Sahara – Day 2

Today we head out into the wild.

Setting off after breakfast in a convoy of private 4×4 vehicles we will head southwards on a dramatic route over the spine of the highest and most extensive mountain range in North Africa, the High Atlas. At 2260m above sea level, the Tichka Pass is one of the country’s highest paved roads, as well as one of the most scenic. It provides a sinuous passage between the plains and fertile lands of the north and the oases and stark mountain ranges of the south. Crossing the pass we’ll notice a change of landscape as the desert begins to make its mark on the physical environment. The south is characterised by sweeping desert landscapes, big skies, palm oases, mud villages and emblematic earth-brick Kasbahs. En-route we will stop at one such Kasbah – Ait Benhaddou – a 12th century fortified village with film-set imagery and excellent views over the surrounding expanse of desert and mountains. After lunching in a restaurant in the Ouarzazate region we’ll continue down the Draa Valley (an immense date palm plantation) to Zagora, the gateway to the Moroccan Sahara. Shortly after Zagora we will head off road for the last hour or so as we complete our journey in the Jebel Bani Mountains. On arrival at our first camp we will meet our team of cooks, guides, camels and their handlers. Here we will have a welcome dinner and camp at Fejia.

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