+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Lying beyond the towering barrier of the Atlas Mountains, the seemingly endless sands of the Western Sahara stretch out towards sub-saharan Africa and beyond. This incredible journey takes you across the high passes of the Atlas and into the northern reaches of the world s hottest desert, on an adventure that encompasses imperial cities, Berber villages and the breathtaking dunes of the Sahara. You ll begin in Fez, home to one of the most complete medieval cities in the Arab world. From here you then drive into the landscapes of Africa s highest mountain range, travelling through the tribal lands of the Berbers to the edge of the Sahara and the spectacular dunes of Erg Chebbi. After camping in the desert you then continue through the famous oases of the Dades Valley, before heading back into the mountains to enjoy the hospitality of the Berbers, the Kings of the Atlas. Staying in traditional Berber villages you ll spend a little time exploring the mountains and villages on foot, before the climax of the journey sees you amongst the labyrinthine alleys and medinas of Marrakech, one of Morocco s most captivating cities. HIGHLIGHTS: Explore the medieval streets of the Fez Medina Drive the high passes of the Atlas Mountains Ride a camel through the dunes of the Sahara Trek through the mountains to Berber villages Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Djemma Al Fna Square TOUR INCLUDES: 2 nights hotel accommodation in four star hotel, 5 nights traditional Riads of a superior standard 2 nights in traditional Berber house - Douar Samra house in High Atlas Mountains 1 night desert camp 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners Accompanied by experienced English speaking driver on private basis Private vehicle, 4WD Jeep and a saloon car for one or two people Private guided sightseeing for days 2 and 9 Camel ride to and from the desert camp
Entrance fees included as per itinerary. Private transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: FEZ Arrive in Fez and transfer to your Riad. DAY 2: FEZ On your full day guide tour, discover one of the most complete medieval cities of the Arab world. Visit the Fez Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Karaouin Mosque, Sanctuary of Moulay Idriss II and the El-Atterine Medersa. After a light lunch visit the 16th century Potters' Quarter and the Merenid tombs, situated up to the north. (B) DAY 3: FEZ - MEKNES - VOLLUBILIS - FEZ Today you will head north to see the ancient site of Volubilis for a guided tour of the region's best preserved Roman city. Continue to the imperial city of Meknes, a 10th century Berber settlement chosen by Moulay Ismaïl in 1672 as capital of his empire. The city's unity of style lends it undeniable charm, enhanced still further by the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Return to Fez in the late afternoon. (B) DAY 4: FEZ - MIDELT - ERFOUD Today drive up through the towering peaks of the High Atlas Mountains - the highest range in North Africa. This is Berber sheep country, and you will pass though the Tiz n'talrhemt 'camel pass' and across a broad plateau past the Meski Oasis until you reach the colonial frontier town of Erfoud. (B,D) DAY 5: ERFOUD - MERZOUGA - ERG CHEBBI This afternoon travel by 4WD to Merzouga to see the incredible panorama of the sea of sand dunes that is Erg Chebbi. Once at the town you will set off on camels across the dunes towards the carpeted Berber tent that will be your lodging for the night. (B,D) DAY 6: ERG CHEBBI - SKOURA After sunrise and breakfast it's back on your camel, arriving in Mergouza late in the morning. There's time to wash and freshen up before driving to Skoura by 4WD. On today's drive you'll be able to visit the spectacular Todra Gorge and Dades Valley, where the rocky landscape is punctuated by numerous fertile oases before arriving at your Skoura accommodation in the late afternoon. (B)
DAY 7: SKOURA - HIGH ATLAS Just half an hour from Skoura lies the city of Ouarazate and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. From here it's back over the mountains to the Berber village of Imlil and stay overnight at Douar Samara, a traditional dwelling of Berber villagers and here you can enjoy good Moroccan home cooking. (B,D) DAY 8: HIGH ATLAS The day will be spent exploring the mountains and villages of the High Atlas. Your trekking guide will collect you after breakfast for a hike along mule trails to the oldest village in these mountains. (B,L,D) DAY 9: HIGH ATLAS - MARRAKESH Depart from the High Atlas this morning, arriving in Marrakesh by lunchtime. This afternoon, go with your guide on a tour of the city and visit among other things the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace and Ben Youssef Medersa. (B) DAY 10: MARRAKESH After breakfast transfer to the airport where you tour ends. (B)
