Day 1: Marrakech to Zagora
We will leave Marrakech at 8 AM and traverse the road to Ouarzazate, crossing Tizi n’ Tichka Pass at the elevation of 2260 meters. We will follow the forgotten tracks to Telouat and the historic Kasbah of Pacha Glaoui, along the way visiting salt mines, Berber villages and the kind of landscapes you have only dreamed of. We will have lunch at the famous kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, the 350 years old site that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch we will drive the road to Agdz, which marks the beginning of the lush Draa Valley, with its 1,000 kasbahs and millions of palms. This breathtaking route will lead us to Zagora in the late afternoon, where you will have your choice of la meal and lodging at a 4 Star hotel or a traditional riad.
Day 2: Zagora to the dunes of Chegaga
In the early desert morning, we will mount our camels and begin the trek that will take us over sandy ergs and rocky hamada, and passing by palm groves and villages. Upon our arrival in Tamegrout we will visit the unique underground kasbah, the Quranic Library with its 4,000 manuscripts, and large collection of pottery. We will head in the direction of Tagounite for lunch in the sand dunes of Erg Lihoudi with nomads, then begin the journey towards M’Hamid. This final village marks the beginning of the great desert of southern Morocco, and we will cross oueds and sand dunes on our way to the oasis of Oum l’Aleg, the only oasis in this desert that has a great water source. An hour’s journey on camelback will bring us to Chegaga, our final destination of the day, where we will experience the Saharan sunset from the dunes. We will spend the night in a luxurious camp of Berber tents.
Day 3: Chegaga to Ouarzazate
Early risers will experience the magic of sunrise in the Sahara, and breakfast will be served before we begin our journey towards Lake Eriqui, the largest dry lake in Morocco. We will have a midmorning tea break with nomads, then follow Dakar Track towards out lunchtime destination of Foum Zguid. After our midday repast we will follow the road to Tanznkhte for a look at the manufacturing of carpets and upon our late afternoon arrivial in Ouarzazate, we will spend the night in either a 4 Star hotel or a traditional riad. Your free evening will include a visit to the “African Hollywood” film studios if you desire.
Day 4: Ouarzazate to Marrakech
The morning’s activities will include a visit to the fabulous Kasbah Taourirt and adjacent film studios. On the return journey to the Red City we will stop at the Oasis of Fint, the garden of the desert. We will stop for lunch at Tichka, then resume our journey back to Marrakech, with an arrival time of 16:00. Visit film studios and Kasbah Taourirt…
