Moroccan Desert Adventure

Welcome to Morocco! After landing in Marrakesh, you’ll travel from the city on a scenic drive through the High Atlas mountains. This starkly beautiful landscape is home to the Berber people, an Indigenous ethnic group found across North Africa.

Along the way, you’ll spot several Berber villages and farms, as well as the rivers that allow them to cultivate the harsh, rocky land. Stop for an optional visit to a traditional Berber home, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and gain insight into their daily lives.

Enjoy sweeping views of seemingly endless peaks and valleys as you traverse the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, and keep an eye out in the distance for Toubkal, the tallest of them all.

As you continue on toward the city of Ouarzazate, the climate becomes noticeably desert-like. From there, you’ll head to the Dadès Valley, known for its lush oases and elaborate kasbahs. Spend the night in a cozy hotel nestled in the tranquil valley.

This morning, you’ll head east to the Todra Gorge, where a steep fault splits the deep limestone in two. On the drive, gaze out at lush date palmeries and rock formations.

When you arrive, walk along the bottom of the ravine by a clear stream, with towering canyon walls above. In the afternoon, continue toward the Sahara through oasis towns such as Tinejdad, Erfoud, and Rissani.

Erfoud is known for its fossil preservation, and an optional visit can be made to a fossil factory. Break for lunch in Rissani and explore the souk before continuing to Erg Chebbi.

Climb onto a camel and take a ride across the dunes before sunset. Enjoy a Bedouin meal, live music, and traditional drumming in the desert.

Return to Rissani to visit the Maison Touareg bazaar and cultural centre. Learn about the tribes in this area and the symbolism of the carpets they weave.

Travel west through desert plains, mountain peaks, and acacia forests, encountering tribes along the way.

The landscape becomes lush in the Draa Valley, filled with palm trees, fruit trees, and farms. Stop to stretch your legs and taste fresh produce.

Continue through the Anti Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tinififft Pass, before arriving in Ouarzazate for the night in a traditional riad.

If desired, spend the morning exploring Ouarzazate, including Taourirt Kasbah or the local film studios.

Continue to Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on an ancient caravan trade route. This ksar is a striking example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture.

Explore its network of narrow lanes and passageways, and observe local artisans at work.

Return to Marrakesh in the afternoon and spend the evening exploring Jemaa el-Fna, known for its markets, food, and street performances.