Itinerary for a 5 days desert journey in Morocco, from Tangier to Marrakech.

Sites summary of our 5-day journey in Morocco:

Chefchaouen, the gem of blue:

Chefchaouen is one of the first magnificent and lovely Moroccan towns to visit. Moulay Ali Ben Rachid erected it in 1471 as a Kasbah to defend against the Portuguese invasion. Chefchaouen is situated in the Rif Mountains between two large mountains resembling goat horns. Therefore, Chaouen’s name derives from the Berber term Iskaouen, which signifies horns. There are several explanations for why Chefchaouen is blue. Some individuals assert that the Ghomara, Jews, and Spaniards painted the sky blue on the building. Others claim that the blue hue was added to repel mosquitoes. Remember that Chefchaouen was not dyed blue until 1492.

Chefchaouen has a lot to offer, a number of excellent sites to visit:

The Kasbah museum:

This website is now an art gallery where you may discover several images of Chefchaouen. In addition, it is where you will discover historical facts about the city, particularly on the Portuguese invasion, Jewish settlement, and Spanish occupation.

Wetat Lhmam Square:

Cities in Morocco are notable for their squares. There is a plaza in Chefchaouen named Wetat Lhmam, which translates to “dove’s nest.” It is where the majority of restaurants and cafés are located. Also, since it is a tourist destination, many residents do entertainment to earn money.

Ras El Ma:

The Ras El Ma waterfalls are also an excellent place to visit and snap photographs. The meaning of Ras El Ma is “water’s head.” This is because the Akchour’s waterfalls travel through these Rif mountain peaks on their way to the Mediterranean Sea.

Spanish Cathedral:

The Spanish church or mosque, as they refer to it, is not a destination worth seeing. Nonetheless, if you have the time and the desire to hike, this is an excellent spot to visit, since you can overlook Chefchaouen from the top of the mountains with a breathtaking perspective.

Fes:

The cultural capital of Morocco is Fes. In 789, the Idrisid dynasty constructed it as the first capital of Morocco. Then, as new dynasties seized control, Marrakech became the capital, followed by Meknes and ultimately Rabat. In addition, Fes is one of the four imperial cities designated in Morocco. The historic area of the Medina in Fes, known as “Fes El Bali,” is where the majority of tourist attractions are located.

Dar El Makhzen:

Two of the approximately 12 palaces owned by King Mohammed V are located in Fes. Near the Jewish district of Mellah, one of the Ksars was constructed in 1960 with seven golden gates that attract a large number of visitors due to its stunning architecture.

Mosaic:

Fes is renowned for its mosaics and poetry; if you are interested, we may visit one of them during our journey.

Attarine and Bou Inania Madrasa:

Madrassa is the Arabic or Berber word for school, and both Attarine and Bou Inania are schools where the Quran was traditionally taught. They are quite ancient, and their exquisite architecture attracts many people. Al Attarine derives from the Arabic term Attar, which translates as “spice merchant.” It was constructed in 1323. Bou Inania was constructed in 1351, and its name derives from its architect, Abu Inan Faris, a Marinid prince of Morocco.

Al Qarawiyyin college:

You cannot visit Fes without seeing the Al Karaouine mosque. Built by Fatima bint Muhammad Al Fihriya AlQurashiya in 859, it is the world’s oldest university currently in operation. Originally, this institution was a mosque for teaching the holy Quran; it was later transformed into a university. You may believe that the world’s oldest university is. Not to add, this institution is much older than Bologna, Italy’s Alma Mater Studiorum.

Leatherwork of Chouara:

There are around three tanneries in Fes, which is renowned for them. However, the Chouara Tannery is the finest and most appreciated. It was constructed in 11th century to manufacture leather goods, such as coats and clothing… The method involves walking skins in a dye pan barefoot. In addition, they use several chemical agents to alter their hues. Therefore, you should anticipate a stinky environment; mint tea will be supplied as you attempt to enter.

Massage and Hammam:

After an arduous day, the greatest thing to do in Fes is to take a hot Hamam, where you may enjoy the Moroccan sauna. Additionally, if you choose, you may have a soothing massage.

