Our most recommended things to do in Rissani, Morocco

From Fez: Sahara Desert 2-Day Tour with Merzouga Camp Stay

1. From Fez: Sahara Desert 2-Day Tour with Merzouga Camp Stay

Day 1: Fez -Ifrane - Midelt - Ziz valley- Merzouga Today, on Fez desert tours 2 days Pick up 07.30 am from hotel/riad. Travel from Fez to the Merzouga desert. But; this is not an ordinary drive. We will stop along the way in a number of enjoyable destinations. Firstly, stop at Ifrane, the alpine-style townhome to ski slopes. Secondly, cedar forests are situated in Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains to observe and feed the Barbary Monkey. After that, Moving to the popular pitstop of Midelt. ( break for lunch) Then, carrying on through the lush green Ziz Valley and making the last stop in Erfoud. Upon, arrival at Merzouga, transfer to the hotel to store your luggage. The camels will be waiting for you for a camel trekking experience (around 45 min) to enjoy the sunset on camelback to nomad tents where you will have dinner under the starry sky with a Berber folklore show (overnight desert camp). Day 2: Merzouga- Back to Fez Get up, early for the beckoning Erg Chebbi sunrise and deliciouse breakfast. Then prepare yourself to leave the camping to your distination fez with some stops on the way. (Break for lunch-on your own). Drop off. (Your hotel/riad Fez).

From Marrakech: 3-Day Desert Tour to Fes via Erg Chebbi

2. From Marrakech: 3-Day Desert Tour to Fes via Erg Chebbi

Day 1: Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades or Tinghir After meeting our driver in Marrakech you will travel through the High Atlas Mountains, the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass along a road that climbs the plains to 2,260 meters above sea level. You will pass by small villages and scenic waterfalls, and will also notice the continuously changing landscape and colors of these beautiful mountains. You will then stop in a pass to admire the scenery before taking the road to the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, arriving just in time for lunch. You will then visit the famous Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for films such as the Gladiator, Babel, Lawrence of Arabia, the Legionary, the Sheltering Sky, and many others. You will later head through the town of Ouarzazate while stopping to take some pictures, you will journey through the picturesque Valley of Roses to reach the Dades Gorges in time for sunset. Once there you can admire the splendid colors of the rock walls illuminated by the last rays of golden sunlight. Your final stop for the day will be to a romantic, traditional hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in the Hotel in Dades or Tinghir . Day 2: Dades or Tinghir , Erfoud, Merzouga, and Erg-Chebbi Following breakfast, you will take a scenic walk through the Todra Gorges before hopping into your car to drive along the famous Road of the 1000 Kasbahs. You will travel through Tineghier Village and the Jewish Kasbah before arriving in Rissani, the first capital of the Alaouite Dynasty, for lunch. You will next go on a walking tour through Rissani and check out its large traditional market, and will then head to Merzouga, arriving before sunset. At this stage you will leave the car behind and ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi Dunes for an unforgettable night under the million stars of the desert. Finally, you will have dinner at the campsite and stay in a traditional Berber tent. Day 3: Merzouga, Rissani, Ziz Oasis, Medilt, and Fes You can wake up early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the 300-meter-tall dunes nearby the camp. Next, you will return to the camp for breakfast and a shower. You will then depart for Fes, traveling through the Ziz valley and stopping for lunch in village with plentiful apple orchards. You will later enjoy the journey through mountain cedar forests before arriving to Fes in the afternoon, stopping to take pictures at a panoramic viewpoint.