ACCOMMODATION ERFOUD KASBAH XALUCA MAADID The Kasbah Xaluca Maadid is located on the edge of the desert, three kilometres from Erfoud. This new four star hotel has been built in a traditional kasbah-style using authentic centuries-old building methods and materials. Packed with Moroccan pottery, traditional lamps and authentic artefacts it has tremendous character and taste. The bedrooms are decorated in warm pastel colours and soft furnishings, and equipped with modern facilities. Other facilities include a palmfringed outdoor swimming pool, an indoor pool and jacuzzi, a hammam and two restaurants. PALAIS DU DESERT The Palais Du Desert is located on the edge of the desert on the outskirts of Erfoud. This new four-star hotel has been built in a traditional kasbah-style using authentic centuries-old building methods and materials. With modern finishing's and elegant decor, the Palais du Desert has tremendous character and taste. The 44 bedrooms are very comfortable and clean with en suite bathrooms, marble floors, sleek furnishings and all are equipped with modern facilities. The two restaurants have different themes; one is more traditional serving Moroccan cuisine, and the other is more formal with international dishes. There are also two large swimming pools, a bar and terraced area, tennis court and a spa with a hammam. ERG CHEBBI ERG CHEBBI AUBERGE DU SUD DESERT CAMP Set amongst the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, in the heart of the Sahara Desert, this desert camp provides spacious tented accommodation with bedding provided. There can be limited water, however most tents will have a private en suite toilet and shower. Carpets line the paths between tents, and dinner is served in a large dining tent or around a campfire. FEZ RIAD DAR EL ANDALOUS Centrally located in the Batha district of Fez and owned by a friendly Moroccan couple, this beautiful mansion was first built in the early 20th century and later converted into an intricate riad. All 12 rooms and suites are tastefully decorated with local artefacts and colourful fabrics, each featuring a different theme. In-room facilities include air conditioning, cable TV and mini bar. After a busy day sightseeing you may want to enjoy a cup of mint tea in the lovely courtyard or pay a visit to the in-house hammam. The roof terrace restaurant serves Moroccan cuisine and organizes cooking classes for guests who wish to learn the secrets of the world famous Fassi tradition.
RIAD DAR EL GHALIA Dar el Ghalia is a hidden palace situated in back streets of Fez s historic Medina. This 18th Century property opens up to a breathtaking courtyard filled with colour and light offering an oasis of calm from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Each room is exquisitely furnished with traditional Moroccan artefacts, named after ancestors of the friendly and hospitable family who still own and run it. Each room is en suite, and other facilities include lounge areas, internet access, and traditional hammam. One of the highlights of the Dar el Ghalia is the renowned restaurant dar Tajine, set against the backdrop of panoramic views of the medina from the roof top terrace. RIAD FES Carefully restored to its original glory, Riad Fes wonderfully combines authentic Spanish-Moorish architecture and contemporary style. Located in the most popular part of the medina, a few minutes away from the Blue Gate, this superior riad features 30 rooms and suites, all fully equipped and beautifully decorated. The inherently different styles of the two halves of Riad Fès make you feel you have been offered two experiences in one. The first patio is a quintessence of clear, sober Moorish art, while the newly opened Andalusian pavilion - comprising a lounge, a smoking saloon, a pool and two restaurants- adds a modern feel with clean lines and simplicity. A delightful selection of Moroccan cuisine is served in any of the dining rooms, around the pool or on the roof terrace, which enjoys spectacular views of the medina and the Middle Atlas foothills. RIAD IDRISSY Only eighteen kilometres from Saiss Aiport, the Riad Idrissy is a quaint boutique hotel in the old city of Fez. The main building is restored from a four hundred year old house and contains only five rooms. The garden restaurant serves up Moroccan cuisine and is inside a ruined house to reflect the ancient history of Fez. Facilities include a 24 hour desk, bar and lounge, en suite and free Wi-Fi. Explore the local markets from your hotel before taking part in a bread making class. RIAD LA CLE DE FES Conveniently located in the Batha Quarter of the Fes medina, and within walking distance to the souks, Riad La Cle De Fes is a charming and intimate riad with an elegant and warm atmosphere. Each of the five rooms is entirely different, combining the best of Moroccan style and French flair, which is also reflected in the traditional Moroccan and European cuisine. There are two courtyards, two terraces overlooking the medina, a small swimming pool and a hammam, and a library with a fireplace.
