The High Atlas Mountains & Sahara Itinerary (Private Tour)
Day 1
Depart from UK and fly to Marrakech to transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 2
Depart Marrakech by bus for the High Atlas Mountains, the highest range in North Africa, and the plains of Ouarzazate & Skoura to enjoy the
panoramic scenery and rural way of life. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, built by the Glaoui tribe, a UNESCO cultural treasure. And then continue
on to the Skoura oasis, where palm trees and silvery olive groves cluster around the ruins of ancient kasbahs. Reach the magical town of
Kelaa Mgouna, located in the middle of a large, green valley, and known as the Valley of Roses. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a typical
guesthouse in Tinghir.
Day 3
After breakfast depart for Merzouga, travelling through the Tinghir valley, stopping to admire the Todra palm groves and the Todra Gorges, with
a river running through. Enjoy a hike through the canyon before continuing on Tinejdad and Erfoud, which is well known for its fossils. Continue
through the vast oasis of Tafilalt, which is famous for its dates and arrive in the midst of the golden dunes of Merzouga where you will enjoy a
camel ride through the desert before arriving at your traditional, but comfortable nomadic camp. Enjoy a drum performance, sunset views,
dinner and a good night’s sleep in a traditional tent.
Day 4
A very early start today to see the sun rise over the Sahara. After a nomadic breakfast in Merzouga leave for Rissani to visit the ancient Moulay
Ali Cherif’s Ksar and the main souk of the region, where local produce and cattle are on sale. Cross the lunar landscape of the Saghro Djebel,
admiring its plains, mountain peaks and canyons, stopping off at local villages en route. Following the Draa River, on the road of the 1000
kasbahs, we arrive in Tanssikht, the last stop of the Saharan caravans going South in the heart of Berber country, with its oases and palm grove.
Pass by the the earthern houses, the ksours and the t fortified granaries before continuing to Ait Benhaddou for dinner and overnight at Ksar
Ljanoub
Day 5
After breakfast visit the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, the postcard- like UNESCO adobe citadel built from beige mud and straw, which has been used
as a backdrop for many Hollywood films. It was one of the most important fortress strongholds on the old Salt Road caravan routes, where
traders brought slaves, gold, ivory and salt from sub-Saharan Africa to Marrakech and beyond. Travel through the Ounila Valley along ancient
trade routes to Telouet to visit the pasha’s palace, an impressive fortified citadel. We will then start on our way back crossing the High Atlas
Mountains, this time on the national road, once a camel track that was turned into a proper road suitable with the help of the French Foreign
Legion. The end of the tour serpents its way past abrupt valleys and mountain peaks to descend to Marrakech for dinner and overnight.
Day 6
After breakfast head out to explore Marrakech with your expert guide. Visit the Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Tower with its 70 metre high
minaret and the recently discovered Saadian Tombs. Continue to the 19th century Bahia Palace which is surrounded by beautiful gardens
filled with fruit trees and fragrant flowers. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 7
After breakfast you will have a day at leisure in Marrakech. Head to the ancient medina to barter in the souks, or enjoy some more
sightseeing. Alternatively, seek out a traditional hammam bathhouse for a relaxing spa treatment. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 8
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure transfer to Marrakech airport for your return to the UK.
