5-Day Journey from Fes to the Desert
Overview
Embark on a captivating 5-day journey through Morocco, starting from Fez and ending back in this historic city. Begin by traveling through Ifrane and Azrou’s cedar forests, where you’ll encounter wild monkeys and enjoy a delightful lunch in Zaida. Traverse the Atlas Mountains, taking in scenic views en route to Toudra Gorge, arriving by late afternoon.
Depart Toudra Gorge for Merzouga, passing through Tinajdad, Jorf, and Erfoud, learning about the Tafilalet Oasis along the way. Spend the night in a traditional Merzouga hotel and explore the area the next day, visiting nomadic villages and experiencing traditional Gnaoua music. Explore an abandoned mine before embarking on a camel ride to a desert camp, where you’ll witness a mesmerizing sunset over Erg Chebbi.
Wake up early for a sunrise camel ride in Merzouga followed by breakfast before journeying to Midelt. Stop at Rissani’s bustling bazaar and cross the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas Mountains to reach Midelt. Explore Azrou’s Cedar Forest, interact with monkeys, and continue to Ifrane.
Return to Fez in the early afternoon, concluding your enriching 5-day tour with memories of Morocco’s diverse landscapes, cultural encounters, and desert adventures.
Highlights
- Depart from Fez and travel through Ifrane and Azrou’s cedar forests.
- Encounter wild monkeys and enjoy lunch in Zaida.
- Traverse the Atlas Mountains with scenic views of Midelt.
- Visit Toudra Gorge by late afternoon.
- Depart Toudra Gorge for Merzouga, passing through Tinajdad, Jorf, and Erfoud.
- Learn about the Tafilalet Oasis and spend the night in a traditional Merzouga hotel.
- Explore Merzouga with visits to nomadic villages and Erg Chebbi.
- Experience traditional Gnaoua music and visit an abandoned mine.
- Enjoy a camel ride to a desert camp and witness sunset views over Erg Chebbi.
- Wake up for a sunrise camel ride in Merzouga followed by breakfast.
- Journey to Midelt, stopping at Rissani’s bustling bazaar.
- Cross the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas Mountains to reach Midelt.
- Explore Azrou’s Cedar Forest, interact with monkeys, and proceed to Ifrane.
- Return to Fez in the early afternoon, concluding the enriching 5-day tour.
DETAILLED ITINERARY
Day 1: Fez – Midelt – Toudra Gorge
Your journey begins with a morning departure from Fes, accompanied by the Morocco4X4 team. En route to Toudra Gorge, you’ll pass through Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou, known for their resident wild monkeys—a perfect photo opportunity. Enjoy lunch in Zaida, a quaint Berber village, before traversing the Atlas Mountains and soaking in the scenic views of Midelt. The route takes you through Rich and Imilchil, eventually arriving at Toudra Gorge by late afternoon.
Day 2: Todra Gorge – Merzouga (Desert)
Depart Todra Gorge in the morning towards the Merzouga desert, passing charming Berber villages along the way. Make stops at Tinajdad, Jorf, and Erfoud, where you’ll learn about the Tafilalet Oasis’s beginnings in the Sahara Desert. Arrive in Merzouga, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional Merzouga hotel.
Day 3: Merzouga – Nomadic Villages – Erg Chebbi Desert Camping
After breakfast and a refreshing shower, embark on a hike to Erg Chebbi. Visit a Berber family and enjoy traditional Gnaoua music, originating from Ghana and Sudan. Explore an abandoned mine, encounter Berber nomads, and relax in a palm oasis. Return to Merzouga for lunch and relaxation before an exciting camel ride through the dunes to your desert camp. Experience a magical night under the stars with drum music and breathtaking sunset views from the high dunes.
Day 4: Merzouga – Midelt
Wake up early to catch the sunrise on camelback in Merzouga, followed by breakfast and a shower. Depart for Midelt, stopping at Rissani’s bustling bazaar and crossing the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Midelt for an overnight stay at one of the local hotels.
Day 5: Midelt – Azrou (Cedar Forest) – Fez
Enjoy breakfast before departing Midelt, passing through the cedar forests of Azrou. Take a break to feed the monkeys and capture memorable photos. Continue through Ifrane, often called the ‘Switzerland of Morocco’, and arrive back in Fez by early afternoon, concluding your enriching 5-day tour.
included
- Riding a camel
- English speaking driver
- Transportation
- Breakfast and dinner
Excluded
- Drinks
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses