Crossing the Central High Atlas in 6 days via Imilchil to Zagora | Travel Agency in Marrakech

DAY 1: Marrakech-Ouzoud Waterfalls-Bin el Ouidane Lake-Beni Mellal (270 kilometers)

At 8 a.m., a 4x4 vehicle departs for the east. The day's itinerary includes a visit to the magnificent Ouzoud Waterfalls, which cascade over 100 meters. There is a designated trail that allows you to descend to the base of the falls by the basin where the waters rush if you so desire. A little further on, you'll arrive at Bin el Ouidane, one of the country's largest reservoirs, which has resulted in remarkable agricultural development in the region. Then you'll proceed to Beni Mellal. Overnight in Beni Mellal at a hotel.

DAY 2: Beni Mellal – Imilchil – Msemrir – Dades Gorges (302 kilometers)

Today's stage will be lengthy due to the crossing of the Central High Atlas. An early start will take you south to the high plateaus. The route passes through Imilchil, which is famous for its Fiancés Moussem festival in September. In the afternoon, you'll start your descent into the breathtaking Dades Gorges. This route, with its stunning kasbahs, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and impressive in Southern Morocco. Stay the night in Boumalne du Dades.

DAY 3: Boumalne du Dades – Todra Gorges – Tineghir – Erfoud – Merzouga (250 kilometers)

After breakfast, take the main road to Tineghir, where you will see the breathtaking Todra Gorges. We also offer a walk through the palm groves, which are among the most beautiful in Southern Morocco because they have water all year. Then, via Erfoud and Rissani, you will arrive in Merzouga, where you will meet your camel driver and camels at the dunes' base. In the evening, depart for the campsite. Stay in a bivouac for the night.

DAY 4: Merzouga-Alnif-Tazarine-Tansikht-Zagora

If you get up early enough, you'll be able to see the magnificent sunrise over the desert. After breakfast, travel to Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, and then to Alnif, a small town known for being in the heart of a fossil-rich region. Then, via the new southern route, you will arrive in Tansikht at the Draa Valley. The road continues along the river valley, which is essentially a long oasis. You'll arrive in Zagora late in the afternoon. Zagora is where you'll spend the night.

DAY 5: Zagora-Agdz-Ouarzazate-Ait Benhaddou (225 kilometers)

After breakfast, drive to Agdz along the river, passing through villages and fields and observing the region's traditional way of life. Lunch is planned for shortly after Agdz in Tamnougalte, a very old town that was featured prominently in the film "The Sheltering Sky." Some families, with the help of European NGOs, are attempting to preserve a semblance of life there. The restaurant is housed in one of these restored old houses, which has been transformed into a true small museum of ancestral life. The road from Agdz to Ouarzazate crosses the Saghro mountain range, which has a completely mineral landscape reminiscent of the Tassili Mountains in Algeria's Hoggar region. You'll pass through Ouarzazate briefly before arriving in Ait Benhaddou, where you'll stay in an inn facing the old village's remarkable earthen architecture, which has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. This allows you to appreciate the site at its best, at sunset: exceptional light and calm after the departure of many visitors! Ait Benhaddou is where you'll spend the night.

DAY 6: Ait Benhaddou - Telouet - Tizi n'Tichka - Marrakech (200 kilometers)

If the weather permits, proceed to the Tizi n'Tichka pass via the old caravan route after breakfast. Visit the Glaoui kasbah, which for centuries controlled the caravan route that brought products from Sub-Saharan Africa to Marrakech. Lunch will be served at a charming inn located a short distance from Telouet.

In the middle of an orchard, by a river. Return via the Tizi n'Tichka pass road in the afternoon. Arrive in the evening in Marrakech.