THE ROAD OF NOMADIC CARAVANS - 7 DAYS

from/per person €415
  • Oasi
    Oasis
  • Deserto
    Desert
  • Escursioni in dromedario
    Camel excursion
  • Itinerario culturale
    Culture tour
  • Architettura e monumenti
    Monuments and architecture

General description

A week adventure in 4x4 exploring the ancient caravan trade route linking Marrakech to the Saharan Africa. A trip designed for those travelers wishing to dive into the history and traditions of pre-Saharan and Saharan Morocco.

We’ll cross the High Atlas mountains at the Tizi 'n Tichka pass for a first stop at the city of Ouarzazate, at the gates of the desert, with a guided visit at the fascinating Taorirte palace, overlooking the narrow alleys of the old medina. On the second day, we’ll drive south to reach Draa Valley, endless and lush oasis enclosed between dry and rocky mountains, mysteriously hiding among the palm groves small traditional villages in earth and straw and beautiful ancient kasbahs. From Agdez we’ll continue south to explore the Moroccan Sahara, traveling through the suggestive black desert to reach the Erg Labidlia, for an unforgettable camel trek on amazing endless golden dunes. On the way back to Marrakech, we’ll drive across the wild desert of Foum Zguit and the national Iriki Park, where the ancient nomadic caravans used to rest to graze camels and yet today several migratory birds (such as flamingos and coots) stop to find some water. The tour will end with a last guided visit at the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, stunning fortress made of row earth, on the ancient salt route that linked Marrakech and the Ounila Valley, in the heart of the high Atlas mountains.

Included services:

Private transport by 4x4/minibus with driver and air conditioning - 1 night in desert camp with camel trek on the dunes - 5 nights in riad - Accommodation on half board basis - Traditional music night - Entrance fees to monuments and architectural sites - Local guide - 24h Assistance

Extra services not included:

Airplane tickets - Lunches - Drinks - 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

Ouarzazate
Starting from Marrakech, we’ll cross the central High Atlas at the Tizi n’ Tichka pass for a first stop at the quiet city of Ouarzazate and a guided visit to the Taorirte palace and the traditional handicraft market. In the afternoon, walking tour at the oasis of Fint, green jewel at the foothills of impressive desert mountains.

Duration: 3:30
Draa Valley
We’ll travel along Draa valley, crossed by countless narrow paths twisting through the palm groves, leading to traditional berber villages and ancient kasbahs in earth and straw. Guided visit to the Kasbah of Tamnougalt and the old souk of Agdez. For sport lovers, walking tours in the oasis along the Draa river. Upon request, horse riding and mountain biking circuits.

Duration: 01:30
M’hamid
We’ll drive along the ancient caravan trade route linking the berber village of Tansikht to the oasis of Zagora, with a guided visit at the suggestive Museum of Arts and Traditions of the Draa. Along the road to M'hamid, we’ll stop at Tamegroute, historical religious Sufi center renowned also for the production of a fine ceramics painted in ocher and blue.

Duration: 03:00
Ch'gaga - Labidlia Erg
Driving from M’hamid towards the magnificent golden sand dunes of the Erg Labidlia, we’ll enjoy a unique variety of rocky and desert landscapes. Camel ride on the dunes at sunset and overnight stay in a traditional desert bivouac provided with all comforts, around the warm light of a bonfire.

Duration: 03:00
Foum Zguit
We’ll cross the endless plateau of the Iriki Lake and the wild desert of Foum Zguit, remote Berber village of narrow dirt streets surrounded by canyons and evocative rock formations.

Duration: 03:00
Ait Ben Haddou
On the way back to Marrakech, we’ll stop for an unmissable visit at the ancient ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. With the help of expert local guides, we’ll explore the secrets of this magnificent stronghold at the gates of the desert, whose foundation dates back to the eleventh century. Along the way to the ksar, guided visit to the carpet cooperatives in Taznakht, famous for their fine typical geometric design.

Duration: 03:00
Ounila Valley
We’ll travel along the steep and narrow cliffs of the Ounila Valley up to the village of Telouet to explore the ruins of the Glaoui Palace, situated on a strategic point on the ancient caravan road linking Ouarzazate and Marrakech, near important mines of salt. Along the way to Telouet, we will stop to admire the numerous traditional villages on the steep mountain ridges overlooking the oasis, with a short guided visit to the Kasbah of Tamdakht.

Duration: 04:00