Experience the enchanting beauty of Morocco on a captivating 5-day desert journey with “El Alma de Maruecos.” This carefully curated tour takes you on a mesmerizing expedition from Marrakech to Fes, unveiling a world of natural wonders, timeless villages, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Immerse yourself in the soul of Morocco, and let’s explore the highlights of this unforgettable desert adventure.
Highlights
Leave the busy city behind and head east toward thedesert, ascending the High Atlas Mountains. See if you can spot Mount Toubkal, the highest peak at 13,671 feet (4,167 m). Along the way, you will pass many Berber villages—made up of traditional mud-brick buildings. They say that life is about the journey and not the destination and this is certainly true when you are on this road. There will be plenty of stops for tea and photographs as you take in the breathtaking vistas before arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou.
Travel along the renowned Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through Skoura and the picturesque Valley of Roses. On your journey towards Boumalne Dades, you’ll traverse charming small towns where time-honored farming practices continue to thrive. Drive through the delightful Kela’a M’gouna, often referred to as the “Valley of the Roses.” Your day will culminate in Boumalne Dades, a significant town straddling the Dades River, where you’ll spend the night.
Today you will drive further east to your final destination: the sand sea of ErgChebbi outside of Merzouga. Along the way,stop in Tinerhir to admire the river oasis that extends on either side of the town. The surrounding desert landscape reveals impressive buttes, mesas, and plateaus.
Nearby, you will have the opportunity to explore the Todra Gorge, 984 feet (300 m) deep ravine, cut by the Todra River. Continue to the desert town of Erfoud. Known for its figs and fossils, visit a craft workshop and discover how the fossil-rich rocks are skilfully transformed into practical and decorative objects. It’s a good idea to buy fresh figs here, as well! as you near Merzouga—the town closest to the Sahara—stop in the market town of Rissani and be sure to visit the livestock auction as well as the “donkey parking lot”. Leaving Rissani behind, you will start to see the beginnings
of the massive sand sea of Erg Chebbi, looming on the horizon.
Upon reaching Merzouga, switch gears and transfer to your personal camel to begin your trek over the sands and to your Bedouin-style camp. Hike to the top of a nearby dune to watch the setting sun, before enjoying a warm meal by the fire.
Experience the breathtaking Erg Chebbi desert dunes. Explore nomadic life, witness contrasts in the desert landscape.
Visit Khamlia village, relish Gnawa music. Savor Berber pizza in Rissani, then unwind by the pool. And it’s optional to do some activities and spend the night in the hotel.
Your first stop is the town of Erfoud, a bustling market town known for its annual Date Festival, fossil mining, and artisan factories. While en route, enjoy views of the hillside mines before visiting a local artisan collective to learn about the area’s
fossils. Watch the full process of how the fossil-rich rock transforms into beautiful objects. Continue over the Tizin’Talrhemt Pass and into the Ziz Valley, famous for its hidden oases and palm tree clusters. Along the road, you’ll see bmany fortified houses known as ksars. Merchants built these homes to protect precious products and items such as gold, salt, and spices. Stop for lunch in Midelt, known as the “Apple City,” thanks to the nearby Moulouya River and itssurrounding fruitorchards.
Next, you’ll climb an elevation of 7,146 feet (2,178 m) over the Col du Zad Pass. Enjoy the scenery as you twist through the cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for the local Barbary macaque monkeys that socialize inthe trees!
You’ll arrive in Fes late in the afternoon. After settling into your accommodation, head out to explore the city.
• Pick up at your Hotel in Marrakech.
• Drop off at your Hotel in Fes.
• A Private SUV TOYOTA with A/C and English-speaking driver +fuel.
• Dinner and breakfast are included.
• Local Taxes.
• Private trip.
• Water during the trip.
• Entrance fees to the monuments.
• Local guides in Ait Ben Haddou & Telouet.
• A camel ride of about an hour – an hour & a half with a guide, and free sandboarding, if desired – just ask the camp staff.
• The option to go to and return from the camp by 4×4.
• Private rooms and tents all with en-suite bathrooms.
• Luggage service to the camp and all accommodation.
• Berber drumming and music.
• Flexible and customized stops(the opportunity to ask the driver to stop when and where you wish)
