AGAFAY DESERT ADVENTURE
Exploring the 'Marrakech Desert' by 4x4
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Explore Agafay Desert
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View of Lake Takerkoust
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Rocks & River Valleys
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Nkhila Village & Oasis
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Optional Camel Ride
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Lunch at Nkhila Lodge
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Gorge & Plateau Walk
On this exciting 4x4 tour we head south from Marrakech towards the foothills of the High Atlas mountains to the Agafay Desert (also known as the Marrakech Desert due to its closeness to the Red City). Within an hour of leaving the city you'll arrive in a surreal landscape of rolling stone plains, contorted river valleys, lush palm-lined oases and steep sandy summits.
This ancient landscape was once a prehistoric seabed and is still scattered with fossilized sun-bleached seashells. First we drive south across the desert to its southern boundary then make a detour to take in a view of Lalla Takerkoust, a beautiful man made reservoir formed after the building of a hydroelectric dam. We return to Agafay and navigate desert trails to the north east.
We arrive at Nkhila, an adobe traditional village with a palm oasis situated on a high point above a twisting river valley (usually dry until heavy rains fall). Here there is the option to ride a camel to Nkhila Lodge (half hour), walk or travel by 4x4. After a tasty lunch at Nkhila, with super views of Agafay and High Atlas, we recommend a 1 hour circular walk to a nearby river gorge and stone plateau.
ITINERARY
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0900 Depart Marrakech, south towards Agafay Desert.
0945 Reach the Desert and head off-road to Lalla Takerkoust.
1100 Views of the Dam and Reservoir. Tea-stop with a view.
1230 Arrive Nkhila village & palm oasis. Optional camel ride.
1330 Leisurely lunch at Nkhila Lodge, desert wilderness camp.
1500 Circular walk to river gorge & stone plateau.
1600 Return to Marrakech via Tameslouht town.
1700 Arrive back in Marrakech.
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Timings indicated should be used as a rough guide and may vary.
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DEPARTS DAILY
Private departures operate daily and can be tailored to personal interests.
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DON'T FORGET
Friday is market day in Tameslouht - ask your driver if you'd like to visit.
PRICES PER PERSON
PRICE INCLUDES
Pick-up/drop-off in Marrakech; travel in style in private 4x4 with air-conditioning and professional driver; three course lunch at Nkhila Lodge; 1 hour walk.
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PRICE EXCLUDES
Beverages and meals not specified; tips and items of a personal nature. Optional camel ride (£16 or approx. 200 MAD per camel).
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Price for children 0 to 11 years old is £24 (400 dh) per child (must be min. 2 adults accompanying). Children 12 and older pay adult price.