August 9-12----------------> RECAP Dirham Exchange Rate: .12 ($20 = 150 Dirham)  PLANS: MARRAKECH & CAMEL TREK IN THE SAHARA (4 days/3 nights) (1000 Sunday, 09 August – 1700 Wednesday, 12 August) In addition to exploring Marrakech, this trip includes a visit to the Drâa Valley in the Sahara region. Ouarzazate lies at the confluence of three important oasis valley systems: the Ouarzazate, Dadès and Drâa. As one travels southeast from Ouarzazate to Zagora, the contrast of bare, sun-baked rock with the lush green of the palm groves forms some beautiful scenery. A labyrinth of irrigation channels feeds the fertile, palm-shaded terraces of farmland in the Drâa Valley. Dates are the primary commercial crop, and the best eating dates are found in Zagora. The Drâa Valley has always been strongly influenced by and interlinked with the destiny of the surrounding nomadic tribes. It has served as a stepping-stone for Saharan explorations since the 10th century. Your experience in the Sahara will include an overnight in a nomad camp and a camel trek into the desert. Day 1: Depart by minibus to Marrakech (3-4 hours). Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore the city. This evening enjoy a Moroccan dinner with a folklore show and horse fantasia at Chez Ali. (L, D; area hotel) Day 2: Travel to Zagora (7-8 hours, not including stops) in the magnificent Drâa Valley. A lunch stop will be made in Ouarzazate where you will have a tremendous view of the Saharan world including its dunes, oases and small mud villages. Later enjoy dinner in a nomad tent before settling into camp for the night. (B, L, D; camp) Day 3: This morning, venture into the Sahara Desert on an early morning mehari (camel trek) with nomads. Enjoy a last mint tea in the desert before returning to Marrakech. The late afternoon and evening are free to explore the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square and other sites. Dinner is on your own. (B, L; area hotel) Day 4: Enjoy Marrakech on your own until you depart for your return by minibus to Casablanca. Please Note: Participants should bring towels, a sleeping bag and warm or layered clothing for the evening. Sleeping bags may be rented for $6 by registering for CAS03 below. |
||||
COMMENTS??? click here |
||||
