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Discover the Moroccan Sahara: Berber kasbahs, remote sand dunes, camels and beautiful mountains

Although in the summer it is very hot in Southern Morocco, it is a perfect destination to visit from autumn through to spring: the air is very clear, and the days pleasantly warm. After arriving in the desert town of Zagora, we travel by camel into the beautiful sand dunes of the pre-Sahara.

After this amazing experience we visit the beautiful kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and the remains of the great fortress-palace of Telouet. Nearby in a remote picturesque valley is the village of Tijhza, from where we take a walk into the High Atlas Mountains. There is also time to explore the vibrant city of Marrakech and the beautiful coastal town of Essaouira.

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech and transfer to your hotel

Day 2: After breakfast we leave Marrakech. First we cross the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass of the High Atlas mountains. You will pass through many Berber villages, and once in the desert, riverside oasis and barren hillsides are clustered with Kasbahs. After lunch we drive further to Valley of the Roses, with beautiful views of the Dades valley, valley of a thousand kasbahs. Overnight in Dades.

Day 3: After breakfast we head out and go en route to Todra Gorge. Today is spent exploring this beautiful gorge, from its plunging depths to its awesome heights. Discover the charm of Todra on your trek. Witness it’s changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. We spend the night here too so you could also decide to just relax.

Day 4: After breakfast we head out and cross the Jebel Sahro. We drive on to "Auberge du Sud" at the dunes of Erg Chebbi. We will arive there around 4 and after a short break you will ride camels into the dunes, where you will spend the night in berber tents. After seeing a beautiful sunset you will enjoy a fantastic dinner.

Day 5:  After viewing the most beautiful sunrise and having breakfast at the camp site you will ride the camels back to the auberge. Leaving the desert, we travel through the Draa valley, along the route of 1000 Kasbahs, a beautiful landscape. We continue on to Ouarzazate, where we will enjoy our evening and spend the night.

Day 6: After breakfast it is only a short drive to Aït Benhaddou, a ‘fortified city’, situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. It is situated on a hill along the Ouarzazate River and it is one of the most beautiful examples of kasbahs, some of which remain inhabited. Granted UNESCO World Heritage listing, the site had been the setting for many films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.

Day 7: Drive back to Marrakech, again via Tichka pass. You will arrive in Marrakech early in the afternoon. You will have the remainder of the day to yourself to explore this magnificent city.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport and departure from Marrakech.