dossier

The Sahara & High Atlas

Day 1 - Arrive in Marrakesh
We meet you at Marrakesh airport and take you to your hotel (20 mins).

Day 2 - Marrakesh to Ouarzazate
This morning we drive through the High Atlas, crossing the Tichka Pass (2,260m) to Ouarzazate stopping en-route at the cream and chocolate kasbahs of Aït Benhaddou.

Day 3 - Ouarzazate & Gorges du Dades
Gentle pottering today as we set off in the minibus, via Skoura, to explore part of the ‘Road of 1000 Kasbahs’ and the rose-growing oases of Dades Valley. In the afternoon we visit the magnificent Gorges du Dades around Boumaine before heading back to Ouarzazate.

Day 4 - Ouarzazate to Sahara Desert
South-east today, through the extraordinary lunar landscape of the Drâa valley. Our destination is Zagora, an oasis on the edge of the desert. From here camel caravans set off for Timbuktu (52 days). Walk up to the 11C fortress nearby for great views over the Sahara desert. We overnight in Zagora.

Day 5 - Sahara Desert to Ouarzazate
We descend to Tamegroute to see the C12 Vellum Scrolls then back along the Drâa Valley stopping off kasbahtucked up against the cliff face of the Djebel Kissane. Back to Ouarzazate at Agdz to see the through the Tiz’n Tinififft.

Day 6 - Ouarzazate to Marrakesh
Back through the High Atlas for the Red City. En route a visit to Telouèt, power base of the Glaoui, Lords of the Atlas. Nowadays it's occupied by former slaves, their families, and many nesting storks. A stop for lunch in a Berber inn.

Day 7 - Exploring Marrakesh
In the morning we take a guided tour of Marrakesh and the Great Souk, one of Africa's busiest markets. The afternoon is free to ‘do’ the city’s palaces and museums, or simply relax by the hotel pool.

Day 8 - Marrakesh / Asni / Marrakesh
A short drive through Asni and up into the mountains. Then spend the day walking the mule paths through the high valleys around Mt Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak (alt 4,176m). It's beautiful, verdant countryside, with many magnificent views.

Day 9 - The Foothills of the High Atlas
A drive to Guemassa or Amizmiz for a day's walking amongst the foothills of the High Atlas. En route visit a Berber village and bustling market to select fresh local produce for lunch, which may be eaten on the escarpment, where there are breath taking views over the plains and reservoir.  We return to Marrakesh in time for dinner.

Day 10 - Independent Exploring
A free day to wander around the atmospheric souks and stock up on local spices. For a complete contrast why not take a peaceful walk around the Majorelle Gardens (owned by Yves St Laurent) and visit the Palmerie (palm plantation) for an hour or two of perfect peace and tranquility. Or simply relax around the hotel pool.

Day 11 - Leave Marrakesh
We drive you to Marrakesh airport for the flight home.


Extra nights: Marrakesh:  Hotel Es Saadi, Marrakesh 5*

Hotel Es Saadi, Marrakesh 5* $311 half board, singles $403 (Dec 24 07 to Jan 2 2008), $115 B&B, singles $163, $135 half board, singles $184 (Jan 3 to Feb 16 2008),$273 (Feb 17 to May 31 2008), $163 B&B, singles $227, $181 half board, singles $248 (Oct 1-Nov 16 2008), $110 B&B, singles $174, $138 half board, singles $202 (Nov 17-Dec 23 2008), $255 half board, singles $355 (Dec 24-Jan 2 2009), $115 B&B, singles $181, $135 half board, singles $199 (Jan 3-31 2009), $158 B&B, singles $222, $179 half board, singles $242 (Feb 2009), $202 B&B, singles $268, $222 half board, singles $286 (Mar 1-May 31 2009). 
All extra night prices are per person, per night based on 2 people sharing a double room.

Room upgrade: Hotel Es Saadi, Marrakesh Poolside view room (1st or 2nd floor) $18 pppn, Atlas view room (still overlooking pool but 3rd or 4th floor) $33 pppn.  Hotel Karam Palace, Ouarzazate Junior Suite $151 pppn, Senior Suite $202.  Hotel Palais Asmaa, Zagora Suite $151 pppn (Suite 3), $202 pppn (Suite 2), $301 (Suite 1).

Non standard transfer costs to/from Hotel Es Saadi to Marrakesh Menara airport one way $20 per person, minimum 2 people.