Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi –n- Tichka – Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Zagora

Authentic Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech via Zagora and Erg Chebbi desert. We will depart from Marrakech at 8:00 am, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi-n-Tichka pass towards Ouarzazate, where we will stop for lunch next to the famous Kasbah of Taourirt. After lunch we will travel to the south and cross the second pass, Tizi-n-Tnifift, 1710 m high, and Ait Saoun village, 1162 m high, the former route of the caravans of Saharan traders travelling from Timbuktu. We will pass by Agdez Village, which marks the beginning of the Draa Valley, with its palm groves and Kasbahs, including the famous Tamnougalt Kasbah. We will continue through the lunar landscapes and the Pre-Sahara routes until we arrive at Zagora, a small town and native region of the Saadian dynasty who used to rule Morocco in the 17th century. After a further 18 km, we will arrive at Tamegroute, a small village where most of the locals make pottery and handicrafts. Tamegroute is also well known for its old Koranic school and library, with its collection of old books. The next 5 km will give you your first glimpse of the sand dunes of Zagora called Tinfou dunes. We will return to Zagora where you spend the night in a hotel with dinner and breakfast.

Day 2: Zagora – Tazarine – Alnif –  Erissani – Erg Chebbi Merzouga  Desert Dunes

After breakfast, we will leave Zagora towards the famous dunes of Erg Chebbi (Merzouga). Our authentic Sahara desert tour adventure continues along the Draa Valley, through the authentic Berber villages of Benizoli and Tazarine, before off-roading through Touna–n-Irabn. We will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in Alnif, a Berber village. After we will continue to Erissani city, the former capital of the Alawites Sultans. Erissani is known for its weekly local market and famous gates into the city. We will have the opportunity to visit the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, where the father of the founder of the Alaouite dynasty is buried. This is a wonderful destination for those wishing to learn more about the history of this fascinating country. From this point, the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) will appear majestically before your eyes. It is at this point we will change our transport and begin our camel trek over the dunes at sunset, which will take about 2 hours, before arrival at the bivouac, a camp with traditional Berber nomadic tents located in an oasis, where we will spend the night, enjoying dinner under the stars.

Day 3: Erg Chebbi – Erfoud – Ait Hani – Tamtattouchte – Todra Gorge – Dades Gorge

We will rise early to either watch the beautiful sunrise over the dunes or climb one of the highest dunes of Merzouga. We will then enjoy breakfast before riding our camel’s back to the hotel where you can freshen up before continuing our journey to Erfoud. We will cross the Tafilalt oasis where we will have a short break to see the ancient system of irrigation, before arriving at Tinejdad. We will make our way to Todra Gorge, with free time for lunch, and a walk along the gorge between the cliffs. In the afternoon, we will visit the former Jewish district in Tinghir city and continue along the road towards the Dades Gorge, one of the most beautiful sites of Southern Morocco. We will stay overnight in a hotel in Dades Gorge with dinner included.

Day 4: Dades Gorge – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet –TiZi –n-Tichka – Marrakech

After breakfast, we will begin our journey through the Dades Valley with its beautiful landscapes, Kasbahs and panoramic views of the mountains. We will drive along the road of 1000 Kasbahs and visit Rose Valley stopping at Kelaa Mgouna, where a rose festival is celebrated every year. We will pass the wonderful Skoura palm grove before arriving at Ouarzazate. From here our journey will take us to Ait Ben Haddou village, preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Ait Ben Haddou has been used by many movie producers since the 1960’s, with the filming of Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator taking place here. We will walk to the top of the Kasbah for amazing views before having free time to take lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the Kasbah. We will then begin our return journey to Marrakech, crossing Tizi-n-Tichka, 2260 metres high, where ending the tour of Authentic Sahara Desert Tour.