Fes to Marrakech tour in 5 days via the desert of Merzouga

Travel from Fes to Marrakesh over the course of 5 days, stopping at the desert oasis of Merzouga along the way.

A cultural Fes:

The five-day desert journey to Marrakesh begins in Fes. It is the second-largest city in Morocco and one of the imperial cities.

Top Fes Attractions:

Masjid Bou Inania:

This is one of the oldest schools, or Madrasas, in the historic district of Fes. Unlike other mosques, non-Muslims are welcome to visit and explore its architectural marvels. As an added bonus, Abou Inan Faris wrote it between the years 1351 and 1356. In the past, they would bring in hundreds of children from Fes to study the Quran and Islamic doctrine. Also, the courtyard, a masterwork of zellige tilework, is a major draw for guests. Bear in mind that it is closed in order to respect prayer times.

Cultural Festival of El Bali, or Fes El Bali

Fes El Bali, known for its luxurious Riads and baths, is often regarded as Morocco’s most fascinating historical district. Bab Boujeloud, also known as the blue gate, serves as the primary entrance to the Area.

The traditional souks, leatherworkers, and potters of this ancient city are also well-known. Therefore, you should think about going there.

Mellah (Jewish Ghetto):

Jews formerly called the beautiful city of Fes, Morocco, home, and the area now known as the Mellah is the most well-known Jewish district there. It symbolizes traditional Jewish culture via its preservation of older architectural styles.

Tanneries of Chouara:

Chouara Tanneries, the biggest in Fes, draw tens of thousands of shoppers each year. Things like coats and boots, for instance. In addition, the ground holes are dry and the leather is vibrant in the evening, when most visitors come.

The region is home to the stores of several artisans. To that reason, it’s crucial that you choose the correct roofing for your needs. Additionally, the latter may provide some excellent photographic opportunities for the photographer.

Ifrane:

During our 5-day Fes-to-Marrakech journey, we will stop at Ifrane on the way to the Merzouga desert. Known as “Little Switzerland” because to its status as the best city in Africa and the seventh best city in the world.

Despite the city’s high population and mild year-round temperatures, heavy snowfall is a common occurrence in the winter. With a temperature of -23 degrees, it is the coldest place in all of Morocco. There are several ski clubs in the region, and skiing is available (tourists can try it too).

The garden city where the iconic white lion monument is located is one among the stops on our Fes to Marrakech itinerary.

Ifrane served as a military base during WWII. So, the German soldier created the monument in exchange for his freedom.

Aside from that, the city is home to one of the king of Morocco’s 12 palaces.

The Ziz Valley:

Draa Tfilalet, in the High Atlas Mountains, is one of the most important date-producing regions in the world. The primary reason people go there is to take pictures. The village of Aoufous may be found not too far from the valley. Agriculture is the main source of income for the majority of the population. In other words, everyone who has settled in Ziz valley relies on the zipping waters of the ziz river to nourish his gardens and palm groves.

The Ziz River is among the longest in Afghanistan (about 200km). The length of the valley is around 50 km.

One of our expert guides will accompany you on this sight-seeing excursion as part of our 5-day Fes to Marrakech itinerary through the Merzouga desert. Not only that, but we would be honored to take you to some very breathtaking locations if photography is your passion.

Erfoud:

Located in southern Morocco, Erfoud is well-known for its rich past and fascinating stories of fossils and social inequalities. Rissani, Merzouga, and Erfoud in the Sahara were the bottom of a massive ancient ocean a million years ago. As a result, a plethora of enterprises, both domestic and international, scour the mountains around Erfoud for valuable fossils. You’ll have the chance to visit a well-known establishment with our tour guides. They will demonstrate the various procedures used to pliable rocks. And there are even more practical home goods available, including tableware…

The date industry has contributed to this city’s alternative moniker. Thousands of people go to the city every year to participate in the festival and enjoy the finest dates and the changing of the seasons. Jewish visitors flock to the city because it is home to one of the world’s oldest Jewish cemeteries.

Further, the Onfoud plant is alluding to in the name.

Merzouga:

Our 5-day Fes to Marrakesh itinerary is highlighted with a visit to the first desert in Morocco, the Merzouga. A lot of people look forward to the camel rides and the overnight stays in Berber camps. We have staff members ready to greet you when you and your guides reach this stunning location.

In the middle of Erg Chebbi, after a long trip, you’ll sip refreshing mint tea and ride camels. Get the greatest shots of the landscape on the drive to camp with our local photographer/camel guide. One of the finest things to do in Merzouga is sandboarding, which you may attempt once you get there. Quads are available on demand if you want to ride up one of Merzouga’s highest sand dunes to view the sunset.

One of the highlights of Morocco vacations is spending the night at the camp. You will never forget your time with us, listening to the soothing sounds of Berber music as the sun goes down and gazing up at the stars.

The attractions of the Merzouga desert draw a lot of tourists every year. Therefore, we include a trip to the archives into some of our trips.

Vacationers might stop at Merzouga’s National auto Museum for Vintage Automobiles. An Emirati who shares a passion for automobiles owns the latter. Continue on to the Gnaoua, and then wrap off your trip by spending time with nomadic people and learning about their way of life.

Those who are curious about the Berber pitta bread that is so popular in the area near the Algerian border should plan a picnic in the desert.

