Depart from Fez in the early morning and journey through the picturesque Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass through Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its alpine-style architecture and clean streets, before reaching Azrou, where playful Barbary macaques roam the ancient cedar forests. Continue your drive through Midelt and the spectacular Ziz Valley, a landscape of palm groves and dramatic gorges carved into the mountains.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Here begins your desert adventure: a camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, as the setting sun casts warm, glowing colors over the sand. Your evening will be spent in a luxury desert camp, where you’ll savor a traditional dinner, listen to Berber rhythms around the campfire, and end the night stargazing under the endless desert sky.
Wake early to admire the mesmerizing sunrise as it paints the desert dunes in shades of gold and amber. After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the camp, we bid farewell to Merzouga and begin our journey.
Our first stop is the breathtaking Todhra Gorges, where sheer cliffs rise dramatically on either side of a tranquil river. Take time to stroll along the gorge, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and capture stunning photos of this natural wonder.
The road then leads us through charming Berber villages and lush valleys, offering glimpses of traditional rural life against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. By late afternoon, we arrive in Boumalne Dades, a town set amidst striking red-rock formations. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night in a comfortable riad or hotel, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley.
After breakfast, we continue our adventure through the breathtaking Dades Valley, with its dramatic cliffs and fertile oases, before entering the Valley of Roses, a region famed for its fragrant blooms and artisanal rose products.
Our journey then leads us to the legendary Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic ksars. As you wander through its maze of ancient alleyways, you’ll uncover centuries of history and recognize filming locations from world-famous movies and series.
Leaving the kasbah behind, we traverse the winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. Along the way, we’ll pause for panoramic views of valleys, peaks, and traditional Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides.
By evening, we arrive in Marrakech, where the vibrant energy of the “Red City” welcomes you and marks the end of your unforgettable desert journey.
Merzouga is a charming village in southeastern Morocco, nestled at the edge of the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes. These golden sand dunes are among the most iconic landscapes of the Sahara, making Merzouga a must-visit destination for travelers in search of an authentic desert adventure.