Summary
Off the beaten track; three days in the saddle - get away from it all and slow down.
START / FINISH - Marrakech.
Activity code: Nomads - 03z
Duration: 3 Days
The Sahara feels like such a distant image from Marrakech but with Rediscover the World's Sahara adventures a visit to the real desert in Morocco's deep south is possible. The nearest section of the Sahara is just a little south of Zagora and it is in this region that you would visit on this extended meharee of three days. Slow your pace, get away from the crowds, experience the nomadic life for a few days in the southern region of Morocco. This itinerary is the only one with multiple days riding on camels and visits places not included elsewhere.
What's the journey like?
From your hotel or riad in Marrakech your journey will begin across the Glaoua Plains and up via the winding road over the High Atlas Mountains through the Tichka Pass at 2260m. From this high point you will see the dramatic changes in the countryside - from high mountain ranges to semi-desert and oases. Along the way you will stop at the magnificently exotic kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, declared a World Heritage Site; here Hollywood has shot many of its films, including “Lawrence of Arabia” and "Gladiator". Continuing further south you will pass through Ouarzazate and then down the beautiful Drâa Valley to the small oasis town of Zagora.
Where will you stay?
Your first night is in genuine nomad tents, hosted by a local Bedouin family; the second night is at the Authetic Erg Tizi camp with all the facilities - Importantly, neither accommodation on this trip is "deluxe" but it will be clean and safe. The sunsets and sunrises in the rarefied air of the desert can simply take your breath away, the nights may be spent in our carpeted, nomadic tents or out in the open under an awesome canopy of the starlit heavens.
Important Information
All travel to and from the desert is by air-conditioned, 4WD vehicle, most meals and sightseeing are included and, crucially, there are multiple meharees (camel rides) into the desert with overnight stays in traditional Bedouin tents in beautiful and peaceful settings. All our desert trips are based on including private transfers from Marrakech; please contact us to arrange accommodation - we are experts for small hotels and riads across Morocco.
We recommend you bring the following: day pack (for camera, water bottles, hat, etc.); windcheater (seasonal), broad-brimmed hat (or you may purchase a 'Cheche' before you set out from Zagora); personal toiletries and towel; hygienic wipes (and/or gel); small First Aid kit; head torch with batteries; filled water bottle(s); sunscreen, sunglasses; nibbles and/or dried fruit. Drinking chocolate if preferred. Extra toilet rolls could come in handy! For those who wear contact lenses, perhaps it would be a good idea to bring along a spare pair of glasses.
Clothing: Comfortable clothes for travelling, loose clothing for the camel ride and warmer layers for the colder desert nights.
.jpg){kind=link}
