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The highlight of this trip is the time spent in the desert with our nomad guides. They know the desert intimately and are proud to show you their traditions, whether it is how they camp, trekking with camels or even baking bread in a sand pit. This trip starts and finishes in Marrakech (but can link to Essaouira or Agadir) and also includes a visit to the Kasbahs of the world heritage site at Ait Ben Haddou and a drive through the Oases of the Draa valley. It is done in a private 4×4 (with driver/guide) with one or two nights in semi-permanent camps in the desert. Whilst not recommended for young children due to the travelling time, the trip is probably the ultimate desert experience we offer in Morocco

 

Your Itinerary

Kasbah Azul

Day 1 - Over the Atlas

Leaving Marrakech in the morning (pick-up at your riad or even direct from the airport), you head south. First cross the High Atlas via the mountain Tizin Tichka pass and have lunch on the way. Following the old road of the desert caravans to Tamadakht, you arrive at Ait Ben Haddou in the afternoon. The old city, classed as a world heritage site, is a good stop for a couple of hours. For the night you can stay at Ait Ben Haddou but we generally prefer to push on to Agdz and a night in the stunning Kasbah Azul

Morocco desert

Day 2 - Into the dunes

After breakfast you head south to the desert. Pass along the Draa valley and enjoy the views of beautiful palm tree oases and old Moroccan villages. You can visit the village of Tamagroute to see how green ceramic is made. Late afternoon you arrive in M’Hamid, the end of the road and head off-road to the massive dunes of Chigaga. Overnight in the comfortable tents in the semi permanent camp after a fireside dinner and maybe a bit of local music.  If this sounds a bit basic you can upgrade to our sumptous luxury desert camp.

Day 3 - Desert Crossing

Wake up to watch the sunrise and take a camel trek for an hour or so. Then it is back in the 4×4 for the trip north west across Lake Iriqi (it is dry most of the year) to the frontier town of Foumsguid. Here you will stay at the simple Bab Rimal and if not too late maybe even do a quad bike tour of the dunes nearby.

Desert with the Nomads

Day 4 - Back to base

From here you leave the desert for the drive back to Marrakech (around 7 hours) or head west to the Taroudant or Agadir (4-5 hours) and on to Essaouira. Either way you pass through the Berber carpet capital of Morocco, Tazenakht, and if heading to the coast the Saffron fields on the southern slopes of the Atlas.

Details -

Cost for the 4 days and 3 nights is £550 per person in mid season (excluding flights). It is based on 2 sharing and Half Board basis. Private transport is by 4×4 (and camel…) included with driver/guide.  The overall cost per person will be less if there are more people in the party to share the transport. Extra nights usually are around £100 per person including transport during the extra day and the upgrade to the luxury camp is £165 per person. We usually recommend topping and/or tailing your trip with a night in Marrakech

You can get flights from as little as £100 per person return and do ask us for advice.  Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.

All prices correct at the time of writing.  Give us a call or email us at morocco@fleewinter.com to discuss your requirements and get a confirmed price.

Please remember this is a sample itinerary and we are happy to modify it to suit your plans.  We can add or remove days and look at different places to stay.

 

What's included?

INCLUDED:
  • Prices start from £550 per person
  • Accommodation on B&B basis
  • Private transfers (air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver)
  • Local taxes
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
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Marrakech
The start and finish for most Morocco Holidays. Highlights are the souks in the old Medina, the main square in the evening, the Majorelle gardens and the historical sites. You should definitely stay in a Marrakech Riad for at least a few nights but also some beautiful villas and hotels on the edge of town in rural Marrakech. Click for suggested riads More
Essaouira
Essaouira is our favourite at all times of year. Probably the prettiest coastal town in Morocco and loads to see and do. Great camel trekking, horse-riding, surfing kite/windsurfing, cooking lessons, lovely medina (more relaxing shopping than Marrakech). Also great places to stay in town and in the village click below for suggestions More
High Atlas Mountains
Incredibly close to Marrakech but a world apart, the Atlas mountains are an essential visit. Go for a day trip (trekking or driving tour), or stay in one of the beautiful kasbahs perched on a hilltop to relax and soak up the views More
Sahara Desert
The massive dunes of the Sahara should be on anyone's "bucket list" and it is easy to do a trip into the desert from Marrakech, Fes or the coast with a bit of planning More
Ait Ben Haddou
One of the most famous sights in Morocco, Ait Ben Haddou is a rock fortress on the south side of the Atlas. Always a good stopping point on our desert tours and a must for the photo album More
The Gorges
The Todra and Dades Gorges maybe a little over-hyped but certainly worth a stop on the way to Mezourga - part of our Desert & Gorges Tour More
Taroudant
A pretty walled town within easy reach of Agadir (so a lot of day trippers from the package hotels) but also a great place for a night's stop between the desert and the coast More
Agadir
Having been re-built after and earthquake 50 years ago it doesn't have as much charm as other Moroccan cities but the beach and climate are lovely More
Oualidia Lagoon
A small seaside town built up around a pretty estuary and lagoon. Home to La Sultana, the best coastal hotel in Morocco and can easily be combined with a visit to Marrakech and Essaouira More
Rabat
Less well known as a tourist destination but with recently introduced direct flights from the UK it is an interesting city where you can see the modern Morocco alongside the rivermouth Kasbah and the medina More
Casablanca
The biggest city in Morocco and an industrial sprawl. We generally advise not stopping there and even if flying to Casablanca head North to Fes/Rabat or south to Marrakech/Essaouira. If you are passing through it is worth visiting the spectacular seafront mosque.
Chefchaouen
The town of Chefchaouen is beautifully situated on a mountainside, often referred to as the blue pearl due to its shimmering blue buildings. It's worth learning the history behind the choice of this color, which contributed to the town's fame, making it one of the most photographed places in Morocco. In Chefchaouen, explore the picturesque medina with winding alleys and the Kasbah with its lush gardens, serving as a haven of freshness in the city center. Chefchaouen is a paradise for walkers, not only because of its most beautiful streets and alleys, which create an unreal impression but also due to the hiking trails around the city. Besides the Old Town, it's worth visiting the main square, Uta el Hamman, with numerous cafes, and seeing the 15th-century El Adamaa Masjid mosque in white-orange colors with its characteristic octagonal minaret. Chefchaouen is an excellent choice for a one-day trip or a relaxing overnight stay. More
Fes
Fes makes for a fabulous long weekend or as part of our "Grand Tour". The highlight is the medina which most people prefer to Marrakech, partly as it is on a hill you are much more aware of the geography. Also, do a day trip to the Roman ruins at Volubilis and ask about a night or two in the village of Bhalil More
Merzouga
The second good dune area of Morocco is Erg Chebbi by Merzouga - easier to get to (no 4x4 needed) and whilst the dunes are stunning we prefer Erg Cheggaga for a proper desert experience. More

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