Kasbah Capers - 2010/11 Itinerary
9 days - from $620
Southern Morocco on a shoestring
Desert oases & Atlas Mountains
Coastal culture & Imperial Marrakech
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Gateway to the Great Sahara
From Marrakech we head straight up into the High Atlas range over the Tizi n' Tichka pass before descending into the Draa Valley, where palms and ksours (fortified villages) line the road. After exploring the kasbah of Tamnougalt we arrive at the 'Gateway to the Sahara', Zagora. Here we visit Amazrou village and palmery as well as the famous 17th-century Islamic sanctuary nearby. Finally we enjoy an optional sunset camel ride in the dunes on the edge of the great desert.
Berber villages of the Anti Atlas
A dramatic drive takes us west in the shadow of Jebel Bani to the desert oasis of Tata before we climb into the Anti-Atlas Mountains to the Berber village of Tagoudiche. Shadowed by the pink and brown peaks of Jebel Lekst mountain, Tagoudiche is an ideal place to enjoy the traditional Berber life-style and some spontaneous hospitality - and copious amounts of mint tea! There's also time for some gentle mountain walks or, for the more energetic, the ascent of Jebel Lekst (2359m).
White-washed Walls of Essaouira
Leaving the Atlas Mountains behind, we continue to the historic port of Essaouira. Though founded by the Portuguese, the town enjoys a subtle blend of Arab, French and Iberian cultures, and is an ideal place to unwind with its fine sandy beach, pavement cafés and hassle-free shopping. Returning to the Imperial City of Marrakech, a visit to the bustling medina is a must: an intoxicating blend of spice vendors, jewellers, kebab stalls and street entertainers!
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Itinerary:
Day 1 Join the tour in Marrakech. Day 2 High Atlas Heading high over the Tizi n' Tichka pass, we descend into the Draa Valley via the kasbah of Tamnougalt to Zagora, 'Gateway to the Sahara' Day 3 Edge of the Sahara We visit Amazrou village and palmery and a 17th-century Islamic sanctuary before heading into the desert for an optional sunset camel ride among the dunes. Days 4/5 Anti Atlas A dramatic drive takes us west in the shadow of Jebel Bani to the desert oasis of Tata before we climb into the Anti-Atlas Mountains to the Berber village of Tagoudiche. Day 6 Jebel Lekst We enjoy a traditional Berber life-style in our mountain village and, for the energetic, an ascent of Jebel Lekst (2359m). Day 7 Essaouira Heading to the Atlantic coast we reach Essaouira. Founded by the Portuguese, the town enjoys a subtle blend of Arab, French and Iberian cultures, and is an ideal place to unwind with its sandy beach, cafés and hassle-free shopping. Day 8 Marrakech Back in Marrakech, a visit to the bustling medina is a must: an intoxicating blend of spice vendors, jewellers, kebab stalls and street entertainers! Day 9 Tour ends in Marrakech.
Accommodation: 6nts hotel, 2nts basic village house; 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners included.
Transport: Minibus/On foot.
Comment: Expect simple conditions in some hotels and the village house and some fairly long drives. Easy walking whilst exploring old Kasbahs, desert oases and the Ameln Valley. To allow for maximum flexibility most activities are left optional. See dossier for details.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader, driver(s) + optional local guides.
Trip Reference: QKT2010