Day 1: Essaouira – Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Ouarzazate
Today, we leave Essaouira at 8:00 a.m., travel Marrakech, and proceed to Ouarzazate along the breathtaking vistas of the Tizi n’Tichka Road. We will have a lunch break in Telouet’s Kasbah. Then we’ll continue our journey toward Ait Ben Haddou. Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate are well-known filming locations, having appeared in films such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, etc…
Day 2: Ouarzazate – Todgha Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert.
We will leave Ouarzazate early in the morning to travel to Merzouga. But first, we’ll go to the Kasbah of Taourirt. Then, we’ll make a quick trip to Rose Valley and Dades Valley. We will next spend some time at Toudra Gorges and eat lunch before going for a walk through the tight gorges. Then, we’ll travel to Erfoud via Tinjdad, which is located in a fossil-rich area. We will park our car at Merzouga and ride camels to the Erg Chebbi Dunes. After admiring the breathtaking sunset over a high dune, we will travel to the desert camp to spend the night with the band of nomad musicians in their tent.
Day 3: Merzouga, Sahara Desert, Camel Trek
After breakfast in your riad, you can have a short explore of the local region before the commencement of your camel ride. You will Visit the Gnawa people, originating from Mali, Senegal, and Sudan, in their village of Khamlia to learn about their music and way of life. Later, we will go to the desert to visit nomadic families and learn about their way of life. Today’s lunch will be a classic Berber cuisine (Berber Pizza). You will also be able to explore the old city of Rissani, which was founded by the Alaouite dynasty, Morocco’s current governing royal family. Rissani is bordered by over 360 ksars (fortified villages with several towers) and has a large souk (an open market) that is held three times every week. This was once known as Sijilmassa, and it served as a rendezvous point for salt caravans traveling from Tombouctou, Mali. Here you will walk. Through the souk, selling spices, veggies, and garments. Continue your journey back to Merzouga. In the afternoon, you will ride a camel with an experienced guide to explore the tallest dunes in Morocco, including the opportunity to watch the sunset. Dinner and overnight stay at the Berber camp in Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes.
DAY 4: MERZOUGA-ZIZ VALLEY-MIDELT-CEDAR FOREST-AZROU-IFRANE-FES
Today, we will leave the Sahara Desert and go via the Tafilalt region and the middle Atlas Mountains. After a quick lunch break in the apple village of Midelt, we’ll visit the Monkeys of the Cedar Forest near Azrou before returning to Ifran. Later in the afternoon will arrive at Fez where it end of our 4 days tour from essaouira.
What’s Included?
Hotel/Riad pickup and drop-off
3 nights 4 days of lodging in three separate places with full board.
Transportation in a private, air-conditioned minivan or SUV with an English-speaking driver/guide.
Camel Ride Tour Experience / Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, and Drinks
Professional local guide (Moroccan history and heritage places).
All entry costs, municipal taxes, and gasoline are included.
Breakfast (3)
Dinner (3).
What is not included?
Lunch & Drinks
Tipping and gratuities for your driver are optional.
