Enchanting Moroccan Sahara
Camel trek to the Dunes of Chegaga
12 days Moroccan adventure with a 5 days Sahara Caravan
Weekly departure Sep - May

Our adventure takes you into Morocco's Grand Sahara for four days to enjoy its breathtaking desert scenery, pure air and dramatic light.
With a brief tour of each of Casablanca, Marrakech & Ourzazate.

Not many tourists do know about the superb oasis in the valley of the Dra. A time capsule, that allows you a look back to the nomads ancient ways of living, tradition and art.

Meet the locals & enjoy the hospitality of the Berbers and your local team. You'll trek or walk at a comfortable pace an average of 5 hours daily, ride the camels whenever you like.

Climb towering sand dunes for panoramic views and photos, and camp at verdant desert oases beneath a splendor of stars which only desert travelers ever see. You'll also see fabled Casablanca, Marrakech , the ancient Imperial city, and Ouarzazate, the "Pearl of the Sahara." You may make up your own group, large or small, and depart whenever you choose; or you may join one of our regularly scheduled departures . When you have at least a minimum of 5 guests in ear party, then you may deduct $200 from the rate, you may still arrive any day of the week, you 'll have a "Private" tour & Caravan, of course fully escorted at all times as per itinerary.

Day 1- CASABLANCA Wednesday (B) ( weekly departure Oct- May)

Your international flight arrives in Casablanca. After completing customs and immigration formalities. When arriving on board Royal Air Maroc, you will be able to have a full day to explore on your own the souks of Casablanca. Our local rep will meet you at the airport & assist with your transfer to your hotel . When arriving on board Air France, British Airways, it will be a late afternoon or evening arrival.

Day 3- Marrakech/Ourzazate Friday (cBLD)

This morning we take a closer look at Marrakech's most important historic and architectural wonders: the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace. In the afternoon we hit the road, climbing through striking alpine scenery into the High Atlas Mountains, crossing to the southeastern side of the range via the Tizi N'Tichka Pass (7415 feet). We descend to the Draa Valley, dotted with ancient Kasbahs (fortified palaces), to the caravan-town of Ouarzazate at the edge of the mighty Sahara Desert. Lunch at a local restaurant in Marrakech. Dinner at your hotel in Ourzazate. You'll want to get to bed early in preparation for an early departure for the desert tomorrow.

Day 4 - Saharan Adventure Saturday (BLD)
We arise and set out early from Ouarzazate through desert-like landscape with fascinating mountainous formations down to the valley and the green oasis of the Dra. Meeting with the cameleers and the camels at the foot of Djebel Bani. Tonight we enjoy our first desert sunset and night sky, not to mention the cool, pure breezes that waft through our tents.

Day 5 - INTO THE DESERT! Sunday (BLD)
We load our camels with the dawn and set out Trekking over the low pass "Foum Lachar," you begin the traverse of the Djebel Bani, the last "massif" before the Sahara. Discover the "Gueltas" and the tiny oasis. From Oued Mhasseur you head to the high dunes of Chégaga. . The sand mountains hide scattered oases marked by groves of date palms and other greenery. We hike along the crest of the dunes, enjoying the elemental atmosphere and spare but intense beauty of the Sahara. In the afternoon, we set up camp next to some zeriba (palm-frond shelters built by nomadic tribesmen), ready for another desert sunset and the camaraderie of a campfire under the splendid stars.

Day 6 - To Djebel Bani Monday (BLD)
Our camel train picks up the trail to the hills of Djebel Bani and the sand dunes. Where we make camp in anticipation of our third night under desert skies. As our quartermaster brews traditional mint tea, volunteers help the camel drivers to dig for water for the camels, and collect wood for the campfire.

Day 7 - The Adventure Continues Tuesday (BLD)
Our caravan tracks a sinuous path through the desert, following a series of valleys and passes through the towering mountains of sand. If you like, clamber up to the windblown crests of the dunes for spectacular views and photos of these alluring natural formations, and indeed of the entire region. As night falls, we set up camp Amidst this impressive landscape

Day 8 - The Stone Desert Wednesday (BLD)
Our caravan crosses a pass in the midst of the erg and descends to "massifs" of dunes to the stone desert. A Martian landscape.

