Discover the Mystique of the Sahara and Anti Atlas Mountains in Morocco – 11 Days

With Mustapha as your knowledgeable guide, you off on an exciting excursion through the charming city of Marrakech, laying the groundwork for an incredible adventure through the Sahara and Anti-Atlas. The jewel in Morocco's crown, Marrakech, with its vivid souks, busy medinas, and iconic buildings, emanates a magical attraction. Get lost in the old Medina's winding alleyways, where the bustling conversation of traders blends with the aroma of exotic spices.

Experienced guide Mustapha takes you around the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where street artists, storytellers, and traditional musicians abound. Marvel at the Ben Youssef Madrasa's elaborate geometric designs and lose yourself in the kaleidoscope of hues of the Bahia Palace. Savor traditional Moroccan food in the city's unique riads before seeing the rocky Anti-Atlas mountains and the huge Sahara. A peaceful and engaging travel experience is created by Mustapha's skill, which guarantees a smooth transition from Marrakech's busy streets to the serene immensity of the Sahara and the majestic splendor of the Anti-Atlas.

Your driver will pick you up at your riad at 9 a.m. Before ascending the High Atlas Mountains, pass through the hamlet of Asni. Explore the thirteenth-century Tinmel Mosque. After a series of turns and turns, arrive at the mountain pass at 2000 meters. From there, the vast expanse of the South opens up. Drop down to the plain of Taroudant. After leaving your belongings at the hotel, get dressed. Go treasure hunting in the souks or take a caleche ride around the 16th-century city walls in the evening. Dinner and accommodation in a Medina riad.

Head out of Taroudant toward the Anti Atlas Mountains. On the way, make a stop in Frejia to see the indigenous kasbah. Afterwards, ascend 1800 meters to see a magnificent granary, where formerly people had kept their grains. Reach Tafraoute in the latter part of the afternoon. Explore the Ameln Valley for amazing photo opportunities. Examine the Napoleon hat and the Painted Rocks. Dinner and lodging in the hotel with the greatest view.

Enter a valley that is among Morocco's most picturesque as you head south; the mountains and elevations are reminiscent of those in Utah or Arizona. Take a break for a cup of tea and see the mesas carved with palm groves at Smougen. Visit a nomad family later on. Visit a women's cooperative to see the handicrafts made there. Reach Icht in the late afternoon. Dinner and lodging in an isolated motel.

Visit one of the two granaries that tower over Amtoudi's settlement. Then, stroll beside natural lakes and flinty hollows while exploring the stunning gorges with a local guide. Afterwards, head back to Icht. As before, lodging and dinner will be provided.

Visit Akka's palm grove after breakfast to see the century-old, stunted mosque that was presumably abandoned there by the Saadi dynasty during the gold trade. See the granary and the surrounding medersa, which attest to the area's historical significance, in Ait Kine before continuing on to Tata. Turn left after passing Tata to witness a refurbished ksar in Akka Ighrem, where residents have returned to their former residences. Get to Foum Zguid late in the afternoon. Dinner and accommodation at a hotel nearby.

After eating breakfast, head out into the Sahara Desert. Before reaching the stunning Erg Chigaga dunes, the path alternates between cobblestones, gravel, sand, and shingles. Discover fossils as you go. Go to the camp by camel and meet your camel man. Dinner and an overnight stay at an opulent desert camp in a tent.

Take most of the morning to explore the dunes. Head back to the 4x4 and make a stop along the way to have tea with the nomads. It will take you a few hours to reach M'hamid and the tarmac. Follow the palm forest of the Draa Valley to Tamegroute, where green glazed ovens and pottery accentuate the century-old medersa and library. Reach Zagora later in the afternoon. (If you want silver jewelry, stop at Amezrou). Dinner and accommodation at a local lodge.

Near Zagora, the Kasbah of Tamnougalt dominates the surrounding area with its towering walls and fortress, having served as a major stopping point for caravans en route to Marrakech for many years. Biblical villages appear one after another, differing in hue from ochre, as the sun moves across the sky. Later, make your way to the gorges by exiting the palm grove. Before the sun sets, cross Ouarzazate and stop for a picture at Ait Benhaddou. Then proceed to Tamedaght to arrive at the peaceful village where the small kasbah was used as a backdrop for "Gladiator." A meal and accommodation in a Kasbah close by.

Visit Ait Ben Haddou in the early morning for the best light for photography and explore the kasbah before heading back to the hotel for breakfast. Next, make your way to Telouet and visit the kasbah after passing through the Ounila valley, which is home to deserted kasbahs and terraced farms. Travel to the renowned Tizi N'tichka pass at 2260 meters after lunch in the settlement in the high Atlas Mountains. Reach Marrakech in the late afternoon. Dinner and accommodation in a Medina riad.

Depending on your flight, your driver will meet you at the door of your riad. You should arrive two hours prior to your flight. Your Morocco Private Photography Tour has come to an end.