Fossils 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

Situated south east of Erfoud, the dunes of Erg Chebbi are a mysterious, magic destination. In front of you, there lies the vast desert with its dunes, oasis, palm trees and camels.... It is in this very spot that your search for fossils starts…

  No technical difficulty all along the journey
  Stretches of 4 to 5 hours with minor difficulties
  Transfers to / from Marrakech and drive to the drilling sites are made in 4x4 vehicles.

On the way from Marrakech towards the oasis of Skoura, la Vallée du Dadès and Tafilalet, we reach the Saharan region situated on the edge of the Hamada Guir, a natural border with the oasis of Saoura. We eventually arrive at Merzouga where our team of camel drivers and the highest sand dunes in Morocco (170 meters) are waiting for us. Afterwards, we’ll trail on in the rhythm of the caravan, with stops over by water wells, enjoying surprising encounters and passing over natural obstacles; on our itinerary we’ll discover the extent of the Erg Chebbi (sandy desert), the vast reg (rocky desert) interspersed by marvelous dune ridges, cool oasis and stunning water wells surrounded by tamarisk shrubs. Every instant of this Saharan experience will have an unforgettable flavor, will fill you with a sense of joy, and will heighten your sensations.

   Programme

Welcome at Marrakech Airport by our representative and transfer to the Riad Dar El Aïla or similar. Overnight in hotel B&B (at your expense)

DAY 1 :(7H30) Marrakech - Gorges du Dadès

Departure in 4x4 cars in the direction of the Gorges du Dadès crossing the Tizi'n Tchika Pass, the oasis of Skoura, the Vallée des Roses, the Vallée du Dadèes and the Gorges du Dadès as well as the Gorges du Todra. Brunch on route; overnight and dinner at Auberge Aid Oudinar.

DAY 2 : Gorges du Dadès – Merzouga - Erg Chebbi

After breakfast, departure in the direction of Erg Chebbi via Erfoud, in the largest oasis in the region, an ancient army town, today famous for its fossil caves. Visit of stone and fossil art and crafts. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the Orthoceras inclusions. The Orthoceras (from "straight horn" in Greek) is a genus of fossil cephalopod mollusk; they are fairly common with a wide geographical distribution. Prevailing in large numbers during the geological Paleozoic era which extended between 542 to 251 millions of years, they were the main predators then, thus outgrowing and developing an extraordinary diversity of shell forms. We’ll continue our itinerary towards Merzouga along several fossil quarries. You may envisage a camel ride (pay as you book). Sunset among the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Dinner and overnight in bivouac/campsite.

DAY 3 : Merzouga –Taouz - Merzouga

A day for open spaces and wilderness. After breakfast, departure for a village famous for its “Gnawa Music” and eventually for Taouz for its rupestrian art; visit of the ancient citadel of Ouafilal. Our itinerary will also comprise searches for Orthoceras and Crinoïdlayers layers and a passage to the Ait Khebbache mining route. Visit to the vein No 12 and to several lead mines as well as mines where iron, barite, malachite, chalcopyrite and galena are extracted. Back to Merzouga in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in hotel

DAY 4 : Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Tazzarine - Vallée du Draa – Zagora

After breakfast, departure for the region of Alnif which hosts the largest trilobite fossil deposits. We’ll cross the Jebel Issimour and will search two trilobite fossils sites. You’ll discover embeddings of trilobite fossils of the Merzouga area. The trilobite fossils are a class of marine arthropods that lived during the Paleozoic era, some 250 millions of years ago. They are very popular with fossil collectors due to their beauty and variety of forms. Our itinerary continues on the direction of Zagora along the Valée du Draa. Dinner and overnight at Ksar Tinsouline or similar.

 Jour 5 : Zagora - Agdz – Ouarzazate - Marrakech

After breakfast, we’ll continue northwards on a spectacular winding highway across the Jebel Sahro, along the Draa valley in the direction of to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou where we’ll have lunch (not included in the package). Visit of the Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and continuation to Marrakech by Tizi'n Tchika. Dinner and overnight at the Riad Dar El Aila or similar (not included in the package)

 DAY 6 : Transfer from your riad to the airport in taxi.

    RATES: (Contact us to get rates)

 The price includes:
  Land transport from/to Marrakech
  Accommodation in double room with half board at Gorges du Dadès
  Accommodation in double room with half board in Merzouga
  Accommodation in double room with half board in Zagora
  1 night in a campsite with accommodation in a Berber tent
  4x4 vehicles with driver / guide and fuel

The price does not include:
 Personal expenses
  Meals and drinks not included in the package, mainly lunches
  Supplementary insurance or cancellation
  Flights
  Accommodation and breakfast at Riad Dar El Aïla or similar in Marrakech on Day 1
  Accommodation with half board at Riad Dar El Aïla or similar in Marrakech on Day 5