During our Caravan, we'll set up lunch with a local family- the day may vary from one departure to another. (You may want to bring a small hospitality gift such as a T-shirt or cap to present to our host family.)

Day 9 - Dra Valley & Riverbed Thursday (BLD)
We reach the dry riverbed of the Dra and leaving behind the sacred silence of the desert.
Along the Dra - the riverbed is still surrounded by Tamaris trees.
This is where we set up camp for tonight.

Day 10 - Mhamid Oases Friday (BLD)
This morning we continue on a dirt track across the plateau and through desert gorges to discover the oasis of Mhamid, the southernmost oasis of the Dra Valley, we sip glasses of mint tea around eh camp fire and exchange stories as we get ready for our last night under the stars.

Day 11 - Zagora / Ourzazate Saturday (BLD)
Morning departure for Zagora following the Draa Wadi Valley where six palm forests form a long ribbon of greenery. Thanks to the proximity of the river, cereals, henna, vegetables, fruit and date palms are cultivated, either on the floor of the valley or on stepped terraces. Arrival in Zagora in the afternoon where we have lunch then its off to Ourzazate. Dinner and overnight in your hotel.

We will be happy to arrange a private caravan for you (two participants minimum), departing on a date of your choice, for NO additional fee. We suggest that your departure date be sometime from September through May in order to avoid the intense summer heat of the Sahara (June through Aug ).

Your tour includes:

• Airfare from Casablanca Marrakech, including tax

• All airport transfers in Morocco . Guided sightseeing including all entrance fees.

• Hotel and tenting accommodations as described in the itinerary, including tax, service charge, and continental breakfast daily

• Meals as indicated: cB = Continental breakfast; L = set-menu lunch; D = set-menu dinner

Expedition Notes:

CARAVAN ACCOMMODATIONS: Our caravan crew sets up camp each night: two-person tents equipped with 4-inch (10 cm)-thick foam mattresses. (Participants at the single rate occupy the tent alone.) We choose our campsites on the basis of scenic beauty and the availability of pasturage and water for our camels.

CARAVAN MEALS: Meals are prepared in camp or enroute by our caravan crew and/or by local families, and served in a dining tent. A typical meal on the first evening in the desert usually includes soup, veal kebab, tajine of vegetables, cheese, fruit, and mint or herb tea. On subsequent days no meat is served as there is no way to preserve it. The menu on later evenings usually includes soup, pasta, vegetables, rice, and tea. Lunches include salads and fruit. Refreshing afternoon tea and cookies are served at 4 PM daily.

YOUR CAMEL: One camel is provided for every participant. Your camel also carries your personal baggage (see Baggage). Additional camels carry the caravan's equipment (tents, field kitchen, etc.).

CARAVAN CREW: A mountain guide, with an assistant, accompanies every caravan, along with a support team of camel drivers, cooks and helpers.

EVENING ENTERTAINMENT: We make it ourselves around a campfire, lit each evening (weather and wind permitting).

Here's our recommended list of things to bring:

- good sunglasses with UV protection, in a sturdy case

- spare pair of prescription glasses, if you wear glasses

- pocket knife

- pocket flashlight, with spare batteries and bulbs

- small portable washbowl

- insect repellant

- moist towelettes

- plastic bags (large and small) in which to pack your clothing, bedding, etc. to keep sand and dust out

- toilet paper

- bathroom tissues

- personal first-aid items

- matches (for burning paper refuse when we break camp)

 

 

 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
Please carry your important travel documents (passport, insurance contract, etc.) in a watertight pouch, preferably on your person (neck pouch, money belt under your clothing, etc.).

TRAVEL/MEDICAL INSURANCE:
Travel and medical insurance is required, and is not included in the rates. We will send you the necessary forms and information. All tour participants must show proof of travel and medical insurance in order to participate in the tour. You must carry a copy of your travel/medical/repatriation insurance contract, with your detailed personal data, with you during the caravan trip.

SANITARY FACILITIES:
A shower tent (unheated water only) is set up each night at camp, as are two basic toilet tents (Men and Women).