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Sahara Desert Explorer
Sahara Desert Explorer: An 8-Day Private Tour through Morocco's Great South
Sahara Desert Explorer Tour Description: Embark on an 8-day customized private tour through Morocco's Great South and Sahara Desert region. This authentic Moroccan adventure offers in-depth experiences in rural areas, providing an insider's view of the country. Perfect for couples and families with children of all ages, this tour combines the allure of Imperial Marrakech with the raw beauty of the desert, Dades Valley, and Berber villages.
Tour Details
- Duration: 8 days
- Starting Point: Marrakech (customizable to start and end in Casablanca)
- Transportation: Luxury 4x4 Land Cruiser
- Guide: English-speaking driver and local expert historical guides
- Accommodations: Boutique riads, luxury hotels, and a luxury desert camp
- Meals: 12 meals included
Book Your Sahara Desert Explorer Tour
To embark on this unparalleled journey through Morocco's most exciting family sites, experiences our dedicated team:
Book Here or Call (800) 787-8806 / Email: alecia@travel-exploration.com
Sahara Desert Explorer Morocco Tour Highlights
- Visit Marrakech'sMajorelle Gardens, exotic spice markets, and ancient Medina
- Explore the Draa Valley's old Road of the Caravans
- Sip tea in the Saghro Mountains with Berbers
- Take a Cooking Class with a Moroccan family
- Experience camel trekking in the Sahara Desert
- Stay in boutique riads, luxury hotels, and a luxury desert camp
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-2: Marrakech - The Red City
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Marrakech:
- Visit the stunning Majorelle Gardens, a masterpiece of botanical art restored by Yves Saint Laurent. Explore its exotic plants, vibrant blue structures, and the Berber Museum.
- Tour the Marrakech Photography Museum, showcasing the rich visual history of Morocco.
- Wander through La Mamounia Gardens, where Alfred Hitchcock found inspiration for "The Birds". These 200-year-old gardens span 20 acres and offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
- As dusk falls, experience the sensory overload of Djemaa El Fna Square. Watch as this UNESCO World Heritage site transforms into a carnival of food stalls, street performers, and musicians.Explore historical treasures:
- The Koutoubia Mosque, with its iconic minaret that has inspired similar structures in Seville and Rabat.
- The Jewish Mellah, a historic neighborhood that tells the story of Morocco's Jewish heritage.
- The intricately decorated Saadian Tombs, hidden for centuries and only rediscovered in 1917.
- El Bahia Palace, a stunning example of 19th-century Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship
- Engage your senses in the old spice market, Rahba Kedima, filled with aromatic spices, traditional remedies, and colorful wares.
Day 3: Marrakech to Skoura - Crossing the High Atlas
Journey through breathtaking landscapes:
- Ascend the winding Tizi-N-Tichka Pass Road, a masterpiece of French colonial engineering offering panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains.
- Visit a women-run argan oil cooperative, where you'll witness the traditional production process and enjoy a tasting of this "liquid gold".
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a striking example of southern Moroccan architecture. This ksar (fortified village) has been the backdrop for numerous films, including "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Gladiator".
- Arrive in Skoura, known as the "Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs", where you'll spend the night surrounded by palm groves and mud-brick fortresses.
Day 4: Skoura and the Valley of Roses
Discover the natural and cultural wonders of the region:
- Tour Skoura's palm groves and visit the 17th-century Amerhidil Kasbah, once owned by the powerful Glaoui family. Marvel at its intricate decorations and learn about traditional Moroccan architecture.
- Journey to the fragrant Valley of Roses, the center of Morocco's rose water industry. Visit local distilleries in El Kelaa Des Mgouna to learn about the production process and shop for rose-based products.
- Drive through the dramatic Dades Valley, known for its unusual rock formations and lush oases. The 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs' offers stunning views of ancient fortresses and ever-changing landscapes.
Day 5: Todra Gorge to Erg Chebbi Dunes
Experience the diverse terrains of southern Morocco:
- Begin your day at the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with towering 300m high walls. Watch as the morning sun creates a mesmerizing play of colors on the rock faces.
- Continue to Erfoud, known as the fossil capital of Morocco. Visit workshops where artisans transform millions-of-years-old fossils into decorative items.
- Explore Rissani, once a major Saharan caravan center and the birthplace of the Alaouite Dynasty. Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sharif and experience the lively souk.
- Meet the Gnaoua musicians of Khamlia, whose hypnotic music has roots in sub-Saharan Africa.
- As the day wanes, mount your camel for a trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Watch the sunset paint the Sahara in gold and spend a magical night in a luxury desert camp under the stars.
Day 6: Merzouga to Ouarzazate
Immerse yourself in Berber culture:
- Start your day with an optional sunrise camel trek or a 4x4 excursion to explore Merzouga's diverse desert ecosystems.
- Journey to the remote Berber village of Ait Ouzzine, nestled in the Saghro Mountains. Here, you'll experience authentic Berber hospitality:
- Share tea with a local family and learn about their traditional way of life.
- Participate in a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare traditional dishes like tajine or couscous.
- Observe local artisans at work, including henna painting and traditional perfume making.
- Travel the ancient caravan route through the Draa Valley, passing palm oases, crumbling kasbahs, and dramatic desert landscapes en route to Ouarzazate.
Day 7: Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Uncover the region's natural and cinematic wonders:
- Begin your day exploring the lush Oasis of Fint, a hidden palm grove that offers a stark contrast to the surrounding arid landscapes. Take a guided walk through the oasis and enjoy tea with a local family.
- Tour the Ouarzazate famous Atlas Film Studios, where blockbusters like "Gladiator" and "Kingdom of Heaven" were filmed. Walk through elaborate film sets and learn about Morocco's important role in the international film industry.
- Visit Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate, once the residence of the powerful Glaoui family. Admire its intricate stucco work and painted ceilings.
- Take a detour to the hidden gem of Kasbah Telouet. Though partially in ruins, its interior boasts stunning examples of zellij tilework and painted cedar ceilings, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Moroccan nobility.
- Return to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains once more, with stops to admire the breathtaking scenery.
Day 8: Departure from Marrakech
Bid farewell to Morocco as you depart from Marrakech's Menara Airport, taking with you memories of an unforgettable journey through the diverse landscapes and rich culture of southern Morocco.
This Sahara Desert Explorer tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural wonders, and luxurious comfort. Ideal for sophisticated travelers seeking an authentic Moroccan experience, this journey provides a deep dive into the country's southern regions, from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the serene dunes of the Sahara.
