Marrakech - Chigaga - Ouarzazate
Celebrate the New Year's Eve in the desert of Morocco (Dec 29 - Jan 1)
Embark on a mesmerizing journey to celebrate New Year's Eve 2024 with an exclusive travel package from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga. This unique adventure begins in the vibrant city of Marrakech, where ancient culture blends seamlessly with modern luxury. You will be whisked away from the bustling streets and colorful markets of Marrakech to the serene and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Sahara Desert. The journey to Erg Chigaga is an experience in itself, traversing through the picturesque Atlas Mountains, passing by quaint Berber villages, and exploring the stunning Draa Valley, known for its sprawling palm groves and ancient kasbahs. As your 4x4 vehicle makes its way deeper into the desert, the anticipation builds, with the promise of an unforgettable New Year's celebration under the starlit Saharan sky.
The highlight of this trip is the New Year's Eve celebration at Erg Chigaga, one of the most spectacular dunes in the Moroccan Sahara. In this remote and magical setting, you will enjoy a luxurious desert camp experience, complete with traditional Moroccan tents adorned with plush furnishings and local decor. As the sun sets on the last day of the year, the desert comes alive with a festive atmosphere. You can indulge in a sumptuous Moroccan feast, featuring local delicacies and flavors, followed by an evening of entertainment that includes live music, and the mesmerizing rhythms of Berber drumming.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and celebration, providing you with memories that will last a lifetime.
The El Glaoui Kasbah, also known as Kasbah Telouet, is a historic fortress located in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. This impressive structure, once the residence of the influential Glaoui family, served as a symbol of their power during the 19th and 20th centuries. The kasbah features intricate Berber architectural elements and stands as a testament to Morocco's rich cultural and historical heritage. Its location amidst stunning mountain scenery makes it a popular attraction for tourists exploring the region.
Ait Benhaddou Kasbah is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site situated in the Ouarzazate region of Morocco. This ancient clay-brick fortress is a striking example of traditional southern Moroccan architecture, featuring a series of interconnected earthen buildings within its walled city. Its well-preserved kasbahs, or fortified homes, have served as a backdrop for numerous films and TV series, making it a popular destination for movie enthusiasts. Ait Benhaddou's picturesque setting on the edge of the desert and its historical significance as a stop along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech make it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Morocco's rich cultural heritage.
Draa Valley, located in the southern part of Morocco, is a breathtaking expanse of date palm groves, historic kasbahs, and a winding river, all set against the backdrop of the arid desert. This lush oasis has been a vital part of Moroccan culture and history, once serving as a key trading route for caravans traveling between the Sahara and Marrakech. Visitors are drawn to Draa Valley not only for its scenic beauty but also for the opportunity to experience traditional Berber culture and explore the ancient mud-brick villages that dot the landscape. It's a place where history and natural beauty harmoniously converge in the heart of the Moroccan desert.
The Tamgroute Library, situated in the village of Tamgroute, Morocco, is renowned as one of the world's oldest libraries. It boasts a remarkable collection of ancient manuscripts, some of which date back several centuries, providing valuable insights into various fields, including religion, science, and philosophy. Housed within an intricately designed kasbah with distinctive green glazed ceramic tiles, this historic library is a hidden gem that offers a captivating glimpse into Morocco's rich intellectual and cultural heritage.
Tamgroute is renowned for its distinctive handmade pottery, characterized by its unique green glaze. Crafted by skilled artisans in the region, these pottery pieces showcase intricate designs and earthy colors, reflecting a centuries-old tradition. The vibrant green color, derived from copper oxide, gives the pottery its signature look and makes it a sought-after decorative item for both locals and visitors.
Erg Chigaga, also known as Chegaga, is a remote and pristine collection of sand dunes in the Sahara Desert of Morocco, renowned for its immense and dramatic landscapes. These dunes, some reaching heights of 300m, offer an unparalleled desert adventure for travelers seeking a more secluded and off-the-beaten-path experience. The tranquil solitude and vast, rolling sand dunes make Erg Chigaga a captivating destination for desert enthusiasts and those seeking to immerse themselves in the silence and grandeur of the Sahara.
