Hidden
Morocco Desert Tour
is a totally unique tour of wild Morocco. We’ll take our 4x4 across
the High Atlas to Dades Valley and Tinehir, traverse the remote Anti Atlas
Saghro mountains off-road, then head further south to Zagora through the Chegaga
dunes. This spectacular route is an extra-fine mix of gorges, volcanic mountains,
remote Berber villages, Nomadic tribes, wild desert, rocky hamada and dune
fields. Optional camel trekking available.
September
15 to May 15 departing any day with 2 or more persons to a maximum
6 passengers per car.
Price: Varies depending on arrival and departure
city, and number of persons.
Marrakech / Marrakech . . . 7 days
Join this tour:
March 21 -27 2009,
2 booked, 4 places open
Fez / Marrakech . . . 7 days
Fez / Fez . . . 7 days
Join
a Tour
(lowers the price per person)
If
you book a new tour any date, we will post your dates here and invite
others to join you to a maximum of 6 passengers.
Our tours can depart any day, with 2 or more people, and are flexible. Email
your requests or questions. We welcome vegetarians, use air conditioned vehicles,
and unique boutique hotels.
Price includes:
Transport and fuel costs by 4x4 seating 6 passengers; experienced driver;
ensuite hotel rooms with air conditioning; swimming where available; desert
bivouac; breakfast and dinner; personalised extended walks and exploration
of oasis palmeries and kasbahs, markets and medinas;
camel trek with guide and camels.
Add another night in the dunes: Want to chill in the Sahara? Take another
day (or more) to explore and enjoy. Email
for prices.
SEVEN
DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
Marrakech to Marrakech
Price:
Convert
Moroccan Dirhams to another currency.
2 persons:
9100 dirhams per person.
3 persons: 7300
dirhams per person.
4 – 6 persons: 6000 dirhams per person.
Youth/child 10 and under, 10% discount.
Day 1
We will meet you at your riad or hotel, depart Marrakech and transport over
the High Atlas mountains Tizi nTichka pass, taking time to stop and
enjoy impressive landscapes, and have coffee and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
We pass through Ouarzazate and stop for lunch. Our next destination
is Dades valley. You will pass through many Berber villages, and in the desert,
see riverside oasis and barren red rock formations clustered with kasbahs
(fortified dwellings that house many families and their livestock). Stay
in Dades valley auberge (small country inn) with Moroccan dinner on
the terrace, overlooking the valley gorge and gardens.
Day 2
After breakfast we will drive off road drive to Tinehir for
lunch. After lunch we'll walk through a massive fault dividing the Atlas
mountains. Todra Gorge sheer limestone walls rise over 300m in its
narrowest part. You can wander with a guide through palmery villages,
gardens and kasbahs for a close look at traditional Berber ways of
life and visit the evening women’s market in Tinehir. We will stay
in a traditional old kasbah with evening Moroccan dinner.
Day 3
Today we rise early and leave the tourist route behind for the Saghro
massif, one of the most remote regions in Morocco, populated by the Ait
Atta nomad tribes. We’ll visit their camps and perhaps be invited in
for tea. We’ll traverse the range off-road, crossing high plateaus,
volcanic cones, ridges, and take time to enjoy spectacular views over this
area. Stop for a picnic lunch near Bab n’Ali, two ancient weathered
volcanic cores. We’ll be in the Draa valley by late afternoon,
and our Zagora hotel by dinner.
Day 4
Back on the road again, we’ll take a scenic drive south to the very
edge of Sahara, near M’Hamid. After lunch, you can hop on your
camel and explore the dunes.
Day 5
Across the desert again after breakfast, we’re off road on the trail
to the Chegaga dunes. Along the way we’ll find camels at wells,
nomads with their goats, and flat desert Hamada covered with fossils, crystals,
perhaps stone age tools, or if you’re really lucky, you’ll
find a meteorite. We’ll be in Chegaga after lunch, and you will have
the day and evening to enjoy your time in a desert bivouac. Explore and climb
the dunes to watch the night sky. A traditional Moroccan tagine will be served
for dinner, before you retire to your bed in a nomad wool tent.
Day 6
Today we’ll go off road further south through the dunes, following
the Algerian border (yes it’s safe!) through stark desert landscapes,
bordered on one side by mountains, and the other by sand dunes. Few nomads
live in this area, and there is little else. We’ll arrive at Foum
Zguid for lunch, then head north to Ouarzazate over a very scenic
route. Back in civilization, we’ll stay outside of Ouarzazate, in a
modern kasbah.