From Fez: Round-Trip Overnight Merzouga Desert Tour

3. From Fez: Round-Trip Overnight Merzouga Desert Tour

Day 1: Fez -Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz valley- Merzouga Pick up at 07.30 am from hotel/riad. Travel from Fez to the Merzouga desert. But; this is not an ordinary drive. We will stop along the way at a number of enjoyable destinations. Firstly, stop at Ifrane, the alpine-style townhome to ski slopes. Secondly, cedar forests are situated in Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains to observe and feed the Barbary Monkey. After that, Moving to the popular pitstop of Midelt. ( break for lunch) Then, carrying on through the lush green Ziz Valley and making the last stop in Erfoud. Upon, arrival Merzouga, transfer to the hotel to store your luggage. The camels will be waiting for you for a camel trekking experience (around 45 min) to enjoy the sunset on camelback to nomad tents where you will have dinner under the starry sky with a Berber folklore show (overnight desert camp). Day 2: Merzouga-Rissani- Midelt -Ifrane – Mouzar- Fez Get up, early for the beckoning Erg Chebbi sunrise. Enjoy a camel trek back to the hotel/riad for breakfast and a shower. Before, back to Fez. We will Pass through Rissani, visiting Zawiya Moulay Ali Ash-Sharif, dramatic Ziz Valley. In addition to, Damn Hassan Adakhal. ( break for lunch), visit family who lives in the cave at Immouzar. Finally, at the end drop off. (your hotel/riad Fez).

From Marrakesh: 4-Day Private Atlas Mountains & Desert Tour

4. From Marrakesh: 4-Day Private Atlas Mountains & Desert Tour

Immerse yourself in the mountains and desert of Morocco with this 4-day guided trip from Marrakesh. See scenic landscapes, stay in a charming guest house and a desert camp, and tour the movie sets of Ouarzazate. An example of the itinerary you will follow: Day 1: Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation and you will set off on your 4 day adventure. Pass through the Tizi n'Tichka pass in the High Atlas mountains and from Marrakech to Ouarzazate you can enjoy the scenic route, the landscapes with changing colors and terrain and the Berber villages along the way. You will have free time to visit the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate and have lunch on site. Then, on to the green valley of Dadès and the valley of roses by the palm grove of Skoura. You will have dinner and stay overnight at a charming guest house in the valley. Day 2: Dades Valley, Todra Gorges, Dunes of Merzouga After breakfast, you will set off on the road to the 1000 Kasbahs, then check check out Tinghr with its magnificent palm groves. At Todra Gorge, the bravest explorers can trek along the canyon, 300 metres above the ground. Then continue towards Merzouga and the erg Chebbi dune in the Sahara desert. In the largest desert in the world, you can experience the sunset on the back of a camel as you ride towards the oasis where the camp is located. You may spend the night in the nomadic tents or under the stars and play music or sing along with the locals and become immersed in true nomadic culture. Day 3: Merzouga, Tazarine, Agdz, Ouarzazate Watch the sunrise over the dunes of erg Chebbi, followed by breakfast in the camp. Return to a hostel via camel trek for a quick shower then drive to Rissani, a small town in southern Saharan Morocco where you can stop to visit a fossil workshop, before continuing to the junction of the Drâa and Agdz valley. Enjoy a relaxing dinner and hotel stay in Ouarzazate. Day 4: Ouarzazate, Aït ben Haddou, Telouet, Marrakech Go on a tour of the movie sets and studios located in Ouarzazate: the "Hollywood of Africa". Visit the Ksar of Aït ben Haddou, a world heritage site. Aït ben Haddou has been used to date as a backdrop for more than twenty films, including "Gladiator", "Indiana Jones "and" Lawrence of Arabia ". Take advantage of this walk through the area to admire the traditional architecture of the kasbahs. Continue on home to Marrakech through the mountains.

