3 days
Duration

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorge (30 December)

Travel towards the High Atlas Mountains via the highest road pass in Morocco, Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2,260m), offering a remarkable view of mountains, valleys and Berber villages. Upon descent, you will make your way to the amazing UNESCO-protected 16th century fortress, Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, where great classics like Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator was made. You can take a walk or hire a donkey to carry you across the river to this Kasbah. Then take a route of A Thousand Kasbahs towards the Skoura Oasis. Here you will visit the Kasbah Amridil featured in many Moroccan brochures. Then on to the Rose Valley (Kella M’gouna) known for the production of Moroccan roses and its variety of beauty products. Your journey continues passing Tamnalt Hills, a bizarre rock creation hillside resembling monkey feet. End your day at Dades Gorge, a deep gorge of red and mauve rock.

new year eve in desert

Day 2: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi (31 December)

Depart Dades Gorge to visit another deep oasis in Morocco, the Todra Gorge. Its walls are 300m tall and at their most narrow part, only a mere 20m apart. Spend some time appreciating this natural wonder before resuming your trip towards the Sahara Desert. Approaching Merzouga, you will see the first sand dunes of the desert, where your camels will be waiting to carry you across the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Then later in the afternoon saddle on your camels and make your way across the desert during a beautiful sunset for about 2 hours, before arriving at your camp for the night. Overnight in the Nomad tent under a night full of stars, Berber music and delicious food prepared for you by your guide. Ring in the New Years’ Eve in Erg Chebbi.

Day 3: Merzouga – Midelt – Ifran – Fes (1 January)

You will wake up to enjoy the sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, possibly the best moment of the Merzouga desert. After breakfast, you will travel to Fes by passing through the Ziz Valley Gorge and Midelt, an impressive mountain city with traditional buildings similar to those in southern Morocco. Located at 1,488m in altitude, it is well situated just at the foot of Jbel Ayachi (3,737m). Your journey continues via Azrou and the cedar forests where colony of monkeys will keep you amused. Drop off at your Riad/Hotel in the evening.
Possible to return to Marrakech on Day 3.

new year morocco