Day 7
Back on the tourist route heading back to Marrakech today, we’ll take
a side road visit to tour World Heritage Site Ait Benhaddou. This
village of clustered Berber Kasbahs has been used as a backdrop for more
than 20 films and was one of the most important fortress strongholds on the
old Salt Road where caravans brought slaves, gold, ivory and salt
from Saharan Africa to Marrakech and beyond. After lunch we’ll off
road to Telouet, back down the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech, arriving
approximately 6 pm.
SEVEN
DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
Marrakech to Fez
(or Fez to Marrakech)
Price:
Convert
Moroccan Dirhams to another currency.
2 persons: 9350 dirhams per person;
3 persons: 7490 dirhams per person;
4 – 6 persons: 6150 dirhams per person
Youth/child 10 and under, 10% discount.
Day 1
We will meet you at your riad or hotel at 8:30am, depart Marrakech and transport
over the High Atlas mountains Tizi nTichka pass, taking time
to stop and enjoy impressive landscapes, and have coffee and fresh-squeezed
orange juice. We’ll take a side road visit to tour World Heritage Site
Ait Benhaddou. This village of clustered Berber Kasbahs has
been used as a backdrop for more than 20 films and was one of the most important
fortress strongholds on the old Salt Road where caravans
brought slaves, gold, ivory and salt from Saharan Africa to Marrakech and
beyond. Stay this night in Ait Benhaddou.
Day 2
After lunch our next destination is Dades valley. You will
pass through many Berber villages, and in the desert, see riverside oasis,
and barren red rock formations clustered with kasbahs (fortified dwellings
that house many families and their livestock). Stay in Dades valley upper
gorge auberge (small country inn) with Moroccan dinner on the terrace, overlooking
the valley gorge and gardens.
Day 3
Today we rise early and leave the main road to off road, crossing the High
Atlas desert mountains to Tazzarine, then follow the winding
road down to Todra Gorge, where sheer limestone walls rise to 300 m in its
narrowest part. You’ll have a visit in the gorge, then continue to Tinehir.
Visit the market in Tinehir and old kasbah quarter. We will have a late afternoon
arrival to stay in an old kasbah with evening Moroccan dinner by the pool.
Day 4
We will again go off road, leaving the tourist route behind for the Saghro
massif, one of the most remote regions in Morocco, populated by the
Ait Atta nomad tribes. We’ll visit their camps and perhaps be invited
in for tea. The traverse climbs a rugged trail off-road, crossing high plateaus,
volcanic cones, ridges, and we'll take time to enjoy spectacular views over
this area. Stop for a picnic lunch near Bab n’Ali, two ancient weathered
volcanic cores. Stay in NKob hotel.
Day 5
Today we drive east of the stark Saghro Massif. This route is peppered with
isolated villages and towns, rocky mesas and acacia trees. We will have lunch
near Rissani before departing for the Erg Chebbi
dunes. Our late-afternoon destination is the auberge (small inn) near Merzouga,
where you meet your camel guide to ride into the dunes at sunset to the bivouac
(camp). Upon arrival you will be served a traditional tagine dinner (vegetarians
welcome), prepared under the evening stars shining brilliantly in the above.
Climb the big dune and watch the moon rise before retiring to your bed in
a nomad wool tent.
Day 6
Return by camel at sunrise to the auberge for breakfast and shower. Today
we’ll take the 4x4 off road, and explore around the Erg Chebbi
sand sea, visiting Nomads for tea along the way (if they
can be found). You can visit the village of Hamlia, and experience
the Gnaoua music of the Sufi tribes. This night you are back in the desert
auberge for dinner.
Day 7
Back on the tourist route, you’ll depart for long days drive to Fez,
traveling through the Ziz gorges into the Middle Atlas mountains.
You can stop in the the alpine town of Ifrane, before descending
to the hilly lowlands where the ancient city of Fez is situated. We can arrange
for your stay in a traditional old riad in the heart of the Fez medina and
arrange for a guide for the next day if you wish. (extra cost[s]).
SEVEN
DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
Fez to Fez
This route involves longer driving days than the above itineraries.
Price:
Convert
Moroccan Dirhams to another currency.
