Imperial Cities, Chefchaouen, Erg Chebbi Desert – 10 days

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Private Morocco Tour from Marrakech – overview:

Why not embark on this 10 day Morocco desert tour from Marrakech to explore the absolute best that this North African country has to offer?
On the way over the majestic chain of the Atlas Mountains, you will visit two of Morocco’s most famous Kasbahs -Telouet and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kasbah Aït ben Haddou.

Wandering through the Skoura oasis, discovering the beautifully restored Kasbah Amredhil, sampling the fragrant Damascene rose products in Kela’a M’gouna, strolling in the Dades Gorges are all delights waiting to be discovered.

In the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, there are multiple wonders to fill the soul: the slow spectacle of the sunset, the sky filled with stars, listening to the rhythms of Berber music and drumming, your night’s rest in your own private nomad tent.

The following day offers a full day’s trekking or going around the dunes of Erg Chebbi to visit nomads and sip a glass of tea with a Berber family.

A full day’s sightseeing tour in Fes to discover the lovely medina, the vibrant souks, the Royal Palace, ancient madrassas, the famous leather tanneries, the silver and leather shops makes you believe you have arrived on a magic carpet into the world of 1001 nights.

Ancient history reveals itself in the holy town of Moulay Idriss and the Roman Ruins of Volubilis. The blue city of Chefchaouen is totally unexpected with its blue-washed and colourful alleys.

Rabat’s famous tourist attractions, including the exquisitely tiled Mohamed V Mausoleum and the Hassan Tower, are the next on your list of attractions. The majestic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is a wonder of accurate and unparalleled workmanship. The French architecture of the more modern streets of Casablanca is a vast contrast.

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Morocco desert tours from Marrakech – Itinerary:

1st day: Marrakech – Ouarzazate

Morning departure at 8.30 from your hotel or riad in Marrakech to cross the High Atlas Mountains. After the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, you leave the main road and take a side road to the Telouet Kasbah, which belonged to the Lords of the Atlas, the Glaoui family.

Each addition to the building now stands in ruins exposed to the wind and the rain, having been abandoned and plundered following the departure of the French in 1956. Wait to be pleasantly surprised by the traditional interior decoration as you reach the farthest end of the Kasbah.

Sadly, the entire Kasbah is presently closed due to the destruction caused by the earthquake that hit Morocco in September 2023. Nonetheless, you can still enjoy the exterior with a local guide to uncover its fascinating history.

From here you drive along the beautiful and awe-inspiring Ounila Valley, full of bends in the roads, surprises at the hues of the rock and soil, Berber villages and gardens, as well as smaller Kasbahs.

Almost at the end of the road, you reach Aït ben Haddou, where you stop for a tasty lunch.  This will energise you for a visit to the Kasbah, after which you continue to Ouarzazate, where you visit us in the office for tea and to pay your balance.  

The night is spent in a riad/guest house in or near the town.

2nd day: Ouarzazate – Dades Gorges

After breakfast, you head for the Dades Gorges, first passing Skoura Oasis. Many of the vast kasbahs have been abandoned by their owners, victims of the frequent droughts in Morocco. 

Here, you will stop to visit Kasbah Amredhil, which has been beautifully restored and is well worth visiting. Constructed entirely of adobe, an excellent building material keeping rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter thanks to the thickness of its walls.

Next is Kela’a M’gouna, the Valley of Roses, where cosmetic articles made locally from the valley’s abundant blossoms are on offer in a plethora of shops. These products are much loved throughout Morocco and are available everywhere, though the best quality is sold in the villages in the valley..

After lunch, an off-road route allows for a clearer impression of the landscape and for you to visit Berber nomads for a glass of tea. You stop in the Dades Gorges for lunch. If you wish to walk in the valley or the gorges, there is plenty of time to do so. You spend the night in a hotel or Kasbah, although, if you wish, you could walk into the hills to spend the night with a Berber family.

3rd day: Dades Gorges – Merzouga

After breakfast, your adventure continues to the Dades Gorges, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river and beyond. Then, you will head back down the valley to the main road towards Tinghir. Turning north again, you will reach the expansive Toudgha Gorges, where a short walk along the river between the steep, narrow sides of the gorge awaits.

