Price on Request
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Start Point: Marrakech
End Point: Marrakech
2 Days Marrakech to the Desert M’hamid
Description
Embark on a mesmerizing two-day journey from Marrakesh to Mhamid El Ghizlane, venturing through the majestic Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Sahara.
On the first day, depart early from Marrakesh, crossing the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which offers panoramic views of the rugged mountains and Berber villages. A stop at the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, a historic ksar famous for its earthen architecture and film appearances, provides a glimpse into Morocco’s rich past.
Continuing to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco,” you can explore the impressive Taourirt Kasbah or visit the renowned Atlas Film Studios. The journey then takes you through the lush Draa Valley, where endless palm groves and traditional mudbrick villages line the route. Passing through Zagora, the gateway to the desert, the road leads to Mhamid El Ghizlane, the last oasis before the vast dunes of the Sahara.
Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the tranquility of the desert, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, and stay overnight in a charming riad or desert camp. Experience the magic of the Sahara with a camel trek and discover the famous “Tombouctou 52 Days” sign.
Highlights
- Tizi-n-Tichka Pass: Scenic drive through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, passing through authentic Berber villages.
- Ait Benhaddou: Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient fortified city, famous for its stunning clay Kasbahs.
- Ouarzazate – The Hollywood of Africa: Visit renowned film locations and studios.
- Draa Valley: Journey along Morocco’s longest river, discovering lush palm groves and traditional Berber communities.
- Agdz and Zagora: Explore these historic towns, once vital stops on the ancient caravan route.
- M’Hamid Sand Dunes: Enjoy a camel ride and magical sunset in the vast desert.
- Tamegroute: Visit a significant religious center with an ancient Sufi zawiya and famous pottery craftsmanship.
- Tamnougalt Kasbah: Discover this historic kasbah situated along the Draa River Valley.
- Return via High Atlas Mountains: Conclude the journey with breathtaking mountain landscapes.
- Cultural Immersion: Interact with locals, savor traditional Moroccan tea, and learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Included
- Pick-up & drop-off at your hotel or airport
- Private transport in a 4×4 car or minibus with A/C
- Fuel and all expenses related to the car and driver
- 1 night in the desert camp & hotel
- Camel rides to the desert camp in Merzouga Sahara Desert
- Dinner & breakfast
- Multilingual driver/guide
Excluded
- Personal purchases
- Drinks
- Lunch
- Tips
Day 1: Marrakesh – Ait Ben Haddou – Agdz – Mhamid Dunes
Marrakech to M’hamid desert tour 2 days / 1 night via Zagora Draa Valley.
After breakfast, we start our trip throughout Tizi-n-Tichka Pass of the High Atlas Mountains, where hundreds of superb, authentic Berber villages are scattered across the mountains. Unexpectedly, you will see a fascinating presence of hundreds of houses in Berber villages made from mud and straw, with thousands of satellite dishes on roofs. Life here seems unchanged for thousands of years.
Donkeys and mules remain the main means of transportation in these high and rugged mountains due to the lack of roads for cars.
After almost three hours of driving, we will stop to visit the ancient fortified city of Ait Benhaddou, built in the 11th century and listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992. Explore the streets of this clay Kasbah and enjoy tea with a local family still living there.
Continuing our journey, we pass by Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” a renowned filming location for major movies like Gladiator, The Mummy, Kingdom of Heaven, and more.
We then drive along Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river (1,100 km), known for its massive palm groves and Drawa communities.
Arriving at Agdz, a historical stop on the ancient caravan route linking Marrakech to Timbuktu, we then continue to Zagora, a town flanked by the Zagora Mountain. A famous sign in the town reads “Tombouctou 52 Days,” indicating the supposed time it takes to reach Timbuktu by foot or camel.
From Zagora, we proceed to M’hamid, a modest desert village. From here, we ride camels to witness a mesmerizing sunset atop the massive sand dunes before spending the night in a traditional Berber camp under a sky full of stars.
Day 2: Mhamid – Tamegroute – Ouarzazate – Marrakesh
After breakfast, we drive to Tamegroute, an important religious center since the 11th century. Home to the Nasiriyya Sufi order, this village has a rich spiritual history and is famous for its distinctive green pottery, crafted using ancient techniques.
We continue along the Draa River Valley, stopping to visit Tamnougalt Kasbah, a historic fortress dating back to the Saadian dynasty.
Next, we head back to Ouarzazate, before returning to Marrakesh through the stunning High Atlas Mountains, concluding our 2-day Marrakech to M’hamid desert tour.
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