Ifrane, the most attractive and tidiest city:

Ifrane is nicknamed “the small Switzerland of Morocco” because to its architecture in the European alpine style. Therefore, it is the cleanest city in Morocco and the twelfth cleanest in the world. It was erected in the sixteenth century. However, the present section was constructed by the French during their colony in 1928. Not to add that Ifrane derives from the Berber term Ifri, which means a cave and Ifrane in the plural. Due to the city’s high height of around 5,460 feet (1,665 meters), it snows often here. Therefore, many residents spend the weekend here snowboarding throughout the winter months. Additionally, the weather greatly aids training. The Atlas Lions, the Moroccan national football team, thus trains here.

Our five-day itinerary in Morocco will include a trip to the Atlas Lion Statue. It depicts the extinct wild atlas lion in the cedar tree woodland. During the French colonization, a German prisoner was requested to construct something exceptional for the nation. Consequently, he sculpted the lion seen in the image.

Ifrane is also renowned for other noteworthy attributes. For example, the most costly university is a global institution that faces one of the king’s palaces.

Azrou forest:

The cedar forest in the Atlas Mountains is a great spot to find Barbary apes (sometimes known as “monkeys”) and other wildlife. Here in the cedar forest, you will be astonished by the Barbary Macaque monkeys, who are one of the rarest mammals in Africa, particularly Morocco and Algeria. They are sociable and always cross the road in search of food and drink from passing motorists. Keep in mind that they are not as dangerous as the other species of monkeys found in Asia, who nonetheless steal from humans and may attack them. They are photogenic if you treat them with kindness and make them feel secure. In addition, these creatures live in families and do not let others to join them; the parents are equal, so they both care for and feed their young.

Here in the cedar forest, there are several other species. However, they do not venture out to meet others since they fear and are unfamiliar with people. There are wild pigs, deer, wolves, and a great number of other species living there. In addition, the Atlas lion was one among the unusual species that formerly lived here. However, it could not adapt to the local environment and is now gone.

Errachidia, the Dam, and the valley of Ziz:

Errachidia, in Berber Imtghrn and Ksar Souk in Arabic. Hassan, the brother of King Mohammed V, changed its name to Errachidia in 1975. Culturally, Errachidia was a Dakar Rally route in 2006 and 2007. In addition, since the French colonialism, Errachidia has been home to the majority of military outposts that monitor the borders between Morocco and Algeria. Furthermore, it is where some Qataris own property, where they holiday, and where they hunt birds such as the Houbara bastard.

The dam of Errachidia, which is the source of water for the Sahara desert, will be visited during our 5-day excursion. Additionally, several locals fish there. Hassan Addakhil, the founder of the Alaouite dynasty, constructed and gave his name to the dam.
The Ziz valley, one of the largest in Morocco that extends into Algeria, is about 282 kilometers long. However, the river we will be traveling on our excursion is just approximately 50 kilometers long, and it is the largest source of dates.

Erfoud, the city of fossils and dates:

Erfoud or Arfoud is a city in the southeast of Morocco that is renowned for its dates and fossilized minerals. There are two legends around the name Erfoud. Some claim that as two Berbers were travelling by the river, one questioned the other about its depth, and the response was “Ar Afoud,” which means knee-deep. Others suggest that it was called after the riverside plant Onfoud. In addition, the city was constructed by the French in 1912.

Erfoud is notable for its fossils, since trilobites, ammonites, and several other forms of mineral fossils may be found in the surrounding mountains.

Arfoud is renowned for its date fruits. Therefore, they host a three-day international festival of dates in September. People from many areas and nations come to purchase date varieties and other items associated with Saharan culture.

Desert of Merzouga in the Sahara:

Merzouga is the pinnacle of our Morocco travels. Merzouga is derived from the family name Merzoug, which is an Arabic name. Additionally, others claim that Merzouga is derived from the Arabic term Mrzouq, which signifies affluent. This refers to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, which are a year-round tourist destination. Merzouga is situated in the south-east of Morocco, and Algeria is just around 50 kilometers away from the town and dunes (30feet). Merzouga is the greatest spot to experience nomadic life since it is the home of the Sahara. There are numerous activities to do here, and we have compiled a list of the top ones for you.

Camping and camel ride:

Fortunately, with our 5-day trip, you will have the opportunity to participate in the greatest Merzouga activities. Our Berber staff would be delighted to lead you on a camel journey over the Erg Chebbi sand dunes; the camels will have saddles on them. Once atop the dunes, one of the finest activities included in the camel ride is watching the sunset and taking photographs before returning to camp. There, the majority of visitors stay the night in order to experience nomadic, Berber life. Throughout addition, the lifestyle of the Touaregs who used to trade in Africa and Europe.

