Day 1: Marrakech / ait Ben Hadou / Dades Gorges
We will meet you at your riad or hotel at 8:30a.m., depart Marrakech, and
transport over the High Atlas mountains Tizi nTichka pass. We will have time to
stop and enjoy impressive landscapes, and break for coffee and fresh-squeezed
orange juice. We will spend the afternoon visiting World Heritage Site of Ait
Benhaddou. This village of clustered Berber Kasbahs has been used as a backdrop
for more than 20 films and was one of the most important fortress strongholds
on the old Salt Road where caravans brought slaves, gold, ivory and salt from
Saharan Africa to Marrakech and beyond. We’ll pass through Ouarzazate, and the
Valley of the Rose, famous for soft Persian rose oil. You will pass through
many Berber villages, and once in the desert, see barren hillsides clustered
with kasbahs (fortified dwellings that house many families and their
livestock). After visiting the Tamnalt hills, we stay Dades valley auberge
(small country inn) in the upper gorge.
Day 2: Dades Gorgres / Todra Gorgres/ Merzougua
After breakfast we have a short drive to walk through a massive fault dividing
the High Atlas mountains. Todra Gorge sheer rock walls rises to 300 m in its narrowest part.
Then we’ll head for the Erg Chebbi sand sea. We continue deeper into the desert
landscape, until dunes appear on the horizon. Our mid-afternoon destination is
the auberge (small country inn) 29km from Merzouga, where you meet your camel
guide and ride into the bivouac (camp). Upon arrival you will have a
traditional tagine dinner prepared (vegetarians welcome) under the evening
stars shining brilliantly in the clear night sky. Climb the dunes and watch the
moon rise before retiring to your bed in a nomad tent.
Day 3: Marzougua / Ouarzazat / Marrakech
Return by camel at sunrise to the auberge for breakfast and shower. The
remainder of the day is spent driving back to Ouarzazate where we’ll stop for
lunch and visit the old Glaoui Kasbah Taouirt. Then we cross the High Atlas
once more, down the Tizi nTichka pass. Arrival evening in Marrakech at
approximately 6pm. Marrakech hotel this night optional with an extra cost.
NB : Each one of our offers can be adapted to suit individual needs. The
Sahara is a mysterious, magical and powerful experience. You will be
accompanied by local and experienced nomad guides as well as knowledgeable
drivers who can increase your enjoyment in gaining a feel for this special
place.
Book this tour
Includes: Transport by 4x4; experienced driver; ensuite rooms with air
conditioning, breakfast and dinner (vegetarians welcome); swimming stops (April
to September); personalised extended walks and exploration of oasis palmeries
and kasbahs, markets and medinas; camel trek to overnight in nomad desert
bivouac with guide and camels of course
NB : Each one of our offers can be adapted to suit individual needs. The
Sahara is a mysterious, magical and powerful experience. You will be
accompanied by local and experienced nomad guides as well as knowledgeable
drivers who can increase your enjoyment in gaining a feel for this special
place.
Book this tour
Includes: Transport by 4x4; experienced driver; ensuite rooms with air
conditioning, breakfast and dinner (vegetarians welcome); swimming stops (April
to September); personalised extended walks and exploration of oasis palmeries
and kasbahs, markets and medinas; camel trek to overnight in nomad desert
bivouac with guide and camels of course
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