• Upon your arrival in Marrakech, your local guide will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. You’ll receive a full briefing about the trip and enjoy your first taste of Moroccan cuisine.

Day 2: Marrakech to Foum Zguid – Into the Desert Gateway

Morning – Journey through the Atlas Mountains

After breakfast, your expedition officially begins. Depart Marrakech and travel across the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. En route, marvel at traditional Berber villages nestled in the mountains.

Afternoon – Southbound to the Sahara

As you descend into the desert regions, the landscape changes dramatically. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Foum Zguid, a quiet Saharan outpost where your desert adventure truly starts.

Evening – Local Berber Dinner

Settle into your guesthouse, enjoy a home-cooked Berber meal, and relax before venturing deeper into the desert the next day.

Morning – Scenic Drive Across Iriki Plateau

To begin your journey, you’ll take a 4×4 drive across the remote Iriki dry lakebed., part of a former river system now turned salt pan. Barren and vast, this ancient lakebed offers a stark, almost otherworldly beauty..

Midday – Camel Trekking Adventure

On reaching the Erg Chegaga dunes, trade your 4×4 for a camel. The slow rhythm of the camel ride gives you time to absorb the silence and vastness of the Sahara.

Evening – Sahara Sunset & Campfire

Arrive at your desert camp, where you’ll enjoy tea, a hearty traditional dinner, and Berber drumming around the fire. The sky comes alive with stars—an unforgettable scene.

Start your morning early to catch the sunrise over the dunes—a magical moment not to be missed. Then, head out on foot or by camel to explore the surrounding desert.

As you move through the dunes, keep an eye out for desert wildlife such as sandgrouse, fennel foxes, and horned vipers. This region, though seemingly barren, is full of adapted life forms.

Later, visit a nomadic family living in the region and learn about their resourceful way of life. Their customs, cuisine, and oral traditions provide deep insight into the relationship between people and the desert.

Morning – Cross the Draa Valley

Drive north via the spectacular Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley. This lush corridor is lined with palm groves, mud-brick villages, and centuries-old kasbahs.

Afternoon – Visit Ait Benhaddou

On your way to Ouarzazate, stop at the famous Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village made entirely of earthen clay. This UNESCO World Heritage site has featured in movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Evening – Ouarzazate Stay

Spend the evening in Ouarzazate, often called “The Hollywood of Africa.” Explore local markets or relax at your hotel.

Travel to Agdz, a peaceful town located at the edge of the Draa Valley.

During your visit, you’ll explore local farms, learn about traditional irrigation methods, and see native desert flora like acacias and argan shrubs. This area is home to wildlife such as desert hares and mountain goats.

You’ll also have the opportunity to visit local cooperatives and discover how traditional crafts are still made by hand.

Morning – Scenic Drive Back

After breakfast, head back to Marrakech through the Atlas foothills. Pause for panoramic photos along the way.

Afternoon – Souvenir Stop & Local Lunch

Before arriving in the city, stop at a local market or argan oil cooperative. Enjoy one last Moroccan meal in a rural setting.

Evening – End of the Expedition

Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Depending on your flight, you may have time for some last-minute exploration or shopping.