Morocco Eco-Tour: Atlas Mountains & Sahara Desert – 12 Days

Morocco is your home! Morocco is a beautiful country with many landscapes. It has vast deserts, impressive mountains, and charming cities. Its rich heritage includes a mix of Berber, Jewish, Arab and Jewish influences. The country’s proximity to Spain and its history of French colonization give it a European feel. You’ll find everything you need, from mosques and souks to synagogues to tapas bars and synagogues–often located right next to each other.

You will be arriving in Marrakesh a former imperial capital and the second-largest metropolitan area in the country. You’ll still find plenty of well-tended gardens, five-star hotels and upscale restaurants. It’s alive with activity as you’ll see when you visit Jemaa El-Fnaa the main square of the city’s medina district. You’ll first meet your driver at the airport. Then, it’s a 20-minute drive to town and the riad (local property) where you will be staying. You can either relax for the week ahead, or go on a city tour after check-in.

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at your riad, meet your driver to take you for the five-hour journey into Ait Bouguemez. This region, known as “Happy Valley”, is the gateway to the stunning Atlasmountains. It has been home to Berber villages since the beginning of time. As you travel to Azilal in central Morocco, the vast plains give way to mountain valleys. The UNESCO M’Goun Conservation Area is located in the middle of this area. It is the first Moroccan geopark. It is a remarkable geologic site rich in minerals, and it boasts dinosaur skeletons that date back to the Triassic Period.

Continue on to Ait Bouguemez. Make sure to stop by the Ouzoud Fall or the natural bridge of Imi N’Ifri. Both are located in M’Goun. After crossing a mountain pass, you will arrive at the valley. Once there, you will drive to an ecolodge. You will be welcomed by the Berbers from the High Atlas with a cup hot tea. After checking in at lodge, you will set out on foot for nearby Berber villages made up of adobe homes and irrigated terrasses.

The morning is spent at the ecolodge before moving to the remote village R’bat. This rural area of Morocco is located in the heart Ait Bouguemez. It’s characterized by hard work and hardship. Berber peasants are seen milling about, tending to their plots of land and women gathering alfalfa for their cows. Volunteer work and staying with a local family will allow you to immerse yourself into this culture.

You’ll first take part in a welcome tea ceremony with the locals, and then you’ll share a home-cooked dinner. You’ll then learn how to make authentic Moroccan dishes such as couscous and tajine during a cooking class. The majority of the day will be spent with an NGO in your local area. You’ll participate in language exchanges, helping farmers, and building an education center. Visit to a women’s cooperative that trains women in organic soap making and other cosmetic products made from local herbs and plants is a highlight.

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You can experience more of the local culture by visiting highlights around Ait Bouguemez like the market town Tabant. It is a hidden valley that is famous for its holy men’s tombs. A shrine to Sidi Moussa, a priestess from the tribe of Sidi Moussa, is perched on a conical hill high above the town. He is believed to have supernatural healing powers and was pious. It doubles as a museum that displays traditional crafts and offers breathtaking views of Ait Bouguemez, the surrounding mountains, and more. You’ll be able to return to R’bat later and take part in a traditional henna ceremony, followed by traditional music or dancing.

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Meet your driver early in the morning to continue the journey deep into Atlas Mountains. It will take you about three hours to reach the destination. M’Goun Valley The “Valley of the Roses” is also known. The unique location is a major damask rose grower, with a production of between 3,000 and 4,000 tons in the spring months. Every morning, the women collect the flowers by hand, then sell them to coworkers, distilleries and French perfume houses.

It’s a beautiful drive that takes you to the valley. The stunning Tizi N’ Ait Imi mountain pass will be climbed during the trip. It is located at 9,842 feet (3,00 m) and offers stunning views of the summit of M’Goun. This mountain is the second highest peak in Morocco. A number of Berber villages will be visible along the way. Stop at one to meet locals and learn about their culture.

You’ll eventually reach Bou Thrarar. After checking-in, your driver will drive you to an ecolodge nearby.

Set out early this morning to explore the beauty and culture this amazing region with a guided walking tour. You’ll be hiking through lush greenery in the Atlas foothills and passing small Berber villages on the way. You can stop by local families to talk with them and get a better understanding of their way of life. You’ll also hear amazing stories about local history.

After the hike you will visit a Valley of the Roses farming community. They are known for their warmth and hospitality. You’ll spend two hours helping on the farm. You’ll learn ancient irrigation techniques and harvest crops. Enjoy a cup of minty tea, olive oil, and bread on the farm at the end.

