Journey Beyond Travel

This trip into the heart of Morocco's Sahara Desert is designed for couples, families, or small groups. Enjoy a memorable time riding camels into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night under the stars. This itinerary can start or end in Fez as well.

Day 1: Depart Marrakesh | Ait Ben Haddou | Ouarzazte | Skoura
Today, you will depart from Marrakesh at 9 am. After passing over the Tizi n Tichka Pass, you will arrive in Skoura about five hours later. Along the way you will stop for lunch and have the opportunity to visit the UNESCO world heritage site at Ait Ben Haddou. It has been used as a backdrop for many famous films, including The Mummy and Gladiator. You might also enjoy exloring Ouarzazate. This relatively new city is home to Atlas Studios, where tourists can enter and take a guided tour of various movie sets. You can also visit the Kasbah once owned by the Glaouis family, who ruled Morocco. The drive takes five to six hours.

Day 2: Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert)
Today, you will drive to Merzouga via Erfoud. At the hotel, store any baggage and take an overnight bag with you. Following, prepare for a two hour jaunt on camel back for about two hours out into the desert. (Walking alongside the camels is also an option.) The night is spent dining alfresco Berber style under the stars followed by a night in a Bedouin-style tent. The tents are in a private area without the hordes of people you might find in other camping locations. Rise early the next morning to witness an amazing sunset over the golden sand. If you prefer not to camp out, simply ride the camel for one hour to view the sunset and spend the night at the comfy hotel.

Day 3: Erfoud | Rissani | Ziz Valley (Palm Grove Oasis)
After rising early, you will be able to ride camels back to the hotel, take a shower, have breakfast, and then venture into the wonderously lush Ziz Valley. There, you will meet your local guide who will take you on a light walk through the surrounding farms, explaining the areas produce and farming techniques. Following, a real pleaser is lunch with the guide's family. The night will be spent in Errachidia.

Day 4: Todra Gorge | Dades Valley This morning after breakfast, head out to the Todra Gorge, an impressive canyon. Have lunch and go on an optional afternoon hike. Following, head to the Dades Valley and stay in a hotel overlooking the valley. The total drive today is about five hours.

Day 5: Ait Ben Haddou | Ouarzazate | Return Marrakesh Today, you will head back over the Tizi N Tichka pass and the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh. The drive today will take six hours.