12 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO IMPERIAL CITIES VIA MERZOUGA
Overview :
Our expedition commences in Marrakech, bidding farewell to the city’s bustling streets and venturing towards the rugged beauty of the High Atlas Pass. Along the way, we pause in Ouarzazat, known as the Moroccan Hollywood, indulging in a delightful lunch amidst cinematic scenery.
As the sun sets, we find ourselves in the captivating expanse of the Alnif desert, its black stony terrain offering a surreal backdrop for our first encounter with the starlit sky. Here, under the guidance of expert lectures, we delve into the mysteries of the cosmos, awestruck by the celestial spectacle above.
Throughout our expedition, we engage with local communities, immersing ourselves in their vibrant cultures and traditions. Evenings are enriched with lectures on astronomy, offering insights into nomadic tribal cultures and their celestial beliefs.
As our adventure draws to a close, we trace the scenic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, each one a testament to Morocco’s storied history.
Itinerary :
Day 1 : Arrival in Marrakech – Transfer to accommodation
You’ll be greeted at Marrakech’s Menara airport by a driver or guide from Sahara Desert Excursions, depending on your flight time. They’ll take you to your accommodation in the Marrakech Medina Riad or Hotel for your first night’s stay.
Day 2 : Marrakech – Casablanca – Rabat
We start our journey, heading to Rabat via Casablanca. Along the way, we’ll visit the Hassan II Mosque and get an overview of Casablanca. After lunch, we continue to Rabat, the capital, where we’ll explore the city, including the Royal Palace walls, Hassan II and Muhammad V’s mausoleums, and the Kasbah des Oudaya. Overnight in Rabat.
Day 3: Rabat – Asilah – Tangier
We journey to Asilah, known as the “artists’ refuge,” with free time to explore. En route to Tangier, we’ll stop at Hercules’ Cave and Spartel Cap. Relax at your Tangier hotel.
Day 4: Tangier – Rif Mountains – Tetuan – Chefchaouen
Travel to Chefchaouen via Tetuan, known as the “White Pigeon,” to admire its architecture. In Chefchaouen, explore Outa-el-Hammam square, the medina, and Tarik Ben Ziad mosque. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 5: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
Continue to Fes via Volubilis and Meknes. Explore the Roman ruins, Meknes City, and its landmarks. Reach Fes for overnight stay.
Day 6: Explore Fes with a guide
Discover Fes’ cultural heritage, visiting landmarks like the Jewish Mellah, the Tannery, and the Royal Palace. Overnight in Fes.
Day 7: Fes – Atlas Mountains – Merzouga Sahara desert
Travel through the Atlas Mountains to Merzouga, stopping at Ifrane, Azrou, and the Ziz Valley. Arrive at Merzouga for a camel adventure and overnight in a desert camp.
Day 8: Merzouga – Todra Valley & Gorges – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate
Watch the sunrise in Merzouga before returning to the village. Travel to Ouarzazate via Rissani, Erfoud, and the Todra Gorges. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 9: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Imlil
Visit Ait Ben Haddou and travel through the High Atlas to Imlil. Overnight in a guesthouse in the Atlas Mountains.
Day 10: Imlil – Asni – Marrakech
Explore the Atlas Mountains, visiting Aroumd and Asni. Reach Marrakech in the afternoon and overnight in a Riad.
Day 11: Marrakech Guided Tour
Discover Marrakech’s landmarks, including the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, and Jemaa El-Fna Plaza. Overnight in a Riad.
Day 12: Free Day in Marrakech
Enjoy free time in Marrakech before transferring to the airport for your departure.
What is Included :
✔ 4×4 Vehicle with Driver & Guide — Private transportation with an experienced guide/driver and fuel (gas/oil) coverage
✔ Airport Pickup/Drop-off — They take you in charge from the airport when your tour begins (ground transfer).
✔ Accommodation — Double-occupancy lodging each night with dinner and breakfast included.
✔ Multiple Tour Formats Available:
• Multiday Tours with customized itineraries covering Atlas, Sahara, imperial cities, etc.
• Geo Tours focusing on fossil, rock & mineral collecting expeditions across Morocco.
• One-Day Trips (e.g., geological day tours or stargazing experiences).
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Testimonials
EXCELLENT Based on 188 reviews Posted on Tripadvisor Go42071466095Verified Atlas mountains and Moha's desert camp I went on a study trip with my university that was supported by Mohab and his team. They have excellent local knowledge and provided us with a safe transport service. We also stayed in a desert camp for a few nights. It is a unique place with no neighbours, located in the heart of the desert. The clean tents have an en suite bathroom. The food was excellent and varied. I would definitely come back.Posted on Tripadvisor Scenic63530760155Verified Moha is a great host Besides the absolute wonderful place that the Astro camp is, I was treated with great attention as I have quite strict dietary requirements, Moha’s team went above and beyond every day to make sure I was comfortable enough and had enough food that accommodated my needs. Much appreciated and very grateful of this kindness.Posted on Tripadvisor diana cVerified First time in Morocco Amazing experience, fabulous atmospherePosted on Tripadvisor Laurence RVerified Perfect for geology and more! We stayed for 3 days, it was not busy besides our group. Surrounded by excellent geology within walking distance. Fossils everywhere. Clear skies away from cities. And a swimming pool to cool off. Moha and the team are wonderful hosts.Posted on Tripadvisor RRSVerified Anazing experience😍 I just spent an incredible 8 days with Moha and his team during the Birkbeck Geology field trip, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The camp was spotless and well-maintained, with modern comforts that still preserved an authentic desert atmosphere. The pool was a wonderful bonus, especially after long days in the field. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this experience to my friends and family in Belgium. Thank you for such a memorable stay!Posted on Tripadvisor Sean AVerified Do it .. Stay here! Amazing time was had! Moha and the team were so friendly and made our stay so special. glamping rooms are beautiful and they have a pool! ... And the food was fantastic!Posted on Tripadvisor jose vicente cVerified Perfecto de día y de noche Perfecto para ver el cielo en la noche. Cielos maravillosos. De día complemento perfecto para ver fósiles y geologia. Auténticos expertosPosted on Tripadvisor Timothy CVerified Well organised, informative and enjoyable trip. This was a geology trip that exceeded all of my expectations. Moha looked after us us expertly and ensured that everyone had a great experience. Moha was keen to receive feedback during the trip and was willing to be flexible in making adjustments to itineries and locations in response to requests by the group. He always ensured that everyone was satisfied with any additions and improvements to the itinerary. Moha's local knowledge, depth of experience and access to resources and locations added to the overall quality of the experience. In summary I was so impressed with this trip that I intend to come back to enjoy the stargazing and other tours that Atlas Geo Tours provides.Posted on Tripadvisor KEITH SVerified If you want to see Morocco, call Moha. Our geology tour was organised by Moha and his dedication made it a very enjoyable expedition. He attended to every detail meticulously and took the time to make sure everyone's needs were met. His knowledge of the geology, geography and local culture of Morocco was shared with the group at every oppotunity - he knows a lot about stars as well and is just a nice guy to be around.Posted on Tripadvisor Megan JVerified Best astronomy and fossil tour in Morocco! Moha is a excellent, friendly, professional and knowledgeable guide. He goes out of his way to make sure your trip is brilliant! A brilliant fossil, geology tour, with lots of information about Moroccan life and culture thrown in too! His Astrocamp is next level - a 5* experience in the midde of the desert! Fully furnished tents, all with ensuite, excellent food and the most amazing night skies. All with Moha's expert knowledge guiding you through the stars with his telescopes. If you're into fossils or astronomy, all in the most amazing country - look no further!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
