The Mysteries of the Desert (5 days / 4 nights)
Trip description
The 4x4 vehicle is the ideal way to explore the great diversity of landscapes in southern Morocco. Enjoy an authentic journey full of emotion in a vehicle designed to take you safely and comfortably to remote destinations.
Discover the legendary Draa Valley and its chain of oases, the ergs and sand dunes of southern Morocco, as well as the high valleys of the Atlas Mountains.
Tour itinerary
Early in the morning, departure from Marrakech by 4x4. From the very beginning of the journey, you will enjoy beautiful landscapes and small terraced villages along the winding mountain road leading to the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, at 2,260 meters above sea level.
Just after the pass, we take a 20-kilometre track through desert hills to reach the village of Telouet and its magnificent Kasbah, once the main residence of the “Lord of the Atlas” – Pasha El Glaoui. The Kasbah once hosted his court, stables, a mosque, and servants, during a time when he ruled over a semi-independent domain stretching from Marrakech to the edge of the Sahara Desert in the east.
After a visit to the Kasbah of Telouet, the journey continues through the Assif Ounila Valley before arriving at the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will get out of the vehicle to visit this remarkable historical ksar, built in full respect of traditional earthen architecture: thick walls, impressive towers, and vaulted gates. Many famous films were shot here, including *The Mummy*, *Seven Years in Tibet*, and *Alexander*.
On arrival in Ouarzazate, an optional visit to the impressive Atlas Film Studios can be arranged. We then continue with a short visit of the Kasbah Taourirt, a fascinating cultural heritage site with a labyrinth of richly decorated rooms and impressive ramparts.
Dinner and overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
Morning departure towards Agdez via the Tizi n’Tinfifite Pass (1,660 m). A stop for tea or coffee in Agdez allows you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before continuing the journey through beautiful gardens, palm oases, and traditional kasbahs.
We then visit the Kasbah of Kasbah Tamnougalt, considered one of the oldest kasbahs in the Draa Valley. A local guide can be arranged on request to explore this historic site.
After lunch, we continue our journey towards Zagora, passing through the oasis landscapes of the Draa Valley.
On the way, we stop in Tamegroute to visit the famous Quranic library and traditional pottery workshops, known for producing the distinctive green pottery of southern Morocco.
Dinner and overnight stay in Zagora.
After breakfast, we head towards the sand dunes of Erg Chegaga. Here, you will discover the desert landscape, nomadic life, and the magic of the star-filled night sky.
On the way to Chegaga, the rocky desert gradually transforms into a sandy desert, forming the highest dunes in Morocco. The Chegaga dunes offer unforgettable sunrise and sunset views that will remain deeply engraved in your memory.
An optional short camel trek can be arranged for those who wish to experience the desert in a traditional way.
Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional Berber tent camp under the stars.
Wake up in the morning to enjoy the sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chegaga. After breakfast, we depart towards Foum Zguid, passing by local nomadic families who still live in traditional tents.
We continue the journey with a visit to the dry lake of Lake Iriki and the vast desert plateau of Akassia, a striking lunar-like landscape.
Lunch is served in an oasis along the route, offering a refreshing break in the middle of the desert.
In the afternoon, we continue towards Foum Zguid, where we arrive for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, departure towards Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Included
- Accommodation for 4 nights on a half-board basis. Our priorities when selecting accommodation are authenticity, comfort, and quality of service.
- Camel ride.
- The assistance of a driver-guide who speaks the traveler’s language throughout the circuit, and a certified national guide for groups of more than 8 people.
- All taxes included.
Not included
- Transfers from other Moroccan cities or airports to Marrakech: If you would like a member of our staff to meet you wherever you are, an additional supplement will be charged.
- Additional meal costs.
- All beverages.
- Optional excursions offered (to be booked and paid for on site).
- Optional tips.
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