Marrakech & The Sahara 2009/10 departures

from USD 1349 for 8 days

Visiting: Morocco

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.

Detailed Description Show brief

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)

Marrakech
Marrakech, former capital of Morocco, is home to perhaps some of the most beautiful architecture in the world. Boasting not only mosques, palaces and gardens but restaurants, boutiques and nightclubs, Marrakech is a fusion of old and new. By day the main square of the old medina teems with snake charmers, juice salesmen, musicians, fortune-tellers and palm-readers. By night it is transformed into an incredible open air barbecue as scores of food stalls sell every imaginable Moroccan delicacy. The city is also renowned for its labyrinthine markets in which you can spend hours looking for that perfect gift.

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)

Ait Ben Haddou
A huge complex which was once at the heart of Saharan trade routes, Ait Ben Haddou is an impressive fortress located in the middle of Oued Mellhah. Despite being made of mud brick, the kasbah has survived for 500 years and is remarkably well-preserved. A UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site, Ait Ben Haddou has featured in many films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.

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)

Nkob
Situated in the barren Sahro Mountains, Nkob is 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.

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)

Erg Chebbi
Meaning “great dunes” in the local Berber language, Erg Chebbi is an incredible expanse of sand in Morocco’s south-east. An inhospitable yet hauntingly beautiful area, it is the realm of camel-breeding Amazigh berbers whose livelihood is dependent on deep wells and oases which blossom within the desert. These nomads reside in goats-wool tents with richly carpeted interiors which are easily dismantled for onward travel. (Please note you do not need to bring a sleeping bag for this night as bedding is provided).

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)

Todra Gorge
The Todra Gorge is a dramatic scar carved through bare cliffs, over 80m high in some places. At only 600m in length, the gorge attracts mountain shepherds who water their flock in the springs near its base and rock climbing enthusiasts who are drawn to its fantastic heights. During the spring season, the gorge channels run off from the High Atlas Mountains into a series of canals which irrigate the vast palmery cultivation of Tinehrir.

Dades Valley
Also known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs”, the Dades Valley is spectacularly green amidst the harsh rocky landscape of desert Morocco. Rich red sandstone contrasts magnificently with bright green palm foliage, particularly when the setting sun reveals an abundance of rich colour.