Visiting Rissani and the Souk:

Following our time in the Merzouga desert on our 5-day Fes to Marrakech itinerary, we’ll go to the Souk of Rissani. 30 minutes will get you from Erg Chebbi to the city. At one time, Rissani was referred to by the name Sijil Massa, and it served as a major thoroughfare for caravans traveling between Southern Mali and Gabon.

Visit the many sections of the souk with a knowledgeable local guide at your side when you go with us. The first section is a thriving spice market, complete with detailed descriptions of all the available products.

As for the second portion, you’ll be impressed by the marketplace where hundreds of donkeys are sold daily.

Northern varieties of meat are sold and purchased in the other sections.

This city has lately gained notoriety for producing the delicious pitta bread known as Medfouna.

Irrigation in Fezna:

The village of Fezna, in the south of Morocco, is the original site of some of the country’s most fascinating subterranean water canals. Tourists go there to learn about the system the natives use to irrigate their crops using groundwater. More than thirty interconnected water sources.

Fezna is a farming community. As a result, they rely on these water sources to irrigate their crops. On the five-day desert journey from Fes to Marrakech, we will stop at these wells to learn about the infrastructure behind the water flow.

Due to the high temperatures experienced throughout the summer, the wells are only partially filled, but during the winter months, they are replenished by the water from the nearby rivers.

There is a legislation that mandates everyone pay a fee and restricts usage to certain days in exchange for the privilege of watering the grounds.

Canyons of the Dades and the Todgha:

Climbers, motor car teams, and other tourists from all over the world have been drawn to the stunning cliffs of Morocco’s Todgha and Dades gorges.

Todgha Gorges are a set of river canyons cut into the limestone rock, and they’re located not far from Tinghir (also known as the “city of dates”). The latter is home to a valley of enormous palm palms and is also known as todgha. Water for the whole valley is supplied by an underground river in these canyons. You’ll be impressed at the height of the canyon walls (about 500m). There are designated climbing sites for serious climbers.

There are a plethora of additional happenings around. Events like school parties and family reunions are good examples. The longest street in Morocco, stretching from Kalaat Megouna to the end of the gorges, can be found in Boumalne Dades. Views of the High Atlas Mountains and snow in the winter add to the city’s allure.

In the past, Boumalne was recognized as a tribal metropolis, and it is believed that more than 12 different tribes once called the region home. They all dress up in matching bridal attire to commemorate the occasion. The families of the prospective grooms also have a role in setting up the weddings.

Infamous for housing the world’s largest collection of Cadillacs, the Boumalne Gorges are a must-see destination. Check out the details of our 5-day Fes to Marrakech itinerary.

Roses Valley and Kalaat Megouna:

Our expert guides will show you the finest of Morocco, and the vibrant city of Kalaat Megouna and its surrounding rose valley will be high on your list of must-sees. All the buildings, stores, and taxis are painted a bright pink.

In the valley, locals cultivate hundreds of different rose varieties year, many of which end up in rose water-based consumer goods. Because of their aesthetic use, most of these cosmetics are marketed at women. Among the many items available are rose creams, lipsticks, and other skincare options.

A celebration honoring the rose-growing seasons is held annually. In 2015, around 300,000 individuals from a variety of nations participated.

If you’re interested, you may stop at a well-known store on our 5-day Fes to Marrakech journey via the Merzouga desert.

Both the Atlas and Ouarzazate studios:

For those looking to explore the Sahara, Ouarzazate is the place to start. The city is known for its scorching temperatures. So, a solar energy organization developed a plan to harness the sun’s rays under the name Nour(light). It operates in about four stages and can generate 580 MW at its peak. It costs an additional $9 billion annually to operate the final item on the list.

The Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate are renowned as the largest in Morocco. Numerous films have been filmed there, including Gladiator, Prison Break, Cleopatra, and Sodom & Gomorrah.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the theater inside these studios where a number of current blockbusters are shown. During our 5 day desert journey from Fes to Marrakech, we will stop at this site so that you may learn about its history and culture from our expert local guides.

Location: Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou

Most tourists in Morocco stop at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, also known as Ben Haddou’s Ksar. The mud walls and bamboo roofs of this building are a major selling point for visitors.

Sources place the construction of Ait Ben Haddou in the 18th century. But many historians and archaeologists believe it was established by Ben Haddou in the eleventh century. The Kasbah was constructed and inhabited by members of the Glaoua tribe, whose official name is Thami El Glaoui. Due to religious diversity among the tribe, a Jewish mosque may be found behind it.

Those interested in seeing the walled settlement and the river of Ounila should take the steps up to the Kasbah. As you go, you will learn about the traditional tea and indigo colors used to decorate the Kasbah.

For centuries, Ait Ben Haddou served as a staging area for caravans traveling from Mali and Mauritania to Marrakech and Europe. As a result, they decided on the Kasbah since it is spacious enough for rest periods.

It would be remiss not to include the television shows that have been filmed at Ait Ben Haddou’s Ksar. In addition to yunkai-style fantasy shows like Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia.

If you’re interested in photography, we suggest climbing the hill just adjacent to the Kasbah for some breathtaking panoramic photos. Experience the magic of this Kasbah with the help of our local guides on a 5-day trip from Fes to Marrakech.

Cooperation for the Production of Argan Oil:

The Argan oil that can only be found in Morocco has made the country renowned. More of it may be seen on the road to Essaouira, in the country’s northwest. In the course of your five-day journey from Fes to Marrakech, you may like to visit a cooperative of women who produce Argan oil cosmetics. A family from Essaouira owns the latter. In addition, you might try a meal prepared with Argan or Amlou for lunch.