GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Three days from Ouarzazate to the heart of the Merzouga desert with a flexible ending in Marrakech or Fes. A compact itinerary that highlights the essentials of southeastern Morocco: the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, the Todra Gorges, a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes, and a night in a desert camp under the stars. Ideal for travelers arriving at Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ) or already in the city who want to experience the Sahara without returning the same way. On the third day, continue to Marrakech crossing the High Atlas or to Fes via the Ziz Valley, the Middle Atlas, and the cedar forests.
Pickup from Ouarzazate Airport or your hotel in the city to begin the 3-day tour. First stop at the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a mud-brick ksar declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a filming location for many movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. After lunch in the village of Ait Ben Haddou, we continue toward the Dades Gorges, passing again through Ouarzazate and following the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, a route lined with ancient mud fortresses. Arrival in the evening at the Dades Gorges.
Overnight in a hotel or riad in the Dades Gorges.
Breakfast and departure to the Todra Gorge, where we take a walk along the canyon floor surrounded by 300-meter-high limestone cliffs. Continue the journey to Merzouga. Upon arrival, an experienced camel guide awaits with dromedaries at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes for an approximately 30-minute trek to the desert camp. Dinner with local hosts and overnight under the Sahara stars.
Overnight in a desert camp in Merzouga.
Breakfast at the camp and return by camel to Merzouga. From there, begin the journey to Marrakech with several panoramic stops along the way. Arrival in Marrakech at sunset and transfer to your accommodation.
Breakfast and departure toward Fes through the Ziz Valley with its endless palm groves. Panoramic stop for photos. Lunch in Midelt. Continue north through the cedar forest of Azrou, where with some luck you may see Barbary macaques living freely among the trees. Final stop in Ifrane, the “Moroccan Switzerland,” an alpine-style town with clean streets and sloped roofs in the Middle Atlas. Arrival in Fes in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel or riad.
End of the 3-day tour from Ouarzazate.
IMPORTANT NOTES