RIAD LAAROUSSA A 17th century old palace located in the old city of Fez, Riad Laaroussa offers spacious rooms and suites organised around a central courtyard. All feature original mosaic floors, painted wood ceilings, and hand-carved plasterwork. A rooftop terrace offers unparalleled views of the medina, and communal living areas are located on each floor offering guests the opportunity to relax around the fireplace. The restaurant serves authentic Moroccan cuisine and for those keen on brushing up on their cooking skills, join the chef on a trip to the local market followed by a cooking class in the hotel s own kitchen. Other amenities include a spa and traditional hammam. Wi-Fi is available throughout. IMLIL DOUAR SAMRA GUEST HOUSE The Douar Samra is situated at an altitude at 1850 m in the Atlas Mountains, 20 minute walk or mule ride from the village of Imlil, which is 90 minute drive from Marrakesh. Integrated into a traditional Berber village -made up of thirty or so traditional stone and rammed-earth dwellings-, the Douar Samra has been carefully restored using ancient, traditional methods. The residence has been decorated and furnished to reflect Berber living and consequently the style is simple with all furnishings, rugs and coverings sourced from local craftsmen. There are 10 bedrooms distributed in three different buildings, each with its own bathroom, some with fireplace or with balcony. In keeping with the natural feel, the rooms in the main building don't have lights or electricity and the candle-lit evenings add to the warm atmosphere. The Douar Samra has a roof terrace with spectacular panoramic views, a hammam, and serves traditional Berber cuisine prepared and cooked to the highest standard. KASBAH DU TOUBKAL Set at 1800 m, at the base of spectacular Mt. Toubkal and inaccessible by motor vehicle (the final 15 minutes of any journey here must be completed on foot and mules carry all luggage), the Kasbah du Toubkal has stunning panoramic mountain views and it is easy to see why Martin Scorsese used it as one of his locations for his Himalayan epic 'Kundun'. Nearby is the village of Imlil, the main staging post for trekking expeditions through the High Atlas. The 11 en suite rooms are all very comfortable with traditional touches, and each room has a heater for the winter months and a few have their own private balcony. As well as the magnificent panoramic rooftop terrace, the kasbah has a hammam and serves distinctive local Moroccan food. The Kasbah's philosophy is one of cultural sensitivity and part of its profits go to the local community to help maintain their way of life. Please note that there is no alcohol licence at Kasbah Toubkal but you may take alcohol with you.
