Dunes of Merzouga and kasbahs of the Moroccan south

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Marrakech

  

  Welcome at the airport, then transfer to the riad located not far from Jamaa El Fna square. A must-see not to be missed. Marrakech, surrounded by 19 km of red and ochre ramparts, is a true living spectacle where people and local folklore are skillfully staged in a medieval setting. Marrakech boasts an impressive cultural heritage, with many monuments and quality museums. Accommodation: Riad Meals included: None

• day 2

  Marrakech - Skoura

  

  ROAD TIME - 5h00 Route via the Tichka pass, a mountain road with many bends, one of the most beautiful in southern Morocco. We reach Telouet. Visit of the Glaoui kasbah. At once a fortress, castle, and caravanserai, the kasbah of Telouet, built in the 19th century by the great Berber chief of the Atlas, El Hadj Thami Glaoui, evokes in Morocco a tragic history of power and might, but also of betrayal and downfall. A whole destiny summed up in the kasbah of Telouet. After lunch, crossing of the magnificent Ounila valley via the old caravan trail of the south, now paved. A delight! Visit of the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, before reaching Ouarzazate and the Skoura palm grove. Accommodation: Small family hotel in Skoura. From the terrace, breathtaking view of the palm grove (swimming pool). Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

• day 3

  Skoura - Tineghir

  

  ROAD TIME - 4H30 Before departure, visiting an impressive kasbah dating from the 17th century is a true journey back in time. Our route continues through the sumptuous Dadès valleys, the Valley of Roses, and the Todra Gorges for a day full of color. The red of the earth sits alongside the green of the crops and the ochre of the rammed earth buildings. Accommodation: Guest house located a few kilometers from Tineghir, in a beautiful fortified village that boasts a historical and artistic heritage of incalculable value, with earthen kasbahs (swimming pool). Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

• day 4

  Tineghir - Merzouga

  

  ROAD TIME - 2h30 Before departure, we recommend visiting a museum tracing the customs and traditions of oasis life. Then, on the way to the great dunes of Merzouga, discover the Khettaras, an irrigation system that originated over 3000 years ago. Continue to Erfoud, renowned for its dates, then to the erg Chebbi. Free time by the hotel pool located near the sand dunes. Possibility to take a quad ride in the dunes before taking camels to reach the evening bivouac. The sunset gives the dunes a shimmering orange color. Magical show. Accommodation: Bivouac. The camp consists of a caidal tent, sanitary blocks, Berber tents for sleeping, each with a bed, mattress, sheets, blankets, and pillows. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner OPTION – Luxury bivouac, more intimate. Private bathroom in each tent.

• day 5

  Merzouga - Drâa Valley

  

  ROAD TIME - 4h30 Heading west, where we follow the Djebel Saghro mountain range and its lunar landscapes of plateaus, peaks, as well as the vast mineral expanse of Bou Gafer. Arrival in the Drâa valley, where a multitude of ksour and kasbahs make the landscape magnificent. The visit of an old typical village of the valley, with its covered alleys, and a walk in the oasis will be the highlight of this day. Accommodation: Guest house (pool) Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner OPTION – Stay in a favorite spot: located in the heart of the palm grove, lodges face the river. A sumptuous view, a peaceful environment.

• day 6

  Drâa Valley - Taroudant

  

  ROAD TIME - 4h30 We leave the valley to reach the mountains of the Anti-Atlas. The landscape changes again. Arrival in Tazenakht, a center for Berber carpet weaving, then in Taliouine, a major saffron center, the red gold of Morocco. After a lunch break, we continue to Taroudant, nicknamed "the Little Marrakech." The ramparts of Taroudant rise in the heart of the Souss valley, between the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas. Over this peaceful city still linger memories of a flourishing past, whether Almohad, Marinid, Saadian, Portuguese, or French. Accommodation: Riad located a few kilometers from Taroudant (swimming pool) Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• day 7

  Taroudant - Marrakech

  

  ROAD TIME: 4H30 Return to Marrakech via the sublime Tizi N’Test road. The viewpoints follow one another, a feast for the eyes. Arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon. INFO: For this day, it is also possible to go directly to Marrakech via the expressway in order to arrive at the end of the morning and leave your afternoon free in the ochre city. Dinner on your own. Accommodation: Riad in the medina Meals included: Breakfast

• day 8

  Marrakech

  

  Day dedicated to your airport transfer. We wish you a safe journey home and hope to see you again soon!