ATLAS MOUNTAINS AND SAHARA DESERT

The climb to the summit of Mont Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, is not for the faint of heart. We will begin our journey in the predawn hours, setting out while the stars are still shining above us. The initial ascent may seem relatively easy, but as we make our way through the rocky terrain and ascend to higher elevations, the challenge will become increasingly apparent. We will trek through boulder-strewn paths, scramble over rocky outcroppings, and push ourselves to overcome the altitude. But as we press on, the rewards will become greater. As we near the summit, the views will become more and more spectacular. The jagged peaks of the High Atlas will loom in the distance. And when we finally reach the summit, the panorama that awaits us will take our breath away. The Marrakesh Plain will lay out before us like a colourful tapestry, and we'll feel as though we're standing at the top of the world. After taking in the vistas and catching our breath, we'll make our descent back to Imlil village where we will stay for the night. This hike is not just a physical challenge, but an opportunity to test ourselves, to push ourselves beyond our limits, and to be rewarded with experiences and vistas that we will never forget.

Embark on an epic adventure with a departure from Imlil, as you journey through the majestic landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains. Take in the awe-inspiring views of the Tishka pass, the quaint charm of Ouarzazate, and the lush greenery of the Draa valley and Oases. As you continue on your journey, the vast expanse of the Zagora desert awaits, leading you to the captivating M'hamid desert. After a thrilling desert experience, you will reach your Berber stay, where you can unwind in the company of a warm campfire, savour a delicious dinner, and enjoy live local music under the bright stars. Take some time to relax and immerse yourself in the local culture, learning about the nomadic lifestyle and interacting with the locals. At the Berber camp, you will have the opportunity to spend the night in a private tent, providing a unique and authentic desert experience.

Begin your desert adventure by meeting your guides and camel caravan after breakfast. Your guides will assist you in preparing for the journey, including wrapping a turban for protection against the desert sun. You will then embark on a trek along the southern banks of the Draa River, passing through palm groves and the ancient settlement of M'hamid, believed to be around 300 years old. As you explore the area, take the opportunity to visit abandoned pise-mud buildings and enjoy the shade provided by the trees. After reaching the end of the palm groves, you will stop for lunch at Ras Nkhal. This marks the transition from lush greenery to desert scrub, stone, and tamarisk trees. After lunch, continue on a south-westerly course for about 2.5 hours towards the marabout of Sidi Naji. This is the location for your overnight camp, nestled among small dunes. The total trek time for the day is approximately 5-6 hours, depending on the pace of the group.

After fueling up with a hearty breakfast, the group eagerly packs up camp and sets off on their journey towards the mystical, remote region of Zahar. Known for its towering, undulating sand dunes, this area is the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts. As they trek through the largely flat, plateau-like terrain, the excitement begins to build as they know that the landscape is about to change dramatically. The dried lake beds gradually give way to rolling sand dunes, and the vegetation becomes less and less as they journey deeper into the dunes. As they set up camp at the foot of the majestic dunes, they take a moment to catch their breath and appreciate the rugged beauty of the area. After a well-deserved lunch, they strap on their hiking gear and set off to conquer the dunes. With each step, they climb higher and higher, the adrenaline pumping through their veins as they crest each dune and are greeted by an even more breathtaking view. They reach the summit just in time for sunset, and the panoramic view from the top takes their breath away. The endless expanse of the "erg" (sand sea) stretches out before them, and they can just make out the path they will take in the next two days as they head towards Erg Smar and the towering dunes of Erg Chigaga. As they stand on top of the dunes, they can't help but be awestruck by the beauty and raw power of nature. According to legend, there is even a village buried beneath the sands in this very spot, known as the "screaming dunes". Today's trek is estimated to take 4 hours, but with each step, the group knows that it's worth every second for the thrill of an adventure of a lifetime.

After a satisfying breakfast, it was time to strike camp and set off on a new adventure. This morning, for the first time since leaving M’hamid, the group would cross the dry bed of the Draa River and head to the northern banks. The destination was the abandoned desert settlement of Erg Smar, where up to 35 families once lived and farmed the land. The size of the Draa river bed was astonishing, given that it now runs dry. But once, it flowed in abundance through the desert, nourishing the land and sustaining life. Water still runs deep underground here and there, and the group would stop at a well on the banks of the dried river to replenish their water supply and freshen up with a quick shower. As they trekked, evidence of human existence was everywhere. They saw the outline of agricultural plots and gardens, and the abandoned pise-mud buildings that once served as homes. The day's trek came to an end under the welcome shade of large tamarisk trees, where camp was established. It was hard to believe that they were still in the heart of the desert terrain, given the size of the trees at this village. After lunch, the group had the opportunity to explore the settlement, the banks of the Draa, and the sand dunes that had started to encroach on the buildings. Today's trek time was estimated to be around 3 hours, depending on the pace of the group.

Today, we set our sights on the grandeur of the Erg Chigaga dunes, the largest sand sea in Morocco. Spanning a vast 40km in length, this is where we may encounter other visitors for the first time on our trek. As we depart from Erg Smar, we bid farewell to the dense vegetation and embark on a journey across small dunes and a broad earth plateau. The terrain is dotted with shrubs, which provide sustenance for gazelles. As we look towards the north and south, we can see the rolling dunes in the distance. As we continue on our journey, the vegetation gradually increases, providing a welcome reprieve under the shade of the trees for our midday meal. After lunch, the rolling dunes and another small plateau await us as we make our way towards the majestic Erg Chigaga. We leave our camels behind as we climb the sand dunes to reach the nearest vantage point. The Erg Chigaga stretches out before us, and with good visibility, we can even make out the distant dunes of Zahar. As the sun sets, we descend to camp or drive out of the desert and return to Mhamid. Today's trekking time is approximately 5-6 hours, depending on the pace of the group.

An early wake up is in store for us to catch the stunning sunrise on our way. After breakfast, we will embark on a memorable camel ride back to our vehicle. The camel ride will be a perfect opportunity to take in the beauty of the Moroccan desert and to experience the traditional mode of transportation of the Berbers. After the camel ride, we will then set off on a scenic drive back to Marrakech, with a pit stop to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou. The kasbah is a stunning example of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture, and its clay buildings have been used as a location for many films and TV shows. After exploring the kasbah and taking in its history, we will make our way back to Marrakech and drop you off at your accommodation, to end a journey that was full of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.