5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
Embark on an unforgettable five-day odyssey from the ancient, labyrinthine streets of Fes to the towering, silent dunes of Erg Chegaga. This journey is a deep dive into the heart of authentic Morocco, taking you beyond the ordinary. You’ll cross the rugged High Atlas Mountains, explore sprawling palm groves, and stand in awe within the towering cliffs of the Todra Gorge.
The adventure culminates in a thrilling 4×4 expedition across vast, sun-baked plains, leading you to the majestic Erg Chegaga dunes—the Sahara in its purest form. Here, you’ll experience the magic of a camel trek at sunset, a night in a traditional Berber camp under a canopy of stars, and the profound peace of the desert before your scenic return journey through the lush Draa Valley.5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga /This exhilarating itinerary charts a course from Morocco's imperial north to its vibrant southern heart, weaving through an unparalleled diversity of landscapes and cultures. Your journey begins in the ancient medina of Fes, moving through the unexpected alpine-style town of Ifrane and the cedar forests of Midelt, with the mighty Atlas Mountains as your constant backdrop.
You'll then experience the classic Saharan magic of the towering dunes in Merzouga before venturing deeper into the desert. The route continues through the breathtaking Todra Gorge, leading you off-the-beaten-path to the vast, silent wilderness of Erg Chegaga for a night under the stars.
The final leg takes you through Taznakht, culminating in a step back in time at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, before your epic adventure concludes amidst the bustling energy of Marrakech. This is a comprehensive tour designed to showcase the very best of Morocco.5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
Day 01 :
Fes - Ifrane - Ziz Valley - Merzouga (The Gateway to the Sands)
- Morning: We depart from Fes after breakfast, leaving the imperial city behind as we journey towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland" for its unique alpine-style architecture and clean, crisp air. We continue through the Cedar Forests of Azrou, where you might spot troops of Barbary macaques monkeys.
- Afternoon: Ascending over the Atlas Mountains, we pass through Midelt, a town nestled in the heart of apple country. The landscape then transforms dramatically as we descend into the pre-Saharan region. The breathtaking Ziz Valley unfolds before us—a vast, lush palmery stretching over 50 kilometers, a stunning green ribbon in a rocky desert. We'll stop at a viewpoint for panoramic photos.
- Evening: Arriving in Merzouga, at the foot of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, the adventure truly begins. You'll leave your vehicle behind and mount a camel for a serene trek into the heart of the dunes. As the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, you'll arrive at your traditional Berber desert camp. Enjoy a hearty tagine dinner, gather around a campfire for music under a blanket of impossibly clear, starry skies, and sleep in a nomadic-style tent to the profound silence of the Sahara.
- Highlight: The first magical camel trek and night in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi.
- Meals: Dinner & Breakfast
- Overnight: Luxury Berber Camp in Erg Chebbi/5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
Day 02 :
Merzouga - Todra Gorge - Dades Valley (Gorges and Valleys)
- Morning: Wake early to witness one of the Sahara's most unforgettable spectacles: the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast at the camp and the camel ride back to Merzouga, we begin our drive west.
- Afternoon: Our destination is the magnificent Todra Gorge. Here, the river has carved a massive cleft through the mountains, creating a canyon with towering rock walls up to 300 meters high—a paradise for rock climbers and photographers alike. You'll have time to walk along the riverbed and feel the immense scale of the gorge.
- Late Afternoon: We then drive through the Dades Valley, often called the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs" for its countless ancient fortresses. The road offers stunning views of unique rock formations known as "monkey fingers." We'll stop at a strategic viewpoint before settling in for the night at a hotel or guesthouse overlooking the valley.
- Highlight: Walking through the narrow, towering cliffs of Todra Gorge.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Overnight: Hotel/Kasbah in the Dades Valley
Day 03 :
Dades Valley - Nkob - Zagora - Erg Chegaga (Into the Deep Desert)
- Morning: After breakfast, we continue our journey off the beaten track. We drive through the Draa River valley, passing through the towns of Nkob and Zagora, famous for its vast and beautiful date palm oases. This is a land of ksour (fortified villages) and ancient trading routes.
- Afternoon: At the edge of the desert, we switch to 4x4 vehicles for an exhilarating drive across the rocky hamada (desert plateau) and past the sacred dunes of Lac Iriki. This is the road less traveled, leading to the majestic and remote Erg Chegaga. These dunes are far larger and more isolated than those in Merzouga, offering a true sense of solitude and wilderness.
- Evening: We arrive at our secluded camp nestled within the dunes of Erg Chegaga in time for another spectacular sunset. Your second night in the desert is one of deep tranquility, with no light pollution and only the sounds of the wind shaping the sands.
- Highlight: The thrilling 4x4 journey and the remote, majestic scale of Erg Chegaga.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Overnight: Luxury Berber Camp in Erg Chegaga
Day 04 :
Erg Chegaga - Fum Zguid - Taznakht - Ait Ben Haddou (From Desert to Hollywood)
- Morning: Enjoy a final sunrise over the vast Erg Chegaga dunes before a hearty breakfast. Our 4x4s then take us on a final desert rally, crossing the remaining hamada to meet the paved road at Fum Zguid.
- Afternoon: We continue our drive north, stopping in Taznakht, a town renowned as a major center for the production of beautiful Berber rugs and carpets. We then traverse the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with its ever-changing landscapes.
