Highlights & Tour Itinerary
Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas mountain through the Tizi N’tichka Pass.
- Visit the Berber Village of Ait Benhaddou.
- Drive along the Draa Valley passing by fortified Kasbahs.
- Jeep ride and overnight stay at a Sahara Desert Camp in Erg Chigaga.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01: Marrakech Hotel – Tizi N’tichka Pass - Ait Benhaddou – Zagora Hotel (360 km)
07:30 pickup hotel lobby in Marrakech to start tour adventure. Drive through Tizi N’tichka Pass, 2,260 meters above sea level, to Ait Benhaddou. This fortified Berber village is located along the old caravan route to the Sahara, and has served as setting for many great movies. The Kasbah is actually an UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your way you will enjoy the unique sightseeing of the most attractive road in southern Morocco. You discover greenish areas of palm groves lining the path to announce the start of a Saharian Oasis where a patchwork of a domestic vegetation displays itself through a terraces culture of cereals, vegetables, fruit trees, dates, henna, watered by the Draa river.
Arrive to Zagora in the Draa Valley. In the 14th century the Saadians, descendants of the Prophet and originating from Arabia, set out to conquer the Sahara, starting from Zagora. They managed to extend their authority until Timbuktu. Overnight stay at Zagora hotel like Palais Asmaa for the 4* category or Riad Lamane for the 5* category.
Meals: Dinner Hotel
Day 02: Zagora Hotel – Tamegroute – Erg Chegaga – Desert Camp (140 km)
Embark 4x4s to proceed to Tamegroute village. You have the chance to visit here the old Quranic library and a pottery factory. Our driver takes us further to M’hamid Ghizlane, 80 km over a tarred road. After lunch break (not included) continue to Chegaga where you can enjoy and discover the Erg Chegaga dunes and the Hamada of Draa. You will meet nomads and with some luck see a passing camel caravan on your scenic off road ride. Don’t miss the experience to trek to a dune and watch a colourful sunset. Overnight in a Sahara desert camp, in a private tent with sharing bathroom.
Meals: Breakfast Hotel, Dinner Camp
Day 03: Erg Chegaga – Quarzazate – Marrakech (470 km)
After breakfast at the camp say farewell to the desert and start your long drive back to the bustling city of Marrakech. It will be a long drive via Zagora, Quarzazate and the Tizi N’Tchika Pass with opportunities for photo stops and stretching you legs. The tour ends at your hotel in Marrakech.
Meals: Breakfast Camp