Discover the real Morocco! (5 days and 4 nights)
Description of the tour
This route through Morocco crosses the central High Atlas, past the valley of Assif Melloul, hot in Summer, often snowy in Winter, watered and verdant thanks to the Assif Melloul river. It is known locally for the legend of two lovers that were transformed into the lakes Tislit and his bride Isli.
These lands are far from the madding crowds, where pagan rites, related to harvests and solstices are celebrated annually, as well as weddings, held to coincide with the festivals of late August.
Apart from its traditions, this route through Morocco will reveal different landscapes... Mountains, deserts, valleys, with ever present scents of spices, Wood smoke or simply that of the pines and palms which will remain in your memory long after you have bid farewell to this enchanted land.
General information
- 5-day one-way trip
- 4 Night’s accommodation
- 1,249km
- Mountains – Berber villages – Palm groves – desert - Gorges
- 4x4 exclusive use - camels
- Monuments (Kasbah)
Itinerary
Day 1 – Fez - Imilchil
Morning departure from Fez towards Imilchil, as we take one of the lesser travelled routes through Morocco in our own 4x4. We will cross the Natural Park of the Upper Central Atlas Central, entering the valley of Assif Melloul, situated at over 2,200m.
This is an area of high mountain pasture created by the Waters of the Assif Melloul river. Its inhabitants are scattered in small villages, forming one of the oldest Berber tribes of the country, nomadic in nature and when the weather allows, they take their flocks high up to the summits in search of pastures.
Here we will also contemplate the beauty of the lakes of the bride and bridegroom; Tislit, and his wife, Isli, so picturesque they inspired a legend of love.
Overnight in Imilchil.
Day 2 Imilchil – Sahara at Merzouga
After breakfast, we will make our way towards the Sahara crossing the Middle Atlas, visiting small villages carved on the slopes of the stone mountains on the way to the valley of Amellago, where you visit ancient underground irrigation channels.
Later we will reach the gateway to the Sahara at Merzouga, where you will mount your camels to enter the dunes and marvel the sunset.
Overnight in Khaimahs by the Sahara with dinner and breakfast.
Day 3 Sahara at Merzouga
Today an early start to catch the sunrise! After breakfast we will jump into our own 4x4 to explore the area. We will visit the singular market at Rissani, a meeting point for many nomads in search of supplies. Its peculiar donkey parking attracts the attention of many tourists, along with its vegetable and meat stalls.
We then visit the village of Khamlia, known for its music, before arriving at our hotel at the foot of the dunes in time to enjoy another unforgettable sunset.
Overnight in Merzouga.
Day 4 Sahara – Gorges of Dadès
The route through Morocco continues as we leave the Sahara and head to the Gorges of Todra, the deepest in Morocco where we will stroll a while by the banks of the river and enjoy the views of the magnificent rocky canyon with its palm groves. We will then set course for the Valley of Dadès crossing several Berber villages before we close in on the gorges.
Overnight in Dadès
Day 5 Gorges of Dadès – Marrakesh
Morning departure and a trip to the top of the gorges to admire the magnificent views. From there we will head back towards Marrakesh via the Valley of Roses and that of a “Thousand Kasbahs" until Ouarzazate, where we can visit the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the scene of many well-known films, such as Gladiator.
Once the guided tour of the Kasbah is over, we continue through the High Atlas, and over the Tizi'n Tichka pass (2,260m), to reach Marrakesh.
Arrival in Marrakesh and end of our services!