Itenerary

Day 1 : WELCOME TO Marrakech

Arrival to marrakech airport and transfer to the Riad

Day 2: Marrakech- Ourzazate-Zagora- Draa Valley-Foum Taqat

The journey begins by driving on the plains of Marrakech then crossing the High Atlas mountains via the pass of Tizi n Tichka 2262 m above sea level.  Arriving to Ouarzazate you will have the opportunity to see the film studios where so many films have been shot, such as; Gladiator, Babel, Kingdom of Heaven…. Lunch in Ouarzazate then drive on the rocky desert to Draa Valley arriving to Foum Taqat, the place where we meet the camel men and pitch our tents for the night. (9 hours including stops, overnight in the tents)

Day 2: Foum Taqat – Palm Groves- Bougawarn Dunes

We get up early to put down our tents and have a lovely breakfast under the warm sun rays. Walking, you’ll pass scenes of everyday life - villagers at wells drawing water or collecting grass and dates. You’ll be surprised by the crumbling Kasbahs, deep river beds and oases set amongst shifting dunes of sand. The first day we walk (the caravan of desert) through the tamaris trees, sand and date palms; lunch under the shade of palm trees. After that we carry on walking towards Bougawarn dunes where we set up the camp. After we enjoy some afternoon tea, we climb up the dunes to see the sunset. (6 hours walk, overnight in the tents)

Day 3: Bougawarn – Zaouit Sidi Salh- Tidri Dunes

As usual you put down your tents (with the help of the team) and pack the ruck sacks, take breakfast and be ready for continuing the adventure by walking on the dunes then passing by the last village in the oases, where we take a short stop to get water for the next day because there will be no water source. After we pass the village comes time for a lunch stop under the shade of palm trees. By the end of the day we arrive at Tidri Dunes - a magical area of rolling dunes in the middle of nowhere which, though not high, stretch spectacularly off into the distance. As your camels wend their way across the rolling sand-scape you may find the ideal moment to photograph this classic desert caravan scene. (walk approx for 5 hours, camp overnight)

Day 4: Tidri - Erg

Today is a particularly dry day. Flat, open, stony plateau is traversed interrupted by sand dunes. Lunch at Bounou and relax so that in the afternoon we can take our camel tour on the dunes of Sahl. Overnight in tents with a starry night in the desert is amazing and enjoyable. (5 hours TREK)

Day 6:  Tidri dunes – Ouled Driss

After breakfast in the morning with the wonderful fresh and cool air, we set off once again. There are few people now in this vast expanse, save for a few nomadic herdsmen with their precious dromedaries. By noon we  arrive at another chain of low dunes scattered with palm trees. Here we have lunch before walking the final hour or so across the dunes to the village  of Ouled Driss – civilisation at last! Ouled Driss is a picturesque village with a small museum and a well-maintained Ksar. You’ll camp in a palmeraie just outside of town and take time to wander the surrounding area admiring the intricate network of irrigation channels. (5 hours walk approx.)

 Day 7: Ouled Driss – Marrakech

This morning, after an early breakfast, you board your vehicle for the long return drive to Marrakech. As we retrace our steps through the beautiful Draa Valley you can reflect on the privileged insight you have had into the ways and customs of the region and be amazed at the completely different pace you have been travelling at.

We stop in Aït Benhaddou for lunch; a small village whose focal point is one of the best-preserved fortified kasbahs in the country. (8 hours drive approx.)

Day 8: Fly Home

Transfer to the airport and fly home