Your driver will take your five-hour journey from Bou Thrarar, to your Bedouin-style accommodation at Merzouga. The small Berber settlement is located near the Algerian border, nestled among the rolling dunes in the Sahara Desert. It is a scenic route that winds through landmarks and vast, desert landscapes.

You’ll find a few villages in the desert once you reach the Sahara region. The first is Tinghir. It’s located in a large river oasis surrounded by miles of palm trees. You can see the surrounding desert landscapes from this point, including the high mesas or plateaus. Continue on to Todra Canyon. Its red sandstone walls are 984 feet high (300m). You can take a relaxing walk through the gorge, or you can relax in the shallow Todra river.

Continue on the road and you’ll come to the Erg Chebbi dunes. These dunes cover almost 14 miles (35 km) of land. You’ll then stop just outside Merzouga for a memorable camel ride through Sahara. After that, you will return to your car and arrive at your eco-camp in luxury just before sunset. After you have settled in your tent, climb up to the nearest dunes to view the setting sun’s shadows and vivid colors across the sands. Enjoy dinner at the campfire, accompanied with traditional Berber music.

Today you will be immersed in the amazing culture of the Sahara desert. You’ll be able to give back during this volunteer project of five hours. This is a great opportunity to exchange cultural ideas, since the Berber and Arab residents are generous and kind and will gladly share their centuries-old culture.

The day will be spent with an NGO in your area that helps reduce waste, increase education access for both genders, and reduce poverty. You will meet local nomads and provide food and clothing. As you play games and teach English, you’ll get to know the children and their families.

You’re now ready to go to the village Khamleya Gnawa is the traditional healing music from the Sahara. You can listen live to the performances. Gnawa, which is spiritual and personal at its core, has enjoyed mainstream success thanks to the efforts of many. maalems (master musicians). A maalem plays lively drum beats with the support of musicians and dancers. After the sunset, you will return to your camp. Watch the sun set over the dunes as you climb the dunes again.

After breakfast, your driver will pick up you for the 5.5-hour drive from Ait Benhaddou. This village is made up of earthen buildings and is located on the ancient caravan route that connects Marrakesh and Sahara. It has been designated UNESCO World Heritage. The drive will be broken up by stopping at some regional highlights. There will be some time left before you depart, which you can use to sandboard or take an ATV tour.

Khamleya is your first stop after you get on the road. This authentic Saharan village is populated by Mali-born people. Enjoy traditional music and dancing as you stroll around the village. You’ll then pass through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. These kasbahs are defense fortresses that date back hundreds and thousands of years. Many of them in this area of Morocco are in disrepair because they were built with adobe.

The Dades Valley is where you’ll find farmland that has been dotted with rosebushes. These flowers are used for oil and water perfume. The next stop is Ouarzazate. This former French protectorate is known as Morocco’s Hollywood because of its vast deserts and palm-lined roads. It has been featured in many Hollywood productions including “Lawrence of Arabia,” the “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones.” You’ll travel about 30 minutes to Ait Benhaddou after touring Ouarzazate. Here you will spend the night.

You’ll drive four hours northwest from Ait Benhaddou towards Marrakesh in the morning. After crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the route takes you along mountain roads in High Atlas. Taddert is the first town that you will reach. You can take a tour of the olive-oil cooperative to learn more. After sampling a few products you will leave behind the mountains and descend into the deserts and foothills that lead to Marrakesh.

After you arrive, check into your hotel. Enjoy some relaxation before heading out to the town in the evening. Jemaa el-Fna is the main square and this is when musicians, snake charmers as well as food stalls and games are all common. You can wander the plaza, browse the vendor booths, or take a seat at a nearby café for entertaining people-watching.

Today’s guided tour will take you on a 5.5 hour journey to explore Marrakesh’s fascinating sights, sounds and smells. Begin by visiting the stunning courtyard and gardens of 19-century Bahia Palace. Next, visit the Koutoubia Mosque which dates back to 1147. After that, you will pass through the historic gates of the medina and continue on through winding alleyways through hidden fondouks historical inns. You can also visit Jemaa el-Fna Square which is the city’s iconic plaza, home to street food vendors and performers.

Your local guide will lead you to the most popular souks during the tour. The famed spice towers of Souk el Attarine will be on display. You can also shop for handmade babouche slippers in Souk Smata. Next, visit Souk des Teinturiers to see locals weaving and hanging yarn. You can then follow your nose to the food stalls at Jemaa el-Fna Square in the evening. You can also choose to eat at one of the rooftop cafes located above the square, and enjoy the view from the top.

You must now say goodbye to all your Moroccan friends. You’ve had a wonderful time here. Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you back to your hotel. Mae alsalama!