- Late Afternoon: Our day's end brings us to the legendary Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the most famous and well-preserved kasbah in Morocco, having served as a backdrop for films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. We explore its winding earthen streets and climb to the top of the granary for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
- Highlight: Exploring the ancient, cinematic streets of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Overnight: Hotel/Kasbah near Ait Ben Haddou
Day 05 :
Ait Ben Haddou - Telouet - Marrakech (The Final Crossing)
- Morning: After breakfast, we take a short but fascinating detour to the Kasbah of Telouet. This once-opulent palace was the stronghold of the powerful Glaoui family. While its exterior is crumbling, the interior reveals stunningly detailed zellij (mosaic) tilework and carved cedar ceilings, a hidden gem slowly being restored.
- Afternoon: We complete our journey over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2260m), winding through stunning mountain scenery, Berber villages, and argan oil cooperatives. We will descend from the mountains into the Haouz Plains.
- Evening: We arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, dropping you off at your accommodation. Your epic journey from the dunes of the Sahara to the "Red City" is complete, leaving you with a lifetime of memories.
- Highlight: Discovering the hidden beauty of the Telouet Kasbah.
- Meals: Breakfast
5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
- Transportation:
- Comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 or Minivan for the entire tour.
- Professional, experienced English/French-speaking driver
- Fuel, tolls, and all associated vehicle expenses.
- Mandatory 4x4 vehicle transfer for the desert segment to/from Erg Chegaga (Day 3 & 4).
- Accommodation (4 Nights):
- Day 1: Overnight in a luxury Berber desert camp at Erg Chebbi (Private tent with en-suite facilities).
- Day 2: Overnight in a hotel/kasbah in the Dades Valley.
- Day 3: Overnight in a luxury Berber desert camp at Erg Chegaga (Private tent with en-suite facilities).
- Day 4: Overnight in a hotel/kasbah near Ait Ben Haddou.
- Meals (as per itinerary):
- 4 Breakfasts
- 4 Dinners
- Desert Experiences:
- Camel Trekking in Erg Chebbi (one per person). Sunset and sunrise treks are included.
- Camel Trekking in Erg Chegaga (one per person).
- All Applicable Taxes.
5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
- Lunches & Drinks:
- All lunches are not included. (Your driver can recommend excellent local restaurants).
- All beverages (soft drinks, water, coffee, tea outside of camp meals) are not included.
- Entrance Fees & Personal Spending:
- Entrance fees to monuments, museums, or kasbahs (e.g., optional visits not part of the standard route).
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.).
- Gratuities:
- Tips for your driver/guide, camp staff, and camel guides are not included and are at your discretion.
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended.
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the "Included" list.
5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
1. What is the difference between Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga?
- Erg Chebbi (near Merzouga): Features taller, golden dunes that are more concentrated and iconic. The area has more tourism infrastructure.
- Erg Chegaga: This is a much larger, more remote dune sea. The journey there is an adventure in itself. It offers a greater sense of isolation, wilderness, and is less crowded. This tour gives you the unique experience of both./5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
2. What kind of vehicle is used, and how many people are in a group?
- its a private trip for couple – family – friend / The tour is conducted in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4WD Toyota Prado , or a modern, air-conditioned minivan for private larger groups. The desert segment to/from Erg Chegaga is always in a 4×4./5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
3. What is the accommodation like in the desert camps?
- We use private, luxury Berber tents. Each tent is equipped with proper beds, bedding, and en-suite bathroom facilities, including a toilet and shower (with hot water). They offer a comfortable and authentic experience./5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
4. What should I pack for this tour?
- Essentials include sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a scarf (for sand and sun), comfortable clothing (layers for hot days and cool nights), sturdy shoes, a camera, a power bank, cash (for lunches, tips, souvenirs), and a sense of adventure./5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
5. Are the meals catered to dietary restrictions?
- Yes, we can accommodate dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) with prior notice. Please inform us at the time of booking so we can make the necessary arrangements./5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
6. How physically demanding is this tour?
- The tour is not overly strenuous. The camel treks are leisurely and typically last around 60-90 minutes. There is some light walking involved, such as in the gorges and Ait Ben Haddou. The main challenge is the amount of time spent driving, though it is broken up with frequent scenic stops./5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
7. Is there Wi-Fi and phone reception during the tour?
- Phone reception is generally good in towns and valleys but can be intermittent or non-existent in the deep desert (especially at Erg Chegaga) and some mountain passes. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels but is often unreliable or unavailable in the desert camps, allowing you to truly disconnect./5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
8. What is the best time of year to do this tour?
- The best times are during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild and pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot, while winters bring cold nights in the desert, though the days are often sunny./5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
9. How much spending money should I bring?
- We recommend bringing cash (Moroccan Dirhams) for lunches (approx. 80-150 MAD per meal), drinks, souvenirs, and tips. A budget of 300-500 MAD per person per day for these extras is a good guideline./5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga
10. What is the tipping etiquette?
- Tipping is a customary and appreciated practice in Morocco for good service. It is not obligatory but is a significant part of service workers’ income. You can tip your driver/guide, camp staff, and camel guides separately at the end of the tour based on your satisfaction. Your guide can offer discreet advice on typical amounts./5 Days Fes Desert Tour Erg Chegaga