Old Salt Caravane Route & Taroudante
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About This Tour
On the Erg Chegaga Desert Tour and Taroudante 7 Days Tour, embark on an unforgettable journey along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, where you will discover the enchanting beauty of Morocco and immerse yourself in Berber culture. Set off in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle, allowing you to navigate the stunning landscapes with ease while enjoying breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains. As you travel along the formidable Tizi-n-Tichka pass, you'll encounter picturesque Berber villages nestled in the mountains, each offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life.
Your adventure begins with visits to the famous Kasbahs of Telouet, known for their historical significance and stunning architecture. Next, you’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a magnificent mud-brick fortress that has served as a backdrop for numerous films. As you wander through these ancient structures, you'll be transported back in time, gaining insight into the region's rich history.
Continuing on your journey, you'll marvel at the beauty of the palm groves and fragrant rose gardens that dot the landscape. A stop in Tamegroute allows you to appreciate the town’s renowned green ceramics and visit the fascinating Koranic library, a hidden gem that reflects the area's cultural heritage.
As you drive off-road toward the Erg Chegaga Desert, prepare for a transformative experience. The vast dunes beckon, and as you arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to take a camel ride across the soft sands. Donning traditional blue turbans, you’ll feel the essence of the Sahara as you walk barefoot and take in the unique scenery. Climb to the top of the dunes to witness a breathtaking sunset, where the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors—a moment that will be etched in your memory forever.
The Erg Chegaga Desert Tour and Taroudante 7 Days Tour is more than just a trip; it’s a captivating adventure filled with rich cultural experiences and stunning landscapes. Each moment spent exploring this remarkable region offers a deeper understanding of Morocco's beauty and heritage. Whether it’s the history of the kasbahs, the tranquility of the desert, or the warmth of the Berber people, this tour is sure to create lasting memories that you will cherish for years to come.
What’s Included
- Transport in a private air-conditioned 4×4; Toyota Prado Tx and fuel
- Pick up from and drop-off at your hotel in Marrakesh
- Experienced & professional Engilsh speaking driver
- Accommodation in air-conditioned rooms/suites with private bathroom
- Spend the night in a desert camp in Erg Chegaga
- Dinner & breakfast are daily included
- A camel ride of about an hour with a guide
- The option to drive to and return from the camp by 4×4
- Berber drumming and music
- Free time to explore the sites , walks, photos, and tea/coffee breaks
- The opportunity to ask the driver to stop when and where you wish
- Local guide
- No forced shopping stops
- 6 breakfasts
- 4 dinners
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to the monuments
Tour Plan
Expand allCollapse all1: Arrive in Marrakech
Welcome to Marrakech! Meet your driver at the airport and drive to your hotel where you will be welcomed with a fresh moroccan mint tea. Orient yourself in a bustling, vibrant old Medina with narrow alleyways, Riads and markets. A cacophony of sights, sounds and smells - spices and sweet pastries.
2: Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou
You will be picked up from your accommodation and leave the busy city behind and head east toward the desert. You will be picked up at 08 a.m. from your hotel and traverse the High Atlas Mountains via the stunning Tizi n’ Tichka pass (2260 m) and stop at multiple beautiful panoramas for pictures. After the Tichka pass, you will leave the main road and take a side road to the Telouet Kasbah, which was once the palatial residence and headquarters of the powerful Glaoui tribe. In Telouet you will be introduced to your local guide who will take you on a visit to the Kasbah. Continue down the Ounila Valley that is full of green fields, running parallel down below a road in sync with the geography of the valley. Surprises at the hues of the rock, soil, gardens, Berber villages, and small Kasbahs. Arrive in Ait Ben Haddou, you will meet your local guide to visit the World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most spectacular ksours (fortified villages). Overnight in a Guest house in Ait Ben Haddou.
3: Ait Ben Haddou - Zagora
Ait Benhaddou is a mind-blowing example of a historic medieval kasbah and of traditional desert architecture with its earth houses and high protective walls. After breakfast, we will drive to Ouarzazate to visit the Film Studios & Taourirt Kasbahs. Discover how the area has been featured in movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Black Hawk Down. Cross the Tizi-n-Tinfifte pass to Agdez. Descending from the pass you will be amazed at the view of the vast Oasis of the Draa Valley with its thousands of date palms, producing an amazing 44 varieties. Follow the Draa Valley (which was a part of the ancient road of the caravans used for trade and exchange goods with Mali and Niger, crossing the Sahara) to arrive in Zagora then check in to your hotel for the night.
4: Zagora- Chegaga
After breakfast head to Amezrou with a local guide, a little village at the foot of the ancient “Jewish kasbah”. This huge fortress of the 12th century is built in the middle of a palm grove. Take advantage of its charming gardens to relax for a bit, and enjoy a spot of mint tea. Afterwards, we will continue our trip towards the doorway of the Sahara Desert (Mhamid). Along the way, we will stop in the original town of the 16th century dynasty (Saadian), Tamgroute to visit an old Koranic library and a subterranean kasbah. Later on, we will drive further south still, to M’hamid, the gate to the desert and the end of the paved road. Here we will stop for a picnic lunch. After Lunch, we will drive the off-road to Erg Chegaga Desert. Upon arrival, you will ride camels to enjoy the sunset. Then have dinner and spend a night in the camp in the middle of nowhere.
5: Chegaga - Taroudante
Wake up early to witness the sunrise from the top of the dunes of Erg Chigaga. After breakfast, say goodbye to our family Berber team in the camp. After breakfast, we will drive another 90km in the desert with varying sceneries; the natural dried lake of Iriqui, fossils and the plains of black stones. Before taking the asphalted road in the direction of the small town of Foum Zguid, the first town after desert. We will continue north to Taznakht, which is one of the biggest centers of carpets in the kingdom. We will visit a cooperative of Berber carpets made by women of the surrounding villages. Stop for about an hour for lunch. After lunch, we will cross two passes: Tizi-n-Ikhsane and Tizi-n-Tighatine to arrive to Taliouine, the heart of the saffron growing region. Here, we will visit a government-run museum to learn about the saffron agriculture. Afterwards, we will continue our journey to Taroudante. Check into your hotel, and then spend a free evening at your leisure.
6: Taroudante - Marrakech
Situated within the green area of the Souss Valley and enclosed by the well-preserved old city walls, Taroudant will satisfy the visitor's desires for cultural and historical experiences without losing too much on the relaxation front. After the visit of Taroudante, we will drive back to Marrakech via the scenic Tizi'n'Test pass across the High Atlas mountains. This is a stunning road, the views and the solitude en route are well worth a visit. We will stop at the Tin-Mal Mosque, a twelfth-century monument that resembles somewhat the architecture of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech. Tin-Mal town from which the mosque took its name, was the base from where the Almohads swept down and took over the rule in Morocco and other north african countries. The rest of the drive takes us via a slew of hamlets and vast, mesmerizing landscapes. Passing Ouirgane, Asni and Tahanouet to arrive to the final destination--Marrakech.
7: Depart Marrakech
Depending on the time of your departure flight, you may be able to do some last-minute sightseeing( Majorelle Garden, Anima Garden...), get some souvenirs before your leave to the airport.