5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga

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Overview of the 5-Day Astro Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

This 5-day tour combines adventure, history, and astronomy, taking you through the High Atlas Mountains to the captivating desert landscapes of Alnif, Erfoud, and Merzouga. Explore fossil-rich quarries, discover the historic caravan hub of Sijilmassa, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Sahara. Each evening, enjoy celestial observations and learn about the stars, planets, and cultural astronomy of Northwest Africa.

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Highlights of the 5-Day Astro Desert Tour

Cross the High Atlas Mountains with scenic views.
Lunch in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood.”
Stargazing night in Alnif’s stony desert.
Fossil hunting at quarries near Erfoud.
Sunset camel ride at Erg Chebbi dunes.
Evening fire talk on star conservation.
Visit old mines and cretaceous fossil beds.
Meet and share tea with a local Gnaoua community.
Enjoy Gnaoua music under the stars.
Astronomy lecture on Berber, Bedouin, and Touareg myths.
Explore the history of Tafilalet and Sijilmassa.
Stargazing with a 200mm telescope and binoculars.
Scenic drive through Midelt to Fes.

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5 Days ITINERARY Tour from Marrakech to fes

Day 1 : Marrakech – Alnif

After being picked up at the hotel, we leave Marrakech, cross the High Atlas mountain, have lunch in Ouarzazate Moroccan Hollywood, and spend the evening in the Alnif desert. First meeting with the stars and sky night in a half-board hotel in the flat black stony desert.

Day 2 : Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

During the day, we visit fossil quarries to collect fossils, primarily trilobites, and spend the evening in a hotel near Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes. After dinner, take a half-hour Camel ride for an experience of viewing the sunset. We give a fire and sky talk, as well as conservation. Night under the stars in the camp.

Day 3 : Astronomy in Merzouga Desert

Today We tour the magnificent landscapes of south Erg Chebbi, see old mines and cretaceous beds, meet a back community whose parents were transported as slaves in the 12th century, share a cup of tea, and experience a Gnaoua music night in the same camp. After supper, there will be a lecture about astronomy in Northwest African culture, Berbers, Bedouin, and Touaregs, mythology, and beliefs.

Day 4 : Merzouga Desert

We examine the history of the TAFILALET, Sijilmassa, which used to be one of the key caravan meeting locations from the 7th to the 12th century, then return to the camp for a 200 mm telescope and binocular session of sky observation of the sky planets, galaxies, and night in the same desert camp.

Day 5 : Merzouga Desert to Midelt to Fes

We examine the history of the TAFILALET, Sijilmassa, which used to be one of the key caravan meeting locations from the 7th to the 12th century, then return to the camp for a 200 mm telescope and binocular session of sky observation of the sky planets, galaxies, and night in the same desert camp.

To customize your 5-Day Astro Desert Tour from Fes or for more details, don’t hesitate to contact us.