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Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n´Tichka - Ait Ben Haddou (1xL, 1xD)

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Leaving Marrakech early morning towards the south, we cross the High Atlas Mountains at an altitude of 2,260m via the spectacular Tizi n´Tichka pass. There are many Berber villages on the way with opportunities for small stops, taking pictures etc. Around lunch time we arrive in Ait Ben Haddou, check in at the hotel and eat lunch. After a visit to the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, an old fortressed city and once an important crossroad of caravans on their way to Timbouktou. The Kasbah originates from the 11th century and was put on UNESCO list in 1987 as one of the first Moroccan sights. We explore the ksar (village) with its narrowed streets and visit a traditional house.
Later afternoon we walk along the Ounila river with a panoramic view over Ait Ben Haddou, visit the smaller but authentic Kasbah Tamedakhte. If there is interest, alternatively we can visit the film studios of Ouarzazate where many famous movie including Lawrence de Arabia or Cleopatra were made.
Sunset over the city and dinner at the hotel.

Driving time: 4 h

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Day 2: Ait Ben Haddou – Boulmane de Dades – Tamellalt - Dades Gorge (1xB, 1xL, 1xD)

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After breakfast we drive towards Dades Valley with a short stop in Kelaa Mgouna, the City of the Roses. Around lunchtime we arrive at our accommodation and lunch in Boulmane de Dades. In the afternoon we drive towards the Gorge Dades on one of the worlds most spectacular zik zak roads. In case of good weather there is a possibility to explore part of the Gorge directly through the river water trail. We will walk through the “Monkey Fingers” rock formation of Tamelalt and see the old ksar of Ait Arbi.

Driving time: 3

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Day 3: Boulmane de Dades – Merzouga – bivac in Nomad camp in dessert (1xB, 1xL, 1xD)

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After breakfast we drive towards Merzouga. We have a short stop and walk in Todgha Gorge, another spectacular river canyon at the eastern part of High Atlas. In February, the river is full of water which makes it even more spectacular. We take lunch in a small town on the road. Around 16 p.m. we arrive in Merzouga and take a short rest in the base camp for desert trips (mint tea, swimming pool, etc.) Around 17 p.m. we start with camels on a. 3 h trip into the heart of sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Observing the sun set from one of the dunes and arriving in Nomad camp where we relax at the camp fire, eat dinner and enjoy some authentic Nomad music.

Driving time: 3h

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Day 4: Merzouga– Ziz Valley – Midelt – Fes (1xB, 1xL)

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A very early wake up to see sunrise from one of the higher dunes in area. Ride the camels back to base camp where breakfast is already prepared and a possibility to take a shower. Continuing towards Ziz Valley where we take a small break for taking pictures in the palm lined oasis.. Lunch in Midelt, a small market town at the border between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas. Depending on time we can make a short stop in the forests of Azrou, a region known for the cedar forests and appearance of magots, or Barbary  apes.

Around 6-7 p.m. we arrive in Fez.

Driving time: 8 h

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