General

Join us on this 2 day private tour to the Erg Lihoudi Desert. Our route takes us via the famous Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, so well known in the movies as a location for some box office hits like Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven. We follow the Draa valley south to the desert visiting some interesting locations on the way. Our return journey takes on a visit to the pottery workshop where the beautiful green glazed ceramics are made and we cross back over the High Atlas to Marrakech.

DAY 1: MARRAKECH – KASBAH AIT BENHADDOU – OUARZAZATE – ZAGORA – ERG LIHOUDI

Morocco Gnawa Tours will pick you up from your hotel with 4×4 and driver. We start the tour passing the stunning Tiz’n Tichka mountain pass, spectacular mountain scenery and ever-changing landscape along the way. Visit the magnificent Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou – a UNESCO World heritage site, and have lunch. Then continue via Ouarzazate across Anti-Atlas traveling through the lush Draa Valley oasis, taking a detour off-road and travel through the palm groves and many local earth-built ksours (villages). After we have passed the town of Zagora, and as the evening approaches, the road thins to a narrow ribbon, the sand blows across the tarmac and finally we cross desert piste to reach the bivouac camp at the Erg Lihoudi dunes. Here you can try some sandboarding, and in the evening you will be accompanied by local “Blue Men” nomads, and enjoy your dinner. Sleep in the camp.

DAY 2: ERG LIHOUDI TO MARRAKECH

An early morning start after breakfast from the bivouac camp. We visit the village of Tamegroute, famous for its pottery, the Quranic library and underground Kasbah. Then travel in 4×4 to return via the Draa Valley and once again over the High Atlas Mountains to reach Marrakech by early evening.