On the second day of our tour from Fes to Marrakech, we will embark on a journey to explore the spectacular landscape of the Erg Chebbi dunes and the many tiny villages that lie along the way, such as Hassi Labied, Merdani, Khamlia, and M’fis. As we make our way to the village of Kamlia, we will likely come across locals with their desert foxes, and may even spot some desert reptiles and mammals. In Khamlia, known as the village of black people who were once slaves coming from Sudan, you can expect to be welcomed with a cup of Berber whiskey while being serenaded with spiritual Gnawa music. Leaving Khamlia, our next stop will be at the golden dunes near the Algerian border, where we will take a picnic lunch under the shade of a tree before continuing on to visit a Nomad family. Here, you will be introduced to the members of the family and learn about their way of life while sipping on a nice cup of tea. Afterward, you will have the chance to explore the sites of black volcanic rocks. As we make our way back to Merzouga, we will make one final stop near Yasmina Lac, if there is water present. Here you will be captivated by the view of the dunes and the nearby lake, and may even take the time to dip your toes in its waters (during springtime). After this, we will make our way back to Merzouga and spend the night at a hotel near the dunes.

Beginning our journey at the edge of the captivating desert of Merzouga, we venture towards Rissani, the site of the ancient desert capital of Sijilmassa. Here, between the 14th and 18th centuries, immense fortunes in gold and slaves were exchanged as caravans traversed the Sahel. Upon arrival at Zawiya Moulay Ali ash-Sharif, we may explore the bustling Marketplace and Fondouks, where the donkeys gather. We then continue our travels, following the winding Dades Valley, to the grandiose canyons of Morocco’s Todgha Gorges, located past the Central High Atlas Mountains. As one gazes upon these awe-inspiring landscapes, the grandeur and beauty of the Colorado Plateau come to mind. Following an exciting day, we’ll be led to the scenic Tssidrine road, to witness a mesmerizing sunset, before retiring to our luxurious hotel/riad for the night.

Continuing our Fes to Marrakech desert tour, we will take an incredible journey along the historic road of 1000 Kasbahs, driving through the stunning Dades Valley. Here, we will have the opportunity to explore the impressive gorge and valley, while enjoying a traditional Berber lunch. One of the most noteworthy sights in the area is the Kasbah of Ameridil, a remarkably well-preserved building. Our journey will then take us to the Rose Valley, renowned for its apricots, roses, and its vibrant Berber culture. The magnificent views and friendly locals of this area will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Finally, our trip will take us to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Home to a 19th-century palace and the renowned Taourirt Kasbah, Ouarzazate is often referred to as the ‘Hollywood of Africa’ due to its picturesque landscapes and world-famous film studios. Here, many blockbuster movies, including Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), Gladiator (2000), and Game of Thrones (2012), were filmed in the area. This dreamy and exotic journey promises to be an unforgettable adventure.

On the last day of our desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, we will visit Ait ben Haddou. Since 1987, Aït Benhaddou Kasbah has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a breathtakingly enchanting red mudbrick Ksar (fortified village), erected in the 11th century. For centuries, it served as a strategic stop for caravans of camels, numbering hundreds, that crossed the trans-Saharan trade route from Sudan to Marrakech, transporting gold, silver, and even slaves and returning with salt. After admiring the Kasbah, we will head to Marrakech via the Tizin’tichka pass. Along the way, we will make a stop to explore the town of Telouet and its ancient 17th-century Kasbah. As we travel further down the Tizin Tichka road, we will take in the magnificent sights of the Berber villages. Finally, we will end our journey in the mesmerizing medina of Marrakech.