I'm not sure this product is for you, if you're only looking for "exhausted and fast desert excursion". But if you want to deeply escape, completely indulge and really explore a non-makeup Moroccan desert and live a local Berber lifestyle experience we'll be here to guide you and to travel like a local with you.
While you are riding for this excursion you will pass through some most fabulous places and sites of the southern east of Morocco. first we're going to stopover in Marrakech . Later you You will be driven via the spectacular piece of engineering Tizi n’Tichka and its pulse-racing series of switchbacks providing over more jaw-dropping views arriving to the hollywood of Africa.
The 2nd day will continue via a Thousands Kasbahs route to the gorgeous gorges of Dades and Todgha before arriving to the gateway into the golden dunes to discover the Berbers lifestyle in the Sahara desert where you’ll surely choose to drift off to sleep while watching the twinkling stars in mid of an awesome stretch of golden sand sea after dinner.
Wake by dawn to watch the sun starting its daily arc with a cool blue morning sky as it replaces the Sahara shadows just before becoming a glowing ball of fire. Leaving the desert to the struggling village of Taliouine and the African center of l’orrouge (red gold) or saffron, the most expensive spice via Alnif and the rambling Ksar of N’kob. Heading back west to essaouira via Taroudant and Agadir.
Departing the brilliant whiteness of its lime-washed walls and the sight of women enveloped in voluminous Haiks. In about one hour drive we will jump out to enjoy a bizarre sight of tree goats’ phenomenon where you’ll be spellbound to snap some pictures of cloven-hoofed goats onto the Argan trees. After that, we continue our journey to explore the rich history of Marrakesh that reflected in its various quarters. The medina, above which rises the minaret of Koutoubia Mosque, the emblem of the city, corresponds to the old town. Place Jemaa El-Fna, the hub of all activities, is its heart. Majorelle, The wonderful garden which is like a small paradise in the heart of the new town. At mid-day driving through the high atlas passing by the Tizi N’Tichka, which, at an altitude of 2260m (7417ft) this winding road runs through a landscape that is, by turn, arid, mineral-rich environments and fertile valleys. Pisé villages, in tons of red or grey, huddle at the foot of hillsides. Palm trees come into view, and a wide stony desert plain with tones of pink and beige leads to Hollywood of Africa (Ouarzazate) where we’ll explore the Atlas Film Studio where hundreds of films have been shot. On the other side of the town, Ouarzazate’s only historic building, the Taourirt Kasbah stands as a monument to Glaoui expansionism.
From the
noiseless city of Ouarzazate the road continues through the rose valley towards
Kalaa M’Gouna in the heart of rose country. In the 10th century, pilgrims
returning from Mecca brought ROSA DAMASCENA back with them to Morocco. These
peppery-scented flowers have developed a resistance to the cold and dry
conditions in which they are now grown. Further
into the interior of High Atlas some impressive gorges lead to the remote M’Goun
valley which surrounded by fig, almond and walnut trees and poplars. About 15km
from Boumalne stands the monkey finger mountain. The sweep of road taking us in
sheer cliffs 300m (985ft) high rise up dramatically each side of the narrow
corridor that forms the Todgha Gorges. After lunch, we take the road that
bordered with many small craters- the tops of shafts down to Khettaras into
Erfoud the land of fossils. The road leading to the Erg Chebbi Dunes, these
photogenic dunes which rise up of the stony, sandy desert. You can store any
baggage while packing an overnight bag to bring along. You’ll have the chance
to ride your camel «ship of the desert» into the sandy seas. After hour-long
camel ride you will be among the luckiest to watch the sun set over the Sahara
dunes. Your stay for tonight will be a Bedouin style tent.
This
Morning, you’ll rise with the sun to witness what we hope is a spectacular sunrise
among the dunes, this is truly worthwhile and is what our Sahara tours are all
about. After breakfast we head to Taliouine via Alnif and the rambling Ksar of N’kob with its prehistoric
rock-carving sites and 45 mud-brick ksour make you stop by and stare. The name
N’kob comes from a cave that once served as a lodging for nomads. Arriving to
Agdez that means « place of rest » and it’s certainly worth taking a
break here before continue our road to Ait Benhaddou, the 11th century
UNESCO-protected red mud-brick ksar that has formed the backdrop for many
Hollywood movies production such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth,
Gladiator, Game of Thrones and many others. Here you will also have time to
explore the history of this amazing heritage. Later on, we drive towards the
struggling village of Taliouine and the African center of l’orrouge (red gold)
or saffron, the most expensive spice via southern Morocco’s capital of carpet
and rugs.
From
Taliouine back to Essaouira via Agadir, the road passes through a landscape of
wild beauty. Plains covered with argan trees give way to the volcanic massif of
Jbel Siroua, which bristles with peaks and where geological folds alternate
with rocky plateaux. Arriving to Taroudant which is considered to be one
of the most elegant purely Berber towns of Morocco with its majestic,
tawny-brown and honey-gold circuit of 7km walls. While you stroll and linger
around, note the distinctive, highly beautiful blue veils that many of older
local ladies put on. Leaving the capital of Saadians to the hilltop ruins of
the old Kasbah of Agadir Oufla that offer a stunning view of Agadir and the
coast. Driving back to Essaouira via the Atlantic coast road.
Unless a specific accommodation is requested, we reserve or recommend the best different authentic stays from the most quintessentially Moroccan accommodation available, reasonably priced, charming hotels/Riads in the Medina to the Kasbahs and Bedouin style tents in the Sahara desert with private bath, hot water, good service, value and sustainable management practices. Accommodation is based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room. Desert Camp feature full size walk-in tents for two or more persons with Bedouin-style bedding or sleeping pads. On trekking and camping trips tents, sleeping pads or mattresses, wash basins, toilet facilities, cooking equipment, lanterns, pack animals and portering gear are provided. Participants must furnish their own clothing, soft-luggage and day pack. Sleeping bags are necessary for some trips, but are usually available for rent. MSITravels reserves the right to substitute equivalent or superior hotels/Riads.
Included
⋎ Eng, Fr or Spanish-speaking professional driver/tour guide
⋎ pick up from your hotel
⋎ Accommodation: 3 nights
⋎ City Guide: Marrakech
⋎ Meals: 3 Breakfast, 0 Lunch with local families, 3 Dinner
⋎ Private Transportation: minivan, camel
⋎ Air-conditioned vehicle
⋎ Toll road fees, fuel charges and all taxes
⋎ Transport Insurance
⋎ Visit to local women cooperatives
⋎ An opportunity to give back and meet up with locals
⋎ Camel ride at the desert
Excluded
× Flights
× Travel Insurance
× Gratuities
× Entrance fees to historical monuments
× Additional services
× Drinks
× Anything mentioned not in ‘included’
Price varies by group size
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