KASBAH TAMADOT Surrounded by the peaks of the High Atlas, the Kasbah Tamadot is perched dramatically on a clifftop near the village of Asni, less than 1.5 hours drive from Marrakesh. The 17 spacious rooms are furnished in the traditional Moroccan style to the highest possible standard. Terracotta floor-tiles, patterned rugs and ochre/red hues give an ambience that is both cool in the hot summer months and warm in the winter. Unsurprisingly, the food and wine here is of a different order, blending European know-how and the rich spices and fresh produce of Morocco produces stunning results. The Kasbah also boasts extensive gardens, indoor and outdoor pools, hammam and many outdoor activities. MARRAKECH LA MAISON ARABE Located in the heart of the Marrakesh medina, in the shadow of the Bab Doukkala mosque, La Maison Arabe was known in the past as one of the most famous and legendary restaurants of the African continent frequented by distinguished travellers such as Winston Churchill. Beautifully furnished with a mixture of European chic and Moroccon inspired architecture and furnishings, this superior riad comprises 26 individually decorated and luxuriously appointed rooms and suites with terraces encompassing two central courtyards. All the public areas are beautifully decorated and appointed with a unique sense of style. Facilities include two restaurants, a beautiful hammam and steam bath, massage and other therapeutically services and a cooking school. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, as well as a complimentary shuttle bus to the riad's country club which is only a 20 minute drive away and reserved exclusively for clients of the riad. LES JARDINS DE LA MEDINA This luxurious riad has been sensitively converted from a 19th century mansion and is ideally situated in the historical centre of Marrakesh, not far from the Djemma El Fna Square. It combines all the comforts of a modern hotel with architecture and charm of a traditional Moroccan interior. In the courtyard there are palm trees, lemon and orange trees and sweetly scented roses which offer a cool and peaceful retreat from the bustling city outside. Unusual for a Riad, there is a good sized swimming pool which is heated in winter. The restaurant and outdoor terrace serve delicious Moroccan and French cuisine in a refined atmosphere. All the rooms are individually decorated and luxuriously equipped and some have private terraces and fireplaces.
RIAD KNIZA Dating from the 18th century, Riad Kniza is a small, luxury and locally owned riad, located in the heart of Marrakesh medina. This "Hotel de Charme" has been carefully renovated to preserve the traditional décor while incorporating modern facilities, so that while authentic antiquities are scattered through the riad, guestrooms are equipped with air conditioning, TV satellite and wireless internet. There is also a hammam and massage room as well as a rooftop terrace. RIAD KSAR ANIKA The continuously praised Ksar Anika is beautifully designed taking on the rich tradition of the classic Riad whilst adding a lighter touch of space, light, peace and tranquillity. Each room has been carefully designed to incorporate the latest modern amenities without compromising on the historic features of the property, which all lead out to an inviting pool at the centre of the courtyard. The menu at the restaurant changes daily according to freshness and seasoned appeal of the produce at the daily market. VILLA DES ORANGERS La Villa des Orangers is a charming, luxurious riad-style hotel designed around three courtyards filled with fountains and citrus trees, just a short walk from Djeema el Fna and the Marrakech medina. This charming, tranquil old palace offers spacious and comfortable rooms, decorated in warm shades with wooden furniture and modern amenities. Relax in the rooftop plunge pool or the heated pool in a sheltered garden, and chose to eat your daytime meal on the terrace, on the patio shaded by orange trees or by the pools. Later, musicians set the scene for dinner served by candlelight. SKOURA KSAR EL KABBABA Down a gravelled path just a short distance from the main street in Skoura lies the four star Ksar el Kabbaba hotel. Part of the building was restored 6 years ago using traditional clay and stone and is the lovely hotel that exists today, however there is still a part of the Kasbah that is 600 years old and has been left untouched and the contrast between the old and new makes this property even more intriguing. The décor of the 14 en suite rooms also reflects this mixture of traditional and modern, and all are fitted with air conditioning and modern amenities. The various terraces make for a lovely place to watch the sunset across the surrounding palmeries, or guests can find a quiet corner in the garden where they grow their own vegetables and tea leaves, or simply relax on the grass by the large outdoor pool. The restaurant serves traditional Moroccan cuisine, which is served either in the dining room or by the pool.
LES JARDINS DE SKOURA This delightful renovated kasbah situated in the palm groves of Skoura, oozes with traditional style and is one of the regions most sought after properties. With just 8 beautifully appointed rooms, each featuring en-suite facilities, guests can take advantage of the picturesque gardens and terraces, on site solarium, pool, library, delicious cuisine and handicraft boutique. Wi-Fi facilities also available. For activity seekers there s an equestrian centre and hotel can arrange 4x4 excursions, local treks, karting and mountain biking. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Fax +44 (0) 20 8741 3610 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com