Marrakech, a former imperial city in western Morocco, and a major economic center home to mosques, palaces and gardens. The medina is a densely populated, fortified medieval city dating back to the Berber Empire, with intertwining maze-like alleys, where bustling souks (markets) sell traditional fabrics, pottery and jewelry. Symbol of the city, the minaret of the 12th century Koutoubia Moorish mosque is visible for miles.
Merzouga is a small Moroccan town located in the Sahara Desert, near the Algerian border. Merzouga opens onto Erg Chebbi, a huge expanse of sand dunes north of the city. To the west is Dayet Srji, a seasonal salt lake that is often dry in summer. When it fills up again, it attracts a wide variety of migratory and desert birds, including warblers, nightjars and, occasionally, flamingos.
Founded in the 9th century and home to the oldest university in the world, Fez reached its height in the 13th–14th centuries under the Marinids, when it replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the medina – madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - date from this period. Although the political capital of Morocco was transferred to Rabat in 1912, Fez has retained its status as the country's cultural and spiritual centre.
| Destination | Merzouga Sahara Desert |
|---|---|
| Depature | Yes Required |
| Departure Time | Casablanca Airport |
| Return Time | 4 days desert tours |
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| Excluded |
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 Travel With 4x4 |
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The 4 days desert tour from Casablanca to Fes via Merzouga and marrakech is an awesome option to travel between the imperials cities while exploring the deep south of the country, the 3 overnights allows for more time exploring the sites and less time in the car. Apart from the night stay in the desert and the camel ride, you get to visit so many beautiful places and fascinating scenery : The valley of Telouet, Ait benhaddou village, Ouarzazate, Valley of roses, Dades valley, Todra gorges, the cedar forest and its playfull monkeys, Ifrane ....
Transfer from Casablanca to Marrakech via the highway. Upon arrival start a guided visit, of the medina including Bahia palace, Saadiens Tombs, Mederssa Ben youssef, Koutoubia Garden, Majorelle Garden, Souks and the famous square Jemaa Elfna to see the entertainment (Snack charmers, story tellers, dancers etc…. ). Overnight at the Riad Naya.
Departure from Marrakech in the morning, acrossing High Atlas mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka (2260m), to reach to Ait benhaddou village, the fortified ksar with its beautiful Kasbahs. Ait Benhaddou has served as a natural scenery for many movies producers. After lunch we will head to Dades via Ouarzazate, palm grove of Skoura and Valley of Roses , where we will spend the first night.
departure will be after breakfast to visit Dades gorges, taking the road of 1000 kasbahs drive around the colourful Berber villages of the Dades valley. to get to Tineghir with it's beautiful palm grove. We will continue to the Gorge of Todgha , where we go on a trek along the canyons of about 300 m high, a preferred place of mountain climbers. Afterwards we will head to Erg chebbi dunes in Merzouga Sahara desert and you will have time for lunch on our way. Once you arrive to the Dunes of Erg Chebbi, you will take a camel ride for 1 h30 min, while watching the sunset, to get to the camp in the oasis. Spending the night in the prestigious camp at Merzouga Sahara dunes under nomadic tents or outside under shooting stars. Play drums with the camel drivers.
An early wake up to enjoy the sunrise over the highest dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga one of the best moments of the desert, afterwards you will have breakfast in the camp, pack and go back either on camels or by 4x4 leaving the dunes behind. Back on the asphalt roads, you will drive to Marrakech through Alnif, Tazarine, Draa valley,Agdez and Ouarazazate. In Ourazazate we will have free time for lunch and a photo stop in front of the famous Taourirt Kasbah. Afterwards we will continue to Marrakech, where your Merzouga desert experience ends. Crossing again the Atlas Mountains and the Berber villages between Ouarzazate and Marrakech. Drop off at your accommodation.
