Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Gorge.
With a pick-up in Marrakech we’ll drive to Ouarzazate through the dramatic Tizi ntichka pass (2260m), over the High Atlas Mountains, appreciating the beauty of the landscape on twisted roads through the Berber villages. Arriving at the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the largest Kasbah in Morocco, a UNESCO matrimonial historical site, and a house of many Glaoui family members. We’ll have lunch by the Kasbah and will continue to Dades Gorge via Ouarzazate, “the Hollywood of Africa”. We’ll continue on through the “Road of the Thousand Kasbahs”- the fascinating “sand castles” – before stopping at Kalaat Mgouna, “the city of Roses,” known for its beautiful roses and annual festival during the rose harvest in May. We’ll continuing to our hotel overlooking the Dades Valley. Overnight in our Hotel/Riad. Dinner Bed and Breakfast. DBB.
Day 2: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Merzouga.
After breakfast in the hotel, we’ll drive back through the valley to see the amazing rock formation known as “The Monkey Toes”, and the still-standing 19th century Kasbah of Ait Yul. Leaving the Dades valley towards Tinrghir and the Todra valley you’ll see the panoramic views of the old mud Berber villages overlooking the valley. Arriving at the Gorge you’ll walk under the 300m high red cliff, where many rock-climbers come to practice and enjoy their sport. Continuing our trip to Erfoud and Rissani where we’ll have lunch, we’ll leave for the village of Merzouga – the home of your guide Youssef – where your camel will be awaiting you. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of mint tea before you check into your accommodation. Overnight in our Hotel/Riad. DBB.
Day 3: Merzouga area and the Camel trek.
After breakfast in the hotel you’ll start your explorative journey of the area, visiting the ‘Village of the Blacks’, or original “Gnawa” people from Sudan to experience their music and lifestyle. Not far away there’s the lake of Merzouga, with it houses a diverse bird population, including flamingos. You may also like to visit the nomad wire house where many Berber handicrafts are priced lower than they are in the big cities. In the afternoon you will mount your camel, guided by an experienced Camel man, to explore inside the mysterious sand-sea of the Erg-Chebbi. Here you’ll spend your first night under the stars, or if you prefer, in a traditional Berber nomad tent. Dinner will be served in the tent where you will spend the night. Dinner Bed and Breakfast. DBB.
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Errachidia – Midalt : After an early sunrise camel trek through Erg Chebbi dunes, we’ll arrive at the camp operator’s lodge for breakfast, shower and maybe a quick swim at the lodge pool if time permits. Meet your driver and vehicle, and travel to Midalt via the towns of Rissani and Erfoud. In Rissani you will have the opportunity to walk within the authentic Souk, an assortment of vegetables, spices and dates; here you will also hear diverse conversations by hooded men and veiled women. Your journey will continue to Errachidia along the Tizi Ntalghamt road.
Pass to Midelt. Here you’ll stop to enjoy the panoramic view before you get to your hotel. Overnight in our Hotel/Riad. Dinner Bed and Breakfast. DBB.
Day 5: Midalte – Tizi Ntalghamt Pass – Midlet – Azrou – Fes:
After breakfast in your hotel, you will travel to Fes via Ifrane. Your journey will be along the carved-through volcanic rock, and through the Tizi Ntalghamt Pass to Midelt. Stopping in Zaida, you’ll enjoy a barbecue and refresh with a glass of mint tea before continuing your journey to Azrou, a berber village in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Before, we will stop to see the Barbarian apes in the famous Cedar forest.We’ll continue on to Ifrane, “the French village”, to stop for some photos or a drink before heading onto your accommodation in Fes where the tour ends.
