Tours through Morocco – deserts and Kasbahs
Description of the tour
This route through Morocco affords the opportunity to get to know the South of this country, taking you back in time as you visit the ancient Kasbahs, maintained by aconscientious group of individuals wishing to preserve this land and the memory of their ancestors.
We follow the ancient route of the caravans that crossed the Sahara desert from Timbuktu, enabling you to immerse yourself in the silence of the great open spaces, feel the wind, listen to the sounds of the camp and the growl of the camels and of the freedom of the desert that overwhelms so many and is bound to leave a unique and unforgettable mark on us.
General information
- 3-day round trip
- 2 Night’s accommodation
- 1,190km
- Palm groves – desert - camels
- 4x4 exclusive private use
- Monuments (Kasbah) -Film museum
Itinerary
Day 1 Marrakesh – Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou – Skoura – Gorges of Dadès
Morning departure from Marrakesh towards the Gorges of Dadès. This route through Morocco begins with the High Atlas Mountains, and a mountain pass; the Tizi'n Tichka, at 2260 meters. It is the highest pass in North Africa, which connects the southeast region of Marrakesh with the city of Ouarzazate, and is the gateway to the Sahara.
The route passes through small Berber settlements on the slopes of the mountains with their characteristic ochre hues, blending with the landscape and making the houses of the Amazigh, (Berbers) look camouflaged. Every mile traveled is rewarded with magnificent views.
We will stop at a women's cooperative, where they prepare argan oil and all kinds of cosmetics and oils, making an ideal stop along the way, to rest, and taste a mint tea or the delicious "ommelette Berber".
Once over the highest point, we will descend into a more arid, desert landscape to the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, where we can stop for a leisurely meal and then visit the Kasbah, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the place where They have filmed scenes from many Hollywood movies such as Gladiator.
The road to the Gorges of Dadès then passes Ouarzazate – film location capital, where the studios "Atlas" are based and where movies such as; Gladiator, Asterix and Cleopatra, The Jewel of the Nile, and many other titles were recorded. Following this, we enter the Valley of Skoura also known as the “Route of a thousand Kasbahs” or Valley of the Roses.
Overnight in the Gorges of Dadès
Day 2 The Dadès Gorges - The Todra Valley – Palm groves of Jorf –Sahara at Erg Chebbi
The route through Morocco continues along the Valley of Dadès through the Gorges of Todra, where we will stroll a while by the banks of the river and enjoy the views of the magnificent rocky canyon.
We will then continue in our 4x4 to the palm groves of Jorf to visit underground channels - an ancient irrigation system that the people of the town used to take water to their lands. We will pass through the small town of Erfoud, known for its fossils, and in the afternoon arrive at the great dunes of Erg Chebbi, where the dromedaries await you to enter the dunes and enjoy the sunset.
A magical night in our camp, sleeping in the typical Khaimahs nestled by the dunes.
Day 3 Sahara at Erg Chebbi – Rissani –Nekob – Ouarzazate – Marrakesh
This morning, we leave the Sahara behind in our all road vehicle to head to Marrakesh via some outstanding sites. First stop is the charming village of Rissani ancient city of nomads. Today is a day with longer journeys, however we will stop on the way in Nekob, an oasis with 45 adobe palaces or "Ksur", for tea and rest before heading through the Drâa Valley, whose river - the Drâa is the longest in southern Morocco, rising in the High Atlas and ending at the white beaches of Tantan, in the Atlantic Ocean. Landscapes of palm trees, orchards, and villages, will flood the road before reaching Aït-Saoun and Ouarzazate, where again, we take the road that crosses the High Atlas, the high land between the desert and Marrakesh.
Afternoon arrival in Marrakesh to leave our guests at their accommodation.