South Morocco Discovery

Driving along Jbel Tadrart Mountain ranges through seas of sand with an occassional oasis you reach Tamegroute a historic settlement for religious scholars dating back to the 11th century. We visit an intriguing library and discover ancient scripts and stories of the prophet Mohamed. At the town of M'Hamid you take a camel ride through the dunes before heading deeper into the dunes on 4wd vehicles. Our camp is made at the Erg Chigaga dunes a vast sea of sand swept by the wind into a variety of shapes that form this classic desert landscape. Camping simply in nomad style your day ends with a hearty feast and lots of star gazing. Nomad Camp - 1 night (BD)

After a morning visit to the market town of Taroudant with its markets and Berber traditions, you head out west to the coast. It is a scenic drive (approx 4.5 hours) with much of it hugging the stunning coastline. Essaouira is one of Morroco's most attractive coastal cities. The wild waves of the Atlantic crash remorselessly onto the rocky coastline of this old pirate’s hideout. Portuguese, Berber and French battlements encircle the maze of narrow lanes with tiny cafes looking out onto small squares. Two fortresses look out over the ocean and on an offshore island stands another even larger castle. As befits a seaport, the pace of life is more relaxed here, and the whitewashed streets lend a truly Mediterranean air to the city. We recommend a stroll around the lively old port that is full of colour and interest. The early morning is the best time when fishermen can be seen bringing in their catch or mending their nets. Whilst the Atlantic Ocean is not the warmest for swimming there is an expansive beach which you can relax on. You could walk along to the crumbling castle at the end of it – reputably the inspiration for Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Castles made of Sand’.  Riad - 2 nights (B)