Next, you journey to the Erg Chebbi dunes via Tinjdad, where you will stop for lunch. On the way to Erfoud, you will notice strange sand piles lining the road — these are the heads of the “khettarat,” an ingenious underground water channel system designed to minimise evaporation in the desert heat. It is fascinating to descend into these channels, feel the coolness below ground, and marvel at the ancient engineering.

Via the oasis of Tafilalet, which is famous for its annual date festival, and the small town of Rissani, the original home of the current Moroccan dynasty, you will reach your destination for the day, Merzouga. Here the sand dunes alongside the road indicate the beginning of the mighty Sahara Desert.

At the desert camp, you will be welcomed with a glass of tea, followed by a camel ride to the top of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The sunset from here is a breathtaking sight, with the dunes stretching as far as the eye can see.

In the evening, enjoy dinner under a starlit sky, accompanied by Berber music and drumming around a campfire. You will spend the night in a luxury camp featuring private bathrooms, king-sized beds, and beautifully arranged Moroccan furnishings and lamps to enhance your experience of the serene desert beauty.

4th day: Merzouga

After breakfast, you take the camels out into the dunes together with a camel man. You’ll walk up to three hours in the morning, followed by about the same amount of time in the afternoon. Lunch will be with nomads at their camp in the desert and you will return to the bivouac for dinner and the night.

Alternatively, after breakfast, you will explore the desert area more fully. First of all, you will be visiting the Gnawa people in the village of Khamlia. They specialize in Gnawa music brought from sub-Saharan Africa with the slave trade. They will play some for you.

Afterwards, you will visit the old city of Rissani. This small town was the foundation of the Alaouite dynasty – the current ruling royal family in Morocco. It is surrounded by 360 ksars (a ksar is a fortified village with many towers) and has a large souk (an open market) held three times a week. 

Here you will walk through the souk, which sells spices, vegetables, household goods, and handicrafts. Rissani has been built on the site of Sijilmassa, which was the meeting place for the salt caravans, coming from Timbuktu in Mali.

And then in the afternoon, you will mount your camel, and be led by an experienced camel man through the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga for an hour to an hour and a half to watch the sunset.  Dinner is once again in the amp and followed by drumming and music around a campfire.

Weather conditions and temperatures in South Morocco are rarely stable.  Should it become too hot from May through to the end of September, we may have to advise you not to attempt the trekking in the dunes but to take this alternative instead.

5th day: Merzouga – Fes

By getting up early, you can experience a breathtaking desert sunrise, with the interplay of colours and shadows creating an amazing spectacle. You will have time to roam the dunes and enjoy the serene ambiance of this magical place.

After breakfast, departure for Rissani and Erfoud, where there will be a stop to see how locally found fossils are worked into furniture and artefacts. It is a source of wonder to witness the sheer numbers and beauty of these fossils but feel assured, there is no obligation to buy any.

From there the road leads north to Er Rachidia and the Ziz Valley, remarkable for the extent of its palm trees and the volume of dates produced each year. Lunch is in Midelt, 1508m, called “the apple capital”, and set in the Middle Atlas at the foot of the Ayachi Mountain. The town serves as the commercial agricultural center for the surrounding area and is also one of Morocco’s principle cities for the mining of several minerals, such as fluorite, vanadinite, quartz, and cerussite.

We cross the Tizi-n-Talremt pass, known as the “she-camel” pass, and reach Azrou, where you can see Barbary apes in the cedar forests looking out for titbits.

By the end of the afternoon, we reach Fes where you will spend the night in a beautiful riad at the heart of the medina.

6th day: Fes Sightseeing Tour

After meeting your licensed local guide, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s four “Imperial Cities.” You will visit the following places, according to time and your preferences:

The University of Al Quaraouiyine: Begin your exploration at the prestigious University of Al Quaraouiyine, renowned as one of the world’s oldest continuously operating educational institutions. Established in the 9th century, it holds a unique place in history as a hub of learning.

Bou Inania Medersa: Next, visit the Bou Inania Medersa, a religious school celebrated for its stunning mosaics, exquisite stucco work, and detailed architecture. Admire the beauty of Islamic artistry in this historic setting.

The Royal Palace: Although not open to the public, the exterior of the Royal Palace is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Pause here to appreciate the intricately designed portal, capturing the essence of Moroccan royalty.

The Medina: Venture into Fes’ UNESCO-listed medina, where you will be immersed in its labyrinthine streets that have preserved their mediaeval charm. Encounter bustling souks, ancient mosques, and historic landmarks, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past.

