Moroccan Caravan Tours
11 Day South & Desert Tour
Dates: April 2nd – April 12th, 2009
Designed by Addi Ouadderrou, a native of Morocco
Join us in getting to the heart of Morocco through an exploration of its arts and culture. Morocco is a complex and diverse country that has the Mediterranean Ocean to its north, the Atlas mountain ranges in its center, the Atlantic Ocean to its west, and the vast open Sahara to its south. It has long been the crossroads between Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa, and its geographic diversity is matched by its cultural diversity. Berbers, Romans, Arabs, Jews, West Africans, and Europeans have all influenced the arts and culture of Morocco. This tour allows the participants to explore historical interactions between these different groups in order to understand how they have all contributed to the artistic identity of contemporary Morocco. This tour provides participants with the unique opportunity to meet with locals, visit the historical, cultural, and artistic centers of Morocco. Medieval Islamic arts can be found in the city of Fes. Time spent in the Saharan region of southeastern Morocco introduces participants to Berber nomadic arts, including carpet making and the way of living. Participants take camel rides across the desert, visit the nomads and experience a sleep in the Sahara desert under the stars. A visit to the southwestern city of Marrakech allows participants to explore museums and galleries of Moroccan art and see artists actually making art. You will also be treated to musical and dance performances along the way.
Tour leader
My name is Addi Ouadderrou, I was born and raised in an Amazigh (Berber) village in southeastern Morocco. I am proud of my Amazigh (Berber) heritage. My mother language is Tamazight (Berber) and I am fluent in Arabic, French, Spanish and English. I have extensive experience leading tours in Morocco and I am willing to share with you my personal experiences and valuable cultural insights that only a Moroccan native can have.
Itinerary
Day 1: Departure Flight from the USA to Marrakech, Morocco. Dinner and breakfast are served on board
Day 2: Marrakech
Upon arrival, you will be assisted and transferred to your hotel by
a private air-conditioned coach. You will check in at a four star hotel, get some rest and have lunch.
Aternoon visit to the dynamic square of Jamaa El Fna and the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque with its magnificent minaret that is a classic example of
Moroccan-Andalusian architecture.
dinner at a Moroccan restaurant with a beautiful view overlooking the square. Overnight at the hotel. (L,D)
Day 3: Marrakech-Ouarzazate
After Breakfast, go on a visit to
the brilliant Majorelle gardens, a complex later maintained by the French designer Yves Saint Laurent. The gardens were originally owned by Jacques Majorelle,
an Orientalist painter. We will also visit The mellah or the Jewish section, the Saadian Princes tombs. The tour continues to see the delicate beauty of the 19th century Bahia palace,
beautifully decorated with carved cedar wood, marble, and mosaics.
After lunch at a Moroccan restaurant, leave for Ouarzazate crossing the picturesque High Atlas Mountains through a pass
called Tizi N’Tichka, meaning “Pass of the Pastures,”that
links Marrakech with the Saharan regions of Morocco. This area was once home
to the powerful Amazigh (Berber) Glaoua, a family that governed central Morocco
during the time of the French protectorate. This area is famous for its many
kasbahs, or fortifications. Upon arrival, check-in at your scenic hotel
surrounded by palm trees. Dinner and overnight. (B L D)
Day 4: Ouarzazate-Tansikht-Rissani
Today you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Draa Valley.
A beautiful scenic region inhabited by the Mezguita Berbers and the Draoua
people who together live and conduct their daily life activities in the many
Ksours or mud brick villages built in the center of magnificent palm tree
groves and surrounded by rolling mountains. Picnic lunch overlooking the valley.
After crossing the Draa River, you will notice the changes in landscape
as it starts to become flat and sandy. Keep on the lookout for camels crossing
the road! After a drive through numerous Berber villages, we reach the vast
Oasis of Tafilalet and the Saharan
town of Rissani. Upon arrival, check-in at a charming family owned hotel for dinner and overnight.
(B L D)
Day 5: Rissani-Desert
Today is the day for adventure. We will tour the Tafilalet oasis and
be treated to a panoramic view of its thousands of date palm trees and hundreds
of villages locally called kasabat and ksour. A visit to the small, desert
town of Rissani, the gate of the Sahara, allows us to view its beautiful medieval
architecture, and the ruins of Sijilmasa. Sijilmasa was once a stopping point
for caravans crossing the Sahara, and the massiveness of its ruins are testament
to the important role it once played in the history of North Africa. During
a visit to the souk or market you will have a chance to enjoy the contrast
of the colors, the sounds and the smells of the market. We will also have
an opportunity to discuss Moroccan spices and herbs during a visit to a healer.
After lunch in Rissani,
leave the oasis for an adventurous journey across the vast open desert. You will
have an opportunity to see Berber nomads who still live in their Berber tents.
You will surely be invited to share some mint tea with them and that is simply
part of the Moroccan warm hospitality. You will spend your first desert
night at the foot of the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. (B L D)
Day 6: Sahara Desert
Today we will depart for an all day excursion by camels going further
into the desert with its unique Saharan settings and mirages. At some point,
we will stop to have lunch with an Amazigh “Berber”nomadic family
in their tent.
You will appreciate the opportunity!
after lunch, continue the wonderful ride up and down into the dazzling sand dunes.
