8 Days - Sahara Desert and Everything
Tour Overview
This 8-day adventure from Marrakesh offers a stunning blend of Moroccan culture, history, and natural beauty. Begin by crossing the High Atlas Mountains to visit the historic Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. Journey through the scenic Agdaz and Draa Valleys, experiencing desert life in Tafraout, Ramlia, and Merzouga. Enjoy camel rides, desert safaris, and visits to nomadic communities. Explore the dramatic Todra Gorges and Dades Valley, before returning to the vibrant city of Marrakesh. End your trip by experiencing Marrakesh’s bustling markets and UNESCO sites. A perfect mix of adventure and culture!
Day 1: Marrakesh - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate
Your journey begins with a 7:30 AM departure from your hotel or Riad in Marrakesh. As you head towards the majestic High Atlas Mountains, you'll traverse the scenic Tichka Pass, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Your first stop will be the historic Telouet Kasbah, once the stronghold of the wealthy Glaoui family of the Atlas. Although it now lies in ruins after its last Pasha fled the country following the departure of the French, the Kasbah still holds a haunting beauty and offers a glimpse into a bygone era.
After exploring the Telouet Kasbah, you'll pause for a lunch break amidst the stunning mountain scenery. Your journey then continues to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. This ancient fortified village has been used as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood blockbusters and the famous series "Game of Thrones", adding a touch of cinematic glamour to its historic charm.
The final leg of your day's journey takes you to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Sahara". Here, you'll visit the impressive Kasbah Taourirte, a testament to the region's rich architectural heritage. After a day of exploration, you'll enjoy a well-deserved dinner at your hotel in Ouarzazate, where you'll spend the night, ready for the adventures of the following day.
Day 2: Ouarzazate to Agdaz Valley to tafraot Desert
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you'll set off for the Agdaz Valley. Your journey will take you along the Ait Sawn road, a route that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival in Agdaz, you'll embark on an hour-long trek around the valley, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the area. A picnic lunch in this picturesque setting will provide a delightful break.
Post lunch, you'll depart for the As you cruise along the Draa Valley road, you'll encounter numerous Berber villages, each offering a unique glimpse into the local traditions and way of life. Take some time in the afternoon to stroll around and soak in the atmosphere of this captivating region.
As evening falls, you'll find your tents or hotel ready for your overnight stay in the desert. The desert night sky, free from light pollution, offers a spectacular display of stars. As you settle in for the night, enjoy the tranquility of the desert and the clear, starry sky above. This is a perfect opportunity for stargazing and reflection, capping off a day filled with exploration and discovery.
Day 3: Tafrawt Sidi Ali to Ramlia to Ozina Desert
Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast, after which you'll have an hour to explore the Desert on foot. This morning stroll will allow you to fully appreciate the stunning desert landscape and the tranquility that accompanies the dawn.
Following your walk, you'll embark on a drive around the desert, immersing yourself in the beauty of the rolling dunes. Along the way, you'll have the unique opportunity to visit authentic nomadic communities. Witnessing their way of life firsthand offers a fascinating insight into the resilience and adaptability of these desert dwellers.
Around noon, you'll pause for a picnic lunch amidst the dunes. The simplicity of a meal in the desert, under the vast open sky, is an experience to be cherished.
Post lunch, you'll depart for the Ramlia Desert, located near the Algerian border. Known as a "free desert", Ramlia offers an unspoiled and serene desert experience. Here, you'll spend the night in hotel/riad (mobile tents for small group), allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the desert environment. As the night falls, enjoy the peaceful solitude of the desert and the mesmerizing display of stars above.
Day 4: ozina to Merzouga
Begin your day with the spectacle of the sunrise over the Ozina Desert, followed by a hearty breakfast. After breakfast, take an hour to explore the Ramlia Desert further, appreciating the varying colors of the desert sands.
The desert is dotted with small villages along the Algerian border, each with its unique traditions and way of life. As you journey through these villages, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and the resilience of the people who call this harsh landscape home.
