Marrakech & The Sahara - Overland Trip

1 week: Marrakech to Marrakech: (IMT-MTMS)

Intro

Few cities quicken the heart or dizzy the mind quite like the romantic city of Marrakech. The meandering alleyways of its sprawling souq hide many an exotic curio and eager salesman. The Koutoubia mosque glows orange at sunset and the slowly stretching shadow of its minaret points like a finger toward the greatest outdoor restaurant on earth. Jumbled strains of impromptu orchestras mix with the cries of stall vendors all competing for attention. Above their heads the square seems to exhale an endless cloud of charcoal smoke into the darkening sky. The Djemaa el Fnaa square that the whole city seems to be centred around is the perfect place to dine before thoughts turn toward tomorrow and the crumbling fort-palaces of Morocco’s former lords. By crossing the majestic High Atlas mountains, the startlingly green wadis reveal the infamous kasbahs which sit brooding in the desert heat. Beyond them, vast sand dunes soar. At their base, robed figures sit patiently by their humped transport. Don’t keep them waiting. Visit Morocco now.

Accommodation

Arrival and departure transfers

Private transport days 3 – 7

Camel trek (1 camel per person)

Overnight berber tent camp in dunes

Meals as listed (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner).

DEPARTS

Daily ex Marrakech airport.

Itineraries

Day 1,MARRAKECH

Upon arrival you will be met at the airport by one of our representatives holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel. A porter with a cart will take you from the edge of the Medina to the riad. (No meals)

Day 2,MARRAKECH

A free day in Marrakech to explore this captivating city. (B)

Day 3,MARRAKECH - AIT BEN HADDOU

Drive across the High Atlas mountains to the fascinating kasbah complex of Ait Ben Haddou. Approx. 4 1/2 hours driving. (BD)

Day 4,AIT BEN HADDOU - NKOB

Drive east through the desert to the barren Sahro mountains to Nkob, a small village that is home of the Ait Atta, one of the last few nomadic berber tribes. Stunning volcanic scenery surrounds this picturesque village and there are plenty of walking opportunities this afternoon. Approx. 3-4 hours driving. (B)

Day 5,NKOB - ERG CHEBBI

Today you will drive south to the Saharan dunes of Erg Chebbi. In the afternoon you will mount your camels and be led to a Bedouin style tent where you will overnight deep within the dunes. Approx. 4-5 hours driving. (BD)

Day 6,ERG CHEBBI - TODRA GORGE - DADES VALLEY

Emerge from the desert today, driving through green valleys to the stunning Todra Gorge before spending the night in the Dades Valley. Approx. 4 hours driving to Todra Gorge, 2 hours Todra Gorge to Dades Valley. (B)

Day 7,DADES VALLEY - MARRAKECH

Drive back across the High Atlas and the Tizi ’n Tichka pass to Marrakech. Approx. 8 hours driving. (B)

Day 8,MARRAKECH:

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

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Last updated: 20th October 2009