4x4 circuit in the Moroccan desert

3-day 4x4 programme from Marrakech. Full itinerary details to be completed according to the programme sheet.

3-day 4x4 programme departing from Ouarzazate. Full itinerary to be completed according to the programme sheet.

1^er Day: Marrakech, heading for Ouarzazate

Departure from Marrakech early in the morning.

Crossing the High Atlas Mountains.

After the Tizi n'Tichka pass, which peaks at 2,260 meters above sea level, we take a secondary road to the Telouet Kasbah, which notably belonged to Pasha Thami El Glaoui. After his death in 1956, the kasbah was looted and abandoned. Inside, the architecture and walls still bear witness to the refined decoration.

Discover the Ounila Valley, an ancient spice caravan trail. This winding valley is populated by ochre-colored villages and kasbahs, orchards, and troglodyte ksours. Visit the Telouet Kasbah, a former palace dating back to the 17th century.^th century.

Almost at the end of the road, we arrive at Aït Ben Haddou. This ancient city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fortified village with its ochre walls is very representative of Southern Moroccan architecture. It is also famous for the many films that have been shot there.

After passing through Ouarzazate, we continue south across the Tizi-n-Tinififft Pass to Agdz. The descent from the pass offers a view of the vast oasis and its palm trees, which mark the beginning of the Draa Valley.

We are spending the night in a guesthouse in the Dades Gorges.

2^th Day: Ouarzazate – Agdz – M’Hamid El Ghizlane – Erg Chegaga

After breakfast, visit the Tamnougalte Kasbah, the oldest in the Draa Valley. We once again take the old caravan route, which crosses many villages between the river and the mountains. This route provides a deeper insight into the Berber way of life in the oases.

In Tansikht, you can see dinosaur tracks (large sauropods) along the roadside. We pass through the village of Tinsouline before stopping for lunch in Zagora, the largest town in the region.

We continue our journey to Tamgroute, where you'll discover its traditional pottery, well-known for its green color. Visit the ancient Quranic library, which contains magnificent handwritten Arabic texts.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey south, towards M'hamid El Ghizlane, where the tarmac road ends, and for good reason: the gateway to the desert finally opens up before you!

We are heading towards the famous Erg Chegaga dunes (300m). The road we follow allows us to discover different aspects of the desert: ergs (dune fields), a hammada (rocky plateau), and an oasis. You will be able to take a camel ride.

After dinner, you will spend the night in Erg Chegaga camp.

3^th Day: Erg Chegaga – Foum Zguid – Tazenakht – Marrakech

After breakfast, we'll explore Lake Iriki, located in Iriki National Park near the Algerian border. The vegetation here consists of acacia savannah and wooded steppe. It's home to southern gazelles, Barbary sheep, hyenas, and numerous reptiles such as lizards, snakes, and chameleons.

Lunch will take place in Foum Zguid, the first village after the desert.

We will then head north to the village of Taznakht, which specializes in weaving Berber carpets.

To finish this beautiful tour, we will cross the High Atlas again to reach Marrakech at the end of the afternoon.