MOROCCAN SAHARA DESERT /4 DAYS
Epic 4-Day Desert Expedition: From Marrakech to Erg Chebbi Dunes
Duration
4 Day
Grupe
Starting From 1 Person
INFORMATION
An unforgettable three-day desert tour to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, concluding with the nine-hour drive back to Marrakesh. Due to the long driving time it is preferable to take a minimum of 4 days for a desert tour from Marrakech to Erg Chebbi to break up the journey each way and give you time to explore all the beautiful sites along the way.
This memorable tour– starting and finishing in Marrakech– takes you on a journey to the south of Morocco through the Atlas and the Anti-Atlas Mountains. You’ll travel through Berber villages, Kasbahs, gorges, palm groves, canyons, oases and into the heart of Sahara Desert. Throughout the course of the tour you will visit some of the most interesting historical, geographical and cultural sites in Morocco and enjoy warm Moroccan hospitality and fresh cuisine (dates, olives, endless mint tea, freshly baked bread, olive oil, generous breakfasts and homemade tagines).
Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains and its Tizi Ntichka Pass
- Cross the Anti-Atlas Mountains
- Visit Ouarzazat studios
- Sunset camel trek to your desert camp
- Early morning camel trek back to hotel
- Spend night in Berber tent and sleep under the stars if you wish
- Enjoy a bonfire and live music under the stars
- Visit Todra Gorge and walk along the river
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
- Discover the lifestyle of nomadic people
TOUR PLAN
The tour begins with a pickup from your riad, hotel or the airport. Your guide will introduce himself as we head towards the High Atlas Mountains through Tizi-n-Tichka (2,260m). Pass through Ouarzazat– AKA “the door of the desert” — a popular filming location where many international and Hollywood movies have been produced, including The Mummy, The Last Temptation and Lawrence of Arabia. You will have lunch in Ouarzazat after visiting the Atlas Studio, then we’ll continue on to Dades Gorge where you will spend the night at a hotel overlooking the spectacular gorge. Before arriving we will stop at the rose valley of Kalat Mgouna, where people celebrate a rose water festival each May, and which is well known for its superior rose products.
After breakfast we will drive through the colorful Berber villages of Dedes Valley and pass through Tinghir with its Jewish Quarter and beautiful palm groves. Then on through todra Gorge where you will have the chance to enjoy an easy stroll around the canyons (also a popular spot for rock climbing). You will have lunch in the town of Tinjdad and then set off for the Sahara Desert. Once we reach Merzouga, you will find camels waiting to take you on an overnight adventure in the heart of the Saharan dunes. You will enjoy the Saharan sunset ride on your way to the camp. After 90 minutes we will arrive at the Berber tents where we’ll spend the night, and you can stretch your legs and explore the legendary dunes. After dinner you will enjoy sitting by the fire and taking in the live Saharan music (and even join in, if you like) under the stars of the clear desert sky.
Wake up early to enjoy the unique beauty of the sunrise over the Saharan dunes on your 1-hour camel ride to the hotel in the center of the village of Merzouga. Have a refreshing shower to wash off the Saharan sand and enjoy your breakfast. After this we will drive to Agdez via the Draa valley. You will have the option of walking for an hour or two among the palm trees and the Berber villages if you like. Enjoy a refreshing lunch in Agdez, then in the afternoon we’ll travel towards the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, where you will spend your final night in a hotel.
After breakfast you can enjoy an easy walk around the old Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ait Ben Haddou is a fortified village situated along the ancient caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh. Here you will explore the traditional Moroccan style of architecture in which the Kasbahs are built. It is an ancient trading hub and a location loved by filmmakers. After this, relax in the car as we take you through scenic roads, stunning landscapes and Berber villages along the way to Talouat. Once there. we will stop to visit the Kasbah of Kaid lglaoui. After this, we’ll travel back through the Atlas Mountains, returning to Marrakesh at 4pm.
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
Price Includes
- Modern car with A/C driven by a skilled driver
- Pick up from your Marrakech hotel/riad/airport
- All accommodation in air-conditioned rooms/suits with private bathrooms
- Sunset camel ride in Erg Chabbi
- Overnight at the camp Erg Chabbi (private tent) with shared bathrooms and showers.
- Sunrise camel ride
- The opportunity to ask the guide and the driver to stop when and where you wish
- Drop off at your Marrakech hotel/riad
Price Excludes
- Drinks
- Tips