DAY 1: Fez – IFRANE – MERZOUGA
Commence your journey from Fez at 8 a.m., traversing through Ifrane, a city known for its distinctive sloping-roof houses, an uncommon sight in Morocco. Nestled in the oak and cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, you can encounter Barbary apes. Journeying along the N13 southward, passing by Timahdite, a place identified by its Berber geomorphological name translating to “stone” or “rock,” we reach Midelt, situated at 1508 meters. Dubbed as the “apple capital” of Morocco, Midelt resides at the foothills of Ayachi mountain. This city serves as a significant agricultural hub and a pivotal location for mineral extraction, boasting minerals such as fluorite, vanadinite, quartz, and cerussite. Lunch will be enjoyed here. Our route then descends through the Tizi-n-Talghemt pass, recognized as the “camelle” pass. En route, revel in the sight of the Ziz valley renowned for its extensive oasis and palm trees. Along the road, clusters of “ksars,” individual house villages, punctuate the landscape. Continuing further south, we arrive at Er Rachidia, a mining town abundant in minerals like copper and malachite. Erfoud follows, renowned for its date festival and fossil treasures. Witness the transformation of millions of fossils into artifacts at the local shops, offering a fascinating insight into the region’s geological heritage. There’s no obligation to purchase. The journey advances toward Rissani and culminates at the famed Erg Chebbi red dunes in Merzouga. Embrace a one-hour camel ride departing or returning from the camp. Alternatively, opt for a 4×4 ride to the camp. Delight in dinner and overnight accommodation at a luxurious camp boasting private bathrooms, king-size beds, elegant Moroccan furnishings, and thoughtfully arranged lamps, enhancing the serenity and allure of the dunes.
DAY 2: MERZOUGA-DADES GORGES
For early risers, witness the breathtaking spectacle of sunrise, where the interplay of dune colors and shadows creates a mesmerizing sight. Following breakfast at the camp, journey towards Tinghir and the Toudgha Gorge. En route, encounter the water channels known as “Khettarat,” showcasing ingenious irrigation systems that mitigate evaporation during summer. These channels, described in Andrew Wilson’s work, begin at a higher gradient, eventually surfacing to irrigate fields. Explore the gorge, village gardens, and fields surrounding it. Progress to the Dades Valley, once submerged under the sea millions of years ago. Sedimentary rocks like sandstone and limestone formed from sediment deposits around colossal coral reefs. Geological shifts uplifted the region, creating the Atlas Mountains and the surrounding terrain. Overnight in a hotel or Kasbah.
DAY 3: OUARZAZATE, ATLAS MOUNTAINS, MARRAKECH
After breakfast, journey through the Valley of Roses, renowned for its May Rose Festival, and witness the captivating kasbahs of Skoura. Visit the intriguing kasbah Amredhil, a former feature on the 50 dirham note. Continue to the World Heritage Site, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, famous for its appearances in Hollywood movies. Progress towards Telouet along the recently paved road, historically significant as the seat of the last Pasha of Marrakech, El Glaoui, who controlled the highest pass in Africa, Tizi-n-Tichka. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, concluding your Moroccan desert tour from Fes to Marrakech as your driver escorts you to your riad.
