Private and Bespoke
Travel
ULTIMATE DESERT EXPERIENCE
One of the most amazing and exotic experiences to be had in Morocco is to get way out into the desert and be truly exposed to another way of life. You will adore this 6 day trip plan that takes you deep into the Sahara desert, to experience how the locals live and sleep under the stars.
SUGGESTED PLAN
Day 1
MARRAKECH – OUARZAZATE – DADÈS GORGES
We will begin our adventure in Marrakech and take the road of Ouarzazate facing the Atlas Mountains. We’ll head through Tichka Mountain pass and do a short stop for a Moroccan mint tea before reaching Ouarzazate. Ouarzazate is known as a gateway to the Sahara Desert. Its majestic 19th-century palace has views over the rugged local landscape. Here we’ll have a traditional lunch before departing towards the Dades Gorges. A fabulous meal dinner will be waiting for you at your boutique guest house.
Day 2
DADÈS GORGES TO MERZOUGA
After a delicious homemade breakfast, we’ll hit the road and drive through the amazing gorges. Oued Dades is 120 miles long from High Atlas to Jbel Sagho, crossing the mountainous region of Dades, along small palm groves and traditional villages and Kasbahs. We’ll then arrive in Merzouga at the end of the day. This is consider the ‘desert door’. Here, you swap your car for a camel (or 4x4) and start your trek through the red dunes of Erg Chebbi. An opportunity to enjoy serenity and peace of desert before arriving at your luxury camp for the sunset.
Day 3
4X4 DESERT TOUR
There is no better way to experience the Erg Chebbi than cruising along in a 4x4, taking in the magnificent beauty of the rolling sand dunes. You will feel like you are inside Lawrence of Arabia, while you enjoy the perfect picnic lunch right in the middle of the desert. In the evening you will hang out with the local nomads, learn about their lives and finally, at sunset, take in a fantastic dinner at your luxury camp. Sleep under the stars.
Day 4
MERZOUGA TO ZAGORA
After breakfast, you will take the road to Zagora crossing the Anti Atlas mountains where you could meet local nomads. You will stop at Alnif oasis for lunch. Passing through the holy city of Rissani. Upon arrival in Zagora, you will head to your traditional guesthouse for overnight accommodation after dinner.
Day 5
ZAGORA TO AÏT BENHADDOU
Today we will begin our way back west to a famous Ksar. The ksar, a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. The houses crowd together within the defensive walls. Ait-Ben-Haddou is a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco. It has preserved its architectural authenticity with regard to configuration and materials. Aït Benhaddou is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage site. Inside the city, or ksar, you walk by foot to the top of a hill and get a good view of the whole city. We will then head to Ouarzazate to check into a local guest house for the night.
Day 6
AÏT BENHADDOU TO MARRAKECH
On our last day we will head back to Marrakech and say goodbye to our exotic adventure.
