Embark on a 5 day exploration of the cultures of Southern Morocco and the Sahara Desert. En route to the Sahara, we will travel along ancient caravan roads, visit historic kasbahs and palaces and will learn about local artisans. The dramatic landscape transitions from mountains to gorges to oases and eventually to the desert. We will spend two nights under the stars at a luxury desert camp, riding camels, hiking up dunes, and resting in the vast open space. We will learn about traditional Bedouin (nomadic) cultures, have coffee as we watch the sunrise over the dunes and have plenty of down time. On the way back, we will visit a Berber carpet stronghold (the perfect place to buy a carpet) and visit a saffron plantation. We will round out our trip by heading back through the mountains, where we will stop for lunch in a rose garden, and spend one last night in Marrakesh. The following morning, guests will be transported back to the airport to catch departing flights.
Since the Sahara Desert is very remote, we have carefully curated this trip in order to break up the driving. This will allow us to see more of this fascinating region of Morocco while spending less time in the car each day. Expect to spend about 5 hours each day driving and expect a range of accommodations on the road (from desert camp to budget hotel to full service hotel).
We are not able to provide refunds for any reason. Please plan to purchase trip insurance to protect against any unforeseen circumstances. If the trip is cancelled due to COVID-19, deposits will be refunded.
To secure your spot, place a 30% deposit; final payments will be due by August 16, 2021.
*The itinerary and daily schedules may change slightly. Please inquire about payment plans as we are happy to make them available.
After an early breakfast at Bab Zouina, the excursion begins in a 4wd car crossing the Atlas Mountains along the Oued Zat. The road winds its way at the foot of traditional Berber villages built with mud bricks and surrounded by green terraces and majestic mountains. The colors of the landscape change after each turn until the arrival at the Tizi N Tichka pass (7,400 feet above sea level).
The descent to the South goes through Telouet, an old merchant hub on the salt road to Timbuktu. After a lunch in the village and a visit of the Glaoui Palace (to admire the zellij and cedar woodwork of the princely salon), we will take the road to Aït Ben Haddou, a ksar listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will have dinner and stay a little further down the ancient caravan road, in Ouarzazate, at riad Dar Daif. This magnificent kasbah recreates the atmosphere of the caravanserais of yesterday, which offered freshness and rejuvenation to travelers. Their beautiful swimming pool is at your disposal.
Route: 125 miles, 4 hours and 30 minutes drive time
