Morocco Desert Tour

Imagine a stay in the Moroccan desert, travelling by camel over the sand dunes and sleeping in traditional Berber tents. You watch the sky and sand turning pink and red as the sun sets. Then the moon rises against an incredible background of stars in the cooling, clear night air. You admire the peace and beauty of the world, enjoying a delicious Moroccan meal cooked over a timeless camp fire, all this is a unique, even life-changing experience.

This tour is a marvelous way to discover the beauty and mysticism of the Sahara desert, visiting the cities of the South, as you go from Marrakesh, "the Pearl of the South", travel through the beautiful and impressive landscapes of the Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate, the film capital of Morocco to the Mountains of the moon and Star Wars being filmed there. From there continue to Merzouga, the last big settlement before the endless sand sea of the Sahara desert, along a road lined with Kasbahs. Then, on the way to Erfoud, the road crosses the pre-saharian desert with its magnificent landscapes and numerous Berber villages where time has stood still! An option is offered to view the sunrise over the sand dunes of Merzouga, before heading for Tinghir, an oasis famous for its magnificent Todra canyons with its towering rocks reaching an altitude of nearly 300m.

ITINERARY

Day 1 :  MARRAKECH

Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver / guide. You will be transferred to your hotel where you will be given time to settle in and freshen up.

In the evening take an orientation tour with your driver and local guide, also witness the carnivalesque public square Djemaa el-Fna come alive at sunset.

Overnight

Day 2 :  MARRAKECH

After breakfast, a whole day will be devoted to the sightseeing of Marrakesh, the second oldest imperial city known as the "Pearl of the South" to discover the fascinating history and rich cultural heritage of this ancient city, you will visit the Saadian tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque the tallest building in the city, the Bahia Palace and the Menara Garden. You will explore the souks and the world's famous Djemaa El Fna place which offers various entertainments (story tellers, water sellers, acrobats, snake-charmers, magicians, musicians and henna artists, orange-juice sellers, open-air barbecue food-stalls etc.
Optional dinner in a typical Moroccan restaurant with folklore show will be provided under caidal tents at the famed "Chez Ali" restaurant, enjoy the fantasia spectacle that includes horses shows, folkloric troops from different Moroccan regions and belly dancer.

Overnight

Day 3 :  MARRAKECH – AIT BEN HADDOU – OUARZAZATE

After Breakfast we will drive to Southeast of Marrakech through the magnificent Atlas Mountains and the pass of Tichka (2260m), offering an impressive landscape in the heart of the Atlas mountain chain, to Ouarzazate The Hollywood of Morocco where many famous movies have been shot such Alexander the Great, The Mummy, Kingdom of heaven etc... Stopping in such panoramic places to take pictures. Optional lunch stop at Kasbah Ait Benhaddou the most spectacular fortress in the South of Morocco and time to explore this Berber village, we continue to Ouarzazate.

Overnight

Day 4 :   OUARZAZATE – ZAGORA

The drive to Zagora will take you through the lush palm groves and oases of the Draa Valley. You’ll arrive in Zagora in the early afternoon for a visit to the ancient library in Tamegrout. This library is one of the oldest in Africa, with texts dating back to the 13th century. You’ll also see the potters’ area of Zagora, where artisans produce pottery that has a natural green tint from henna. On the outskirts of town you’ll pass by the massive Tinfou Dunes before returning to your hotel.

Overnight

Day 5 :  ZAGORA – TAZZARINE – ERFOUD – MERZOUGA

In the morning leave Zagora and head out towards Erfoud, taking the roads of Tansikht and N'Kob, we will cross Tazzarine Palmeries and then through magnificent villages, reaching Alnif where to get there, you will cross a vast, rocky area. Stop for lunch in Tazzarine. After lunch, our drive continues passing through Rissani, Erfoud with a final stop in Merzouga where you will have the opportunity to explore the area further by camel back to experience an unforgettable ride according to the Bedouine way of life. The «desert ship» would carry you through sand dunes and spectacular scenery. It will be followed by a magical guided-tour and the admiration of a star studded sky. Then a bivouac would be set up around a wood fire. You would appreciate the Bedouin traditional dinner. Accommodation will be provided under a nomadic tent to beneath the innumerable stars of the clear desert sky and awake with the sunrise to watch the colors of the desert changing in front of your eyes.

Overnight

Day 6 :   MERZOUGA – ERFOUD – TINGHIR – OUARZAZATE

After breakfast we Leave Merzouga and passing through Kelaa Magouna (Morocco’s rose capital) crossing the fabulous Dades Valley and its thousands and one fortresses (Kasbahs), throughout a succession of Draa Valley palm trees. On your way along the tracks you will discover mysterious places. Lunch in the famous Todra canyons where high cliffs drop to the riverbed below. After lunch, we will continue to Ouarzazate late afternoon where we spend the night.

Overnight

Day 7 :   OUARZAZATE – MARRAKECH

After breakfast we depart to Marrakech via Ouarzazate city, visit of the city including Taourirt Kasbah. Optional lunch in the route and we continue to Marrakech through the Tichka passes.

Overnight

Day 8 :   MARRAKECH – AIRPORT

Breakfast at your hotel. Private transfer to Marrakech Airport for your departure flight.

End of our services.

Accommodations on this Morocco Desert Adventure Tour

Marrakech	Riad Amina – Riad Darna – Riad Carina
Zagoura	Riad Kasbah Asma – Riad Villa Zagora – Riad Petite Kasbah
Ouarzazate	Riad Dar Kamar – Riad Dar Daif – Riad Les Tourmalines
Merzouga	Nomad tent ( see below Bivouac description)

- Accommodations listed are an example, you will stay there or somewhere of similar quality

- Upgrade to Deluxe accommodation is available

Included Services:

• Luxury private A/C car at disposal
• Private English speaking driver/guide
• Seven nights of best-available 4* accommodations
• Daily breakfast at your hotel
• Government-certified tour guides in Marrakech
• Four wheels drive to Merzouga dunes
• Camel ride and desert guide
• Monuments / Museums entrance fees
• Airport transfers

Excluded Services:

• Air fare
• Travel insurance
• Lunches & some dinners
• Drinks during meals
• Tips to local personals

Bivouac description in Merzouga:

- Upon arrival at the Camp, you would be welcomed in a big nomadic tent (made with camel hair)

• On the ground: Carpets, comfortable mattresses, pillows, tables and stools
• Hygiene: Chemical WC portable toilets, toilet paper, solar shower and soap
• Light: Burning wood fire and storm lanterns
• Food: Dishes are served on round tables
• From 8 to 10 people. And you would be present to experience the local traditional music
• Mattresses, white sheets, pillows, pillowcases are provided
• Accommodation: individual tents (2 people or more per tent)

We can customize your trip based on your budget and interest, also group discounts available

Please contact us for further information .