FES DESERT TOURS

Desert tours from Fes offer a wide range of customized itineraries that will leave you in love with our services.

Tailored Morocco Desert Tours from Fes

Fes, renowned as the cultural capital of Morocco, provides an array of desert tours from Fes options for travelers seeking an authentic and immersive experience. From delving into the bustling souks and exploring the medina to visiting historical gems such as the Bou Inania Madrasa and the Al-Attarine Madrasa, there’s a diverse range of activities to suit everyone. Culinary enthusiasts can savor Moroccan cuisine through a cooking class or food tour, while nature lovers can embark on day trips to the stunning Middle Atlas Mountains, the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen, and the majestic Sahara desert. Whether your interest lies in uncovering the city’s rich history, immersing yourself in local culture, or simply unwinding amid Morocco’s beauty, we offer the perfect tour for you!

Highlights Of The Desert Tours From Fes

 

Fes

When embarking on your desert tours from Fes, why not take a full day to explore this captivating city with us before you depart? Fes stands as Morocco’s cultural hub for various compelling reasons and holds the distinction of being one of the country’s capital cities. When you book one of our Fes tours, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the city’s most captivating attractions, including the renowned Chouara Tanneries. This tannery is not only the largest in Fes but also the most renowned. From the surrounding balconies of leather shops, like those at street numbers 10 or 64, you can capture an excellent view of the colorful dried-earth vats. Should you not wish to make a purchase, you can simply ignore the many salesmen in the area. Another essential attraction is the Madrasa Bou Inania, a stunning historical school that beautifully reflects traditional Moroccan architecture. To enter, you can take either Talaa Seghira Street or Talaa Lekbira. Across from the Madrasa, you’ll discover the magnificent Dar Al Magana mosque, which many believe was constructed by the same artisan behind the Madrasa. These are just a few of the highlights Fes has to offer, so if you seek more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us!

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen, often referred to as the Blue Pearl, is a picturesque city situated in northern Morocco, known for its captivating blue-hued buildings and stunning mountain landscapes. This city entices many tourists with its blue walls and majestic mountains. Chefchaouen is famous for its freshwater springs, bustling markets, and numerous other charming attractions. When you choose one of our desert tours from Fes, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a 2 days excursion to Chefchaouen, discovering must-see landmarks such as the old city and the Medina. Chefchaouen is a paradise for shoppers. After strolling through its vibrant, colorful streets, visitors can explore markets that differ from the bustling souks in major Moroccan cities like Marrakech and Fes; these markets offer a relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds. Additionally, the city is renowned for its leather products, ranging from shoes to jackets. The Kasbah Museum, located at the heart of the Medina, is another essential visit, boasting beautiful gardens and an art gallery. Visitors can also take an excursion to the breathtaking Cascades d’Akchour, which showcases beautiful waterfalls. Finally, a visit to Plaza Uta el-Hammam is a delightful idea. This charming square, located in the city center, exudes a relaxed ambiance and offers delicious street food.

Ifrane

As part of our desert tours from Fes, whether private or group-based, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the city of Ifrane. You’ll start your journey by leaving Fes and traveling towards the Middle Atlas Mountains to reach Ifrane. Often referred to as “Little Switzerland,” Ifrane is considered one of the cleanest and most beautiful cities in Africa and ranks eighth worldwide. The city’s prime tourist attraction is its city garden, a lush green space featuring a white lion statue carved during World War II by a German prisoner. In its earlier days, Ifrane was a military camp, and this statue was crafted by a German soldier seeking his freedom.

Moreover, Ifrane houses one of the largest universities with an international student population, known as the University of Alakhawayn, located right across from the king’s palace. Skiing is another activity you can enjoy here. As the coldest city in Morocco, Ifrane receives snow during the winter months, and it boasts numerous ski clubs and companies that offer an extraordinary skiing experience.

Ziz Valley

Morocco boasts a wealth of stunning valleys, among them being the Ziz Valley. When you choose one of our desert tours from Fes, you’ll visit Ifrane and cross the High Atlas Mountains to reach the Ziz Valley. This valley stands as one of the country’s most significant sources of dates, extending for approximately 50 kilometers to the city of Erfoud. Many photographers find this area a captivating destination for photography purposes, often considering it an oasis.

For more detailed information, we invite you to select and book one of our Desert tours from Fes, either private or group-based, or reach out to us for further inquiries.

Erfoud

Our Fes desert tours to Merzouga will introduce you to various attractions, and among them is the city of Erfoud, located approximately 40 minutes from the Sahara desert of Merzouga. Known as the “City of Fossils,” Erfoud has attracted numerous archaeologists eager to uncover its hidden gems. It is said that millions of years ago, a sea once existed in place of the current desert stretching from Erfoud to Merzouga and neighboring villages, explaining why the city is rich in fossils, with many of them found in the surrounding mountains.

Erfoud is also renowned for its expansive oases of date palm trees. The city hosts a dates festival during the third week of October to celebrate the harvest season of this beloved fruit.

From Erfoud, you can venture to Rissani to explore the souk, often referred to as the desert souk, as it is considered the first of its kind in the region.

