DISCOVER THE WILD SHORES OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN
Morocco is the westernmost country of North Africa and is hence blessed with both Mediterranean and Atlantic coast, stretching some 3000km in total. Much of our focus is the Atlantic, where a handful of fishing villages and small ports offer practical and picturesque places to stay to explore the surrounding coastal regions. The coast is wild in nature, with waves for surfers, and, in places, wind for kite surfing enthusiasts. Essaouira is one of the country’s jewels, Oualidia has a unique character and a touch of Cornwall about it, the Agadir area is a surfing Mecca, and Mirleft and Sidi Ifni are among our personal favourite places to relax in Morocco. Dakhla completes our coastal choices for adventurous visitors who are looking for an off-the-beaten-track wild coastal desert experience.
The Atlantic coast camel trek, Morocco follows the beach and dunes in a northerly direction for 5 days. We journey along the shore from Tafdna to Essaouira, sometimes heading inland to explore the sand dunes, buildings of historical interest, through the undergrowth of Thuya, Euphorbia and Argan trees. We will also visit pretty Moroccan fishing villages and follow the ancient caravan routes of the Portuguese. After our trek we spend 2 nights in Essaouira, a small town nestled inside fortress walls where you will have plenty of time to discover the charming side streets and sample the freshly caught fish, before travelling back to the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.
Day1: Arrival in Marrakech: Meet our staff team at the airport and transfered to the hotel (accomodation).
Day 2: Marrakech - Tafdna: Transfer by minibus, coach or Land Rover to Tafna, passing through Chichaoua and Ounara. Lunch stop en route. We then continue on through the Haha area, the Argan tree capital, arriving at the fishing port of Tafna where we meet up with our camel-drivers. "Test day" for camel riding. Evening bivouac on a sandy beach in Tafna.
Day 3: Tafna - Hamad Saeih: Once loaded the caravan will set off, passing over Cape Tafelny via the plateau and then drop down to the beach of Sidi Hamad Saeih, where we pitch our tents for the night .
Day 4: Hamad Saeih - Sidi Mbarek: Our road follows the coast, either along the beach or across the higher plain (depending on wind conditions). Camp at Marabout Sidi Mbarek
Day5: Sidi Mbarek - The coast stretches away to the horizon. Three linked beaches lead us to Sidi Kaouki. A fishing port and meeting place for wind-surfers. We spent the night camping on the beach .
Day 6: Sidi Kaouki - Essaouira: Start the day toward Sidi Kaouki, crossing the protected fishing village and the sea caves of Cape Sim. Around cape Sim, the town of Essaouira appears in the distance . We arrive there in the afternoon to have a well-earned rest and spent the night in a comfortable hotel .
Day 7: Essaouira: Tour of the town of Essaouira, an ancient Portuguese port, followed by lunch at a quayside restaurant where you can sample all types of fish and shellfish. Afternoon transfer to Marrakech and overnight in a hotel . Explore the Medina and shop in the souks.
Day 8: Marrakech - Home: There may be time to visit the legendary Jamaa El Fna square, depending on flight times . Transfer to the airport. Departure