After your exploration of the Ozina Desert, you'll set off for the Merzouga Desert. Upon arrival, you'll take a break for lunch, giving you a chance to refuel before the afternoon's adventures. Post lunch, your journey continues along the roads of Road Ozina, Jdaid, and Taouas, leading you to Merzouga. Known for its towering dunes, Merzouga offers a different perspective of the Sahara's beauty.
As evening falls, you will check in at your hotel or riad. For small group, you'll settle into your mobile tents for the night. Nestled amidst the dunes of Merzouga, under a blanket of stars, you'll experience the tranquility and majesty of the desert night.
Day 5: Safari around Erg Chabi to Arfoud
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your desert camp before embarking on a safari around the Erg Chabi, a large sea of dunes formed by wind-blown sand. Witness the ever-changing colors of the dunes as the sun moves across the sky.
In the afternoon, head to Arfoud, a city known as the "Gateway to the Desert". Arfoud is famous for its date festival and fossil workshops. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit a local date farm and enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch featuring local specialties.
In the evening, you'll have a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region through its music. Attend a performance of Gnawa music, a traditional form of spiritual music that combines African rhythms with Islamic poetry. The music is deeply hypnotic and is often used in healing ceremonies.
After the performance, visit an old astrologer for a glimpse into the ancient art of astrology. The Sahara desert, with its clear, unpolluted skies, has been a haven for stargazers for centuries. Learn about the different constellations and their significance in Moroccan culture.
Day 6: Merzouga – Erfoud – Tinejdad – Tineghir – Todra Gorges – Boumalne Dades
Start your day with a journey from Merzouga to Erfoud, a city known for its beautiful fossils. After a brief exploration, continue to Tinejdad, a small town known for its beautiful Kasbahs. Here, make sure to visit the Musee Lalla Mimouna.
Musee Lalla Mimouna is a cultural gem that offers a glimpse into the traditional Berber lifestyle. The museum is set in an old Kasbah and showcases a collection of artifacts, including traditional Berber clothing, jewelry, and tools. It provides a fascinating insight into the region's history and the daily life of its inhabitants.
After your visit to the museum, continue to Tineghir, a beautiful oasis city. Visit the Todra Gorges, a series of limestone river canyons, and end your day in Boumalne Dades, a town in the Dades Valley known for its stunning landscapes. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner in Boumalne Dades, reflecting on the rich cultural experiences of the day.
Day 7: Boumalne to Marrakech
After breakfast in Boumalne, you'll embark on a journey back to Marrakech. This drive offers a chance to reflect on your desert adventure as the landscapes gradually shift from the arid desert to the lush plains and then to the rugged peaks of the High Atlas Mountains.
As you traverse the Dades Valley, you'll pass through a series of traditional Berber villages, each with its unique charm. The valley is known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs" for its numerous stunning fortresses that dot the landscape. The contrast of the red clay structures against the green fields and blue sky is a sight to behold.
Further along, you'll cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass. This is the highest major mountain pass of North Africa, and the views are simply breathtaking. The winding road, flanked by lush valleys, traditional mud-brick Berber villages, and snow-capped peaks, offers some of the most stunning scenery in Morocco.
Upon your arrival in Marrakech, you'll notice the stark contrast between the tranquil desert and the bustling city. Spend your final day exploring Marrakech. Visit the beautiful gardens, explore the historic medina, and enjoy some last-minute shopping in the souks. Don't forget to try some traditional Moroccan cuisine!
As your journey comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the incredible sights, sounds, and experiences of your Moroccan adventure. From the vibrant city of Marrakech to the serene deserts and stunning mountain landscapes, you've experienced the diverse beauty that Morocco has to offer.
Day 8: Marrakesh - Departure
Spend your final day exploring Marrakesh. Visit the beautiful gardens, explore the historic medina, and enjoy some last-minute shopping in the souks. Don't forget to try some traditional Moroccan cuisine!
What is included:
Pick-up &Drop-off at your Hotel or AirportCamel ride in the Sahara desert (one camel per person)Transport in a private 4x4 car or minibus with A/C.English / Spanish Speaking Driver.1 Night in the desert camp.6 Dinners and Breakfasts.Nights in hotels.Fuel.
What is not included:
Lunches Drinks. Entrance fees to monuments.
