From mountain peaks to arid deserts, we invite you to survey and explore a magical world that for a long time was the domain of nomads alone. Crossing several valleys bordered by little mud villages, you’ll get to experience first-hand the wonders of the Moroccan desert.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Marrakech: Admire the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the beautiful Bahia Palace and wander through the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa market
Agdez: This city, the name of which means ‘resting place’, is located on the old caravan route linking Marrakech to Timbuktu. It played an important role in the exchange of goods across the Sahara.
M'hamid: A rich region filled with magnificent landscapes where you can experience first-hand the splendor of the Moroccan desert.
Erg Lihoudi Camp: These spectacular sand dunes are located on the outskirts of M'Hamid. They are made up of several smaller dunes grouped together to form a long dune cordon covering a very large area.
Zagora: This desert outpost is the point from which the ancient Saadian dynasty set out to conquer Timbuktu.
Day 1: ARRIVAL MARRAKESH
Once you have landed in Marrakech and collected your luggage, you will be met by a driver/agent outside the airport, in front of the Arrivals exit, holding a sign with your name on it. Please make sure you do not leave the pick-up area without having first met the driver/agent. You will then be transferred to your hotel, where you will check in, have dinner and spend the night. Any free time you have during the rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure, be it resting from your flight at the hotel, or heading out to start exploring the wonders of Marrakech at your own pace. In any case, make sure you get plenty of rest, for tomorrow your desert adventure begins.
Overnight in Marrakech
Day 2: MARRAKECH – M´HAMID – ERG LIHOUDI
After breakfast at the hotel, you will meet your driver in the hotel reception at approx. 8 am. Tizi n’Tichka pass constitutes the obvious first stop of your trip; as you drive through this fascinating mountainous landscape, you’ll encounter a varied spectacle of cliffs and colours at every turn. The panoramic views continue on the road to Agdez, where you’ll make a stop for lunch. Later, cross the Draa Valley and discover its immense palm grove and many Kasbahs. Continue to Zagora, then visit a potter’s village and Tamgroute, the oldest library/quranic school in the region. Onward to M’hamid, a famous oasis in the heart of the greater Sahara. Meet up with a team of cameleers and enjoy a fun camel safari for 2 hours to reach the bivouac in Erg Lihoudi, at the foot of the dunes. After you settle in your tent, you have the opportunity to admire the sun setting over the dunes before learning all about the nomad lifestyle: a Berber team will invite you to join in the dinner preparations, baking the bread and cooking in the sand under the stars. Wrap up the day by enjoying a musical evening with traditional songs and dances around the campfire.
Overnight in Desert Camp.
Day 3: ERG LIHOUDI – AGDEZ – MARRAKECH
The second day begins early in the morning when you’ll rise before dawn to admire the magical desert sunrise, a wonderful chance to snap some truly enchanting photos. Then settle down in the camp for a leisurely breakfast before clambering back onto a camel for a real riding experience through the desert, all the way from Erg Lihoudi Camp back to M’hamid. There you’ll find your four wheels again and, after climbing aboard and bidding the camels and Berbers farewell, retrace the route through Zagora and the Draa Valley. Several optional photo stops and visits can be arranged with your driver. After stopping for lunch in Agdez, drive up to the wonderful heights of the High Atlas Mountains, where you’ll find several secret Kasbahs and Berber villages. At the end of the day, you’ll be driven back to Marrakech. There, as you settle in your hotel, you’ll look back upon the last couple of days and realize that, despite the distances covered, the pleasure of experiencing the desert lifestyle was absolutely worth it!
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 4: DEPARTURE MARRAKECH
Wake up to one last breakfast in Morocco and then all you’ll have left to do is wait for your transfer at the agreed-upon time to pick you up and drive you to the airport, where you will catch your flight to your following destination as this exciting desert adventure comes to an end.
Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
What to bring for bivouac: A big bag for clothes, a small backpack for day, walking shoes, sandals for the bivouac, a K-way, a sunscreen, sun glasses , an Arabic scarf (to buy on the spot), camera, a torch, extra piles, a toilet bag and other personal effects
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