From Marrakech: 4-Day Excursion to Merzouga

5. From Marrakech: 4-Day Excursion to Merzouga

Discover the Sahara Immerse yourself in Morocco's vibrant culture & stunning landscapes with this 4 day tour! From Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou nestled into the High Atlas Mountains to Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes tucked away in Merzouga Desert, it is easy to experience some of the country's most breathtaking attractions on this 4 day excursion. For Shared Tours: Day 1: Marrakech – Ait ben Haddou – Dades/Tinghir (Depart 7-8am; Arrive 7-8pm) Driving Distance: 5 hrs 40 mins Accommodations: Hotel Ksar Kaissar, Hotel La Gazelle du Dades On day one you will make your way towards Ait Ben Haddou located in the High Atlas Mountains. This historical Kasbah, a Unesco World Heritage Site; both architecturally impressive & culturally significant. After lunch near the kasbah, you will continue to your accommodations for the night. Day 2: Dadès - Todra Gorges - Merzouga (Depart 8-9am; Arrive 5-7pm) Driving Distance: 4 hrs 45 mins Accommodations: Berber Nomad Camp or similar (Standard) Ideal Luxury Desert Camp or similar (Luxury) On day two, we journey to the vibrant dunes of Merzouga! After visiting the Gorges and stopping for lunch we continue on to the desert. Then it's time to saddle up your camel at sunset and get ready for an unforgettable evening amongst vast undulating golden sand waves inside one of Morocco’s most spectacular deserts. Wrap up this magical night under star-filled skies beneath traditional style tents! Day 3: Merzouga Excursion: visit the Nomads of the Sahara Desert (Option on Luxury Bookings: 1 night accommodation on the edge of the dunes at the Nomad Palace with air conditioning & a pool) On day 3, experience a breathtaking sunrise atop the Erg Chebbi dunes. Then continue exploring the desert landscapes in a 4x4! Visit with local nomads & marvel at how they survive despite difficult conditions while herding across both desert sand & mountains alike! Afterwards, sip some tea as you relish in traditional Berber cuisine & Gnaoua music. End your journey with dinner & a campfire with Berber music under starry skies. Day 4: Merzouga - Ouarzazate - Marrakech (Depart 8-9am; Arrive 7-9pm) Driving Distance: 8 hours 30 minutes On day four, you'll say goodbye to the Sahara after breakfast & hop on a camel as you embark towards Merzouga. Traverse desert landscapes & on to some serious mountain sights over crossing The High Atlas. By nightfall you will be back to Marrakech. For Private Tours: Optional Stops: - Kasbah Telouet - Visit palm groves in Tinghir & Tinjedad - Alternate return route through Rissani, Nkob & Tamnougalt - Alternate Accommodations on Night 1: Hotel Dar Ahlam, La Perle du Dades or similar (Luxury), Chez Ichou or similar (Royal) For Shared Excursions: The Guide in Ait Ben Haddou is not included, but you can join a group tour on your own for around €2 per person. Lunches not included on Shared Excursion Bookings. Private Tour Includes: Licensed Guide in Ait Ben Haddou, optional alternative route on return & Lunch each day.

From Marrakech: 3-Day Desert Trip to Merzouga with Lodging

6. From Marrakech: 3-Day Desert Trip to Merzouga with Lodging

Discover Erg Chebbi in Merzouga Embark on an unforgettable journey to Morocco! Start off in bustling Marrakech and make your way through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, marveling at Kasbah Ait Ben Hadou. Then take a deep dive into Dades Valley before finishing up with an awe-inspiring tour of Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes—all within just three days! Pack your bags for this beautiful expedition that allows you to experience all of Morocco's natural wonders and cultural delights firsthand. For Shared Bookings: Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Tinghir/Dades Gorges Driving Time: 5 hrs 40 mins (Pickup between 7-8pm, Arrival at Hotel 7-8pm) Accommodations: Hotel Ksar Kaissar, Hotel La Gazelle du Dades, or similar Begin your 3-day adventure with a journey through the towering peaks of Morocco's Tizi n Tichka Pass. Stop to marvel at Ait Ben Haddou, an incredible Unesco World Heritage site featured in countless films! Continue on towards Ouarzazate before making your way across Skoura Palm grove and up into tranquil Rose Valley (roses in bloom in the mid spring) where you can spot brilliant kasbahs surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Wrap it all up with a night spent in the valley, complete with dinner for a local Moroccan experience. Day 2: Boumalne Dadès – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Dunes of Merzouga Driving Time: 4 hrs 45 mins (Depart 8-9am; Arrive before sunset) Accommodations: Berber Nomad Camp or similar (Standard) Ideal Luxury Desert Camp or similar (Luxury) Take an unforgettable journey & explore the Sahara as you head towards Merzouga. Take in breathtaking views of the canyon at Todra Gorge. Afterwards make your way through Tinjdad before arriving in the Merzouga Desert for a camel ride across its sands - and an unforgettable sunset! Top off this adventure by camping overnight beside the dunes for an enchanting night like no other surrounded only by peace & serenity. Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Ouarzazate – Marrakech Driving Time: 8 hours 30 minutes (Depart 8-9am; Arrive in Marrakech 8-9pm) After a hearty breakfast, take the camel ride back to Merzouga village. The next leg of your journey will be a thrilling adventure through incredible undulating desertscapes and acacia trees towards the Atlas Mountains en route to arrive in Marrakech by days end! For Private Bookings: In addition to the above itinerary, on a private tour the following options are available: - Telouat Kasbah - Ksar Taourirt in Ouarzazate - Tinghir - Alternate return route through Nkob, Tamnougalt, & Agdz For Shared Excursions: The Guide in Ait Ben Haddou is not included, but you can join a group tour on your own for around €2 per person. Lunches not included on Shared Excursion Bookings. Private Tour Includes: Licensed Guide in Ait Ben Haddou & Lunch each day.

