Explore the Ancient Salt Route and Desert Landscapes

Full description

This is a Small Group Experience : For groups of more than 5 persons, kindly fill out the inquiry form.

Discover the oldest salt trade route on a breathtaking desert adventure. Walk alongside camels loaded with “white gold” on a historic nomadic trail, and explore Morocco’s stunning desert landscapes. This unique trekking journey offers an immersive experience through centuries-old traditions, from the awe-inspiring Erg Chebbi dunes to hidden desert oases. Perfect for adventure travelers, cultural explorers, and desert enthusiasts, this trek combines breathtaking scenery, rich heritage, and unforgettable experiences under the vast Saharan sky.

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport, welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 2: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura – Kelaat M’Gouna – Dades Gorge
After breakfast, depart early in a 4×4 for a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizin Tichka Pass (2,260m), one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Morocco. Explore the historic caravan route of Telouet and witness the dramatic contrast of red earth villages against lush green fields. Visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous kasbah featured in films like Lawrence of Arabia and The Mummy. Continue to Ouarzazate and explore the Taourirt Kasbah. Drive through Skoura palm groves and the stunning Dadès Valley, visiting Berber villages and rose cultivation areas. Overnight and dinner in Dades.

Day 3: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
Journey through spectacular mountain landscapes and traditional Berber villages. Explore the breathtaking Todra Gorge, ideal for hiking and rock climbing. Continue through the desert oasis of Erfoud and Rissani, famous for its date markets and historical significance as part of the Tafilalet region. Arrive at Merzouga, where you ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch a magical desert sunset. Overnight in a desert bivouac under the stars.

Day 4: Merzouga – Alnif – Tazzarine – Zagora
After a stunning sunrise over the dunes, return by camel to your 4×4. Travel through the Sahara desert landscapes, visiting Alnif, Tazzarine, and the lush Draa Valley. Explore the traditional villages, kasbahs, and palm groves along the way. Arrive in Zagora and transfer by camel to the Nakhla dunes for an authentic Berber desert bivouac experience. Dinner and overnight under the desert sky.

Day 5: Zagora – M’Hamid El Ghizlane
Early sunrise in Zagora followed by breakfast. Explore Tamgroute, home to a 13th-century library with ancient Quran manuscripts, and visit local pottery workshops. Continue to M’Hamid El Ghizlane, crossing desert landscapes, kasbahs, and palm oases. Transfer by camel to Erg Lihoudi dunes to witness another mesmerizing sunset. Dinner and overnight in a desert bivouac.

Day 6: M’Hamid – Zagora – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
After breakfast, return to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou. Stop in Agdz for lunch before continuing your journey through the Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Marrakech for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Marrakech Imperial City Tour
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Marrakech, the historical capital of the Moroccan south. Explore the Koutoubia Mosque, UNESCO-listed Jemaa el-Fna Square, and the vibrant souks. Visit the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, the Kasbah, and the Mellah (former Jewish quarter) including the Dar Si Said Museum. Experience traditional Moroccan architecture, bustling markets, and local craftsmanship. Enjoy dinner and overnight in Marrakech.

Day 8: Departure from Marrakech
After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure flight. End of services.