3 days from Marrakech: Gorges and the dunes of Erg Chebbi, Merzouga
An individualized and comfortable private tour. From Marrakech you will cross the mountains of the High Atlas and the Berber villages with houses made of stone and mud bricks; the itinerary takes you to the valley of 1000 Kasbahs with typical mud constructions and fantastic oases. From the valley of the roses you reach the valley of the Dades and the Todra with its magnificent gorges. Finally you reach the desert of Merzouga and the great dunes of Erg Chebbi. On a trip with the dromedaries you can enjoy the sunset in the dunes and the nomadic hospitality and overnight stay in the desert guarantee a unique and unforgettable experience.
Activities
Itinerary: Marrakesh- High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Valley of the million Kasbahs – Rosevalley – Dades gorges – Todra gorges – Erfoud – dunes of Merzouga- Rissani – Nkob – Draavalley – Ouarzazate – High Atlas – Marrakesh
Type of tour: Private and guided tour in 4×4 Jeep off-road/Minivan, camel riding and sandboarding in the desert.
Min. participants/max. participants: from 2 participants; maximum 6 participants in Jeep
Duration of the tour: 3 days and 2 nights with half board
Departure/arrival: departure and arrival from / to your hotel in Marrakech
Individual starting dates, all over the year
Activities
Day 01
Marrakech- High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Valley of 1000 Kasbahs-Rosevalley- Dades gorges
Our trip will take us through the High Atlas mountains by way of the historic Tizi-n-Tichka pass. With an elevation of 2,260 meters the size and beauty of the mountains cannot be overstated. This pass is also dotted with ancient oak woods, walnut groves, traditional Berber villages and picturesque valley pastures complete with roaming free range goats and sheep. The mountain pass opens into a high desert lunar landscape that is home to Ait Benhaddou, where we will stop for lunch. This UNESCO protected medina has been featured in such films as Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth and The Gladiator. Morocco has long been a favorite of Hollywood and you will also have a chance to visit previous movie sets that are still standing. From here we set off through The Valley of 1000 Kasbahs. Kasbahs are ancient castles or strongholds. The road you travel along may be paved today, but 1000 years ago it was just a path full of traders going to and from Europe. These Kasbahs offered a safe place to conduct business and spend the night in safety. We then travel through Skoura and Kelaa M'Gouna an area known for both roses and its handcrafted daggers. Then through the lush Dades Valley. Here you will stay in a Moroccan Riad bed and breakfast, complete with tea service and full dinner.
Day 02
Todra gorge– Erfoud – Dunes of Merzouga (camel riding 1,5 hours)
After breakfast we set off to the Todra Gorge. This marvel of geography with cliffs of pink and grey reaching the sky cannot be overstated. It's a wonderful spot for a break and peaceful walk. From here we travel to the near by village of Erfoud for lunch. This area is home to centuries old horizontal wells called Qauah, that once irrigated the desert. After lunch we set out for Merzouga and the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Here you will admire the gilded pink dunes from the saddle of a dromedary passing effortlessly through the sand. The Chebbi dunes are continuously changing and moving, reaching a height of 160 meters. The evening will be spent in camp enjoying first class Berber hospitality. Complete with the traditional mint tea ritual, dinner and music topped off with star gazing in the vast desert sky.
Day 03
Ouarzazate – Marrakesh
The Erg Chebbi sunrise is certainly something you don't want to miss, the golden light bounces across the dunes in a truly magnificent fashion. After breakfast we set off once again for the High Atlas mountains and Ouarzazate. Here we will stop for lunch and see where such films as Spy Game, Kingdom of Heaven and many more have been shot. After lunch is off to Marrakech, arriving in the evening.
Included
- Private transport in an air-conditioned Landcruiser (Minivan)
- English speaking driver/guide
- Pick up and drop-off at the airport or your Riad/Hotel in Marrakech
- The opportunity to ask a driver to stop when and where you wish
- Free time to explore the places such as Ait Ben Haddou, Dadesvalley, Draavalley ecc for walks and photo stops
- 1 overnight in air-conditioned room with private bathroom in Hotel/Riad with breakfast and dinner
- 1 overnight in comfortable tent with private bathroom in the luxury desert camp of Merzouga with breakfast and dinner
- the camel riding (1,5 hour) with a local guide in the desert
- sandboarding and berber drumming in the desert camp
- tea, coffee and mineral water in the desert camp
Not Included:
- lunch
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Entrance fees
- Tips