is most renowned today for its internationally acclaimed movie studios. Visitors have the option to explore the cinema museum or one of the studios. After checking into a hotel in Ouarzazate, the evening is free to explore the town at leisure.

Journey from Ouarzazate to Merzouga with a Visit to Todra Gorges.

Merzouga - After breakfast, the journey resumes along the opposite side of the High Atlas Mountains, exploring traditional mudbrick towns and stunning desert landscapes en route to Merzouga and its surrounding sand dunes. Along the way, a visit to the charming town of Kelaat Mgouna, famous for its traditional Rose Festival in May, is included. Further along, discover Soukora, a traditional mudbrick town nestled in the heart of 25 square kilometers of lush palm groves. Continuing the journey, the next stop is Tinghir, an ancient Berber town where the Todra Gorges await exploration. The day’s first stop is in the Dades Valley, renowned for its expansive palm groves flourishing over an underground river. The day concludes with a late afternoon arrival in Merzouga, on the edge of the desert, where dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel await.

Exploring Merzouga and Its Desert Surroundings

Merzouga - Choose to sleep in or rise early to witness the unforgettable sunrise over the sand dunes. After breakfast, the day is free to explore the desert surroundings of Merzouga at your own pace. Possible activities include visiting historical towns and palm groves around the Tafilalt Oasis (Rissani, Merzouga), embarking on a 4×4 excursion into the desert to explore black volcanic rock formations and fossils, visiting a nomadic family living in a tent, riding quad bikes around the sand dunes, visiting Khamlia village to experience Gnawa music, or relaxing around the desert tents. In the late afternoon, as the day’s heat subsides, embark on a camel trek to a Berber campsite nestled in the heart of the sand dunes, far removed from worldly concerns. Here, Berber hosts will prepare traditional desert meals and share insights into their culture. Spend the evening gathered around the campfire, exploring the desert, or lying on a sand dune to stargaze.

Journey from Merzouga to Fez via the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Fes - On the final day, there is another opportunity to rise early and witness the stunning desert sunrise from atop a sand dune. After breakfast, a camel trek out of the desert leads back to the van in Merzouga. After a chance to shower and freshen up, the journey continues to Fez, aiming to arrive by evening. The first stop on the itinerary is Azrou, the ancient capital of the Amazigh people in the Middle Atlas Mountains region. Situated at 1,250 meters above sea level, Azrou is nestled in the surrounding hills of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Known for its cedar forests, butterflies, and Barbary ape population, Azrou offers a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. During the visit to Azrou, there is a stop outside the town to explore this beautiful natural environment. Ascending further into the Middle Atlas, passing through oak forests, the next stop is in Ifrane, known as the ‘Switzerland of Morocco.’ Due to its alpine climate, at 1,665 meters above sea level, Ifrane experiences significant snowfall each winter. Consequently, the roofs of its houses and businesses are sloped to prevent collapse under the weight of snow, earning Ifrane its charming nickname. In summer, however, temperatures rise, and Moroccans flock to Ifrane for its pristine parks, clean air, and stunning scenery. Ifrane is also home to the renowned Al-Akhawayn University, attracting Morocco’s brightest minds each year. A stop at Ifrane National Park allows for admiration of ancient cedar trees and the chance to spot a colony of Barbary apes. The final stop is in Imouzer, famous for its Apple Festival in September. Many Imouzer inhabitants are of Amazigh descent and speak a language other than Arabic as their mother tongue. The area around Imouzer is dotted with lakes formed during a period of intense volcanic activity in the distant past. At one of these lakes, Dayet Aoua, there is an opportunity for a quick horse or donkey ride along the lakeshore. Departing Imouzer, the journey continues directly to Fez, ensuring arrival at accommodations at a reasonable hour.

• Dinner
• All fees for the car and driver
• Breakfast
• Pick-up and drop-off from your accommodations
• Water provided during the trip in the car
• Good car with a professional English-speaking driver
• Accommodations including hotels, riads, tents, and camel rides in the Sahara Desert

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.