Desert Magic
Nature – desert – breathtaking landscapes.
Discover the Moroccan desert by foot or on the back of a camel. Soft winds, nights under a sky of endless stars and feeling connected to nature help to leave the old behind and to discover the new. The desert – a symbol for humbleness, independence. For limitless freedom, solitude and silence. The desert– a place of beauty.
The Journey
Day 1: Individual arrival in Marrakesh – Dinner with everyone at Riad Dar Zampa.
Day 2: Free time – Or; Isabelle, the owner of our Riad, can take us through the Souk “Jena el Fa”, enchanted gardens and other hidden places. Alternatively, Omar, the owner of the Riad, can take us to an excellent and authentic Hamam (traditional steam bath).
Day 3: Drive by 4×4 over the Atlas mountain range to Zagora. On the way, we have the possibility to visit an Argan oil cooperative, depending on the weekday, we may also choose to cover this distance by plane. We arrive in Zagora in the evening. Then we have dinner together and spend the night at Riad Marrat Maison d’hôte.
Dyy 4 – Day 10: On the morning of day one, we are taken to the desert with a 4×4-car where dromedaries wait for us. Each participant will be assigned a dromedary. Our luggage will be reloaded. Anything we do not need during the trekking will stay at the Riad in Zagora. Valuables can also be locked away. We then dwelve into the desert – into a different world. Desert trekking !
Day 10: The 4×4-driver picks us up after lunch. On the way, we may visit a traditional pottery or other sightseeing venues. We arrive at the Riad in the evening. Dinner together.
Day 11: We have time to arrive and relax in Zagora. The Riad has a beautiful garden with a pool (visits to the Hamam are recommended). Said, our trekking guide is happy to give us a tour of Zagora with its small, pretty shops and its coffee places. Dinner together.
Day 12: Travel back either by 4×4 over the Atlas or by plane. Joint dinner at the Riad (visit to a Hamam possible).
Day 13: Individual travel back home.
Offer
Services
7 days trekking with full board
6 days half-board (Marrakesh and Zagora) in traditional Riads. All transfers with 4×4 vehicles / Marrakesh – Zagora by plane, guides throughout the trip, including 2 to 3 Berber guides during the trekking.
not included: tips, drinks at the hotels, flight from your home destination to Marrakesh
Organization
Verena Nussbaumer in collaboration with experienced Berber guides. She has been a coach and a consultant for many years. Since 2008, she regularly visits the Moroccan and the Egyptian desert.
Number of Participants
maximum 4 participants
Dates
The journey takes places in spring and fall, or upon special request.
The desert trekking can be extended up to 10 days, upon request by the participants.
Costs (7 days of Trekking)
Per person in a single room CHF 2650.- (group of 4 people) CHF 2750.- (group of 3 people), CHF 3200.- (group of 2 people), CHF 4300.- (1 person).
Questions
Riding – Hiking?
All participant will be assigned a camel/dromedary. Whether you choose to ride or hike is up to you.
Spending the Night?
We recommend to spend the night outdoors, under the sky. The Berber team will provide mats and wollen blankets. You can also sleep in the big tent or the Berber team will set-up a private tent, if you wish so.
Requirements?
No requirements apply. We assume that you feel generally healthy. The desert offers us abundance. As such, we expect everybody to care and respect our environment.
Advances?
The entire amount is to be paid upon receipt of the invoice, approximately 6 weeks before we start the journey.
Liability / Insurance?
The trekking will be organised by Said and his Berber guides. Transport by 4×4 from Marrakesh to Zagora, as well all airport transfers are being organised by the Riad Dar Zampa. No liability for damage on people and objects applies. Insurance in case of accident, illness or emergency transport needs to be arranged separately by the participants.
What do I need to take along?
Each participants receives a detailed pack list after his/her confirmed registration.
Tips and Expenses?
We calculate around 50 CHF per Person for the Berber guides, a city tour with Isabelle adds up to around 70-80 CHF (for the whole group). Said’s tour of Zagora costs around 40 CHF (for the whole group).
