3-Day Enthralling Sahara Desert Adventure from Marrakech - Via Morocco

3-Day Enthralling Sahara Desert Adventure from Marrakech

5 (126 Reviews)
From: €0,00
5
(126 reviews)
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Duration

3 days 2 nights

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

1 person

Languages

English

About this tour

Take a 3-day escape from Marrakech to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. Cross the High Atlas Mountains and Tichka Pass, visit the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, and explore the cinematic city of Ouarzazate. Wander through the towering Todra Gorges and ride camels into the heart of the desert, where a sunset camel trek and a night under the stars at a desert camp await you. This compact adventure is filled with panoramic landscapes, cultural landmarks, and the serenity of the Sahara.

Included/Excluded

  • Travel in a comfortable four-wheel drive vehicle (4wd) or minibus
  • Fuel, tolls and car insurance
  • English speaking driver/guide
  • Evening half board (dinner, bed and breakfast) in Dades Valley
  • Enjoy half board accommodation (dinner, bed and breakfast) at a desert camp in the evening
  • Camel riding in the Erg Chebbi sand dunes (one camel per person)
  • Transfer from hotel, Riad or airport
  • Lunch and drinks
  • Tip

Itinerary

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Marrakech, heading southeast towards the Sahara Desert. You'll navigate the winding Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains, an engineering marvel at 2,260 meters above sea level. The panoramic views here are simply breathtaking, with verdant valleys, cascading mountain streams, and Berber villages that cling to the mountainsides.

In the winter months, the pass is often draped in a blanket of snow, adding to its enchanting allure. As you descend from the heights of the Atlas, you'll find yourself at the doorstep of the famed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has served as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood blockbusters like 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'Gladiator', thanks to its timeless beauty and unique earthen architecture.

After touring the Kasbah and enjoying a leisurely lunch, your journey continues to Ouarzazate, affectionately known as the 'Hollywood of Africa'. Here, the film studios and cinematic landscapes provide a fascinating glimpse into the movie industry's love affair with this region. As the day wanes, you'll proceed to Boumalne Dades, a tranquil town that acts as the gateway to the stunning Dades Valley. The drive is aptly named the 'route of a thousand Kasbahs' for the myriad of historic fortifications that dot the landscape, each with its own story to tell.

Upon arrival in Dades, you'll be greeted by the cool air and the opportunity to relax and unwind. The town is a perfect spot to enjoy the evening, with the option to explore the local area and take in the sights of the majestic Dades Gorges before retiring for the night.

In the afternoon, venture to Ouarzazate, Africa's own Hollywood, before meandering through the 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs'. Revel in the beauty of Skoura's palm groves, and the fragrant Rose Valley, and finally, settle in the heart of Dades Valley for the night.

After a restful night and a satisfying breakfast, set out towards the Toudra Gorges. The journey takes you through a dramatic landscape, where the towering canyon walls of the gorges rise to an impressive 300 meters, framing the sky above. The Toudra Gorges offer an ideal setting for a leisurely walk, allowing you to appreciate the sheer size of this natural wonder.

Your adventure continues as you travel through the verdant southern oases, making your way deeper into the Sahara Desert. The sense of tranquility intensifies as the landscape transitions to an ocean of sand dunes. Arriving in Merzouga, the last settlement before the vast expanse of the Erg Chebbi dunes, you'll trade your vehicle for a more traditional mode of transport - camels.

The camel trek is a highlight of the trip, offering an authentic desert experience as you ride across the golden dunes. Time your journey to coincide with the sunset, and you'll be treated to one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Morocco - the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sand.

By nightfall, you'll reach your desert camp, where a sumptuous dinner awaits. Afterward, local staff will entertain you with a traditional drum show, setting the mood for an unforgettable evening. The desert night sky is a spectacle in itself, with countless stars, shooting stars, and the Milky Way visible in the absence of light pollution.

The final day starts early, but it's worth it to catch the mesmerizing desert sunrise. After breakfast, bid farewell to the camp and ride the camels back to Merzouga. The journey back to Marrakech takes you through Rissani, once known as "Sijilmasa". This historic town is famed for its sprawling oasis, lined with adobe Kasbahs and lush palm groves, making it a perfect place for a brief exploration.

Leaving Rissani behind, you'll traverse a different landscape, one dominated by rugged mountains and Acacia Trees. The town of Tinghir is your next waypoint, followed by the route through Dades, Ouarzazate, and back over the High Atlas Mountains. As the road winds down, you'll find yourself back in Marrakech by sunset or early evening, carrying with you memories of a magical 3-day expedition to the heart of the Sahara Desert.

Durations

Multi day

Languages

English

Tour's Location

From: €0,00

Owner

Via Morocco

Member Since 2023

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