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4-Day Sahara Express: Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert & Atlas Mountains
"A 4-day tour from Fez to Marrakech via the Middle Atlas, Merzouga desert, featuring cultural encounters, gorges, and a mountain pass."
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Trajectory
The Daily Scroll
01Fez to Merzouga Desert via the Middle Atlas
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Fez to Merzouga Desert via the Middle Atlas
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Depart the imperial north and journey south through diverse landscapes to the gateway of the Sahara.
Day Highlights
- Pick-up from your accommodation in Fez
- Drive through Ifrane, 'the Switzerland of Morocco', with its distinctive alpine architecture
- Stop at the Azrou Cedar Forest to see and interact with the Barbary macaques
- Cross the Middle Atlas mountains, enjoying the changing scenery
- Descend towards the Sahara via the impressive Ziz Gorges and its vast palm grove
- Pass through Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops
- Arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Evening at leisure to appreciate the profound peace of the desert
- Overnight at a hotel/riad in Merzouga
EndOf Day 01
02Merzouga Desert Exploration & Camel Trek to Camp
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Merzouga Desert Exploration & Camel Trek to Camp
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Delve into desert culture before embarking on the classic Saharan experience of a camel caravan.
Day Highlights
- Breakfast at your hotel/riad
- Begin a tour of the desert area, visiting surrounding villages
- Stop in Khamlia village for a live Gnawa spiritual music performance
- Follow a route to meet and learn about the lifestyle of local nomadic families
- Return to Merzouga in the afternoon
- Mount your camels for a trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Watch the sunset over the golden sands from atop a dune
- Arrive at your luxury desert camp
- Enjoy a traditional dinner and spend the night under the stars
EndOf Day 02
03Merzouga to Ouarzazate via Rissani & Todra Gorges
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Merzouga to Ouarzazate via Rissani & Todra Gorges
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Bid farewell to the dunes and journey through historic towns and dramatic natural wonders.
Day Highlights
- Optional sunrise viewing from the dunes
- Breakfast at the camp, then camel ride back to Merzouga village
- Drive to Rissani to explore its large traditional souk (market)
- Continue to the towering cliffs of Todra Gorges for a walk and photos
- Travel through the scenic Dades Valley and the fragrant Valley of Roses
- Pass through the Skoura oasis with its extensive palm groves
- Arrive in Ouarzazate in the evening
- Dinner and overnight at your hotel/riad in Ouarzazate
EndOf Day 03
04Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Ait Benhaddou & High Atlas
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Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Ait Benhaddou & High Atlas
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Explore cinematic history before crossing the majestic Atlas Mountains to your final destination.
Day Highlights
- Breakfast at your hotel in Ouarzazate
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Ksar of Ait Benhaddou
- Explore the famous fortified village, a backdrop for many films like 'Gladiator'
- Begin the ascent into the High Atlas Mountains
- Cross the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m), enjoying stunning panoramic views
- Photo stops at scenic viewpoints overlooking Berber villages and terraced farms
- Late afternoon arrival in Marrakech
- Drop-off at your chosen accommodation in the Red City
EndOf Day 04
Extended File
Discover the dramatic contrasts of Morocco on this four-day express journey from the imperial city of Fez to the vibrant heart of Marrakech. This tour is a perfect sampler, connecting two iconic cities through the serene and stark beauty of the Sahara Desert. Travel from the cool, forested peaks of the Middle Atlas—hom...
Logistics & Support
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Guest Narrative
The Guest
Ledger
01
"The entire trip was seamless. From the airport pickup to the desert camp, every detail was handled perfectly. I felt inspired."
Alex Johnson
Solo Traveler • Australia
Expedition: Desert Tour
02
"An architectural masterpiece of a journey. The balance between rugged adventure and absolute luxury was precisely what I wanted."
Sarah Miller
Luxury Explorer • United Kingdom
Expedition: Cultural Tour
03
"The light in the Sahara is unlike anything else. Direct Morocco Tours positioned us perfectly to capture the soul of the desert."
Marc Durand
Photographer • France
Expedition: Mountain Trek
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