Day 1: Ouarzazate – Kasbah Amridil – Erfoud – Desert Camp Arrival

The journey commences with an early morning retrieval from your hotel or the Ouarzazate Airport. The initial segment features a city orientation, including visits to the distinguished Atlas Film Studios and the historical Kasbah Taourirt. Proceeding southeast, the route leads to the Kasbah Amridil in Skoura, partially encompassed by extensive palm groves.

The next destination is the Valley of Roses, notable for its annual Rose Festival in May and its production of rose-derived goods, including perfumes, rose water, oil, and cosmetics. The excursion continues into the striking Dades Valley, where a high viewpoint provides exceptional vistas of the Dades Gorges. Subsequently, the convoy travels to the Todra Gorges, a spectacular canyon formed by the Todra River, characterized by high red rock faces. Time is allocated for lunch and a leisurely walk within the gorges.

In the afternoon, the expedition reaches Merzouga in the Sahara Desert. Here, guests will transition to camel transport for a ride across the dunes, culminating in a stop atop a high dune to observe the majestic sunset. The day concludes with transit to a luxury desert camp for dinner, an opportunity to appreciate the clear night sky, and an evening of entertainment featuring the soothing rhythms of Berber drums around a campfire.

Day 2: Sahara Desert Exploratory Circuit

An early awakening is highly recommended to witness the essential desert sunrise, followed by breakfast. Guests will then return to Merzouga via camel, where the driver will be awaiting.

The day is dedicated to a comprehensive exploratory tour of the Merzouga region, renowned for its diverse landscapes, which include sand dunes, a seasonal lake, historic mines, fossil-rich areas, and an oasis. The circuit begins with a 4×4 jeep tour to an abandoned kohl mine. This is followed by a traditional tea ceremony and a meeting with local nomadic families in their hand-woven tents to gain insight into their unique lifestyle.

The next stop is the village of Khamlia, where guests will experience a live performance of Gnawa music and dance, performed by residents whose heritage traces back to sub-Saharan nations such as Niger, Sudan, and Mali. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. The day’s activities conclude with the return to the desert camp for dinner and the overnight stay.

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Ifrane – Fez

An early start is advised to capture the magnificent sunrise. Following breakfast, the drive commences toward Rissani, the historical foundation of the current ruling dynasty. The town remains an important commercial hub, featuring a large market that is particularly active on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

The itinerary includes a visit to a workshop in Erfoud specializing in the crafting of products from fossilized marble. The route then crosses the Ziz River, offering a dedicated stop for a panoramic view of the Ziz Valley.

The expedition continues through the cedar forest, the natural habitat of the Barbary macaques; time is allotted for viewing and feeding the animals, as well as a brief forest walk. The next scheduled stop is Ifrane, a distinctive town known for its low temperatures, snow accumulation, and architecture reminiscent of Swiss mountain chalets.

Finally, the drive proceeds to the historic city of Fez, where the three-day journey concludes with the transfer of guests to their riad accommodation.