Desert Discovery

9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis, Except in Summer (June-August)

Trek over dunes and through nomadic villages. Discover yourself in the tranquility of the Sahara. Breathe the fresh air of the oases, explore mystical Berber villages, and lose yourself in fascination with each casbah as you let the spectacular gorges and serene dunes become backdrops for your memories of Morocco.

Your journey of discovery begins with welcome by your private driver upon your arrival at Marrakech, an ancient city of weathered pink buildings and orange groves at the base of the Atlas Mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring fascinating local souks (markets), palaces, and gardens. See the Djemaa el-Fna, a carnivalesque public square where water sellers, snake charmers, magicians, and storytellers compete for an audience. The next day, depart by private transport via the breathtaking snow-capped peaks of Atlas Mountains, the largest mountain chain in Africa that divides the fertile coastal regions from the desert interior. Stop en route at Ait ben Haddou, Morocco’s largest and most famous casbah. Overnight in Ouarzazate, a thriving trading post and Morocco’s modern-day Hollywood. Continue your journey through the magical and fertile Drâa Valley with its casbahs, Berber villages, date palms, olive and almond groves. Your first glimpse of the Sahara is the sandy dunes of Tinfou. Overnight in Zagora, a stop on the ancient camel caravan route marking 52 more days to Timbuktu. Then head toward central Morocco, traveling past rich river valleys, dramatic escarpments, plunging ravines, and palm-filled gorges. Overnight in the desert outpost of Erfoud, where you may purchase your headscarf alá Laurence of Arabia in anticipation of the next day’s desert journey.

Nearby Merzouga is the point of departure for your Sahara Desert immersion. Explore the mystical landscape as you ride on camelback, led by a Bedouin guide robed in the flowing blue garb of the Tuareg people, through the stunning sands. As night falls, delight in a Moroccan feast cooked in the elements. After dinner, climb to a high dune to appreciate the vastness of the desert and lights flickering from nomad encampments. Sleep in a nomad tent beneath the innumerable stars of the clear desert sky. Experience a sense of timelessness as you dream of the Little Prince or caravans of old. Awake with the sunrise to watch the colors of the desert change before your eyes. Return to Ouarzazate through the Dadès Valley and its Road of a Thousand Kasbahs that rise up like turreted sand castles along this ancient caravan trading route. Stop in the Todra Gorge to marvel at the natural force that carved this quiet Berber oasis and rock-climbing haven. Cross Tizi n’Tichka en route to Marrakesh for relaxation in lush gardens, shopping in the souks, or soaking in a traditional hammam (steam bath), a bit of luxury to end your journey.

Itinerary Overview

Cost and accommodations level

Accommodations on this tour

Zagora : Kasbah Asmaa
Erfoud :
Merzouga : Nomad tent
Ouarzazate : Dar Kamar
Marrakesh :
The hotels and riads listed are an example; you will stay there or somewhere of similar quality.

The total price includes

- Lodging at charming riads or hotels (4* and camping/nomad-style )
- All transportation, including recent-model sedan or minivan with air conditioning, private English-speaking driver, and fuel
- Government-certified tour guides in major cities
- Entrance fee to monuments and sightseeing
- Camels and desert guide
- Four wheel drive to Merzouga
- Breakfast daily
- Tree dinners.
- All applicable taxes
- Sahara Soul Travel credit of 3% upon your return (can be used by any member of your family or friend)

Not included in price

- Air fare
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and some dinners
- Drinks
- Personal needs expenditures
- Gratuities

Features of this trip

- Private guided travel with English-speaking driver (not a group tour)
- Itinerary can be customized based on your interest and budget. Also, you can lengthen or shorten the trip.
- Departs daily year-round on private basis
- Designed for First Class (4* accommodation and services). Upgrade to Deluxe and Luxury (Elite) is available; also the trip can be altered to lower budget.
- Group discounts available
- 9-day trip begins in Marrakesh and ends in Marrakesh
- 7 nights first-class and best-available hotels or riads, 1 night expedition-style camping/nomad-style
- Activities: cultural connections, UNESCO World Heritage sites, exploration, stunning Berber villages, camel trek, seaside towns, Atlas mountains, meet Nomads, Berbers, and Touaregs, souks and shopping, handicraft production, formal gardens, holy sites, historical sites, sightseeing, hiking, walking, trekking, authentic local culture
- Activity level: Easy to Challenging, depending on your preference.

Notes

- A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm reservations. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
- Prices quoted for land arrangements are subject to change without notice.

Transportation

- A recent-model sedan (1-2 people)
- Luxury minivan or van (3+ people)

See Book Your Trip to request the complete itinerary for the above tour, or Customize Your Trip to begin customizing your own itinerary.