Southern Oasis Valley of Draa
After our first night in Ouarzazate we descend straight into the fertile Draa Valley, where palms and ksours (fortified villages) line the road, to arrive at the 'Gateway to the Sahara', Zagora. From here a short drive takes us to our camp near the golden sand dunes of Tinfou. There's time for a camel safari (optional) before enjoying a wonderful Saharan sunset over the entrancing dunes and a hearty Berber dinner.

Wilderness of the Sahara
Next we cross the baked black rock of the Jebel Bani and follow desert sand tracks further south to explore the palm groves and ksour of Mhamid. Then for a thrilling drive through the harsh and unforgiving land of the Sahara as our vehicles take us in search of the M'Hazil sand desert at Chegaga, the highest dunes in this region of Morocco, for our second night under the stars. We'll have time for a short nature walk to identify signs of desert-dwelling animal, bird and insect life before taking a different scenic route back to Ouarzazate for our final night.

Itinerary:

1 Join Ouarzazate. 2 Drive to Zagora via Draa Valley; continue to Tinfou dunes; optional camel safari. 3 Exciting desert drive through Sahara to Chegaga dunes; late afternoon desert nature walk. 4 Scenic drive to Ouarzazate via Foum Zguid and Tazenakht. 5 Tour ends Ouarzazate.

Accommodation: 2nts simple desert camp, 2nts hotel; 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners included.
Transport: 4WD land rovers or cruisers/ On foot.
Comment: The chance to sleep in the beautiful Saharan wilderness more than compensates for simple camp conditions. Expect some bumpy travel over rough desert tracks.
Group: Approx. 9 to 12.
Staff: Explore Leader, drivers(s) and cook.
Trip Reference: SH