From Marrakech your first adventure will be at Agafay, the closest Morocco desert to Marrakech. A hilly barren landscape in the foothills of the Atlas, the Agafay Desert is a playground for quad bikers and buggy enthusiasts with a backdrop of often snow-capped peaks.

Next you’ll pause for tea at Lake Takerkoust, a popular weekend recreational lake for Marrakchi from the city. Boating, swimming and sailing are popular activities here.

Amizmiz to the Azzaden Valley

From lake to mountains as we head higher into the Atlas to the regional Berber town of Amizmiz. If you visit on a Tuesday you’ll witness one of the most traditional and exotic weekly markets in the Atlas mountains.

Next we follow a little-used mountain road to the village of Marigha from where we head off road for 6 km following the Azzaden Valley to Tassa Ouirgane village and Toubkal National Park.

Berber Village Experience

Lunch is a leisurely local affair, taken on the terrace of a Berber house, enjoying a home-cooked three course meal of Moroccan salad, couscous with lamb or perhaps a tasty vegetable tagine, fresh seasonal fruits and tea.

After lunch you have time to discover Tassa Ouirgane village and gaze at the beautiful view of the Azzaden Valley and Takerkhort Wildlife Reserve which dominate the horizon. There’s lots of opportunity for taking photos on this trip, so don’t forget your camera!

Berber Market Days

If your holiday time allows, take this tour on a day to coincide with a Berber market en route.

Amizmiz Market Day Tuesdays

Ouirgane Market Day Thursdays

Asni Market Day Saturdays

Schedule

The timings below are approximate and provided as a general guide.

08:30 Depart Marrakech to explore the Morocco desert Agafay and Lake Takerkoust

10:00 Tea on shore of Lake Takerkoust

11:30 Reach Amizmiz and drive mountain route east

13:00 Arrive Marigha. Head off road up the Azzaden Valley

13:30 Reach Tassa Ouirgane. Lunch then explore village and relax

16:30 Depart to Marrakech via Asni and Tahanoute

18:00 Arrival back in Marrakech

After lunch in a restaurant you will be able to discover the Medina famed for its multiple crafts like woodworking, inlay, leather, copper and Souiri crafts as well as fish and spice markets, bustling souks and relaxing cafes. After a full day spent enjoying these and other Essaouira treasures, you will head back to Marrakech.