Glamping and Camel Rides

Merzouga’s camel rides and a night spent at the Berber Tent are the highlights of our private and group desert tours from Fes, Morocco. After exploring the attractions from Ifrane to Erfoud, it takes just 40 minutes to reach the Erg Chebbi desert. Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco’s several ergs, with sand dunes that rise up to 150 meters, offering visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Lake of Srij.

Upon your arrival in Merzouga, our staff warmly welcomes you and offers a cup of traditional Berber herbal tea to revive your spirits. Following this, you embark on a mesmerizing camel ride to explore the heart of the Erg Chebbi desert, where you’ll find a well-equipped camp. Before reaching the camp, you can savor the mesmerizing sunset with its sweeping views from one of the tall sand dunes. Once you arrive at the camp, you have the opportunity to engage in various activities, including sandboarding.

Merzouga Desert, One-Day Discovery Trip

When you arrive at Merzouga our team warmly welcomes you with a cup of Berber herbal tea. Afterward, you embark on a camel ride that takes you into the heart of the Erg Chebbi desert. There you’ll discover an equipped camp where you can comfortably settle in. Along the way, to the camp make sure to take advantage of the opportunity to witness the sunset from, atop a majestic sand dune. Upon reaching the camp there will be activities for you to enjoy including trying your hand at sandboarding.

Trekking with Camels in Erg Chebbi Desert:

As mentioned earlier, many travelers opt for camel trekking to explore the attractions of Merzouga instead of using a Jeep. That’s why, as part of our private and group desert tours from Fes, we offer a full-day camel ride starting from your camp or hotel.

You’ll embark on your camel journey to explore all the attractions mentioned earlier on the Jeep tour. Along the way, your camel guide will ensure you have short breaks to enjoy panoramic views.

Upon your arrival, you’ll witness the preparation of a traditional Berber pizza, make tea, and relish a delicious lunch with stunning views of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.

Finally, you can return to your hotel in Merzouga or choose to stay at the camp.

 

The Traditional Subterranean Irrigation System Close to Fezna:

Historically, Moroccan Berbers, who led a nomadic lifestyle, used subterranean water systems to irrigate their agricultural lands. On the journey back from Merzouga to Fezna, you’ll encounter a vast subterranean irrigation network. Essentially, it’s a series of interconnected water wells. During the summer, these wells often run dry due to the scorching temperatures. The people of Fezna, who have a profound affection for dates, have densely planted date palms everywhere, which is why they’ve created and connected these wells.

As you arrive, you’ll marvel at the depth of these wells, and the locals will demonstrate how they access water for their herds.

Todgha Gorges:

Morocco is renowned for its awe-inspiring gorges, with two of the most prominent ones in the southern region being the Dades and Todgha Gorges. After witnessing the remarkable subterranean irrigation canal systems in Fezna, you’ll continue your journey to Tinghir, also known as the city of dates. This name is derived from the Todgha Valley, one of the country’s major sources of dates.

Begin your adventure by immersing yourself in the breathtaking vistas, followed by exploring the untamed canyons. Upon arrival, take a leisurely stroll through this renowned locale, ideal for delightful family picnics and exhilarating rock climbing. It is a beloved destination among travelers, with the added allure of an enigmatic subterranean river utilized by indigenous nomads to transport water. Furthermore, the path leading to the Todgha Gorges not only grants access to magnificent landscapes but also serves as a gateway to numerous cities and charming Berber villages, providing an excellent opportunity to uncover hidden gems nestled in the majestic High Atlas Mountains.

For climbing enthusiasts, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us or book one of our private or group desert tours from Fes to Marrakech.

Exploring Dades Gorges and T’issdrin Curves:

After your exploration of the Todgha Gorges, you’ll venture onward for about an hour, leading you to Boumalne Dades. This enchanting place is well-known for its collection of kasbahs, each offering picturesque panoramic views. Similar to the Todgha Gorges, the Dades Valley is about 80 kilometers in length, stretching from the Gorges to the city’s outskirts (5 kilometers).

The Dades Gorges comprise a sequence of rugged wadi gorges nestled within the High Atlas mountain range. When you book one of our private or group desert tours from Fes to Marrakech, our team ensures that you experience all of Boumalne Dades’s attractions and secures the best Kasbah accommodations for your stay.

Your journey begins with a visit to the Monkey Fingers Hills, known for their uncanny resemblance to the fingers of a monkey. Here, you can capture some memorable photographs before continuing on to explore the T’issdrin Curves. The latter is a road located at the end of the gorges, which may be challenging for non-professional drivers to navigate. At the top, there’s a hotel that provides a magnificent panoramic view, allowing you to admire the gorges and the valley.

Visiting the Roses Valley:

Following your visit to Boumalne Dades, your route will take you through the Roses Valley or K’laat Megouna on your way to Ouarzazate. K’laat Megouna, a small town famous for its Rose Valley, boasts an economy primarily based on small rose water cooperatives located predominantly in its center. The town’s name is derived from M’egoun, a hill situated just outside it.