Leather Tanneries: Fes is renowned for its centuries-old leather production. At the tanneries, witness the traditional techniques employed in crafting leather goods, gaining insights into the city’s time-honoured craftsmanship.

Local Market: Be captivated by the vibrant markets of Fes, teeming with life and offering a wide array of products. Shop for souvenirs, textiles, spices, ceramics, wooden crafts, silver jewellery, and leather goods, experiencing the diversity of Moroccan culture and artistry.

Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts: Conclude your tour at the Nejjarine Museum, housed in a beautifully restored caravanserai. Discover a wealth of wooden arts and crafts integral to Moroccan culture. The museum’s exhibits provide an in-depth look at the intricate craftsmanship that defined Fes for generations.

Your sightseeing tour ends as your guide accompanies you back to your riad.

7th day: Fes – Chefchaouen

After breakfast in your riad, your journey continues through the hills and past many farms towards the blue city, Chefchaouen. Later on, you can see and then visit the holy city of Moulay Idriss. Non-Moslems are not allowed entry into the mausoleum but the main square has lovely views and lovely little shops.

After lunch, you continue to Chefchaouen, which could take you via the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Roman remains of Volubilis, spread over a wide area, and affording beautiful views over the valley and hills.

Here you can hire a local guide for greater insight into the history of this fascinating and impressive site. We arrive at Chefchaouen by the end of the afternoon. Dinner and the overnight will be in a beautiful riad.

8th day: Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen, the enchanting blue and white-washed city in the Rif Mountains, is one of Morocco’s most majestic places to visit. Today is spent at your own pace exploring this unique destination’s beautiful attractions and perhaps trying some of the local activities. You can see the following sites of interest:

Plaza Uta el-Hammam: Start your tour at the heart of Chefchaouen in the main square. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. Admire the red-walled Kasbah and the Grand Mosque, which dominates the square.

Chefchaouen Medina: Wander through the narrow, blue-painted streets of the old town. The distinctive blue and white buildings create a surreal and picturesque setting. Explore local craft shops, where you can find handwoven textiles, pottery, and traditional souvenirs.

Kasbah Museum: Explore the Chefchaouen Kasbah, which houses a small museum showcasing local history, artefacts, and art. It’s a great place to learn more about the region’s culture and traditions.

Spanish Mosque: A 30-minute hike uphill from Chefchaouen will lead you to the Spanish Mosque. This abandoned mosque offers another vantage point for capturing breathtaking views of the blue city and the countryside. It is also close to a spot from where you can admire the sunset.

Akchour Waterfalls: If you have enough time, you can take a day trip to the stunning Akchour Waterfalls, located about an hour from Chefchaouen. The hike through the beautiful Rif Mountains to reach the waterfalls is a rewarding experience. Once there, you can relax by the cascading waters and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.

You will spend the night back in your beautiful riad.

9th day: Chefchaouen – Rabat

After breakfast, you can spend some more time wandering the lovely streets and up and down alleys, or chilling in one of the many little cafés. From here, we drive to Ouazzane through the mountains before taking the motorway to Rabat.

Having arrived in Rabat, you will visit the Hassan Tower, a symbol of the city and one of the kingdom’s most famous sites. It was intended to be the largest mosque in the Muslim world by Almohad Sultan Yacoub Al Mansour in the 12th century. Standing 44 metres tall, the minaret shares architectural similarities with the Koutoubia in Marrakech and the Giralda in Seville. 

Then, you will visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, built in homage to the king, who passed away in 1961. His son and successor, Hassan II, who died in 1999, is also entombed here. 

You spend the night in a beautiful riad at the heart of the medina.

10th day: Rabat – Casablanca – Marrakech

After breakfast, you can visit the Chellah, an ancient necropolis and complex of Roman and medieval ruins at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River. Next, you can explore the Oudayyas Kasbah, a twelfth-century fortified citadel built by the Almohads, reflecting the city’s military history. 

Later on, we take the motorway to Casablanca, where a visit is scheduled to the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa decorated with beautiful tiling of the utmost craftsmanship. You may need to queue for tickets for a while there. The guided tours leave every hour and take about an hour.

After lunch, we will continue to explore more of Casablanca, including the picturesque corniche, before heading to Marrakech. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Moroccan countryside and its ever-changing scenery along the way. Upon arrival in Marrakech, your driver will escort you to your hotel, marking the end of your adventure in Morocco.

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