4 Days from Fez to Merzouga and Fes

Day 1: Fez – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Departure from Fez

The journey begins early in the morning from Fez, one of Morocco’s oldest and most historic cities. We head south, crossing the Middle Atlas mountains, a region famous for its mountainous landscapes and green valleys.

Ifrane: The “Switzerland” of Morocco

On the way, we make a stop in Ifrane, a city known for its cool climate and architecture reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. Its tidy streets and well-maintained gardens make it a peaceful oasis, offering a striking contrast to the desert cities of Morocco.

Cedar Forest and the Barbary Monkeys

Next, we reach the Cedar Forest, a picturesque area filled with ancient trees. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Barbary monkeys, a native species of North Africa, living in the forest’s trees. This stop is perfect for photos and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Ziz Valley: Prelude to the Desert

We continue our journey towards the Ziz Valley, a stunning region known for its vast palm groves and the beauty of its desert landscape. In this valley, red mountains blend with the lush greenery of the palm trees, creating a breathtaking scene that will leave you speechless.

Arrival in Merzouga

In the afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, we take a camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes, one of the highest and most beautiful sand formations in the desert. After the camel trek, we enjoy a stunning sunset over the dunes, a magical and unforgettable moment.

The day ends with an overnight stay at a desert camp, where you can enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars, listen to Berber music, and rest in a unique setting.

Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Sunrise over the Sahara Dunes

We wake up early to witness the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, a natural spectacle that will take your breath away. The first rays of the sun light up the dunes, creating a constantly changing palette of colors—a truly indescribable experience.

Rissani: The City of Traditional Markets

After breakfast at the camp, we head to Rissani, a city that was once one of Morocco’s ancient capitals. Here, you can explore its traditional market, one of the most authentic in the country. Rissani is known as the gateway to the desert and is full of life and vibrant colors.

Todra Gorges: A Spectacular Landscape

After visiting Rissani, we travel to the Todra Gorges, an impressive canyon with rock formations that rise up to 300 meters. This place is ideal for walking between the stone walls, feeling the grandeur of nature, and taking spectacular photos.

Overnight in the Dades Valley

In the afternoon, we head to the Dades Valley, famous for its rocky formations and desert landscapes. The geography here changes, offering a variety of colors and textures in the mountains. We spend the night in a cozy hotel or kasbah, where you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner and a unique cultural experience.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Fez

Ait Benhaddou: The Ksar of a Thousand Stories

On the third day, we travel to Ait Benhaddou, an ancient ksar (fortified village) declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. This mud-built village has served as the backdrop for several famous films, such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. The ksar is a living testament to traditional architecture in the region, and it’s a great place to explore and take photos.

Ouarzazate: The Gateway to the Desert

After visiting Ait Benhaddou, we head to Ouarzazate, known as “The Gateway to the Desert.” This city is famous for its film studios, where numerous international productions have been filmed. We can also make a stop at the Atlas Film Studios, one of Morocco’s largest film studios.

Return to Fez

In the afternoon, we begin our journey back to Fez. The road takes us through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which crosses the High Atlas mountains, offering spectacular views. Finally, we arrive in Fez, where this unforgettable journey concludes.

Day 4: Exploring Fez

On the last day, we dedicate time to explore Fez, one of Morocco’s most iconic cities. In Fez, we’ll visit its medina, a maze of narrow streets and traditional markets. We’ll also visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, one of the most beautiful in the city, and the Artisan’s Cathedral.

Additionally, you can explore the Royal Palace and the Museum of Arts and Crafts, before concluding this 4-day journey with a traditional dinner at one of the most authentic restaurants in the city.

Conclusion

This 4-day trip from Fez to Merzouga and back is a complete experience that allows you to discover the best of Morocco: the magic of the desert, the stunning Atlas mountains, beautiful palm groves, and the cultural history of some of the country’s most iconic cities. If you’re looking for a journey filled with adventure, culture, and natural beauty, this itinerary is perfect for you.