2 persons: 10150 dirhams per person;
3 persons: 8050 dirhams per person;
4 – 6 persons: 6550 dirhams per person
Youth/child 10 and under, 10% discount.
Day 1
We will meet you at your riad or hotel, depart Fez and transport into
the Middle Atlas mountains. In winter, the alpine town of Ifrane will
be covered with snow, a nice contrast from the desert. You can stop here,
before descending to the Sahara through the Ziz gorges toward Sahara
and the town of Tinehir. We'll spend the night in an old kasbah.
Day 2
Today we rise early and leave the tourist route behind for the Saghro
massif, one of the most remote regions in Morocco, populated by the Ait
Atta nomad tribes. We’ll visit their camps and perhaps be invited in
for tea. The traverse climbs a rugged trail off-road, crossing high plateaus,
volcanic cones, ridges, and we'll take time to enjoy spectacular views over
this area. Stop for a picnic lunch near Bab n’Ali, two ancient
weathered volcanic cores. We’ll be in the Draa valley by late
afternoon, and our Zagora hotel by dinner.
Day 3
Back on the road again, we’ll take a scenic drive south to the
very edge of Sahara, near M’Hamid. After lunch, you can hop on your
camel and explore the dunes.
Day 4
After breakfast, we’re off road to the Chiggaga dune field.
Along the way we’ll find camels at the wells, nomads with their goats,
and flat desert Hamada covered with fossils and crystals; if you’re
really lucky, you’ll find a meteorite. We’ll be in Chiggaga after
lunch, and you will have the day and evening to enjoy your time in a desert
bivouac.
Explore and climb the dunes to watch the night sky. A traditional Moroccan
tagine will be served for dinner, before you retire to your bed in a nomad
wool tent.
Day 5
Today we’ll follow a sand track further south through the dunes, following
the Algerian border (yes it’s safe!) through stark desert landscapes,
bordered on one side by mountains, and the other by the Chiggaga dunes. Few
nomads live in this area, and there is little else. We’ll arrive at Foum
Zguid for lunch, then head north to Ouarzazate over a very scenic
route. Back in civilization, we’ll stay outside of Ouarzazate, in a
modern kasbah.
Day 6
Back on the tourist route heading back to Tinehir, and after lunch
we'll walk through a massive fault dividing the Atlas mountains. Todra
Gorge sheer limestone walls rise over 300m in its narrowest part. You
can wander with a guide through palmery villages, gardens and kasbahs for
a close look at traditional Berber ways of life and visit the evening
market in Tinehir. We will stay in a traditional old kasbah with evening
Moroccan dinner.
Day 7
Depart for long days drive back to Fez, traveling again through the
Ziz gorges into the Middle Atlas mountains. You can stop in Ifrane, before
descending to the hilly lowlands where the ancient city of Fez is situated.
We can arrange for your stay in a traditional old riad in the heart
of the Fez medina and arrange for a guide for the next day if you
wish. (extra cost[s]).
Fez, Agadir
and Casablanca Itineraries:
Want to arrive and / or depart from Agadir or Casablanca? Email or
telephone your dates, and we can price practical itineraries and options.
Extended Camel Treks
Experience the ancient ways of the desert on a camel trek in Erg Chebbi
dunes or the Draa Valley on the Old Salt Road caravan route. These
tours run with 2 or more people, an English speaking guide, and all meals
enroute, plus transport to and / or from Fes or Marrakech. Prices available
for 5 (3 day trek + 2 transport days) or more days.
For more information contact
Telephone
Morocco:
GSM: +212 6246 1598 / +212 6770 5212
Telephone
inside Morocco:
GSM: 0 6246 1598 / 0 6770 5212
Telephone
Canada and voice mail:
+1 604 393 3715
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©2003 - 2008 MOROCCO EXPLORED | MOROCCO EXPLORED.COM
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Praise
for the desert tours!
All
our testimonials are genuine.
Visit References for contacts.
We
wanted to say thanks for a great time in Morocco. It was a perfect introduction
to the country, the itinerary was just the right mix of on-and-off road
and our stopovers were at some stunning places! Many thanks to Essalah
for the driving - also, for knowing some of the best views and photo-opportunities.
We promise to give him some shares when we start up the "Monkey Hammam" business!