Overnight in Luxury Tent in Desert Camp Erg Chebbi Merzouga

7. Overnight in Luxury Tent in Desert Camp Erg Chebbi Merzouga

You will be met at the bus station or your hotel in Rissani or Merzouga, from there you will travel to a traditional Kasbah on the foot of the dunes of erg-chebbi. After a rest where you can enjoy some mint tea, a guide and camels will be waiting to carry you across the sandy dunes of the erg-chebbi. You will enjoy the beauty of the sunset while you ride a camel. After one hour you will reach the desert camp where you will spend the night in a Berber tent. At your desert shelter, your camels are hobbled and mint tea is served. After a wonderful dinner, you can take time to watch the stars, before returning to your tent for the night.  The next morning, get up early to watch the sunrise which just behind the Algerian border. You will take a camel back to have a shower and rest. After you can enjoy free activities such as sand boarding, or activities at an extra cost such as quad riding. Later you will be dropped back off at your hotel or the bus station in Rissani or Merzouga.

3 Days Luxury Desert Tour From Fes To Marrakech via Merzouga

8. 3 Days Luxury Desert Tour From Fes To Marrakech via Merzouga

Embark on an extraordinary 3-day journey from Fes to Marrakech, venturing into the mesmerizing Sahara Desert along the way. In this 3-day adventure, you’ll explore a multitude of captivating attractions, immersing yourself in Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultural wonders. Departing from Fes, visit the “Switzerland of Morocco,” Ifrane, and the mystical Cedars Forest. Enjoy a delightful lunch in Midelt before traversing the picturesque Ziz River. Experience the magic of the Merzouga Sahara Desert, where camel rides and a night at a desert camp await, offering enchanting sunsets and sunrises and the fossil-rich town of Erfoud. Venture to the magnificent Todra Gorges, the scenic Dades Valley, and the unesco-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Conclude your adventure with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, where you’ll bid farewell to this unforgettable desert tour. Day 1: Fes - Ifrane - Cedars Forest - Midelt - Merzouga Sahara An early pick-up from your Fes accommodation or the airport. Journey to Ifrane, the "Switzerland of Morocco," famed for its alpine-style houses and cool climate. Explore the mystical Cedars Forest and interact with playful Barbary Macaques. Enjoy a delectable lunch in Midelt. Travel alongside the picturesque Ziz Valley and the stunning Ziz River. Arrive at the Merzouga Sahara Desert and embark on an enchanting camel ride. Witness a magical sunset from atop a high dune. Retreat to a luxury desert camp, where Berber drums music and stargazing await. Dinner and overnight in the camp. Day 2: Merzouga Sahara - Rissani - Erfoud - Todra Gorges - Dades Valley - Ouarzazet Wake up early in the morning to witness the captivating sunrise in the heart of the desert. Enjoy breakfast before riding camels back to Merzouga, where the driver awaits. Explore Erfoud and visit one of the workshops of fossilized marble ( as option ). Continue to the Todra Gorges, a majestic canyon ideal for rock climbing and appreciation of stunning landscapes. Savor free time for lunch at a local restaurant. Journey to the Dades Valley, passing through Boumalne Dades, and admire the famous "monkey fingers" rock formation( as option ). Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a kasbah hotel in ouarzazet. Day 3: Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah - High Atlas Mountains - Marrakech After breakfast, star the journey From Ouarzazate, also known as the "gate of the desert," and visit the renowned studios where famous movies were shot. Venture to the unesco-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a historic fortified village with film and TV show appearances. Continue to Marrakech, driving through the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka pass and the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Stops will be made for lunch and photo opportunities at fascinating spots. Arrive in Marrakech and conclude your desert tour at your accommodation or the airport.

