From Marrakesh to the Zagora desert - 2-day trip

Itinerary

DAY 1: MARRAKECH - KASBAH TELOUET - TIZI-N-TICHKA - OUARZAZATE - ZAGORA 

Take the road to Ouarzazate. During your journey to Ouarzazate you will also pass the olive groves of the Oued Zat, as you ascend onto the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass Road. Built by the French in the 1920’s, the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass can be described as having mountainous barriers, Mediterranean and oceanic influences and desert borders. long the route you will see panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains as well as sights of fertile valleys, blue and red colored pise villages and other striking mineral environments.

Visit Kasbah Telout, one of Morocco’s hidden jewels and a famous Kasbahs that is the origin of the Pacha Glaoui Family. Kasbah Telout is hidden among a tiny road in a small village that is 20 minutes outside Tichka. Its history stands alone with its original zellij tile, authentic, preserved silks and grand remnants of the Glaou family. This Kasbahs has yet to be coined a UNESCO World Heritage site and while it appears in parts to be in ruins on the exterior, its interior is one of true splendor.

Visit an Argan Cooperative where Argan Oil, Butter and Cosmetics are made with the Argan nut by hand as Berber women crack the nuts and the grind them one by one. Have a complimentary tasting. This cooperative is run entirely by women.

Visit Ait Benhaddou. Located 32 km from Ouarzazate lies the picturesque village. Aït Benhaddou of Aït Benhaddou is situated in Souss Massa Draa on a hill along the Ouarzazate River. Lawrence of Arabia was filmed here and Orson Welles used it as a location for Sodome and Gomorrah; and for Jesus of Nazareth the whole lower part of the village was rebuilt. In recent years more controlled restoration has been carried out under UNESCO auspices. Aït Benhaddou is one of many locations in this region used for shooting Hollywood films. Aït Benhaddou which once served as the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. Your guide will lead you on a private tour through this Berber village of towered and crenulated Kasbahs that once guarded the lucrative caravan route through the Atlas Mountains. 

Within the Drâa oasis there are Kasbahs well over a hundred years old that are typically single family homes (ksour). While Kasbah viewing in the Drâa Valley is a wonderful sight, half the experience is being in this spacious landscape that is sure to compete for your attention.

Drâa ksours are characteristic of being stronger, higher, flatter and outlasting more attacks than other Kasbahs. Ksours are unique as they are often decorated with gold geometric patterns painted on the exterior walls and towers. Ksours are typically located in groves of palms and several hours away from the roads. The first DrâaKasbahs were located four kilometers past Aït Saoun.

Along the route to Zagora, a main destination for many Kasbahs.

DAY 2: ZAGORA - DRAA VALLEY AGDZ - OUARZAZATE - MARRAKECH 

Zagora, known for its sunsets and breathtaking valleys, is a common place to begin a camel trek. Zagora is also famous for being a base to travel to Timbuktu; on one of Zagora’s streets, is a famous sign stating “52 days to Timbuktu”.

In the 9th century, traders went back and forth on this Saharan Caravan Route, which went from Zagora to Timbuktu in fifty-two days. Traders carried salt, gold, slaves and spices. Its main destination point was Sijiilmassa, present day Rissani (Merzouga).

If you are feeling especially adventurous, follow in their 9th century footsteps and make the journey. Don’t forget to stop at one of the Berber villages along the way and try some fresh baked wheat bread or couscous.

Visit Kasbah Tamnagoult, a village in the Draa River valley in 95 kilometers south of Ouarzazate. The village is close to Agdz. It is the former capital of the Mezguita region and residence of former caïds. Its name means 'meeting point' in Tachelhit (Berber). Option to have lunch in Kasbah Tamnaoualt or continue the road to Agdz.

En route pass the Sahara Desert town of Agdz and the heart of the Draa Valleyknown for its 45 qualities of dates. Stop for a picturesque view in Agdz and its stunning palmery along with local trade routes famous for bringing dates, spices and other goods from the South to Marrakech.

Visit the market of dates in Agdz. Try various dates of the region and see how the local souk works. Panoramic view of Agdz Palmeraie from a garrison atop Agdz. Continue the road passing Ouarzazate to Ait Benhaddou.

Visit the Atlas Film Studios. The studios are flanked by Holly-wood style Egyptian figures and cover 30,000 square meters of desert. David Lean filmed Lawrence of Arabia at The Atlas Film Studios in the early 1960’s. Since then many famous directors have followed in his footsteps to exploit the magnificent scenery. International blockbusters shot here in recent years include: the French version of Cleopatra, Bertolucci’s Sheltering Sky, Scorsese’s Kundun, Gillies MacKannon’s Hideous Kinky, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, Black Hawke Down, Oliver Stone’s Alexander The Great, Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven, and Penelope Cruz’s Sahara.

Take the road back to Marrakech via the Tizzin Tichka Pass.