Under a Million Stars: A 4-Day Desert Retreat in Merzouga

Highlights: Tizi n'Tichka Pass, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (UNESCO), Dades Gorge.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Kasbah in the Dades Valley.

Detailed Description:
Your adventure begins at 8:00 AM with a pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech. We immediately start our ascent into the majestic High Atlas Mountains. The road winds dramatically through breathtaking landscapes, passing through traditional Berber villages. We'll stop at the summit of the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m) for photos, where the views stretch endlessly across the mountain ranges.

Descending the other side, the environment transforms from green valleys to a pre-Saharan landscape. Our main stop is the legendary Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient fortified village is a masterpiece of earthen architecture and has been the backdrop for countless films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You will have a guided tour to explore its intricate alleyways and climb to the top for a panoramic view.

After lunch in the town, we continue our journey towards the Dades Valley, often called the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs." We will make a stop at the impressive Kelaat M'gouna, famous for its rosewater production (especially vibrant during the annual Rose Festival in May). Finally, we arrive at our hotel nestled within the Dades Gorge. You'll have time to relax and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner while overlooking the stunning valley.

Highlights: Todra Gorge, Camel Trek, Berber Desert Camp, Sahara Sunset & Sunrise.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Berber Desert Camp (Standard camps also available).

Detailed Description:
After breakfast, we recommend an early morning walk to enjoy the spectacular view of the Dades Valley from a strategic viewpoint known as "the Monkey Fingers." We then depart for Todra Gorge, a massive fault in the earth that has been carved by a river to create towering canyon walls reaching up to 300 meters high. Here, you can walk along the riverbank, feel the cool shade of the canyon, and admire the climbers tackling the sheer rock faces.

After some free time in the gorge, we continue towards the Sahara Desert. The landscape becomes increasingly arid as we approach the town of Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. The sight of the first golden dunes on the horizon is unforgettable.

Upon arrival in Merzouga, you'll leave your luggage at the auberge and pack a small overnight bag. In the late afternoon, you will meet your camels for a magical one-hour camel trek into the heart of the dunes. As you sway gently with the rhythm of the caravan, you'll witness an unforgettable Sahara sunset that paints the sand in hues of orange, red, and gold.

You'll arrive at your authentic Berber desert camp just as the stars begin to appear. After being welcomed with a refreshing mint tea, you can climb the dunes for unparalleled stargazing. A delicious, traditional dinner is served under the stars or in the cozy tented restaurant, followed by Berber music and drums around a campfire.

Highlights: Sahara Sunrise, Camel Trek Back, Draa Valley, Agdez Kasbah.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Riad in Ouarzazate.

Detailed Description:
Wake up early to experience one of the highlights of the tour: a breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara dunes. The silence and the changing colors of the sand as the sun crests the horizon is a truly spiritual moment. After breakfast at the camp, you have the choice to either ride your camel back to the village or take a quicker 4x4 transfer across the dunes.

Once back in Merzouga, you'll meet your driver and begin the journey back. Today's drive is incredibly scenic as we travel along the Draa Valley, the longest river in Morocco, which is lined with a continuous ribbon of lush palm groves and ancient ksour (fortified villages). We will stop in Agdez to view the impressive Kasbah Tamnougalte and learn about the history of this important trading post.

We continue to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa." You will have the evening free to explore the town or relax at your hotel. Dinner and overnight will be in Ouarzazate.

Highlights: Kasbah Taourirt, Telouet Kasbah, Atlas Mountain Villages.
Meals: Breakfast

Detailed Description:
After breakfast, we have a short visit to the Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate, a former residence of the powerful Glaoui family, to appreciate the intricate architecture of a traditional kasbah.

We then take an alternative and highly scenic route back to Marrakech, driving through the Ounila Valley. This road is a hidden gem, offering stunning views of rugged mountains and passing through authentic, untouched Berber villages. Our main stop is at the fascinating Kasbah of Telouet, a once-opulent palace that controlled the salt and slave trade routes. Exploring its decaying yet beautiful halls is like stepping back in time.

We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in the valley before making our final ascent back over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass. We expect to arrive back in Marrakech in the late afternoon (around 5:00 PM), where you will be dropped off at your accommodation, filled with unforgettable memories of your Sahara adventure.

End of our services.