Travellers climbing a high dune in Erg Chebbi

Sahara & Imperial Heritage

From Fes to Marrakech in four days, through the Middle Atlas, the Sahara and the valley of the kasbahs.

Rated 5.0/5 on Tripadvisor
Duration
4 days
Route
Fes > Marrakech
Travel style
Private journey
Price
Price on request

Overview

Sahara & Imperial Heritage links two imperial cities through the desert. You leave Fes across the Middle Atlas, spend two nights around Merzouga, one of them in a desert camp, and then follow the road of the kasbahs to Marrakech.

It is the ideal way to cross Morocco if you arrive in Fes and fly home from Marrakech, or the reverse.

Route: Fes, Ifrane, Azrou, Ziz Valley, Merzouga, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, Marrakech

Highlights

  • Ifrane, Azrou and the Middle Atlas cedars
  • The Ziz Valley palm groves
  • Two nights around Merzouga
  • The Todra and Dades gorges
  • Ait Ben Haddou and the Tizi n'Tichka pass

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1 Fes to Merzouga

    about 470 km, 8 h with stops Overnight: Hotel near the dunes

    Through Ifrane and the cedar forests near Azrou, over the Middle Atlas to Midelt and down the Ziz Valley to Merzouga.

  2. Day 2 Merzouga and a night in the desert

    Overnight: Desert camp

    Morning to explore around Erg Chebbi and Khamlia, afternoon to relax. Camel trek at sunset to your desert camp.

  3. Day 3 Merzouga to the Dades Valley

    about 280 km, 5 h with stops Overnight: Dades Valley

    Sunrise in the dunes, then west through Tinejdad to the Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley.

  4. Day 4 Dades Valley to Marrakech

    about 330 km, 6 to 7 h with stops Overnight: End of tour in Marrakech

    Through the rose valley, Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou, then over the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech.

Distances and driving times are approximate and depend on road conditions and stops. Every route can be adapted.

Accommodation

We book riads, guesthouses, kasbah hotels and desert camps that match the comfort level you choose: comfortable and authentic, superior or luxury. The exact properties depend on your dates and availability and are confirmed by name in your personal proposal before you book.

What is included

  • Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English or Spanish-speaking driver
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary, in your chosen comfort level
  • Breakfast and dinner on the nights indicated in your proposal
  • Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Night in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast
  • Personal assistance before and during your trip

Not included

  • International flights
  • Lunches and drinks unless stated
  • Entrance fees to monuments
  • Local guides in the cities, unless included in your proposal
  • Optional activities (4x4, quad biking, sandboarding)
  • Travel insurance and tips

Optional upgrades and customization

  • Luxury desert camp with private bathroom
  • Boutique riads and kasbah hotels
  • Private dinner in the dunes
  • Official local guides in the medinas
  • Extra nights, or a different starting or ending city

Practical information

Group size
Private journey, only for you and your companions.
Departure
Any day, on the dates you choose.
Price
Personalized quotation according to dates, number of travellers and accommodation.
Luggage
A soft bag or small suitcase is ideal; for the desert night take only an overnight bag on the camel.
Clothing
Layers, comfortable shoes, a scarf, sunglasses and a warm layer for desert nights.
Booking
Send an enquiry; nothing is booked until you confirm your proposal.

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