6-Day Marrakesh, High Atlas and Sahara Experiences

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The High Atlas contains dramatic scenery on a grand scale. Only an hour's drive south from Marrakesh, you enter their foothills. High peaks and deep, water cut valleys abound. Look out for Toubkal, the highest peak (4,167m). The mountains are home to the Berbers, who live in this beautiful but challenging land. Their villages cling on to steep mountain slopes. Aït Benhaddou, by contrast, was once a chief's stronghold.

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Travelling over the Tizi-n-Tinififft Pass in the Anti Atlas and entering the Draa River valley, the contrast between barren and fertile land could not be more dramatic. From bare, rocky mountains to fertile river soils is a complete colour change! The Draa is famous for its date palmeries, a very high-value crop. Beneath the palms, small plots are intensely cultivated. Soon you are in the Sahara at Chegaga's extensive sand of sea; time to take a camel ride to your Bedouin Camp.

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This is a very adventurous day indeed. You are away from it all, amongst wilderness, in an environment that is very unforgiving. It is awesome. The Iriki area is a dried up lake bed, fascinating in its landforms and its changing climate. Fossils are to be found in ancient rocks that were once formed on the floor of a great ocean.

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Climbing back over the High Atlas never fails to impress - not only in the stunning landscapes and vistas but also the amazement as to how the Berbers can make a living from such a demanding environment. Water is vital for the farmed land to produce and for livestock to thrive. Winter rains are always hoped for and if a winter snowpack builds up too then this slowly releases water in the Spring and early summer months. A visit is made to an Argan Oil Co-operative in Taddert on descending from the Tizi-n- Tichka Pass (2,260m).