09 Medinas, Gorges and Desert

Suggested Itinerary Number : 09

Medinas, Gorges and Desert

For the more adventurous traveller, experience the splendour of the dunes, oases, kasbahs and Atlas Mountains of south east Morocco.

Overview: Suggested length 10- 12 days. Late Sept to late May. Flights into Agadir (a better entry point in winter because the mountain pass to access the desert is lower) or Marrakech.

• 3 days Marrakech or, for Agadir flights, Taroudant
• 2 days Ait Benhaddou
• 1 day Todra Gorge, or Agdz for Agadir flights
• 2 days Merzouga dunes or  M’Hamid dunes for Agadir flights
• 2 days Skoura Oasis and/ or Ouarzazate

Transport options: Taxi or car (self-drive or with driver) outside Marrakech.

Extension options: Through the Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Gorges, via Midelt, to Fez, (or M’hamid dunes and Draa valley, instead of or in addition to) dunes of Merzouga and Dades Valley.

Activity options: Camel treks, 7 day horse trek or climbing in the Dades Gorge

The Deep Desert

Normally accessed from the north to Marrakech across the spectacular Tiz n Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains  the deep desert is a vast area of great beauty and peace worth the substantial journey required to see all its varied stunning landscapes.

En route across the mountains the superb ruins of Telouet Kasbah are a worthwhile midway stop en route to Ait Benhaddou, near Ouarzazate from where you may travel:

• to the South - via the magical Draa Valley and Zagora to the dunes near M'Hamid with the option of returning via Agdz to Taroudant and the Atlantic coast
• to the East - via spectacular scenery of Skoura oasis, the Dades “Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs” and Dades and Todra Gorges to the Merzouga dunes with the option of going on to Fez 

The oasis towns were historically on the trading routes into central Africa and have a wealth of history. These are the places you will visit on this route:

Marrakech

Marrakech is the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, and understandably so. One of the four imperial cities, it is a lively city with a true Moroccan soul and culture, a feast for the senses that caters well for visitors. From the atmospheric souks of the medina, to the villages of the High Atlas Mountains a short drive away, Marrakech offers a vast range of options for the visitor either on a short trip or as part of a longer adventure.

Taroudant

Just 1 hour east of Agadir, Taroudant is often known as “Little Marrakech” due to the backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains and its red town walls, which are more complete than those of any other Moroccan town. This Berber market town is little frequented by tourists,  providing an authentic experience of everyday life. It is much closer to two mountain ranges and the sea than Marrakech, making it an ideal base from which to explore Berber countryside.

Ait Benhaddou

A striking fortified settlement (ksar), renowned as a backdrop to many films (including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator), and deservedly designated as a World Heritage Site, it houses some of the best conserved kasbahs in Morocco.

Skoura

An oasis settlement 45 minutes' drive to the north east of Ouarzazate, it boasts magnificent kasbahs such as the magical Kasbah Amerhidil and significant palmeries with hidden lovely off-the-beaten-track guest houses.

Dades Valley and Gorge

The Dades Valley is famous for its colourful kasbahs – often known as the “Valley of the 1000 kasbahs” - and roses which produce a superb quality essential oil celebrated at the Rose Festival in May or June. It is well worth a diversion off the main road to see the most spectacular red rock formations and a stunning gorge in its upper reaches.

The Todra Gorge

This narrow, spectacular gorge up to 300 metres deep is the most spectacular in Morocco and has deservedly become popular with walkers and more especially rock climbers, due to the hundreds of routes available.

Merzouga

This village on the edge of the Erg Chebbi Dunes is the perfect place to take in the essence of the Sahara: the highest dunes in Morocco (the highest ar enear M'Hamid - see below), attaining a maximum height of 150 metres, lie just 50 kms south-east of Erfoud, roughly midway between Fez and Marrakech.

Zagora & M'Hamid

Reached via the magical Draa Valley, a string of palmeries in a scenic mountain setting, Zagora is the gateway to the Sahara. The best dunes are near M'Hamid, a minimum of 80 minutes' drive south at Erg Lehoudi. For those wishing to reduce their journey, the small Tinfou dunes about 20 kms to the south are an inferior alternative with just a small dune field. The highest and most remote dunes in Morocco - at 300m high - are found at Erg Chagaga, accessed by 4x4 from Zagora.

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