Touareg Activities
Morocco
Rocks and Kasbahs
Availability - Now fully booked for 2008
The Arabs called the home of the proud and influential Berbers "al-Maghrib", Arabic for "the setting sun". And participants on this Volkswagen driving experience adventure tour to Morocco will be able to enjoy the famous sunset every evening whilst chatting about the day's exciting events. After just a few days, the wonderful atmosphere of evening and night in Morocco's quiet oases will be part of the rhythm of the traveller's day, just as much as the first beam of sunshine breaking over the crests of the dunes. Not to mention the rough, winding desert tracks which will challenge you and your Touareg during the day.
Morocco may have a 500-kilometre coast running along the Mediterranean, but travellers will soon discover that the climate is far from mild. As soon as you venture into the interior, you will quickly realise you are in the red-hot heart of Africa. Just a few kilometres inland, you will start to feel your pulse racing as this fascinating continent accosts your senses from all sides with its hypnotic rhythm. You will be overwhelmed by the feeling of having come across a closely guarded secret – a secret which may indeed reveal itself to you.
You will be met by your instructors at the airport in Marrakesh, one of Morocco's four royal cities. Once you've checked into your hotel, it will be time to immerse yourself in the magic of the Orient. A sumptuous Moroccan dinner will be served in a restaurant in the heart of the medina, the old town, before retiring to your comfortable four-star hotel.
Day 2.After breakfast at the hotel, you will take to the wheel of a Touareg. In a glittering convoy of off-roaders, you will be sure to turn heads as you leave town, following the mountain roads through the High Atlas and then rough tracks to Boumalne Dadès. This simple desert town is on the edge of the breathtaking gorges of the River Dadès. The narrow strip of green vegetation in the valley below looks almost unreal in the midst of an area which is otherwise arid desert. Wherever you drive here, you will find ruins of old kasbahs, which are always worth a look. You will spend the night in basic accommodation, enjoying a simple dinner after the day's excitement.
Day 3.Today, you will embark on a trip through stunning countryside – but it's not without its challenges behind the wheel. Don't worry though, the convoy will stay together and everyone is expected to chip in and help once we hit the desert. We will visit a traditional Moroccan restaurant for a delicious lunch before arriving in Merzouga in the dunes of Erg Chebi as night falls. You will spend the night in tents among the dunes – and any lack of comfort here will be more than made up for by the romantic atmosphere under the unforgettable North African night sky.
Day 4.Day starts early in desert camps. You will have the opportunity to push the Touareg to its limits on the Erg Chebi dunes with the professional instructors. A desert picnic for lunch will give you time to catch your breath before tackling more off-road courses in, on and over the dunes. You will then return to the desert camp you will by now know so well for another wonderful evening under the stars.
Day 5.The sun rises over the desert and the silence vanishes as a gentle chorus of life awakens – this is one of the moments that will stay with travellers to this area their whole lives. You will set off on fast, demanding roads towards the Draa valley. Oases of date palms are the only respite from the red sand on this 450-kilometre route. You will stay in a hotel near the town of Zagora in the Draa valley. The kasbah in Zagora is known for its wonderful crafts – although you'll have to get haggling if you want the best price.
Day 6.Straight after breakfast you will set off along the Draa valley on well-surfaced roads through stunning countryside. You will stop en route at a simple regional restaurant before continuing along the Telouet valley, an oasis of vegetation by the banks of the river. The kasbah in Telouet is at an altitude of around 1,800 m. For centuries, this was the Berbers' base for controlling the Tizi-N'Tichka pass at 2,260 m, the most important north-south axis in the High Atlas. You will cross the pass in the early evening before returning to Marrakesh via winding mountain roads. On arrival, you will dine at a stylish restaurant in the medina before retiring to your four-star hotel.
Day 7.Return flight to Germany early in the morning.
- Return flight Frankfurt–Marrakesh (Economy Class), if required
- Six overnight stays in hotels or camps along the way as described in the itinerary, including breakfast
- Five lunches, including non-alcoholic drinks. Unless stated otherwise, lunch will be provided in the form of a picnic to be eaten en route
- Five evening meals as described in the itinerary, including non-alcoholic drinks
- Training in off-road driving and lesson on driving through sand
- Professional off-road instructors throughout the tour
- A Touareg for every two participants, including everything necessary for the trip (petrol, maps, etc.)
All additional costs for alcoholic drinks, the minibar or pay TV are to be settled by the guest at each hotel. Please contact us about prices for individual requests (e.g. Business Class supplement).
