THE SAFFRON ROUTE – 7 DAYS

from/per person €440
  • Deserto
    Desert
  • Montagna
    Mountain
  • Oasi
    Oasis
  • Bivacco
    Bivouac
  • Itinerario naturalistico
    Nature tour
  • Sport e avventura
    Sport and adventure
  • Escursioni in dromedario
    Camel excursion

General description

A seven-day adventure designed for experienced travelers, in the heart of the most authentic Morocco, away from busy and commercial routes.

Starting from Marrakech, we’ll cross the central High Atlas at the Tizi n'Test pass, crossing the Toubkal National Park and travelling along one of the most suggestive and evocative mountain sceneries of North Africa. Heading south towards the Algerian border, we'll explore a unique variety of landscapes and ecosystems, across the Massif of Sirwa's volcanic rocks, the wild desert of Foum Zguit, the majestic dunes of Ch'gaga and the endless palm grove of the Draa valley. A unique experience following the traces of ancient nomadic caravans, across impressive mountains and endless desert plateaus, where the red-ocher of the earth clashes against the dazzling blue of the  sky. The perfect trip if you want to experience a different Morocco, with a night in a traditional bivouac and a camel trek along the amazing dunes of the Erg Labidlya. The journey might also include mountain biking and horse riding trails and plenty of other nature and sport leisure activities on the basis of your interests and budget.

Other details


Included services:

Private transport by 4x4/minibus - 1 night in desert camp with camel trek on the dunes - 5 nights in riad - Accommodation on half board basis - Guided visit to local saffron cooperatives and food tasting sessions - Traditional music night - Entrance fees to monuments and architectural sites - Local guide - 24h Assistance

Extra services not included:

Airplane tickets - Drinks - Lunches - Tips for staff – Optional activities – Travel health insurance (upon request, Direction Sud will help you identify the most suitable for your needs).

Stages of the trip

7 days / 6 nights

Taroudant
We’ll cross the High Atlas at the Tizi n 'Test pass (2100 mt) heading south towards the city of Taroudant, in the Souss valley. Also called "the little Marrakech", in the XVI Taroudant was for a short time the capital city of Morocco under the Saadian dinasty, as shown nowadays by the magnificent walls surrounding the narrow streets of the beautiful ancient medina. Along the way to Taroudant, refreshing break on the slopes of the Ouirgane lake, in the Toubkal National Park.

Duration: 04:00
Taliouine
We’ll spend the second day trip at the berber village of Taliouine, with guided visits at authentic local saffron cooperatives, food tastings and cooking demonstrations. For nature explorers, hikes and 4x4 trails in the near massif of Sirwa (3304 m), in a stunning volcanic landscape of dark rocks, sharp cliffs and vast arid plateaus.

Duration: 02:00
Foum Zguit
We’ll head south to reach the village of Foum Zguid and the Iriki national park, at the foothills of the Anti Atlas. In the most humid seasons, we’ll admire the charm and beauty of the lake Iriki (dry for most of the year), in a unique landscape populated by an amazing variety of animal species, as flamingos, mouflons and gazelles. Along the way, stop at the berber village of Taznakht for a guided visit of its renowned carpet cooperatives.

Duration: 03:00
Ch’gaga
From Foum Zguid we’ll travel across an endless plateau of dark rocks towards the hearth of the Moroccan Sahara, down into the desert of Ch’gaga. Camel ride on the beautiful golden sand dunes of the Erg Labidlia and overnight stay in a nomad bivouac provided with all comforts. For food lovers, Saharan food tastings and cooking demonstrations.

Duration: 03:30
Zagora
We’ll leave the dunes of Ch'gaga early in the morning by 4x4 towards the green oasis of Oum El Aleg, located in a suggestive desert plateau of pure rocks and sand. On the way to the city of Zagora, we’ll stop at the Ksar of M'hamid and at the ancient religious and commercial center of Tamegroute, for a total immersion in the atmosphere and traditions of the Sahara.

Duration: 03:00
Draa Valley
We’ll explore the vast oasis of Draa, with guided visits to the Kasbah of Tamnougalt and the traditional market in Agdez, along the ancient caravan trade route linking the city of Timbuctu, in Mali, to Marrakech. Upon request, the trip might include mountain biking trails along the countless paths that run through the palm groves.

Duration: 03:00
Ait Ben Haddou
After a guided visit to the Taorirte palace in Ouarzazate, we’ll spend our last day trip visiting the majestic Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. Return trip to Marrakech along the ancient salt route in the Ounila Valley, with a stop at the suggestive ruins of the Glaoui palace in Telouet, surrounded by the amazing peaks of the High Atlas.

Duration: 04:00