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Shanghai to Morocco: Marrakech, the Sahara at Merzouga and Fes

Shanghai → Marrakech → Merzouga (Sahara) → Fes

Jemaa el-Fnaa
"Djemaa_el_Fna.jpg" by Boris Macek, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence
Marrakech, Morocco (5421595453) (5) (Marrakech)
Photo : YoTuT from United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Morocco imperial cities & Sahara Best season (general guide): Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Morocco's classic circuit runs from Marrakech over the High Atlas to the Sahara and north to Fes. This version spends three nights in Marrakech, two in the desert and three in Fes. From Shanghai you'll connect through Europe or the Gulf.

In Marrakech, the square of Jemaa el-Fna fills with food stalls and musicians in the evening. By day, the souks lead to the Bahia Palace, and the Majorelle Garden, with its blue walls, is a quieter escape.

The road east crosses the High Atlas and passes the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, a mud-brick ksar on a hill. Continue through the gorges to Merzouga, at the edge of Erg Chebbi, where camps sit among dunes that rise high above the plain. A camel or a walk to the top of a dune at sunset is worth the long drive.

From the desert the road heads north through the Middle Atlas to Fes. Fes el-Bali is a vast medina of narrow lanes, and a guide helps you find the tanneries, madrasas and craft streets.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons. UNESCO lists the medinas of Marrakesh and Fez and the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou.

Pacing: the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga is long and is best split with a night in the Dades or Todra gorges if you have time. Agree prices before buying in the souks, and hire an official guide in Fes, as unlicensed guides can be pushy.

Moroccan food is a highlight, with tagines, couscous and mint tea served everywhere. In Fes, the medina's food stalls sell snacks such as msemen and harira soup.

Suggested outline

  1. Shanghai

    Start

  2. Marrakech

    By air · 3 nights suggested

    Jemaa el-Fna, the souks, Bahia Palace and the Majorelle Garden.

  3. Merzouga (Sahara)

    Overland · 2 nights suggested

    A desert camp by the Erg Chebbi dunes, reached over the High Atlas.

    Erg Chebbi
    "Merzouga_Dunes_2011.jpg" by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

  4. Fes

    Overland · 3 nights suggested

    The car-free medina of Fes el-Bali, best explored with a guide.

    Fes el Bali
    "Fes_Bab_Bou_Jeloud_2011.jpg" by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Marrakech — Arrive; Jemaa el-Fna· Shanghai → Marrakech (by air) — long-haul; may arrive the next calendar day
  2. Day 2 · Marrakech — Souks and Bahia Palace
  3. Day 3 · Marrakech — Majorelle Garden
  4. Day 4 · Merzouga (Sahara) — Over the High Atlas via Aït Benhaddou and the gorges· Marrakech → Merzouga, Sahara (overland)
  5. Day 5 · Merzouga (Sahara) — Erg Chebbi; desert camp
  6. Day 6 · Fes — North through the Middle Atlas to Fes· Merzouga, Sahara → Fes (overland)
  7. Day 7 · Fes — Fes el-Bali with a guide; tanneries
  8. Day 8 · Fes — Free day in the medina
  9. Day 9 · Fes — Travel home from Fes· Fes → Shanghai (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

Flights, leg by leg

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Marrakech

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Plan the trip: Marrakech

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Merzouga (Sahara)

Nearest airport: Marrakech Search fares · Marrakech ↗

Fes

Nearest airport: Fez

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