From Fes: 3-Day, 2-Night Desert Trip to Merzouga

9. From Fes: 3-Day, 2-Night Desert Trip to Merzouga

Experience an unforgettable 3-day adventure trip from Fes to the stunning desert of Merzouga with transportation, accommodation, breakfasts, and dinners included. Try once-in-a-lifetime activities like riding a camel and sandboarding down dunes. Day 1: Fes, Ifrane, Medilt, and Erfoud Depart early from Fes, passing through Ifrane, a Moroccan-style winter ski resort built by the French in the 1930s to resemble a Swiss village. Visit a cedar forest in Azrou and see the resident monkeys. Spend most of the day winding your way through Berber villages, forests, and springs, and along jagged rock faces as you cross the Atlas Mountains and begin to descend toward the Sahara Desert. Halfway through, stop for lunch in Midelt (costs not included) before continuing toward Erfoud. Stop for panoramic views of a huge oasis of palm trees, then reach Erfoud in the afternoon for dinner and an overnight hotel stay ( Accommodation depends on the chosen option). Day 2: Erfoud, Rissani, and Erg Chebbi After breakfast, stop to see fossils and what Erfoud offers. Continue to Rissani, the first capital of the Alawite Dynasty. See historical Kasbahs and visit a local market where you can try the area's local food of the area. Arrive in Merzouga to see the different faces of desert dunes, passing through small villages along the way. Stop to listen to some Saharan music in El Khamlia and enjoy a rest with mint tea. Next, meet your guide and the camels for a ride along the dunes of Erg Chebbi Camp. Take in the beauty of the sunset from on top a camel, the head to the desert camp. Following dinner after and under the stars you can enjoy the camp and the soothing atmosphere. Day 3: Merzouga, Tafilalte, and Fes You can get up early in the morning to take a walk over the sand dunes nearby and watch the sunrise from just behind the Algerian border which is located about 50 km from Merzouga. then get back to the camp to have breakfast and get your ready to get back to Fes. We will pass through Rissani and Ziz Valley, stopping along the way for a walk and lunch in Midelt before arriving back in Fes (lunch not included).

