3-Day Trip: Merzouga Desert to Marrakesh
Description
Are you currently in Fez? To explore the allure of the desert and its beautiful Amazigh villages, consider this 3-day journey to Merzouga, concluding in Marrakesh.
3-Day Journey
Day 1: Fez - Ifrane - Azrou - Erfoud - Merzouga
Upon your collection from your accommodation in Fez, we will set off towards the Merzouga Desert. Our route will take us through enchanting places like Ifrane, often referred to as the Swiss of Morocco. Are you curious about the origin of this nickname? Additionally, we will delight in the picturesque views of Azrou.
Continuing the tour, we will cross the Ziz valley and its gorges, arriving at Erfoud. As the day winds down, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a camel trek across the Merzouga desert, where the landscape will surely captivate you! Should you desire, an optional quad tour is also available.
After a delicious dinner, we will settle in at the Haimas Camp for a restful night.
Day 2: Merzouga – Todgha Gorge – Dadès Gorge
The following morning, our adventure will commence on top of the Merzouga dunes at sunrise, providing an ideal moment for photos. Following breakfast, we will proceed to the renowned Todgha Gorge, where the stunning scenery will leave you in awe.
As the day draws to a close, we’ll journey to the captivating Dadès Gorge, where we will enjoy a meal and spend the night in a nearby hotel.
Day 3: Dadès Gorge – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakesh
Our day will begin with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before we head towards Ouarzazate. Here, we will explore the surrounding area and visit the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a site familiar to film enthusiasts!
You’ll have some free time for lunch and photography, after which we’ll continue by traversing Amazigh villages nestled in the foothills of the Atlas mountains. Did you know that this mountain range is one of Morocco's most distinguished?
Finally, we anticipate arriving in Marrakesh around 6 PM.
Hotel Pickup
This experience includes pickup from hotels in Fez. Nevertheless, if your accommodation is located within the Medina, please proceed to the Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud), where you’ll meet your guide.
Accommodation Options
During the booking process, you can select between two types of accommodation: Standard (2 or 3 stars) or Superior (4 stars).
Standard Accommodation:
- First night in Merzouga Desert: standard haimas camping
- Second night in Dadès Gorge: Hotel Babylon, Kasbah Tifawen, Auberge Panorama or equivalent.
Superior Accommodation:
- First night in Merzouga Desert: superior Haimas camping
- Second night in Dadès Gorge: Hotel Babylon, Kasbah Tifawen, Auberge Panorama or equivalent.
Room Types
The standard haimas in Merzouga can host up to 4 guests, whereas the superior category can accommodate a maximum of 5. Both options include private bathrooms.
It's essential to note that the standard and superior camps are entirely distinct, showcasing different food selections and decor styles. Be aware that not every camp provides wifi, and air-conditioning in superior tents incurs an extra charge of 30 EUR per haima.
During high seasons like Easter or Christmas, the standard category may require shared bathroom facilities.
In both hotels and desert camps, single occupancy is not an option. If a booking is made for just one person, a supplement will apply. Under no circumstances will sharing rooms or tents with other guests occur. For those interested, triple or family rooms and haimas are also available, with the same distinctions based on category.
Private Journey Option
If you prefer a more tailored experience, we suggest reserving the 3-day private trip to the Merzouga desert leading to Marrakech. This option provides a personalized touch for your visit to one of Morocco's treasures.
What's included
- Hotel, riad, airport or city centre point in Fez pickup and drop–off
- Transport in a comfortable, air–conditioned vehicle
- English–speaking driver
- 2 nights of half board accommodation
- Towels at each accommodation
- Basic WiFi for instant messaging (only with superior accommodation)
- Fuel, tolls and all associated costs
- Camel ride to the desert encampment
What's not included
- Lunch and drinks
- Quad tour: 50EUR for drivers and 20EUR for passengers
- Air conditioning: 30EUR per haima (in the superior category camps)
Cancellation policy
Cancellazione gratuita fino a 36 ore prima (local time)
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Important information
At the scheduled time, the guide will collect you from your hotel riad or central point in Fez, as indicated when making your booking. Please be there 10 or 15 minutes beforehand.
Hotel Pickup
This tour includes pickup from hotels in Fez. However, if you're staying within the Medina, please go to the Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud), where your guide will meet you.
Day Trip Accommodation
Both in the hotels and in the desert camps, there is no possibility of a single room, they are always double rooms. If you prefer, triple or family rooms are also available.
Please note that not all camps have wifi and that air-conditioning in the superior category camps costs an additional 30EUR per haima.
In addition, during high season, such as Easter or Christmas, the standard category may require campsites with shared bathrooms.
Important Info
- The hotel in the Dadès Gorge is the same for both standard and superior options.
- Please wear comfortable, closed footwear.
- Food and drink are not included in the price of the activity, but breakfast and dinner are included. The price for a 1.5L bottle of water is 10MAD.
- There are no shopping stops during the tour.
Number of Participants
In case the day trip does not reach the minimum of participants, we'll contact you 48 to 72 hours before the tour.
Luggage Info
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1 standard suitcase, approximately 44–50 lbs (20-23 kg) maximum
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1 trolley suitcase
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1 small backpack or carry-on bag per person
-
We recommend avoiding XXL suitcases due to limited space in the minibuses
You can keep your suitcase with you throughout the tour. Upon arrival in Merzouga, your large suitcase will be safely stored in the vehicle. For the camel trek to the camp, we recommend only carrying a small backpack with the essentials for the night.
The following day, upon returning from the camp, you will retrieve your suitcases and continue the tour as usual.
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