2-DAY MARRAKECH TO FES STARGAZING TOUR VIA MERZOUGA

Sahar Stargazing Experience

2-DAY MARRAKECH TO FES STARGAZING TOUR VIA MERZOUGA

This two-day one-way crossing takes you from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara Desert, packing some of Morocco’s most dramatic scenery into the shortest possible timeframe. The route passes through the High Atlas, Ait Ben Haddou, and the Erg Chebbi dunes on day one, then continues north through the Ziz Valley, the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, and on to Fes on day two. There is considerable driving on both days – travellers with more time should consider the 3-day Marrakech to Fes tour.

Stargazing in the Merzouga Desert

Stargazing is one of the unforgettable experiences included in our Morocco desert tours. Rather than being a separate activity, it is part of your desert camp experience and takes place during your stay in the Erg Chebbi dunes, as outlined in your tour itinerary.

How Our Stargazing Experience Is Organized

After enjoying a traditional dinner at the desert camp, we gather together and take a peaceful 10-minute walk into the heart of the dunes. Away from any artificial lights, you’ll reach a quiet location where the night sky reveals thousands of stars in remarkable clarity.

Our experience begins with fascinating stories about the nomadic people of the Sahara and how they relied on the stars for navigation and orientation across the desert. You’ll learn about their traditions, legends, and their deep connection with the night sky.

Using a professional laser pointer, your guide will introduce you to the most prominent stars, constellations, and celestial objects visible above the Sahara. With virtually no light pollution, the Merzouga dunes offer one of Morocco’s most spectacular stargazing environments, making this a truly memorable part of your desert adventure.

Duration: 2 days / 1 night

Start: Marrakech

End: Fes

Tour Style: Private

Stargazing Experience : Merzouga Desert

HIGHILGHTES:

– The High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka pass
– A panoramic stop at Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
– Sunset camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes
– A night in a luxury desert camp
– A guided Sahara stargazing session after dinner
– Sunrise over the dunes
– The Ziz Valley oasis and its palm groves
– Barbary macaques in the cedar forest near Azrou

TOUR Itinerary

Early departure from Marrakech, heading south across the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass with stops for views and photos. A stop is made at the panoramic viewpoint above Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed earthen kasbah that has served as a film set for productions including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Lunch is taken along the route before the drive continues south to Merzouga, arriving in the afternoon.

Camels are waiting at the dune edge. The trek ascends through the Erg Chebbi sand sea and pauses on a high dune for the sunset before continuing to the camp. A private tent with en-suite bathroom is ready, dinner is served, and Berber percussion follows around the fire.

STARGAZING EXPERIENCE – MERZOUGA DESERT

After dinner, we gather together and walk for around ten minutes into the dunes to a quiet, dark location where there is no light pollution.

We begin with an introduction to the mythology of the nomads and explain how they used the stars they observed at night to navigate during the day.

Using a professional laser pointer, we guide you through the night sky, introducing the most important stars and constellations.

Early sunrise over the dunes before breakfast at the camp. Departure by 4×4 toward Fes, travelling north along the Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s most striking oasis corridors, with a stop at a panoramic viewpoint over the palm groves. The route then enters the Middle Atlas and passes through the cedar forests near Azrou, where Barbary macaques are often spotted roadside. The drive continues across the Middle Atlas and arrives in Fes by mid-to-late afternoon, with drop-off at your riad in the medina.

BEFORE YOU GO

– Both days involve significant driving. This itinerary is best suited to those with limited time who still want to experience the desert while travelling between the two cities.
– Departure from Marrakech should be early to reach the dunes before sunset.
– Vegetarian and vegan meals are available – inform us at booking.
– Luggage is transported to the camp by 4×4. You will find it waiting in your tent.
– The camel ride can be replaced by a 4×4 transfer to the camp.
– This tour can also be run in reverse, starting in Fes and ending in Marrakech.

– Pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech
– Air-conditioned private vehicle (4×4, van, or minibus)
– English or Spanish-speaking driver/guide
– Overnight in a luxury desert camp of your choice
– Meals: 1 dinner and 1 breakfast
– Camel trekking experience
– Sandboarding
– Stargazing experience in the Merzouga desert
– Drop-off at your hotel or riad in Fes

– Lunches
– Drinks and beverages
– Entrance fees where applicable
– Tips

Please fill out the form below to contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible. For a faster response please send a WhatsApp: +212661144620 message or call us at +212661144620 . We look forward to connecting with you. Email: saharastargazing@gmail.com

How to pay for the tour?

Our payment process is simple and hassle-free. To confirm your booking, we require a small deposit, which can be easily paid via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise at the time of reservation. The remaining balance is to be paid in cash to your driver or guide on the first day of the tour, in euros, US dollars, or the equivalent amount in Moroccan dirhams.

What currency is used, and how do I get money?

The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and larger businesses, but cash is needed in many smaller towns and markets.

Is it possible to customize the tour itinerary?

The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and larger businesses, but cash is needed in many smaller towns and markets.

What are the camps in the desert like?

You’ll spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp featuring private tents. The camps offer essential comforts such as comfortable bedding, shared or private bathroom facilities (depending on the camp type), warm blankets, and a communal dining area for meals and relaxation.

Price & Booking Policy

As a staying guest of our hotel ,hotel KASBAH mohayut, we offer you a guided observation of the starry sky after dinner until midnight, seeing conditions permitting,
at 200
Dirhams per person.
As a non-staying guest of our hotel we offer a 3-course dinner with guided stargazing after dinner at 350 Dirhams per person. Only valid with a firm reservation and upon confirmation by hotel mohayut.
For passing through guests: Price: 350 Dirhams pp. Parking of the car and a guided observation after dinner for about an hour and a half .upon firm reservation confirmed by the hotel.
Occasional drive-by’s will not guarantee stargazing at SaharaSky.
Cancellations please 2 days before arrival date as confirmed by the hotel either by email to saharastargazing@gmail.com or by SMS to 0661144620 .

How Our Stargazing Experience Is Organized

Walk through the tranquil Erg Chebbi dunes under a sky filled with stars.
Witness the spectacular Milky Way in a pristine dark-sky environment.
Learn how Sahara nomads navigated using the stars for centuries.
Guided constellation and planet tour with a professional laser pointer.
Discover ancient Berber legends and celestial mythology.
Perfect opportunity for unforgettable night photography and astrophotography.
A romantic, peaceful, and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Sahara Desert.