Morocco Travel

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Gorge

With our starting point in Marrakech we'll drive to Ouarzazate through the dramatic Tizi 'n' Tichka pass (2260m), over the High Atlas Mountains, appreciating the beauty of the landscape on the twisted road through Berber villages. Arriving at the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the largest Kasbah in Morocco, now a UNESCO matrimonial historical site and still home to many Glaoui family members. Lunch is by the Kasbah before we continue on to Dades Gorge via Ouarzazate, "the Hollywood of Africa" along the "Road of the thousand Kasbahs"- the fascinating "sand castles" before stopping at Kalaat Mgouna, "the rose's city" known for roses and its annual festival during the roses harvest in May. Eventually we'll arrive at our hotel in the heart of the Dades Gorge.

Overnight in Hotel/Riad.

Day 2: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Merzouga

After breakfast in the hotel, we'll drive back through the valley to see the amazing rock formation "the monkey toes", and the still-standing 19th century Kasbah of Ait Yul. Leaving the Dades valley towards Tinrghir and the Todra valley you'll see panoramic views of the old mud Berber villages overlooking the valley. Arriving at the Gorge you'll walk under the 300m high red cliff, where many Rock-climbers come to enjoy their preferred sport. Continuing on to Erfoud and Rissani where we'll have lunch and afterwards, we'll leave for the village of Merzouga – the home of your guide Youssef and where your camel will be awaiting you. You'll be welcomed with a glass of mint tea and a desert scarf before your ride starts heading into the mysterious sand-sea of the Erg-Chebbi, guided by an experienced camel guide of course. Here you will spend your first night under the stars, or if you prefer, in a traditional Berber nomad tent.

Day 3: Merzouga - Ouarzazate

After breakfast with the Bedouin family you'll peacefully camel-trek back to the village of Merzouga, appreciating the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses. Arriving late morning back in Merzouga. And after a shower in the hotel, we'll leave for Rissani – once Sijilmassa – (the foundation of the Alaouite dynasty, the current ruling family). With most of the women veiled, and men hooded, this is a very traditional Moroccan town. We'll continue driving towards Agdez, via Alnif and Tazarine, before arriving at the fascinating Draa Valley and your hotel at the edge of the Atlas Mountains, along which lay hundreds of Berber Kasbahs.

Day 4: Ouarzazate – Marrakech

After a luxurious breakfast in the Kasbah, we'll head to Marrakech via Ourazazate, enjoying the panoramic views of palm groves and moon-like landscapes contrasting with the Berber villages and the Saghro mountains; an area that has been a popular location for Hollywood films, including The Last Temptation of Christ, Jewel of the Nile, and The Mummy. Our journey will continue through the majestic Tizi 'n' Tichka Pass (2260m) over the High Atlas Mountains, before arriving at your accommodation in Marrakech, where the tour ends.