desert trip from Marrakech

www.roughtours.com

Day 1 : Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Dades valley

After collection at your riad/hotel in Marrakesh behind we will set off for the Dades Gorges. Passing through Tizi-n-Tishka in the high Atlas Mountains we will then visit the UNESCO World heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou which has also been the backdrop for many films including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Alexander. After lunch we'll enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes and historical monuments of Taourirt Kasbah in Ourzazate and the Valley of the Roses, famous for its annual Festival of Roses. We'll also pass through the Berber villages of El Kelaa des M'Gouna and Boumalene du Dades where we will spend the night. http://www.xaluca.com/ en/hotel/dades/

Day 2 : Dades Valley- Merzouga via Todra Gorge

From Boumalene Dades we will head to Merzouga passing through the Berber village of Tinghir and the Todra Gorge where the cliffs are as high as 600m and only 10m wide. We will then pass through several Berber villages, stopping for lunch at either Tinjdad or Rissani ( if we get there at time) where you can sample the local speciality, Berber pizza. After lunch we will make our way to Merzouga to start our camel trek. All unnecessary luggage can be left in safe rooms at the hotel. The 90 minute camel trek will take us to a Berber camp in the middle of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, the highest in North Africa. The camp consists of several comfortable Berber tents equipped with mattresses and linen, a restaurant, a kitchen and a 'natural' toilet. The evening will consist of dinner followed by entertainment provided by Berber drums.

Day 3 : Merzouga - Ouarzazate - Marrakech

Before sunrise, you will be woken up to climb the sand dunes for fantastic photo opportunities. We will then make our way back to the hotel for showers and breakfast before we continue our journey to Ouarzazate, passing through Alnif, Tazzarine, Nkob, and the Draa Valley. Then continue our way for Marrakech, passing through the spectacular High Atlas mountains and we will then drop you off at your hotel.