Desert Excursion
Day 1
Depart Marrakech and travel over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass while enjoying superb views of the High Atlas Mountains and of the Berber villages. Stop for lunch and tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou that is situated on a hill along the Ouarzazate River. This beautiful example of southern Moroccan architecture has been used as a backdrop for over 20 films including Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, and Gladiator. You will continue towards the El Kelaa M'gouna (Valley of the Roses), and the Dadès Valley (Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs). Stay overnight in a hotel right by the Dadès Gorges and enjoy the evening with a Moroccan dinner.
Day 2
After breakfast you will depart for Todra Gorges. Its 20 m/66 ft wide entrance, bubbling clear stream and its 304 m/1000 ft high rock walls stretch 99 m/325 ft back on either side and is the most stunning part of the canyon. The narrow valley is lined with palmery and up on the rocks you may see the Nomad families tending sheep and goats. Perhaps, you will spot the eagles that nest in the Todra and other amazing birds. You will have lunch in the Gorge, travel further into the desert to the tiny village of Merzouga, where you will camel trek into the beautiful Erg Chebbi Dunes. You will spend the evening in a bivouac (camp), enjoy a Moroccan dinner, and sleep in traditional Nomad camel hair tent.
Day 1
Depart Marrakech and travel over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass while enjoying superb views of the High Atlas Mountains and of the Berber villages. Stop for lunch and tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou that is situated on a hill along the Ouarzazate River. This beautiful example of southern Moroccan architecture has been used as a backdrop for over 20 films including Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, and Gladiator. You will continue towards the El Kelaa M'gouna (Valley of the Roses), and the Dadès Valley (Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs). Stay overnight in a hotel right by the Dadès Gorges and enjoy the evening with a Moroccan dinner.
Day 2
After breakfast you will depart for Todra Gorges. Its 20 m/66 ft wide entrance, bubbling clear stream and its 304 m/1000 ft high rock walls stretch 99 m/325 ft back on either side and is the most stunning part of the canyon. The narrow valley is lined with palmery and up on the rocks you may see the Nomad families tending sheep and goats. Perhaps, you will spot the eagles that nest in the Todra and other amazing birds. You will have lunch in the Gorge, travel further into the desert to the tiny village of Merzouga, where you will camel trek into the beautiful Erg Chebbi Dunes. You will spend the evening in a bivouac (camp), enjoy a Moroccan dinner, and sleep in traditional Nomad camel hair tent.
Day 3
Wake-up to a spectacular sunrise in the desert and enjoy breakfast. Bivouac trekkers will return by camel and continue to Ouarzazate and back over the high Atlas Mountains. Arrive Marrakech early evening.
* Total travel starting and ending in Marrakech is approximately 1400 km/870 miles. If more time is available in your schedule, we suggest the 4 day/3 night itinerary for a more enjoyable excursion.
Day 3
Wake-up to a spectacular sunrise in the desert and enjoy breakfast. Bivouac trekkers will return by camel and continue to Ouarzazate and back over the high Atlas Mountains. Arrive Marrakech early evening.
* Total travel starting and ending in Marrakech is approximately 1400 km/870 miles. If more time is available in your schedule, we suggest the 4 day/3 night itinerary for a more enjoyable excursion.