Morocco Family - Saharan Sands Itinerary

Ouarzazate is located at the crossroads of three valleys and sits on the doorstep of the Sahara. Take this time to absorb your surroundings and let the stress of life at home leave you.

Gain a fascinating insight into the lives of Ouarzazate’s Kasbah residents past by exploring the fortress. Get preparations underway for the camel trek to come by purchasing a piece of kit considered vital by the discerning desert adventurer; the scarf-like shesh traditionally wrapped around one’s head to provide protection from both sun and sand. At first giggles will be heard when you all wrap up like a camel herder but the scarf will become your friend soon enough. Head out across the Tizi n’Tinififft mountain, tonight’s base will be the village of Tazzarine. Here on the desert’s edge and just a few miles from the Draa Valley, this oasis post boasts a rich cultural heritage thanks to its location along ancient caravan routes.

Meet the group’s camelteers in nearby Iferd and load up the animals for the leisurely two-day trek into the heart of the desert. After a few hours and before anyone can get the hump, arrive at the first stopping post to set up camp, watch the sun set across the Saharan dunescape and dine amongst the stars. The following morning, walk off breakfast whilst taking in the incredible views offered from this desert hideaway. Appreciating how much easier it is to cross the terrain on four hooves rather than two feet, make for the Atlas Mountains on camel-back before driving to Tazzarine to spend the night.

Crossing the Draa Valley, today is spent exploring the charms of this picturesque World Heritage Site. A significant stop along the trading route in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the Kasbah at Ait Benhaddou remains one of Morocco’s best preserved examples of fortified architecture while the surrounding villages are equally ripe for exploring. With the Kasbah perhaps most famous for having been featured in the epic Lawrence of Arabia starring Peter O’Toole, movie buffs may like to consider taking a trip to the nearby studios where other cinematic classics such as Gladiator, Alexander the Great, the Living Daylights and Jewel of the Nile were filmed. For budding actors and actresses, why not re-enact some scenes from the film.

Your last days in Morocco are spent hypnotised by the city’s countless charms. After negotiating the winding streets and carnival atmosphere of the main square, there’s plenty of time to explore the souks further in search of the perfect souvenir. Be entertained by snake charmers and jugglers, then in the evening join the locals to sample the delicious-looking fare from the food stalls of the Djemaa el-Fna. A favourite for children is having their photo taken with the snake charmers!

Enjoy a farewell breakfast with the group before saying your goodbyes to your newly extended family.