The journey from Marrakech to Ouarzazate is a captivating road trip that weaves through the heart of Morocco's stunning landscapes, combining natural beauty with historical richness. Departing from the bustling city of Marrakech, travelers embark on a scenic drive over the majestic Atlas Mountains, with the winding roads offering breathtaking views of the rugged terrain and traditional Berber villages perched on the mountainsides. A significant highlight of this route is the visit to the El Glaoui Kasbah in Telouet, a historical palace that stands as a testament to Morocco's intricate past, showcasing exquisite architecture and richly decorated interiors. Continuing the journey, you will be captivated by the iconic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient fortified village, with its earthen buildings clustered together, appears like a mirage against the backdrop of barren hills and is a favorite for movie directors, having featured in numerous films. This route not only offers a glimpse into the ancient caravan routes that once crossed these lands but also provides a profound insight into the culture and heritage of Morocco, making the journey from Marrakech to Ouarzazate an unforgettable experience.
Today, you will hit the road from Ouarzazate to Erg Chigaga in an SUV is an enchanting and adventurous trip through some of Morocco's most scenic landscapes. Starting from Ouarzazate, often referred to as the gateway to the Sahara, the route unfolds through the lush Draa Valley, renowned for its sprawling date palm plantations and ancient kasbahs that tell tales of a rich historical past. This part of your desert tour, with the Draa River meandering alongside, offers a stunning contrast of verdant greenery against the backdrop of arid mountains. As you move towards Zagora, a town famously signposted as 'Timbuktu 52 days', the scenery shifts, revealing more of the desert's golden hues. The final leg towards Erg Chigaga is the most thrilling, as the paved road gives way to rugged off-road trails, leading deep into the heart of the Sahara. This stretch is characterized by undulating sand dunes, some reaching up to 150 meters, providing a spectacular end to an unforgettable journey through Morocco's diverse landscapes.
Spending a day in Erg Chigaga on New Year's Eve is a mesmerizing blend of adventure and celebration in the heart of the Sahara Desert. This day starts with the gentle sway of camel trekking across the vast, rolling dunes, offering a peaceful immersion into the desert's natural rhythm. As the morning sun warms the sands, the thrill of sandboarding awaits, where guests can slide and surf down the towering dunes. This adrenaline-filled activity is followed by a tranquil desert walk, allowing for a contemplative exploration of the serene landscape, its subtle beauty and resilience. The highlight of the afternoon is a picturesque picnic lunch amidst the dunes, where a spread of local delicacies can be enjoyed in the vast, open expanse under the clear blue sky. As the day transitions into evening, you will return to the camp, where the anticipation for New Year's Eve grows. The camp transforms into a festive oasis, complete with traditional Moroccan music, dancing under the starlit sky, and a special feast to welcome the new year. Surrounded by the magic of the Sahara, the celebration at Erg Chigaga becomes an unforgettable experience, marking the start of a new year in the most enchanting way.
This day, it will be the return from Erg Chigaga to Marrakech and it will mark a reflective and scenic conclusion to an unforgettable desert tour mixed with an authentic New Year's Eve celebration. Departing from the serene dunes of Erg Chigaga, the drive initially winds through the vast Sahara, offering one last glance at the majestic, ever-shifting sands. The route then leads to the striking Iriqui Lake, a seasonal salt lake that, depending on the time of year, transforms from a mirage-like expanse of dry salt flats to a haven for migratory birds. Continuing the journey, the drive passes through Foum Zguid, a small, picturesque town that acts as a gateway between the desert and the Atlas mountains, offering a unique blend of cultures and landscapes. Taznakht, another significant stop, famous for its Berber carpets, presents an opportunity to appreciate local craftsmanship and perhaps acquire a tangible memory of the journey. The final stretch back to Marrakech traverses diverse terrains, from rocky plains to the verdant foothills of the Atlas Mountains, completing a full circle of Morocco's diverse and breathtaking landscapes. This drive is not just a return to the starting point but a journey filled with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural tapestry of Morocco.
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