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Itinerary
Today we have a full travel day through the diverse landscapes that make Morocco so unique. Pass through the cedar and pine forests, keeping an eye out for Barbary apes. Pass over the Middle Atlas Mountains through the pre-desert countryside with its deep gorges filled with splendid oasis of green palm groves, finally arriving at the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. We spend the night in a desert auberge ( hotel), located right on the edge of the dunes. Here we will have dinner local-style and spend the night. Please note, all the rooms have bathroom ,shower and air A/C, at the desert auberge. Day 1: Overnight in Merzouga (Auberge); Approx travel time including stops: Fes to Merzouga, 9-10 hrs .
Today is free until we head out on our camel safari in the late afternoon. Why not spend the cool of the morning exploring the undulating golden sands of the dunes? Or simply relax by the pool or read a book in the cool communal couch area. We also offer an optional activity of a 4x4 safari into the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, we set off on an hour's camel ride to our desert camp deep in the dunes. Your local guides will teach you how to mount and dismount and other handy camel related safety tips. Be sure to get them to teach you the trick of tying your turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to your photos. From your first cup of mint tea, you'll enjoy a warm welcome at our desert camp. A traditional dinner under the stars, cooked by your camel man. In the evening there will be time to hear stories about life in this region and perhaps, if we are lucky, we might be treated to some traditional music on the drums. Facilities are very basic - each Bedouin tent sleeps approximately 4 people but most people prefer to relax and enjoy the sounds of silence during a night under the starry desert skies. Mattresses and a sheet and blanket are provided. For those travelling in the winter months (Nov- April), we highly recommend a sleeping bag for additional warmth. It is back to nature as far as bathroom facilities go. We will have breakfast upon our return to our Merzouga auberge.
Early in the morning, your camelman will wake you up to watch what well may be the best sunrise of your life. Afterwards, you will peacefully camel trek back to the village of Merzouga. Enroute you couldn’t fail to appreciate the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes - changing with the light as the day progresses. After breakfast in the riad, you’ll leave for Rissani , Tinghir, and Todra gorges - the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. Here you will have the option to hike for an hour within the valley, where you will meet locals and learn about the culture and geography. After lunch in the heart of the gorge, you will continue to the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sandcastles and the amazing rock formations known as "monkey toes". Overnight accommodation will be at Dades gorge hotel.
This morning we continue along the "Route of a 1000 Kasbahs" to Ouarzazate where we will take our lunch break. We continue to the village of Aït Ben Haddou. Aït Ben Haddou is a wonderful example of a collection of kasbahs (a type of fortress). Carefully restored over the years and now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered to be one of the best preserved kasbah villages in Morocco. A few families still call the kasbah their home, but the majority of locals have gradually moved to the nearby settlement. During our visit to the Kasbah, lose yourself in the narrow, winding passageways and feel the magical atmosphere of this incredible structure. Continue via the spectacular Tizi n’ Tichka Pass before descending past charming mountain villages, dense woods and green fields to the ochre colored city of Marrakesh.