We wish you the best of luck for the future of the company and we hope to travel
with you again sometime (Volubilis, Casablanca, Fes... etc., as well as a return
to the desert).
We're happy to act as
referees if you would like to list us on the site.
J Brown & F Downs, UK. 2008
Thank you so very much for providing Kiran, Carolyn,
Sheila and me with such a memorable Moroccan experience. While we enjoyed
Marrakesh and Fez, the real journey occurred during the days we spent
with Morocco Explored. We experienced so many delightful sights - and
an amazing amount of diversity. Mother Nature put on quite a show.
I also want to express our appreciation for Essalah. We realized just how
spoiled we had become under his care when we arrived in Fes and had to navigate
on our own! It was a shock! All our travel days went smoothly, which are
a tribute to his professionalism. But, it is his warmth and humor that stays
with us. I think we laughed our way across your country.
Please accept all of our thanks and appreciation.
S Lunden and friends, India and USA 2007
My
partner and I visited morocco last September and took a tour with Morocco
Explored and were fortunate enough to have Essalah as our driver for 3
fantastic days. Before leaving the UK, I found Robbin very helpful with
payments, and itinerary questions that I had. Our first meeting with Essalah,
was the day before our trip, when he drove to meet us on the outskirts
of Marrakech. He met us with a smile and drove us as close to our Riad
as possible, before paying a local to take us to the door (which he refused
to be reinbursed for) and also to check we were ok and knew the plans for
the following day.
The tour we were on mirrored a similar tour conducted by another firm that
was cheaper but travelled in big slow mini-buses lacking air con! Throughout
the trip we kept bumping in to these people who were complaining that their
drivers didn't stop for photos, didn't speak english and wouldn't tell them
were they were going or what they would be doing next. The complete opposite
of Essalah, who was insightful, funny, and very accomodating for our requests
to stop or stay in places longer.
When we arrived in the desert we left on our camels for our camp and shortly
found ourselves in the middle of a sand storm, which was very exciting but
we were not fearful as Essalah and our desert guide where brilliant. The
sand then turned to rain as an electical storm blew over, and during all
this Essalah was fantastic arranging for us to eat our dinner in the tent
of a local nomad family who lived in the desert — which was amazing!
Essalah was fist class, very enthusiastic, and made the trip very funny and
informative for us. Keep up the good work Essalah and Morroco Explored! I
will recommend Morocco Explored to any friend of mine visiting Morocco in
the future...
A Wrangles, UK, 2006
We
got to Merzouga late (8 pm) after stopping at Essalah's house. His family
was amazingly kind and at the end of the visit, I felt I had a new set of
family. What tremendous people. When we left, I told Salah that it would be
near impossible to top that experience. We started the camel trek late due
to the long travel time and seeing the stars at night and the sun rise in
the morning was exactly what I'd hoped.
J Zimmerman family, USA 2006
I am
sending you this e-mail on behalf of all our party to thank Morocco Explored
for a fantastic time in the mountains and the desert, all without
exception thought that this was the highlight of our visit. Please thank
the drivers, Essallah and Salim for a wonderful tour and particularly how
they looked after us.
My biggest dissapointment was not being able to say a proper "thank
you" at the tour end - particularly to Salim who was my driver - because
of the traffic chaos ensuing at the drop-off point, (and) because he was
very friendly, good company and worked hard throughout.
R Spry and friends, UK 2006
We
would like to let you know that we had a great trip with Morocco Explored...
a very organized tour company and our trip itinerary ran smoothly. The
four of us on the 5 days/4 nights desert tour were extremely pleased with
your service and driver. All of us in our party were impressed with his
excellent driving skills especially driving thru the Atlas Mountains region.
We found our trip in the Land Cruiser very safe, relaxing and stress free.
We enjoyed the music and entertainment.
You treated
us... with respect and kindness. We all learned a lot in the five days.
You were very accommodating when we wanted special stops or for having
different lunches. You were very professional, listened to us and were
fun to be with. It was a memorable trip.
After our five days of touring we were looking for a couple of days of R & R;
you recommended Sidi Kaouki, it was one of the highlights of our trip to
Morocco. The hotel, dinners and beach were out of this world. It was everything
you said it would be.
Thanks for making our trip to Morocco special. We would definitely use Morocco
Explored again and highly recommend to others.
R Purdy and family, Canada 2007
All
our testimonials are genuine. Visit References for
contacts.
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