Each year, in May, K’laat Megouna hosts a rose festival, attracting visitors from all over the country who come to celebrate the rose season. Fortunately, with our Fes desert tours, our guides can lead you to the finest cooperatives if you’re interested in learning about the production of rose water.

Exploring the Kasbah of Amrhidil in Skoura:

Following your exploration of the Roses Valley, your journey will take you through Skoura, where you’ll arrive at the Kasbah of Amrhidil. This kasbah, constructed in the 17th century, is one of Morocco’s grandest. As you continue along, approaching the river near Skoura, the Kasbah Amrhidil emerges, towering above the other ancient fortresses. What makes it truly unique is that it still retains an old 50 MAD coin within its walls, effectively transformed into a museum for ancient artifacts that were once used in constructing mud houses.

By ascending the stairs to the top, you’ll be treated to a view of the spectacular oasis. This vantage point offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the tribe that once resided here. The Nassiri family, who have maintained the Kasbah, have also created a small hotel adjacent to it for those who wish to explore it further. Notably, the sand-colored walls of this kasbah were featured in the famous movie “Lawrence of Arabia.”

Ouarzazate’s Attractions:

Continuing from your visit to the Kasbah of Amrhidil in Skoura, your journey proceeds to Ouarzazate, also known as “Ouallywood of Africa.” It’s from this city that the road of a thousand kasbahs extends further south. Ouarzazate is home to one of the largest kasbahs in Morocco, the Kasbah of Taourirt. Situated in the city center, it was once owned by Thami El Glaoui during the 19th century. The Kasbah is often regarded as a labyrinth due to its nearly 300 rooms, constructed from mud and a testament to traditional Moroccan architecture.

Another fascinating place to visit in Ouarzazate is the extensive Atlas Studios, which were built during the 20th century. These studios have played a role in many famous movies and TV series, including beloved titles like “Game of Thrones” and “Gladiator.” If you’re a fan of cinematic history, you’ll be delighted to know that there’s also a hotel right at the studios. This hotel provides guests with the opportunity to relish a curated collection of classic films, adding an extra layer of nostalgia and enjoyment to your visit.

Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and Village

“Discover many Kasbahs with our desert tours from Fes and one of the most remarkable is Ait Ben Haddou, which is not only the largest but also likely the oldest in the country. Some accounts trace its origins back to the 11th century during the Glaoua family’s presence. Ben Haddou, the founder of this Kasbah, is believed to be laid to rest behind the village

Upon your arrival, you’ll be captivated by the Ounila Valley, stretching for about 50 kilometers or more. To reach its summit, you’ll ascend a staircase, as it’s the only route. Along the way, you’ll witness a traditional technique for Kasbah preservation involving a mixture of green tea and sugar burnt onto paper.

Ait Ben Haddou is much more than a village; it’s a living movie and television studio. Numerous renowned Hollywood movies, including ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Game of Thrones,’ have used this location for filming.

From the elevated vantage point, you can relish breathtaking views of the Jewish Mosque and the Ounila Valley. We offer trips from Marrakech to Ait-Ben-Haddou for those eager to delve deeper into this historically rich area.”

Exploring Marrakech

Our travel agency provides two wonderful ways to experience Marrakech: either through dedicated Marrakech trips or by embarking on our desert tours from Fes, culminating in Marrakech.

As you journey from Fes, you’ll encounter a host of fascinating attractions before reaching Marrakech, a city teeming with enchanting gardens, vibrant squares, and majestic mosques.

Your guided tour begins with a visit to the Bahia Palace, also known as the Palace of Brilliance, constructed in the late 19th century. This architectural gem is a testament to the artistry of gardens.

Next, you’ll explore the Majorelle Garden, situated in close proximity to the French museum. This astonishing garden, the lifelong work of artist Jack Majorelle, took four decades to create. While there is an entrance fee, the experience is absolutely worth it.

Following that, you’ll be enchanted by the Koutoubia and Menara Gardens.

Your visit culminates in the famous Jamaa Lefna square, where you’ll have free time to explore and enjoy the mesmerizing performances of snake charmers, dancers, and a myriad of other captivating sights.

Discovering Meknes Attractions

Meknes is conveniently located not far from the cultural hub of Fes. As part of our desert tours from Fes, we offer the opportunity to explore this historic city with a knowledgeable local guide.

Your tour commences with a visit to Bad El Mansour Laleuj, one of the largest gates in Morocco. Positioned at the forefront of Lehdim Square, one of Morocco’s most renowned squares, this gate was commissioned for Isla Mulay and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with Meknes’ historic city.

Next on your itinerary is Hri-es Souani, a site that once served as a granary for storing wheat.

Afterward, you’ll venture to Volubilis, the Roman ruins located just outside of Meknes. This unique historical site, founded in the 3rd century B.C., is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Your exploration of Meknes concludes with a visit to the Kara prison, which is distinctive for its lack of doors. Over the centuries, hundreds of people have entered its confines, yet none have found a means of escape. This prison dates back to the 18th century during the reign of Moulay Ismail.

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