Marrakech New Year 8-Day Grand Desert Expedition

The morning is spent at Dades Gorges where you can choose to trek or relax. After lunch we visit to a traditional Berber home where the semi nomadic family have set up a co-operative for the trade of carpets, kilims and handicrafts for all the rural communities across the Atlas. The remainder of the afternoon is spent taking in the remarkable and sheer brilliance of Todra Gorges, opt to go rock climbing (subject to weather conditions, book and pay locally) or just relax and enjoy the day with a great Xmas dinner in the beautiful surroundings. Overnight – Todra Gorges (B, L, D)

Crossing the Jebel Sarhro, we head down to Erg Chebbi sand dunes, which signify the start of the mighty Sahara Desert. In parts the vast sand pile reaches skyward to heights of 150 metres! The desert winds ensure this astonishing landscape is forever changing and no two days offer the same panorama. Mounting our camels, we trek across the vast rolling dunes of the Sahara and soak up the breathtaking scenery. Arriving at our simple Berber camp, we enjoy dinner and a night under the Saharan stars. Wrap up warm and remember your winter weight sleeping bag. Overnight – Berber Camp (B, L, D)

 After a stunning sunrise and our camel ride back to the frontier post (camel HQ) there is time to freshen up before driving to the verdant Draa Valley, along the route of 1000 Kasbahs. Besides the natural, historical and architectural wonders that the Draa Valley offers, there are also small villages along the valley where time appears to have stood still. We continue on to Ouarzazate, where African traders once stopped on their journeys up to Europe. Overnight – Ouarzazate (B, L, D)

In the morning either visit the Ouarzazate film studio that produced Lawrence of Arabia or opt to go Quad Biking (book and pay locally) before driving onward to the legendary Ait Benhaddou – a ‘fortified city’ situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, boasts some beautiful examples of ancient kasbahs. Only a handful of which remain inhabited. Granted UNESCO World Heritage listing, this incredible site had been the setting for many films including Gladiator. After exploring Ait Benhaddou we travel back to Marrakech. Overnight –Marrakech (B)

This morning we tour magical Marrakech, an exotic pink city of snake charmers, steamy hammams, bustling souks and hidden palaces. The focal point and highlight of the city is the Koutoubia mosque and Jemaa el-Fnaa – the central square, which is an extraordinary market place full of colour, music, spicy aromas and traders. Best seen in the evening when the square is overflowing with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and henna artists. This afternoon and evening is free for you to explore independently, soak up the incredible atmosphere and test your bartering skills in the souks. Perhaps pamper yourself with a steamy hammam! Overnight – Marrakech (B, D)

Our Moroccan adventure concludes after breakfast. Happy travels! If you would like to extend your trip and spend New Year’s Eve in Marrakech or by the coast in Essaouira, take a look at our Rock the Kasbah or Surf the New Year tour.(B)

Thank you for choosing Trek Morocco Desert as your trusted travel company in Morocco for your New Year private tour from Marrakech. For more offers and New Year tours visit our Offer page.