About
09 Medinas, Gorges & Desert
Sahara Desert Adventure
For the more adventurous traveller we can head away from the beaten path to experience the Kasbahs and beauty of the Atlas Mountains, together with the splendour and peace of the dunes, oases, of south east Morocco.
The journey is likely to start and end in Marrakech with its historic sites, bustling medina, overflowing souks, street entertainers and food sellers. From there we have a significant distance to cover, so take your time and enjoy the places on your way there and back.
| Season: | September to May. |
| Length: | 10 nights. |
| Flights: | Marrakech (if taking the easterly circuit outlined below) or Agadir (if taking a southerly loop circuit visiting the dunes at M'Hamid). |
| Pricing: | from £1225 pp based on 2 persons sharing (B&B in Marrakech, half board elsewhere), excl. flights. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate. |
| Transport options: | Chauffeur driven tour; vehicle/driver/fuel for 8 days. All travel times are approximate. |
| Extension options: | Through the Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Gorges, via Midelt, to Fez (or M’hamid dunes and Draa valley instead of or in addition to dunes of Merzouga and Dades Valley). |
| Activity options: | Camel treks. |
Typical Itinerary
We recommend 10 nights for this trip as there is significant distance to be covered, for example:
| Day | Nights' Stay | Typical itinerary for illustration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Drive from Marrakech airport to Ait Benhaddou (4hrs) over Tizi n 'Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains, view Kasbahs and the Ounila valley. |
| 2 | Visit the World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou whose ancient Kasbahs date back to the 16th century and are some of the best conserved in Morocco. Its location is on the former salt, gold and ivory carrying caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. | |
| 3 | 1 | Drive to the Todra Gorge (3.5hrs) along fringes of the Atlas Mountains through the Oases of Skoura and the Valley of the Roses. Todra is a narrow and spectacular gorge with a thrilling approach as the walls of the gorge close in around you. |
| 4 | 1 | Drive to Merzouga (3.5hrs) on the edge of the Sahara Desert and the Erg Chebbi dunes, the most accessible large (160 metres high) sand dunes in the country, |
| 5 | 1 | Relax in your accommodation before 2 hr camel trek (leaving the Kasbah late afternoon), watch sunset, enjoy the night sky and have dinner. Sleep in your own tents (single, twin or double) sharing toilet. Wake to see sunrise & return to hotel for breakfast, where you can also take a shower. |
| 6 | 2 | Drive to Skoura (4hrs). Enroute there is the opportunity to visit the Dades Gorge/Valley. |
| 7 | The Skoura area has superb Kasbahs on its doorstep, including the ruins of the magical Kasbah Amerhidil. | |
| 8 | 3 | Drive to Marrakech (5 hrs), afternoon visit to the souks and evening visit to the main Place Jemma de Fna. |
| 9 | Visit the historic sites Saadian Tombs, Badii Palace, Bahia Palace and museums Maison Tiskiwine and Musee de Marrakech, take lunch in the main square (a guide can be arranged). | |
| 10 | Visit the Agdal Gardens and Yves St Laurents Majorelle Gardens (via Caleche optional) and shop for Moroccan handicrafts at one of the Centre Artisanal's (a guide can be arranged). | |
| 11 | Depending on flight times visit the Mellah and the tanneries (a guide can be arranged) and taxi transfer to airport. |
Pricing Note:
Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B in Marrakech, half board elsewhere), chauffeur driven tour (vehicle/driver/fuel for 8 days from day 1 to 8), excl. flights, staying at Kasbah Ellouze (Ait Benhaddou), Auberge Le Festival (Todra Gorge), Kasbah Mohayut (Merzouga), Sawadi Lodge (Skoura) and Riad Mur Akush (Marrakech) - budget accommodation; Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternatives if required. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.
Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B in Marrakech, half board elsewhere), chauffeur driven tour (vehicle/driver/fuel for 8 days from day 1 to 8), excl. flights, staying at Kasbah Ellouze (Ait Benhaddou), Auberge Le Festival (Todra Gorge), Kasbah Mohayut (Merzouga), Sawadi Lodge (Skoura) and Riad Mur Akush (Marrakech) - budget accommodation; Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternatives if required. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.
Todra Gorge
The Todra gorge is a highly rewarding diversion off the main Ouarzazate to Merzouga road; it is a narrow and spectacular gorge with a thrilling approach as the walls of the gorge close in around you.Merzouga
Merzouga is effectively the end of the road in Morocco's south east corner and is of interest primarily for the Erg Chebbi dunes, the most accessible large (160 metre high) sand dunes in the country.Skoura
The Skoura is an oasis town set just south of the High Atlas Mountains.Marrakech
Marrakech offers visitors a wonderful flavour of Moroccan culture and life. Known as the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, it is one of the four imperial cities.Ait Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou is 19 miles northwest of Ouarzazate on the west bank of the Wadi Mellah and the Ouarzazate river.Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is the biggest town in the region and an ideal stopping off point midway from Marrakech or Taroudant en route to the Saharan Dunes at either M’Hamid or at Merzouga.Deep Desert
For a more adventurous holiday in Morocco, the desert in the south east of Morocco is well worth the long journey.
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