Sahara Desert tour & Atlas Mountains trek 8 days /7 nights
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A combined week including the best of southern Morocco including Ait Benhadou Ksars, Ouarzazate, Dades gorges, Erfoud, Rissani, Merzouga dunes & the Draa valley, this tour offers the best oppportunity to experience both the Atlas Mountains and Sahara.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Arrive to Marrakech airport, pick up and transfer to the riad / hotel in the media. free time to explore the city. Overnight at the riad the medina. Day 2: Marrakech – Ait Benhadou – Ouarzazate – Todra Gorges. 360km Departure from Imlil at 8:00 am on 4WD/minivan over Tizi n’Tichka (2260m) the highest road mountain pass in Morocco, we enjoy spectacular views of the surroundings areas including the zigzagging road. On the way to Ouarzazate, we have a visit to fortified & famous Ksars & Kasbahs of Aït Benhaddou. Continue the way & cross Ouarzazate & enjoy the beauty of Valley of the Roses & Kellat Mgouna, leave the main road and drive to Dades valley, visit and then continue through the small city of Tinghir to magnificent of Todra Gorges. Overnight at the hotel/Riad. Day 3: Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi. 270km After breakfast at the hotel, visit of the Todra gorges and then way to Merzouga through several beautiful desert towns; Tinjdad, Erfoud & Rissani, arrival to Merzouga. Get ready for the camel trek from Merzouga to Erg Chebbi (2hrs), overnight at the nomadic camp in the heart of the highest dunes in Morocco (150m), possibility to see the sunset. . Berber dinner, little entertainment and drum party. Day 4: Erg Chebbi – Merzouga – Alnif – Tazzarine –Ouarzazate – Imlil valley. 580km Wake up early to enjoy the views of sunrise in the desert, after breakfast, join the Camels again to ride back by a different way over the dunes to return to our waiting vehicle at Merzouga, way through Alnif, Tazzarine & a part of the long Draa valley before arriving to Agdez and then continue to Marrakech via Ouarzazate & Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260m), continue through Ourika valley & Tahnaoute to reahc the High Atlas Mountains by the end of the day. Overnight at the guest house. |
Day 5: Imlil – Toubkal Refuge. After breakfast, start the walk with your guide through the Berber villages following a mule path which will take you to the mountain hut via the shrine Sidi Chamharouch (2500m) where you will have your picnic lunch already prepared by our outdoor cook, after lunch & a short break, continue towards Toubkal Hut (3200m), as the mules walks faster, the muleteers & cook, will pass over & will be waiting for you at the Hut or camp with a welcoming & tasty mint tea upon arrival while you will enjoying the scenic Mountain surrounded the based camp. The hot shower is available to clean up and refresh yourselves for the next day adventure. Overnight at the Hut (domitory with bunk beds not ensuite room, private room with bathroom available with extra). 5-6hrs walk Option: the night could be spent on the tent but in summer time. Day 6: Toubkal refuge (3200m) – Toubkal Summit (4167m) – Imlil (1775m). Wake up early to avoid the sunny path, breakfast around 5.00am and start the ascent climb at 5.30am, each one of you may need to pack his own pack-lunch, nuts & oranges, following up the zigzagging path for about 3h/4h walking up the hill until Tizi n’Toubkal (4000m) where you will have the 1st look of the summit, walk up through the Mountains ridge to reach the plateau where the highest point is, unique views over the whole Atlas Mountains peaks, valleys & Berber villages, take photos and pack lunch on the top, after a break of 45min on the summit, Trek down to the hut, a diversify lunch will be ready for you there. After lunch you walk down hill towards Imlil by the same route. Overnight at Riad Jnane Imlil 8-9hrs walk Day 7 : Marrakech – Sightseeing. Breakfast at 7.30am and transfer to Marrakech afterwards, upon arrival, guided visit of the most remarkable historical sites of Marrakech Medina including “Badi Palace, Bahia Palace, Saadien Tombs, Mederssa Benyoussef, Majorelle Gardens”….Free time in the afternoon to relax and stroll in the medina. Overnight at the riad. Day 8: Marrakech – Home. Transfer to the airport for the return flight. |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONS
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Duration: ................8 days /7 nights
- GRADE:....................Medium in summer and difficult in winter.
- PERIOD: ..................All the year.
- PICK UP DETAILS:.................Pick up at 8am (from Marrakech airport).
- DROP OFF DETAILS:.............5-6pm Marrakech airport / hotel.
- ACCOMMODATION: ............Riad Panorma / Riad Baylon / similar, Nomadic camp (Basic or luxury), Riad Jnane Imlil, Toubkal hut (sharing dorm with bunk beds)
- FOOD & DRINKS:..................Fresh Salade & Hot meals Moroccan tagines will be provided in the restaurants.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- English speaking driver guide.
- English speaking Mountain guide for the hike.
- Comfortable & AC vehicle (Gaz included)
- 7 nights Accommodation (including 1 night at the nomadic camp, possible upgrade to the luxury camp)
- Camel ride in Merzouga dunes.
- Toubkal summit Ascent.
- All meals (7 Breakfasts, 7 Evening Meals, 6 lunches)
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks
- Visit Fees
