Embark on an unforgettable 10 Day Morocco Fossils Hunting Tour From Marrakesh, uncovering its rich fossil and mineral heritage. Starting in vibrant Marrakech, this expedition takes you across the majestic Atlas Mountains, through lush cedar forests, and into world-famous fossil sites. You’ll explore Jurassic, Cretaceous, Devonian, Cambrian, and Ordovician layers, visiting ancient mines, breathtaking gorges, and the vast Sahara Desert. Along the way, discover rare trilobites, ammonites, brachiopods, and stunning mineral specimens while experiencing Morocco’s captivating landscapes, traditional culture, and warm hospitality. This tour is a perfect blend of adventure, science, and discovery for fossil enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Marrakesh (Google Map)
Depart from Marrakesh early in the morning and drive through the scenic High Atlas Mountains. Stop to visit the ancient salt mines, where salt has been extracted for centuries. Continue to Ait Benhaddou, the iconic UNESCO-listed ksar, exploring its historic kasbah and streets. Overnight in Ait Benhaddou.
After breakfast, depart toward Alnif, driving through the stunning landscapes of the Draa Valley. Upon arrival, visit the local fossil workshops to learn about trilobites and other Devonian fossils found in the region. Overnight in Alnif.
Spend the day exploring the Alnif Trilobite Mines and surrounding fossil sites. With guidance from local experts, discover trilobites, ammonites, and brachiopods in their natural rock layers, and learn techniques for fossil extraction and preparation. Overnight in Alnif.
Drive from Alnif to Merzouga, stopping at the Issoumour Fossil Site, known for its large trilobites and marine fossils from the Devonian period. Continue to the Sahara Desert, enjoying the desert scenery, and settle in for an overnight stay at a desert camp in Merzouga, with optional sunset camel rides.
Travel from Merzouga to the Kem Kem region, exploring Filon 12, a world-renowned fossil site for dinosaur teeth, fossil fish, and crocodile remains. Engage in fossil hunting and learn about the unique Cretaceous-era fossils of the area. Overnight near Kem Kem.
Drive toward Mharech, with fossil stops along the way. In Mharech, visit local quarries and workshops to collect Devonian trilobites and ammonites, experiencing Morocco’s rich fossil heritage. Overnight in Mharech.
Head to Tafraoute via Sidi Ali, stopping to explore fossil sites known for smaller trilobites and marine fossils. Continue through the Anti-Atlas landscapes to Tafraoute, enjoying its unique granite formations. Overnight in a guesthouse in Tafraoute.
Depart Tafraoute and drive toward Zagora, stopping at Imi n’Wassif, a famous Calymyn trilobite site, to explore and collect trilobite fossils in their natural rock layers. Continue through the Anti-Atlas foothills to Zagora. Overnight in Zagora.
Drive from Zagora to Ouarzazate, stopping at a stromatolite site, where ancient microbial life formed layered rock structures, providing a fascinating window into early life on Earth. Continue to Ouarzazate, with optional visits to local attractions or film studios. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Return to Marrakesh via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. Reflect on the 10-day journey through Morocco’s deserts, mountains, and rich fossil sites as the tour concludes in Marrakech.
Morocco is one of the world’s richest countries for fossils and minerals. Key fossil-rich regions include Erfoud, Alnif, and the Anti-Atlas / Saharan border zones, where trilobites, ammonites, orthoceras, and other marine fossils are commonly found.
For most guided tours, no special permit is required for surface collecting of small specimens. However, export of fossils and minerals is regulated by Moroccan law. Our experienced guides will ensure that all collecting activities comply with local regulations, and any large or scientifically significant discoveries must be properly reported.
Yes! On our tours, guests are welcome to keep small surface specimens as personal souvenirs. For larger or unique discoveries, our team will guide you on the appropriate procedures in accordance with Moroccan laws.
The ideal time for these tours is from October to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer months can be very hot in desert areas, so we recommend cooler seasons for the best comfort and exploration experience.
Absolutely! Our tours are designed for all levels of interest, from professional geologists to families and curious travelers. Our guides explain geological and fossil concepts in simple, engaging ways, so everyone can enjoy and learn, regardless of background or experience.
We recommend bringing:
You don’t need to worry about special tools, we provide all the necessary excavation equipment
