Day 1: Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah – Boumalene du Dades
After collection at your riad/hotel in Marrakesh, we will set off for the Dades Gorges. Passing through Tizi n’Tichka in the High Atlas Mountains, we will visit the UNESCO World heritage Site of Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, which has been the backdrop for many films, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Alexander. After lunch, we’ll enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes and historical monuments of Taourirt Kasbah in Ourzazate, as well as the Valley of the Roses, which is famous for its annual Festival of Roses. We’ll also pass through the Berber villages of El Kelaa des M’Gouna and Boumalene du Dades, where we will spend the night.
Day 2: Dades Gorges – Toudgha Gorges – Erfoud Village
After breakfast, we will depart Erfoud to Merzouga, heading south to Hamada Stone Desert We’ll pass through the dramatic nomad village, spending the night in a small Berber guest house.
Day 3: Merzouga
After breakfast, we’ll set off for Erg Chebbi and Merzouga, enjoying the desert landscapes and passing through the gravestones of Taouz. We will then have an opportunity to hear the Gnawa music of Khamlia while enjoying lunch in a small Gnawi-owned restaurant. After lunch, it’s a short drive to a nearby hotel. Upon arriving at the hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and enjoy refreshments before collecting overnight necessities (requirements for the night in the desert). Other luggage can be left securely in your hotel room overnight. An adventurous 90-minute camel trek will take us to a Berber camp in the middle of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, which are the highest in North Africa. The camp consists of several comfortable Berber tents equipped with mattresses and linen, a restaurant, a kitchen and a ‘natural’ toilet. The evening will consist of a delicious camp-cooked dinner, after which we will gather around the fire to enjoy the sound of traditional Berber drums under the stars.
Day 4: Merzouga – Fes
You will awaken early to climb the sand dunes and watch the sunrise, which offers fantastic photo opportunities. We will then make our way back to the hotel for showers and breakfast before setting off for Fes. En route, we will pass through Arfoud, Errachidia, the Ziz Valley, Meditlt, and the cedar forests before seeking out the monkey troupes of Azrou, and Ifrane. Lastly, we will deliver you to your riad/hotel in Fes.