3-day mountain and desert sampler

We will depart Marrakech early in the morning and head toward Dades Gorges via the Tichka Pass, at over 7,400 feet (2,260m), the highest road pass in Morocco. On this incredibly scenic drive, we will pass many small villages that blend right into the mountains! These homes of Berber people are simple, made-of-mud dwellings. We will stop along the way to take pictures, hike, and stretch our legs as needed. We will continue to the Dades Gorges where you will stay tonight. Tonight you will stay at the base of the zig-zagging road we now refer to as the “Cadillac Road” since the car company’s picturesque commercial was filmed here in 2013! Hotel, breakfast, and dinner included.

This morning we will make our way to the Sahara Desert, driving on roads beside deserted kasbahs, palmeries and mud-brick villages—a photographer’s paradise! We will traverse the less-traveled route that takes us off-road to the Todra Gorges. After a short walk along the river that flows between the gorges, we travel toward the city of Erfoud, known for its date palms, and on to the ancient city of Rissani that thrived from the 8th to 14th centuries. Today, before your camel adventure, we will see the great “sand sea” of Merzouga, a beautiful area of fine, apricot-colored sand that stretches as far as the eye can see. It is here where your desert adventure begins! We now switch from our 4×4 to camels where you will be taken on a camel ride on the dunes of the Sahara to enjoy the sunset on the dunes. You will also overnight in a true nomad bivouac. You will sleep in Berber tents in the middle of the dunes of the Sahara Desert. Tent in the desert, camel trek, breakfast, and dinner included.

We will depart early from our respite in the desert in order to enjoy sunrise in Sahara Desert. Our camels will take us back to the hotel where the 4×4 awaits. Breakfast served. We depart for our journey back to Marrakech, stopping first in Ouarzazate to visit Ait Ben Haddou, a ksar (or, city of high walls). This beautiful place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be able to explore the place on your own, climbing to the top of the hill to view the sprawling valley below. It is really spectacular and a good chance for some exercise. We will continue our drive back toward Marrakech, exploring more scenic places and small villages all along the way, arriving in Marrakech about eight hours after we depart.