Activities not included in our tour:

There are other things to do in Merzouga. However, they are not included in our five-day itinerary in Morocco. If you are interested, we may create a customized 6-day itinerary for you.

Quad biking:

ATV riding in the desert is such a humorous and enjoyable experience that many locals provide the service. Don’t hesitate to rent a quad and drive on the sand dunes if you’re in the desert. Actually, this sport is most enjoyable when it rains, since the sand dunes become dry and rideable.

Srij lake visit:

The lake of Srij, located around 5 kilometers from the city of Merzouga, is where the camels get their sustenance. During the day, camels are not employed for tourist purposes. Therefore, they go herding in this lake, therefore if you visit, expect to see a large number of camels and a stunning scenery. In addition, there are many flamingo migrating birds at this lake.

Todgha and Dades Gorges are two of the most impressive gorges in Morocco.

On the fourth day of our five-day tour in Morocco, we will explore the Todgha Gorges. They are about 300 meters (984 ft) tall, and a river flows through them. The river’s water is a spring, the force of nature that might naturally find its way through the rocks. During the trip, you will have around forty minutes to stroll and take photographs.

Dades lies close to Todgha, where the mountains resemble the toes of a monkey. Additionally, here is where Cadillac advertised their automobile on the treacherous bends of Tissdrine.

Dades is located between the Merzouga Sahara desert and Marrakech. Consequently, the majority of travelers spend the night here.

Ouarzazate is the city of film:

Ouarzazate is the city of film production and film studios. If you are interested in learning about history notable films, you should stop here. The term Ouarzazate is derived from two Berber words: ouar, which means “without,” and zazate, which means “noise.” There are no legends about the origin of the name, but it has nothing to do with silence. Ouarzazate is the gateway to the Sahara, located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, and the Saharan region begins here.

There are a few activities available here. We will provide you with a list so that if you ever visit to Ouarzazate, you can easily find them.

These are the Atlas Studios:

Perhaps the first thing to do in Ouarzazate is to visit one of its film studios. The Cla and Oscar studios are the most popular and most frequented, since they provide all the necessary equipment for filming. For instance, the studio has dolls, wooden automobiles, and several other items. Not to add, if you like to tour these studios, you must purchase a ticket for 70dh (7 USD). However, admission prices vary throughout peak and off-peak tourist seasons.

The Taourirt Kasbah:

It was constructed in the 19th century by the family of Thami Glaoui. It is a 300-room Kasbah, making it an ideal area for walking. However, a ticket is required to visit this attraction or facility. Therefore, on our typical trip, we do not stop here, but rather in the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou.

Away from the visitable tourist sites. Here in Ouarzazate is Africa’s largest solar facility. As stated before, Ouarzazate is located on the Sahara side. Therefore, the climate is very hot, and the government capitalizes on this by installing solar panels.

In addition, the Alaouite family possesses an incredible golf club location in Ouarzazate next to the dam.

Ait Benhaddou Kasbah:

Ait Benhaddou is a Kasbah, also known as a ksar, which is a stronghold. However, the correct term is Kasbah since it derives from the Berber word Kasab, which means bamboo, and the roves of this stronghold are made of bamboo. And the majority of Ksars are Arabic. For instance, the king’s palaces are known as Ksars. To differentiate between the two words, you will discover a sign with the word Ksar instead of Kasbah at the entrance to the Kasbah. It was constructed by Glaoui Thami during the Almoravid dynasty in the eleventh century.

Ait Benhaddou is a tiny walled town that formerly housed 90 Touareg households. Typically, they stopped here while trading, since it served as a conduit for African caravans before they traveled to Europe for a second grade. You may have heard about Toumboctou and the 52 days it takes them to reach their trade destinations in Morocco over the Sahara desert. Approximately five families now reside in the Kasbah, the most of whom are shopkeepers. Actually, one of the families built a café there to provide travelers with Touareg experiences. Therefore, if you visit Ait Benhaddou, request a tour.

The Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou has been featured in around 21 well-known films.

The Legend of Lawrence of Arabia:

In 1962, a portion of the renowned British film Lawrence of Arabia, which is about combat and the military, was filmed here.

Gladiator:

This tragic British-American film is especially well-known in the Kasbah, since a portion of it was filmed there in 2000. If you have seen the film, there is a scene in which Russell, the protagonist, wins and dumps sand into the yard.

There are plenty additional films produced here. Such as Marco polo, The Jewel of the Nile…