By sunset you will arrive to an oasis where you spend the night, the sunset
must not be missed in this area! After dinner, you can either sleep in the
Berber nomadic tents or under the wide open sky to watch and enjoy the stars
and also take advantage the romantic tranquility of the desert. (B
L D)
Day 7: Sahara Desert
After you have enjoyed the sunrise and had breakfast, pack your belongings
and get your camel started to continue your desert adventure across the vast
and magnificent sand dunes. The ride is full of unforgettable breath taking
scenes. 
By lunch time we reach a Berber mud brick village with an oasis that
is irrigated by the water coming out of the giant sand dunes through a traditional
system of irrigation called Khettara, an under ground water canal in the
form of connected wells that eventually brings water to the surface. A family
cooked lunch will be awaiting you. You will enjoy walking around the village,
exploring the Berber lifestyle.
Today, You will spend a marvelous evening under the stars, eating an authentic lamb dinner slow cooked in a clay oven. This delicious dinner will be accompanied by sounds of Berber music - - good for digestion! When the party gets going, you can join by drumming and dancing along with the Berbers. We will spend the night at a quaint mudbrick hotel in the Sahara. (B L D)
Day 8: Sahara Desert
Today, enjoy your breakfast and take advantage of the opportunity to absorb the beauty and the calm of the Sahara.
Relax and or take a memorable walk on the golden/pink sand dunes. These memories are guaranteed to be engraved in your minds for ever!
Lunch and dinner are included.
Day 9: Ouarzazate
Today we leave by 4X4 Land-Rovers
to take a road typically referred to as the road
of 1000 kasbahs to arrive at Ouarzazate where we will spend the night. During
this ride you will see many villages and kasbahs. We will stop and have lunch
at the Todra Gorge, a massive canyon that we reach after passing through
palm tree groves and Berber villages. Once again, keep on the lookout for
camels crossing the road!
Upon arrival we check in at our charming hotel for dinner and overnight. (B L D)
Day 10: Marrakech
We leave Ouarzazate, crossing the picturesque High Atlas Mountains for
Marrakech. We will make a detour into the High Atlas Mountains and follow
a road that once served as a major caravan route to Mali, the evidence of
which you will see in the local people and the unique architecture. After
lunch at the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, we continue to Marrakech, passing
numerous Berber villages that dot the mountain ranges. You will have a chance
to see hardworking Berber women carrying big loads on their backs.
Upon arrival, check-in at your four star hotel for Lunch & overnight. Free afternoon (B, L, D)
The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or wonder around and catch up with your shopping. You will be treated to an Arabian Night style evening of entertainment that includes a fantasia horse show dinner, belly dancers, and many other Moroccan folkloric music and dance groups. (B D)
Day 11: Come back home
Breakfast and transfer to Marrakech’s International Airport with luggage assistance
to catch your flight to come back home.
Bon voyage!!
Price
$1985.00 per person, based on 14-20 travelers, in shared (double) accommodations.
Single supplement $400.00
A deposit of $500.00 is required with registration.
The price includes:
1st class private transportation during the tour.
Accomodation as indicated in the itinerary. We choose particularly scenic and exotic hotels.
Assistance at the Airport in Marrakech.
All ground transfers related to program.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary. (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
Tips for all porters, who will carry your luggage to your rooms.
Guided tours.
Addi Ouadderrou (on tours with groups of 10 or more persons) as Tour Leader and Manager, providing you with lectures on Moroccan life and assuring day to day activities run smoothly.
Home-cooked dinner and tour of mudbrick village in southern Morocco
Henna demonstration in a family’s home.
Private fun ride with private 4 X 4 landrovers with chauffeurs in the Sahara desert.
Lunch with nomadic family in their tent.
Exploration of the Sahara desert on camels.
Exclusive Gnawa musical performances in the Sahara.
Specially cooked lamb dinner in the desert with musical performance.
Visits to Amazigh (Berber) villages in The Sahara.
Lunch at the scenic Canyon of Todra.
Admission to sights as listed.
Farewell dinner, Arabian Night style evening of entertainment!
And many unique surprises!
The trip does not include:
Air transportation. We can help
Travel insurance (required)
Passport fees
Excess baggage charges
Telephone, laundry, room service, and personal expenses
Medical expenses
Drinks
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tips for local guide & driver
Fitness and Health
This journey to Morocco is not physically strenuous but you should be in reasonably good health to participate. Please be aware that in some remote areas emergency medical care, physicians, and medication may not be readily available. Please bring all necessary medications with you. Each participant must be covered by medical insurance that is valid overseas. We urge you to take out trip cancellation and interruption insurance. We can provide you with insurance information after you sign up for the trip.
Reservation Form
Please fill out the Tour Reservation Form and send with your $500.00 deposit to reserve your space on the trip. Make checks payable to Moroccan Caravan. Moroccan Caravan will match single travelers with a roommate of the same gender. Single travelers who do not wish to share a room will pay the single supplement of $400.00.
Mail Reservation form and deposit to:
Moroccan Caravan
285 Washington Street
Somerville, MA 02143
USA
617-314-7002 or Toll free 1888-856-2817
Questions or Concerns
Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
E-mail: tours@moroccancaravan.com
Telephone: 617-314-7002 or Toll free 1888-856-2817
Website: www.MoroccanCaravan.com
