Oasis & Desert, 2 days, Private tour

From mountain peaks to arid deserts, we invite you to survey and explore a magical world that for a long time was the domain of nomads alone. Crossing several valleys bordered by little mud villages, you’ll get to experience first-hand the wonders of the Moroccan desert.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Agdez: This city, the name of which means ‘resting place’, is located on the old caravan route linking Marrakech to Timbuktu. It played an important role in the exchange of goods across the Sahara.

M'hamid: A rich region filled with magnificent landscapes where you can experience first-hand the splendour of the Moroccan desert.  

Erg Lihoudi Camp: These spectacular sand dunes are located on the outskirts of M'Hamid. They are made up of several smaller dunes grouped together to form a long dune cordon covering a very large area.

Zagora: This desert outpost is the point from which the ancient Saadian dynasty set out to conquer Timbuktu.

Day 1: MARRAKECH – M´HAMID – ERG LIHOUDI

In the morning meet your driver in the hotel reception at approx. 8 am. Tizi n’Tichka pass constitutes the obvious first stop of your trip; as you drive through this fascinating mountainous landscape, you’ll encounter a varied spectacle of cliffs and colours at every turn. The panoramic views continue on the road to Agdez, where you’ll make a stop for lunch. Later, cross the Draa Valley and discover its immense palm grove and many Kasbahs. Continue to Zagora, then visit a potter’s village and Tamgroute, the oldest library/quranic school in the region. Onward to M’hamid, a famous oasis in the heart of the greater Sahara. Meet up with a team of cameleers and enjoy a fun camel safari for 2 hours to reach the bivouac in Erg Lihoudi, at the foot of the dunes. After you settle in your tent, you have the opportunity to admire the sun setting over the dunes before learning all about the nomad lifestyle: a Berber team will invite you to join in the dinner preparations, baking the bread and cooking in the sand under the stars. Wrap up the day by enjoying a musical evening with traditional songs and dances around the campfire.

Overnight in Desert Camp.

Day 2: ERG LIHOUDI – AGDEZ – MARRAKECH

The second day begins early in the morning when you’ll rise before dawn to admire the magical desert sunrise, a wonderful chance to snap some truly enchanting photos. Then settle down in the camp for a leisurely breakfast before clambering back onto a camel for a real riding experience through the desert, all the way from Erg Lihoudi Camp back to M’hamid. There you’ll find your four wheels again and, after climbing aboard and bidding the camels and Berbers farewell, retrace the route through Zagora and the Draa Valley. Several optional photo stops and visits can be arranged with your driver. After stopping for lunch in Agdez, drive up to the wonderful heights of the High Atlas Mountains, where you’ll find several secret Kasbahs and Berber villages. At arround 19:00, you’ll be driven back to Marrakech, and you will be left in the hotel reception.

Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.  

What to bring to the bivouac: a big bag for clothes, a small backpack for the day, walking shoes, sandals, windbreaker, sunscreen, sunglasses, Arabic scarf (can be bought on the spot), camera, flashlight, extra batteries, toiletry bag and other personal effects.