The Best Way to Travel from Marrakech to Chegaga Desert, Merzouga, and Fes

Your adventure from Ouarzazate to the majestic Chegaga Desert promises a day filled with cinematic landmarks, cultural insights, and breathtaking desert landscapes. Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic gas station where the movie The Hills Have Eyes was filmed, followed by a stop at Taznakht, renowned as the land of Berber carpets.

From there, you’ll venture off-road, traversing the wild beauty of Iriqui National Park as you approach the towering Erg Chigaga dunes. The shifting sands and golden hues of the Chegaga Desert provide an awe-inspiring setting for your arrival.

Upon reaching your luxury camp, enjoy a warm Moroccan tea ceremony and settle into the tranquil desert atmosphere. Experience the thrill of camel trekking and sandboarding across the vast dunes. As evening falls, savor a candlelit Berber dinner under the starlit sky, followed by a lively night of dancing and singing around a campfire.

End your day in complete serenity, retiring to your private luxury tent equipped with en-suite facilities, for a restful night amid the quiet magic of the Sahara.

Highlights of the Day:

• Breakfast at your hotel in Ouarzazate.
• Visit Taznakht, famed for its exquisite Berber carpets.
• Off-road journey through Iriki National Park to Erg Chigaga dunes.
• Camel trekking and sandboarding adventures in the dunes.
• Candlelight Berber dinner under the starry desert sky.
• Nighttime celebration with Berber music and dancing around the fire.
• Overnight stay in a private luxury tent with en-suite shower and toilet.

This day is the pinnacle of your journey in the Chegaga Desert, offering unforgettable experiences and cultural immersion. Start your day with an early morning ascent to the dunes for a breathtaking sunrise, where the golden light paints the desert in mesmerizing hues—a perfect moment for meditation and reflection. Enjoy a traditional Berber breakfast amid the tranquil dunes before embarking on exciting activities.

Immerse yourself in the desert's wonders with camel trekking across the expansive Erg Chigaga dunes, sandboarding down the golden slopes, or opting for a thrilling quad-biking adventure (available at an extra fee). Midday, savor a delicious Berber picnic lunch at a nearby oasis, or return to the camp's restaurant, depending on the weather.

Enhance your cultural experience by learning the art of making sand-baked bread, a unique desert tradition, or visiting a local nomadic family to share tea and meaningful connections. Relax in front of your tent, dive into your favorite book, or take a rejuvenating nap under the desert sun.

As evening falls, delight in a candlelit Berber dinner crafted with fresh local ingredients, served under a starlit desert sky. The night concludes with a lively celebration, where the rhythmic beats of Berber music and dancing around a crackling campfire create memories to cherish forever. Retreat to your private luxury tent for a restful night amid the serene beauty of the Sahara.

Highlights of the Day:

• Early morning sunrise atop the dunes, perfect for meditation and fresh desert air.
• Traditional Berber breakfast in the dunes.
• Camel trekking across the majestic Erg Chigaga dunes.
• Sandboarding down the golden slopes.
• Quad biking adventure (optional, extra fee).
• Berber picnic lunch at a nearby oasis or back at the camp’s restaurant.
• Learn to bake traditional sand-baked bread.
• Visit a nomadic family for tea and cultural exchange.
• Relaxation time: unwind in front of your tent or take a midday nap.
• Candlelit Berber dinner under the stars.
• Night celebration with Berber music and dancing around the fire.
• Overnight stay in your private luxury tent with all modern comforts.

The transition from the towering dunes of Erg Chigaga to the mesmerizing expanse of Merzouga is an unforgettable desert odyssey through the heart of the Sahara. Begin your day with breakfast at the camp, savoring the peaceful morning ambiance before departing. As you venture eastward, the desert landscape unfolds into an endless sea of rolling dunes, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

En route, you’ll pass through numerous Berber villages, including Tazzarine and Alnif, where life remains untouched by modernity, showcasing Morocco's authentic and simple charm. Break for a delightful lunch, enjoying the unique flavors of the region.

By evening, you’ll arrive in Merzouga, where the striking beauty of the Erg Chebbi dunes welcomes you. Witness a stunning sunset from the top of the dunes, casting vibrant hues across the Sahara. The day concludes with a delicious dinner at the camp, followed by a lively drum party under the vast, starry sky. Relax and unwind in your private luxury tent, complete with en-suite facilities, for a peaceful night in the heart of the desert.

Highlights of the Day:

• Morning breakfast at the camp amidst the serene desert surroundings.
• Scenic drive through the Sahara , passe on Daraa Valley on Zagoura
• passing picturesque Berber villages  Alnif.
• Enjoy a flavorful lunch during the journey.
• Arrival in Merzouga by evening, greeted by the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes.
• Witness a stunning sunset from atop the dunes.
• Indulge in a traditional Moroccan dinner at the camp.
• Celebrate with a lively drum party around the campfire under the stars.
• Overnight stay in your private luxury tent with en-suite amenities.

The transition from Merzouga to Midelt offers a captivating shift from the Sahara’s golden dunes to the rugged charm of Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains. After breakfast at the camp, bid farewell to the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes as the desert's vast expanse gives way to rocky plains and the dramatic landscapes of the pre-Sahara region.

Driving north, you'll journey through the lush Ziz Valley, a striking contrast to the arid desert, where date palms thrive alongside the river. The route is dotted with traditional Berber villages, giving glimpses into local life and culture. As the terrain shifts, the distinctive red earth and verdant valleys signal your arrival in the serene town of Midelt, nestled at the foot of the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Highlights of the Day:

• Start with a delightful breakfast at the camp amidst desert serenity.
• Scenic drive through the breathtaking Ziz Valley.
• Stop for a delicious lunch en route, enjoying regional Moroccan cuisine.
• Pass through numerous Berber villages, offering cultural insights.
• Arrive in Midelt by evening, where the mountainous landscapes provide a refreshing contrast to the desert.
• Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Midelt.

Embark on a picturesque drive from Midelt to Fes, transitioning from the rugged Middle Atlas Mountains to the vibrant cultural hub of Morocco. Begin your day with breakfast in Midelt before setting off through winding mountain roads, passing lush valleys and traditional Berber villages. This scenic route is a journey through diverse landscapes that capture the essence of Morocco's natural beauty.

Along the way, stop at the cedar forests near Azrou, home to playful Barbary macaques, where you can feed and interact with these friendly primates. Continue to Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland," with its unique Alpine charm, and take a photo with the iconic lion statue while learning about its fascinating history.

As the mountains give way to fertile plains, you’ll approach Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or riad to begin exploring this imperial city’s rich heritage.

Headlines of the Day:

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Midelt.
• Scenic drive through the stunning Atlas Mountains.
• Interact with Barbary macaques in the cedar forest near Azrou.
• Visit Ifrane and capture a photo with its famous lion statue.
• Drop off in your hotel Fez .