The perfect adventure, from the bustling souks and vibrant streets of Marrakech to the wild frontier of the Sahara, this trip captures everything that comes to mind when we think about Africa's sand swept wilderness and the romantic mysticism of the Sahara Desert.
From desert adventures embodied by the likes of Beau Geste, to the bustling streets of, multicultural Marrakesh, the meeting point where Berber, French, Mediterranean and Arab cultures collide to deliver an experience utterly unique within the Arab world.
Trip Highlights Include:
Accommodation including Riads, desert camps, and simple guest houses
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site at ‘Ben Haddaou’
Visit Atlas Studios – location for ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘Gladiator’, and ‘Lawrence of Arabia’
Soar to new heights with a hot air balloon ride over the desert (optional extra)
Expert guides, steeped in local knowledge about the region and culture
4 x 4 support vehicles
Fabulous local food and meals throughout, prepared by local staff
The fitness and difficulty grading for this trip is:
Level 1/2 - Easy to Moderate.
Arriving into Morocco and Marrakech, you join the group and begin your adventure from our traditional Riad Hotel, offering first class facilities and the opportunity to explore the iconic local souks and prepare for your trip ahead.
We meet for an introduction from our expert local Guide, who welcomes us to this incredible land and the journey ahead.
After breakfast we will leave Marrakech towards Ait Ben haddou enjoying the spectacular landscape of the High Atlas Mountains with its famous pass (Tizi N’Tichka 2260m).
We continue our drive to one of the famous Kasbahs in South East of Morocco is Kasbah of Telouet that was built by Thami El Glaoui Pasha of Marrakech from 1912 to 1956. Sadly this had significant damaged in the 2023 Earthquake, however it still remains an important legacy.
After a tour the we enjoy a delicious and authentic local lunch before continuing our drive to pass through a number of Berber villages to arrive at our stylish accommodation located in front of kasbah of ‘Ait Benhadou’.
Often referred to as the ‘Hollywood of Morocco’, ‘Gladiator’, ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, ‘The Mummy’, and ‘Game of Thrones’, were all filmed here and we we get to visit film locations within the Kasbah, before returning to our accommodation and an evening meal with amazing roof top views across the valley.
There is nothing quite like watching the sun rise above the desert, and we embrace the opportunity to do just that, before breakfast and departing on our drive ‘Ouarzazate’, the location of Atlas Movie Studios, where we have a fun and informative guided tour, exploring many of the famous film sets at the studios.
After the tour we continue across the Anti Atlas mountains, experiencing this magnificent landscape before arriving at the village of ‘Agdaz’ to explore the ‘Draa Valley’, home to the longest river in Morocco.
After a stop for lunch we continue to ‘Zagora’ on the edge of the Sahara desert where we spend the night at the ‘La Fibule de Draa’ hotel , with time to relax and enjoy swimming in the pool.
Accommodation: La Fibule du Draa
On Day 4, following breakfast, we start our day to visit one of the oldest Koranic schools in the Morocco, Zaouia Nassiria.
With it's library dating back to the 16th century, Tamgroute offers a fascinating destination where Koranic scholars are still educated today.
Stopping to visit a workshop for iconic Moroccan green pottery, where a certain level of control (or maybe not!) is needed as the pottery is amazing. After lunch we depart to reach Erg Chegaga and the luxury desert encampment.
With an optional camel ride and the opportunity to watch the sun set from atop the dunes, back at camp we listen to local musicians and share stories around the camp fire, before falling asleep beneath a full moon blanket of stars.
Luxury Desert Camp: Glamping tents under the stars!
Breakfast while watching the sunrise makes for the perfect start to the day before we jump on our 4×4 vehicles passing by the ‘Paris to Dakar’ rally track, to arrive at Foum Zguid.
The journey will take 3 hours with some stops on the way for pictures with a vast, arid plateau.
After lunch we drive to Taznakht, the Town was described by Charles de Foucauld in 1883 as ‘The home of the khnif’ which means carpets where the entire population is occupied in weaving and embroidery.
Journeying on to Talouine / Oulad Berhil, known locally the ‘kingdom of saffron’, we enjoy a walk in the field of saffron before venturing on to our accommodation, and one of the highlights of the trip, ‘’
After breakfast we leave Taliouine to explore a variety of landscapes passing by different villages, we will also cross the Argan forest where we see goats on the trees, continuing onto the pass of Tizi n’Test (2090m).
At this point we take time to visit the Tinmal mosque, considered to be one of the most important historical sites in Morocco, built during the 12 century.
Lunching on the way, we drive through to the beautiful valley of Ouirgane and Tahnaout to reach Marrakech where we enjoy a last night dinner in Jamaa lfnaa square.
If your return flight allows, the final day affords the opportunity to take an (optional) sunrise hot air balloon ride, a once in a lifetime experience watching the sun rise over the High Atlas mountains, before enjoying a delicious Moroccan style brunch.
Returning to Marrakech mid morning offers a little time for shopping or perhaps a hammam spa & massage, before you depart with your heart content.
Q. Is the accommodation listed in the itinerary guaranteed?
A. While we endeavour to ensure that the accommodation listed on the itinerary will be where you stay, open occasion it may be necessary to switch to an alternative.
When this happens we work hard to ensure that the alternative accommodation is of the same or a better standard, that it's location is close to the original destination, and that the overall impact is minimised in every way.
Accommodation details will be finalised and shared close to the trip departure (4-6 weeks in advance), however remains subject to change up to and following departure.
Q. How challenging are the treks / hikes?
A. We have graded this trip as a Level 1/ 2.
(please see the grading section on the Live Breathe Hike website).
This trip is considered suitable for individuals with some fitness and trail trekking experience. With key points including:
The terrain involves moderate hills, uneven paths, and more sustained walking
Duration of Trek: 1 - 3 hours of walking per day on multi days treks of at least 3 days
Physical Requirements: Moderate fitness; ability to walk continuously for extended periods
You / your party members should be comfortable carrying your personal possessions required for the day in a rucksack, which might include items such as:
A water bottle 500ml / 1l
Camera / phone / electronics
Warm top / sun hat / sun cream
Any other items you would want to access while out for the day.
If you would like further advice on the suitability of this trip for you or your party, please contact us.
Q. Do I have to do the planned activities, every day?
A. Not necessarily. Clients can request a 'rest day' or perhaps the opportunity to break from the scheduled itinerary, although when that day can land will entirely depend on the itinerary and other considerations from the trip leaders.
In all cases we will work with guests to best accommodate their request.