MARRAKECH TOURS
HIGHLIGHTS
Join us for this 5-days Marrakech desert tour and allow yourself to immerse in the Moroccan culture by traveling to the deep south of Morocco. Discover the ancient Kasbahs including Telouet & Ait Benaddou, drive through the palm valley of Draa, go on a camel in Merzouga desert for the sunset view, explore the Sahara desert if Erg Chebbi with its sand dunefield, visit the nomads and learn about their way of life. The Marrakech desert trip is an ideal itinerary to closely get in touch with the hidden gems of the desert.
After having breakfast in your hotel/Riad in Marrakech, your private driver/guide will pick you up at around 07:30 am before heading to the south. Have an interesting drive through the spectacular high-Atlas Mountains with its panoramic views and rich culture. After crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260 m), we will head into the heart of the mountains to the Telouet Castle that can be seen from afar once you approach the village.
Telouet was built by the Glaoui family who controlled the caravan route that connected Marrakech with the Sahara. Even though the castle is crumbling but you can notice how extravagant the life of the Glaoui was. Continue on the track to the Ait Benhaddou Village, which consists of numerous Kasbahs (fortresses). This Kser (village) was used as a backdrop for shooting Hollywood Movies including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and many others.
After lunch, we will head further south to Zagora crossing the spectacular Anti-Atlas Mountains with its unique geological formations, then drive alongside the lush Draa Valley.
Today, we will drive further southeast through the center of Nkob with its countless Kasbahs that are striking example of the southern architecture. Upon arrival to Merzouga desert, you will have a warm welcome by the staff members of the Riad/hotel, which is located by the edge of the sand dunes.
Have a nice meal for dinner under the stars or inside the restaurant. Later, you may want to stretch your legs in the soft sand dunes stargazing and enjoying the absolute tranquility. Have a relaxing sleep in your en-suite room.
After breakfast, you will spend most of the day exploring what the Sahara desert of Erg Chebbi has to offer. You will get an insight into the traditional system of irrigation known as “Khettaras”, which consists of conveying water to the oasis by a digging wells and interconnecting them with an underground channel. Visit the Khamlia village, which is resided by black Africans brought as slaves and are known for the Gnawa Music they tend to perform to guest-visitors.
We will have a complete tour around the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi offering miraculous view. Visit a local nomad family offering an opportunity to learn about their unique style of life before driving back to our hotel/Riad for the highlight of the desert experience.
Go on a camel ride experience enjoying the breathtaking views of the sunset before getting to the our luxury desert camp where you will spend your third night.
Early wake up in the morning, we will invite you to climb the sand dune so that you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunrise. After having breakfat and freshening up, we will drive to the Dades Valley through Erfoud, which is known for the fossil factories and dates’ market. Have a nice walk by the impressive Todra Gorge, this canyon piles up to 200 m high attracting mountain climbers from all over the world.
After lunch, we will continue on the track to the lush Dades Valley where we will spend our fourth night.
Today, we will head to Marrakech through the Valley of Roses where we might include a visit to a local cooperative learning about the different produce from roses including rose water, soaps, lotions and much more. Drive through the palm oasis of Skoura to Ouarzazate (Hollywood of Africa), which is known for the Atlas Film Studios turning the region into a backdrop for film-making. Cross the Atlas Mountains and reach Marrakech in the late afternoon.