Overview

This Geo Morocco Tour is a specialized 10-day adventure designed for geology enthusiasts, fossil hunters, and mineral collectors. Your journey will take you from the vibrant city of Marrakech to the fossil-rich grounds of the Sahara. Guided by experts with deep knowledge of Morocco's unique geology, you will explore ancient sites, dig for Devonian and Ordovician period fossils, and discover a variety of stunning minerals. This is more than a tour; it's a hands-on expedition into the Earth's ancient history.

Highlights

Explore Morocco’s prime fossil and mineral locations with expert geological guides.
Dig for trilobites, ammonites, and other marine fossils from the Paleozoic Era.
Visit the famous fossil beds of Alnif and the mineral-rich areas around Midelt.
Discover unique minerals like Vanadinite, Azurite, and Malachite.
Experience a night in a traditional Berber desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Travel through the stunning landscapes of the High Atlas and Ziz Valley.
Learn about the geology and history that shaped Morocco's landscape.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can have a first look at the city, including the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 2: Marrakech → Ouarzazate via Tizi n’Tichka Pass

After breakfast, we will drive towards Ouarzazate, crossing the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. We’ll make stops to observe the geological formations of the mountain range. We visit the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou before continuing to Ouarzazate for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Ouarzazate → Alnif (Trilobite Fossil Area)

Today, we travel towards Alnif, a region renowned for its rich trilobite fossil beds. We will spend the afternoon exploring the site, where you will have the opportunity to search for and collect your own trilobite fossils from the Cambrian period. Dinner and night in a hotel in Alnif.

Day 4: Alnif → Rissani → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

We continue our journey to Merzouga. Along the way, we'll visit the ancient city of Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty. In the afternoon, you will take a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to reach your desert camp. Enjoy a beautiful sunset, a traditional dinner, and a night under the Saharan stars.

Day 5: Merzouga → Taouz (Exploring Devonian fossils)

After breakfast, we will explore the desert surroundings by 4x4. We head to the Taouz area, famous for its Devonian period fossils, including ammonites and orthoceras. You’ll have plenty of time for fossil hunting with the guidance of our experts. We return to Merzouga in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel at the edge of the dunes.

Day 6: Merzouga → Erfoud → Midelt

We leave the desert behind and head north towards Midelt, a town known for its apple orchards and mineral wealth. En route, we stop in Erfoud, known as the "Fossil Capital of Morocco," to visit workshops where fossils are cleaned and prepared. We continue through the scenic Ziz Valley, arriving in Midelt in the evening.

Day 7: Midelt Mineral Exploration (Vanadinite)

Today is dedicated to mineral collecting in the Midelt region. This area is famous for its deposits of minerals such as Vanadinite, Cerussite, and Barite. You will visit a working mine and have the chance to collect samples. Dinner and overnight in Midelt.

Day 8: Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes

We travel to the imperial city of Fes. Our route takes us through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains, where we might see Barbary apes. We will pass through Azrou and Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture. We arrive in Fes in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay in a riad.

Day 9: Fes Guided City Tour

Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. We will explore the Fes el-Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its souks, palaces, and ancient mosques. You will also visit the famous tanneries and the Bou Inania Madrasa.

Day 10: Fes → Departure

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Fes-Saïss Airport for your departure.

What's Included

Private A/C vehicle transportation for the entire tour.
Experienced English-speaking driver and geology guide.
9 nights of accommodation in hotels/riads and a desert camp.
Daily breakfasts and dinners.
Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi desert.
4x4 for desert exploration.
Guided tours in Fes.
All geological site visits and collecting permits.

What's Not Included

Lunches and drinks.
Flights to and from Morocco.
Entrance fees to historical monuments.
Personal expenses and tips.
Tools for fossil/mineral collection (basic tools can be provided upon request).

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for anyone passionate about geology. Unlike standard tours, it focuses on hands-on exploration and collection, led by knowledgeable guides who can take you to the best, often-hidden, locations. You will not only see the beauty of Morocco but also uncover the ancient secrets buried beneath its soil. It's an educational and adventurous trip rolled into one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need any prior experience in geology or fossil collecting? No prior experience is necessary. Our guides are experts and will teach you everything you need to know, from identifying fossils to safe collection techniques.

What kind of tools should I bring? We recommend bringing a geological hammer, chisels, safety glasses, and gloves. A magnifying glass can also be useful. We can provide some basic tools if needed.

Can I keep the fossils and minerals I find? Yes, within reasonable limits for personal collection. Our guides will advise on any restrictions. Shipping larger items home can also be arranged at an additional cost.