2 day luxury desert tour from Fes to Fes or Marrakech

10. 2 day luxury desert tour from Fes to Fes or Marrakech

1 Day:Fes-Ifran-Midelt-Ziz-valley-Desert Merzouga Your journey through the Middle Atlas mountains and the Sahara desert sounds like an incredible adventure. Here's a breakdown of your itinerary: 7:30 AM - Pick up from hotel/Riad: Your journey begins early in the morning as you're picked up from your accommodation. Ifrane: Your first stop is the charming town of Ifrane, often referred to as "Morocco's Switzerland" due to its Alpine chalet-style architecture. It was built by the French in the 1930s. Cedar Forests: You'll continue your journey, passing through cedar forests in the Middle Atlas mountains. This region is known for its natural beauty and rich flora. Atlas Mountains: As you continue your drive, you'll wind your way through the Atlas Mountains, with their forested peaks, mountain streams, and spectacular rock formations that seem to hold up the sky. Midelt - Lunch Break: Around midday, you'll reach Midelt, where you'll have a break for lunch. This town is an important stop on your journey. Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes: Continuing your journey south, you'll be amazed by the sudden appearance of the massive Erg Chebbi sand dunes. These dunes can reach heights of up to 50 meters and stretch into the Algerian Sahara. Camel Trekking: Your adventure takes an exciting turn as you embark on a camel trek into the desert. This experience will lead you through the shifting sands and towards a traditional Berber desert encampment. Sunset: You'll have the opportunity to witness a breathtaking desert sunset as you ride your camel through the dunes. The changing colors of the sky and the sands create a magical atmosphere. Berber Desert Encampment: You'll arrive at a traditional Berber desert encampment where you'll spend the night in a charming tent surrounded by the towering dunes. This is a unique and authentic desert experience. Dinner and Entertainment: As night falls, you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner while listening to the sweet strains of traditional Berber music. The desert sky will be filled with countless stars, providing a mesmerizing backdrop. Stargazing: The desert's lack of light pollution makes it an ideal location for stargazing. You'll be treated to a stunning display of stars, making you feel like you can almost touch them. 2 Day:Desert- midelt- fes Or Go To Marrakech as (Transfert) With sotp For Lunch And same stops for drink coffee and take picture In high atlas or use the bathroom : Don't forget to wake up early and participate in the experience of a lifetime. Enjoy watching the sun paint the sand dunes in Morocco with its beautiful colors! Finish off with breakfast sitting among these majestic sand formations. Then, ride a camel on an exhilarating journey that will take you back to Merzouga. From Merzouga we will return to your accommodation in Fez. Before that, we will return to say goodbye to the monkeys in the forest and enjoy the beauty of nature in the Middle Atlas Mountains.

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What people are saying about Rissani, Morocco

Overall rating

3.6 / 5

based on 47 reviews

Perfect trip for first time travelers to Morocco, ideal to get a taste of the country outside the main cities. The trip will take you from the Atlas Mountains, through inner valleys and gorges to the very far desert. You will see a great variety of climates and landscapes changing before your eyes as you head toward Merzouga. Personally, we especially enjoyed Ait Ben Haddou, Todra and the magical experience of the camel ride at sunset and sunrise in the desert - a highlight of the experience, highly recommended! Our guide Ali was exceptionally friendly, kind and so insightful on all the aspects of the lifestyle, traditions and culture of the Berber communities. He helped us navigating through the souks and gave great recommendations along the way for future trips to Morocco. We were delighted to meet him and have him as our guide and friend for journey. We loved every stop along the way and wish it could have lasted longer. Until next time!

We did the 4 day Merzouga experience. Exactly as advertised. Our driver Hassan was extremely attentive and knowledgable. He showed up on time every day, made excellent stops. The food at those stops were good. The bathrooms at the places we stopped at were very clean. Hassan made sure we had sufficient water, snacks and ensured we were happy the entire way. He's also very friendly and professional. When you're on this tour you don't have to worry about anything for 4 days. Beware, internet coverage is spotty and the mountains can be cold in winter.

What a life experience! Me and my girlfriend had the best local tour ever with Aziz Talaoul, having the opportunity to discover Marocco and the Berber culture with locals through all the 5 senses. Even the food was delicious, in particular the lunch we had in an authentic Berber house (“chez L’habitant”) with Hicham and his family around At Tamdakhate. We would totally recommend it to all the adventurers who want to go back at home richer of experience and full of great memories!

Esperienza impeccabile, organizzazione perfetta, comfort di viaggio ottimo, esperienza da 10 e lode. Mohammed il miglior driver in assoluto di tutto il Marocco, ragazzo d’oro. Accompagna, ti fa conoscere suoi amici che ti porteranno in negozi e ristoranti tipico inarrivabile per un semplice turista. Se prenotate con questo tour operator chiedete espressamente di lui, non ve ne pentirete. Provare per credere.

We had an excellent time on this tour. Our guide Aziz was very enthusiastic showing us the different aspects of Berber culture. On top of that, he was very attentive to our well-being and a good, safe driver. The sights (desert!!) were amazing as well. I would definitely recommend this tour when you have the time in your schedule.