The Mysteries of the Desert

Day 1: It’s time to Acclimatize

Morocco is a world far away in sights, smells, and sounds. A private transfer from the airport to your hotel.
To get to know the Red City; venture to Jemaa el-Fna and stroll through the souks instead of the nooks and crannies of the north, Then get lost in the terracotta walls of the old town but do not get agitated by the frenzy of sounds, vehicles.
When it all gets too much, find a romantic spot on a rooftop terrace around Jemaa el-Fna, order a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, and watch the crowds from above as the sun goes down.
Dinner will be at the hotel tonight.

Day 2: Marrakech – Telouat – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate (B)

Early in the morning, a departure from Marrakech by 4×4. From the first moments of your trip, you will appreciate the beautiful landscapes and the small villages built in tiers that follow one another on the way. A road winds before arriving at the spectacular Tizi n Tichka pass located at 2260 meters high.
Just after the pass, we take a track for about 20 kilometers through the desert hills to reach the village of Telouet and its magnificent Kasbah which was once the main residence of the “Lord of the Atlas” – the Pasha El Glaoui, and which housed his court, stables, a mosque and his slaves at a time when man ruled over a small kingdom, from Marrakech to the Sahara desert to the east.
After this short visit to the Kasbah of Telouet, the journey continues through the valley of Assif Ounila before arriving at the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will get out of the vehicle to enjoy a good visit to this magnificent historical work, built over time in total respect for traditions: The thickness, height, and purity … mud walls, magnificent ramparts, and wooden doors. vault… Several very popular films have been shot in this Kasbah such as The Mummy, 7 days in Tibet, Alexandre… Arriving in Ouarzazate, a visit on demand to the impressive Atlas Film Studios can be organized.
We then continue to Kasbah Taourirt, a short visit to this magnificent cultural heritage, a labyrinth of highly decorated rooms and beautiful ramparts. Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.

Distance: 220 km, 35 km of track
Lunch: Ait Ben Haddou
Privileged accommodation: Dar Daif or similar
Budget accommodation: Les Jardins de Ouarzazate or similar

Day 3: Ouarzazate – Agdez – Draa Valley – Zagora (B)

Departure in the morning to Agdez through the passes of Tizi-n-Tinfifite (1660m). A cup of tea or coffee in Agdez and we continue the road passing through magnificent gardens, oases, and kasbahs before stopping at Kasbah Tamnougalte which is considered the oldest Kasbah in the Draa valley. You can ask to have a local guide to visit the Kasbah, then we will have lunch to continue the road to Zagora.
We will pass by Tamegroute, a small visit to the Koranic library, the local pottery, which produces the handicrafts of green pottery that you will see in the south. Dinner and overnight in Zagora.

Distance: 165 Km Total – 22 Km of Track
Lunch: Zagora
Privileged accommodation: Riad Lamane or similar
Budget accommodation: La Perle de Draâ or similar

Day 4: Zagora – M’hamid – Dunes of Chegaga

After breakfast in the morning, we will take the direction of the sand dunes of Erg Chegaga. You will discover the desert, the nomadic life, and the magic of the starry night.
On the way to Chegaga, The stone desert gradually becomes a sand desert, which accumulates to form the highest dunes in Morocco, the dunes of Chegaga. The sunset and sunrise from these dunes are absolutely unforgettable and will remain etched in your memories for a long time.
We can possibly offer you a small camel trek (optional). Dinner and overnight in Berber tents.

Distance: 150 Km Total, 65 Km of track
Lunch: Picnic
Accommodation 1 and 2: Chez Naji Bivouac or similar

Day 5: Chegaga – Medouer – Foum Zguid

Wake up in the morning to enjoy the sunrise in the dunes of Chegaga. After breakfast, we leave for Forum Zguid passing by some local nomads who still live in tents. Then visit the dry lake of Iriqui and the desert plateau of Akassia. Lunch at the Oasis. Continuation then dinner and night in Forum Zguit.

Distance: 300 km Total – 120 km of track
Lunch: Picnic
Accommodation 1 and 2: Bab Rimal or similar

Day 6: Foum Zguid – Taznakht – Marrakech (B)

After breakfast, departure for Marrakech via the Tizi N-Tichka pass.
Distance: 204 Km Total, 35 Km of track
Lunch: Ait Ben Haddou

Day 7: Recovery time / guided walk (B)

After all this exercise, you will need a hammam – similar to a Turkish bath, but with a Moroccan twist. The basic package is an eraser: a rigorous scrub with a rough glove and black soap.
Later, walk to the edge of the souks, far from the tourist state surrounding the square. Souk Sebbaghine, the Souk of the Dyers, is filled with floating yarns of freshly dyed wool.
Other worthy diversions include Criée Berbère (carpet souk), Souk Haddadine (blacksmith), Souk des Bijoux (jewelry), and Souk Smata (traditional leather shoes).
End your pampering day with cocktails in a piano bar. Closer to the medina, Les Jardins de la Koutoubia serves beautifully presented cocktails to the sound of a baby grand piano.

Day 8: Time to Say Goodbye (B)

This is your last day; after breakfast, your transfer will be ready to take you to the airport according to your flight time. Thank you for visiting us.