The Atlas Mountains & Sahara Desert

The Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert Tour    

Sample Itinerary:

 Day 1: Fez
We will pick up you from the airport and take you to your accommodations. Depending on your time of arrival, we can help arrange your plans for the day or evening.

Day 2: Fez – Midelt
After breakfast, our guides will lead you through the Fez medina, an 8th-century labyrinthine city. Let us take you back in time, exploring small winding streets where local vendors work traditional crafts in small stalls, donkeys carry goods through the cobblestoned streets, and historical sites are hidden around every turn. The medina is rich in Islamic monuments: old mosques, the University of El-Karaoulyine, and its libraries. We’ll also be sure to visit the southern tower for a panoramic view of the entire city. After our tour, we’ll leave the city for Midelt, passing through the Middle Atlas mountain region. On the way, we’ll stop in Ifrane, the “Switzerland” of Morocco, and Azrou, where we can stop to feed the local monkeys. Your day ends at your hotel in Midelt.

Day 3: Midelt – Imilchil – Todra Gorge
In the morning we’ll take breakfast and then head off to the Todra Gorge through the High Atlas Mountains. This journey passes through many small Berber villages, giving you a unique look into the daily lives of the people in this region. One of these, Imilchil, is perhaps most famous for its annual betrothal festival in September. You’ll have the chance to explore Imilchil, visit the lake and nearby villages in the valley, and enjoy lunch. From here we’ll finish our trip to Todra Gorge where you can settle in for the evening, relax and have dinner.

Day 4: Todra Gorge – Tinjdad – Merzouga
Depart Todra Gorge for the desert town of Merzouga. Along the way, we will stop and explore Tinjdad to visit the water museum and springs and learn how the water is carried from deep in mountains to desert oasis. After this, we’ll arrive at the Erg Chebbi region of the Sahara Desert where we will begin your camel trek to start your Moroccan desert adventure! Along the way, you’ll get to watch the sunset over the majestic Sahara dunes. Upon arrival in camp, you’ll enjoy a tajine dinner and then spend the night at an oasis in a Berber tent.

Day 5: Merzouga
After your breakfast in the bivouac, you will travel by camelback to the hotel where you can shower and rest. Late morning we’ll drive around Erg Chebbi area, visiting a nomad family, Gnaoua village and learning about the traditions of this Berber area. You’ll stay the night again in the hotel.

Day 7: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
After breakfast, we will visit Taourirt Kasbah in town. From here we’ll take you to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Our journey continues back towards Marrakech with a visit along the way to the traditional High Atlas Berber village of Telouet and the Kasbah el Glaoui. We will take lunch in Telouet before descending the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass to Marrakech where you will check in to your hotel late afternoon.

Day 8: Menara Airport in Marrakesh
Transfer to the Marrakech airport in time for your departure. Depending on timing we can help you plan your day!

Included:

• Accommodation of 4 to 5-star (Riad, hotel, nomadic Berber style tent)
• All Breakfast
• Tour guides
• Entrance museum fees during the guided tours
• Airport pick-up and transfer
• Full time assistance on the phone and email
• Some workshops as mentioned on the itinerary
• Camel ride in Merzouga
• Private vehicle

Not Included: