2 Days Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Fez

Excellent

Duration

2 Days

Group Size

20 People

Language

English

Location

Ouarzazate

- Overview :

This 2 Days Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Fez offers an expedited yet comprehensive journey across some of Morocco’s most iconic destinations, rich in both cultural depth and geographical variety.

The excursion commences in Ouarzazate, featuring an exploration of the historic Kasbah Taourirt and the renowned local film studios. The adventure subsequently leads to the picturesque Dades Valley and Todra Gorges.

A pivotal part of the itinerary is the experience in the Sahara Desert of Merzouga, which includes camel trekking, the opportunity to observe exceptional sunrises and sunsets, and an overnight stay at a traditional desert camp. The vast desert terrain will also be explored via a dedicated 4×4 vehicle.

The tour continues with a scheduled visit to the vibrant traditional marketplace of Rissani and the town of Erfoud, which is internationally recognized for its significant fossil deposits. Subsequently, the route proceeds to the “Switzerland of Morocco,” Ifrane, and the adjacent cedar forest, a natural habitat for the Barbary macaques.

The journey concludes upon arrival in the historic imperial city of Fez, encapsulating diverse landscapes and cultural encounters within a brief but intense timeframe.

- Top Highlights :

Ouarzazate: Guided visit to the prominent Atlas Film Studios and the historical Kasbah of Taourirt.
Skoura & Valley of Roses: Exploration of the significant Kasbah Amridil followed by transit through the picturesque Valley of Roses.
Gorges: Appreciation of the dramatic natural scenery presented by the Dades Valley and the towering Todra Gorges.
Merzouga Desert Experience: Engagement in a camel trek across the Merzouga dunes to observe a spectacular Sahara sunset.
Accommodation: An immersive overnight stay at a luxury desert camp, featuring traditional Berber musical entertainment and optimal conditions for stargazing.
Rissani & Erfoud: Visits to the active traditional market of Rissani and specialized fossil workshops in Erfoud.
Scenic Routes: Opportunity to view the breathtaking vistas across the Ziz Valley and the majestic Middle Atlas Mountains.
Middle Atlas: Scheduled stop within the cedar forest for viewing the indigenous Barbary macaques.
Ifrane: Tour of Ifrane, which is famously designated as the “Switzerland of Morocco.”
Conclusion: The journey culminates upon arrival in the historic imperial city of Fes.

- Included :

Easy transfer from/to your Fes hotel or airport.
Comfortable transport in a private 4x4 or modern air-conditioned minibus.
Fuel and vehicle/driver-related expenses.
1 unforgettable night in a luxury Sahara camp (Merzouga).
1 night in a comfortable hotel in the Dades Valley.
Camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Breakfasts and dinners as mentioned in the itinerary.
Experienced, multilingual, and friendly driver/guide.

- Excluded :

- Itinerary : 2 Days Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Fez

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

The tour commences with an early morning collection from your hotel or the Ouarzazate Airport. The initial itinerary includes a city orientation featuring visits to the renowned Atlas Studios, the location for numerous classic films, and the ancient Kasbah of Taourirt.

Proceeding southeast, the journey leads to the Amridil Kasbah in Skoura, which is partially enveloped by extensive palm groves. The next significant stop is the Valley of Roses, celebrated for its annual Rose Festival in May and its production of various rose-derived products, including perfumes, rose water, oil, and cosmetics.

The expedition continues into the spectacular Dades Valley, ascending to an elevated viewing point to appreciate the stunning scenery of the Dades Gorges. Subsequently, the route transitions to the Todra Gorges, a dramatic canyon carved by the Todra River, characterized by soaring red rock formations. Time is allocated for lunch and a guided walk through the gorges to admire the natural beauty.

In the afternoon, the convoy reaches Merzouga in the Sahara Desert. Here, guests will transfer to camels for a ride through the sandy dunes. A scheduled stop will be made atop a high dune to observe the majestic sunset. The day culminates with arrival at a luxury desert camp, offering dinner, an opportunity for stargazing, and an evening of entertainment featuring the gentle rhythms of Berber drums around a campfire.

Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Ifrane – Fez

It is highly recommended to set an early alarm to capture the breathtaking sunrise. Following breakfast, the drive commences toward Rissani, the historical nucleus of the current ruling dynasty. The town maintains its role as a vital trading post, hosting a large market that is notably active on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

The itinerary includes a visit to a workshop in Erfoud specializing in the crafting of items from fossilized marble. The route then continues along the Ziz River, with a stop provided for a panoramic view of the Ziz Valley.

The journey proceeds through the cedar forest, the natural habitat of the Barbary macaque monkeys. Time will be allocated for viewing and feeding the animals, as well as a short forest walk. Next, the tour pauses in Ifrane, a distinctive city known for its cold climate, snowfall, and architecture resembling Swiss mountain chalets.

Finally, the drive proceeds to the historic city of Fez, where the two-day expedition concludes with the transfer of guests to their riad accommodation for the overnight stay.