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EXPLORE MARRAKECH & AGAFAY DESERT

Based for 4 nights at Riad Africa in Marrakech Medina & 3 nights at Nkhila Lodge in the Agafay Desert, this 1 week holiday combines the Red City of Marrakech with the contrasting desert wilderness of the nearby Agafay Desert.

 

Transfers by 4x4 from and back to Marrakech, a superior room & stargazing tent and four activities are included in this great value package.

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One of the most popular riads in Marrakech, Riad Africa offers a central location close to the numerous attractions of Marrakech, including the most animated square in Africa – Djemaa el Fna. By contrast, Nkhila Lodge is set in a remarkable wilderness location with a backdrop of the Atlas mountains, and with a choice of adventurous activities available. This 7 night holiday combines both properties, creating a unique twin-centre experience for guests. At Riad Africa you'll sleep in a very comfortable superior room. At Nkhila you'll stay in a tented ‘stargazing’ room built on stilts, on the top of a white dune.  

ITINERARY

Day 1 – To Riad Africa in the Medina of Marrakech

On arrival in Marrakech you will be met at Menara airport and transferred to Riad Africa, your accommodation in the heart of Marrakech medina. With palaces and palm groves, rose gardens, and a backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is the capital of the Moroccan South, a cultural crossroads and keeper of tradition and folklore. After time to settle in the famous souks of Marrakech offer an intoxicating passage to Africa’s most famous meeting place – the huge medieval square of Place Djemaa el Fna.   

Day 2 – Included activity: Highlights of Marrakech tour  

For first time visitors to Marrakech, a great way of getting to grips with this magical city is on a half day guided highlights walking tour of its World Heritage listed medina. The rich history of Marrakech is reflected in its numerous attractions and the wealth of monuments, mosques, museums and palaces this city offers. The minaret of Koutoubia Mosque is the landmark and emblem of the city and a good start point for a day of sightseeing. Other important quarters within the old city ramparts include Kasbah and Mellah (the Jewish quarter), both in the south and close to the Royal Palaces. Popular attractions include the Saadien Tombs, Palais Badia, the 16th century ruins of the Badi Palace and the Dar Si Said Museum (Museum of Moroccan Arts). Just north of the souks are the Musee de Marrakech, the impressive Ben Youssef Medersa and the Koubba Ba’ Adyin – the remains of an Almoravid mosque built in 1106.   

Days 3 & 4 – Included activity: Caleche tour of Palaces & Gardens 

During our time in Marrakech we include a horse-drawn carriage tour of the city walls and famous gardens of the city. Offering a shady retreat from the mid-day sun with towering palm trees, orchards of fruit and olive trees, pools, fountains and abundant bird life, the gardens of Marrakech are a ‘must-see’. You’ll have chance to visit the Menara Gardens and botanical gardens of Majorelle as well as make a tour around the entire city walls.  

Day 5 – To Nkhila Lodge in the Agafay Desert. Sunset camel ride or walk

From Marrakech medina it takes just under an hour to reach the Agafay Desert and Nkhila Lodge. As we leave the bright lights of the city behind and enter the rural province of Al Haouz, the landscape changes from olives groves to the rolling barren hills of the Agafay Desert. Eventually we leave the asphalt behind and follow desert tracks to reach Douar Nkhila village on the eastern edge of Agafay. Our final approach is spectacular: we twist around arid hillsides until reaching Nkhila Lodge, perched on stilts, with the High Atlas mountains looming in the distance. On arrival at camp we will be greeted with a refreshing glass of mint tea and briefed by our host. In the early evening there's time for a camel ride to enjoy the setting sun over western Agafay. If camel riding is not your thing, there are several short scenic walks to enjoy. Tonight dinner will be served in your choice of location – either in the privacy of your tent, on the balcony, in the dining tent, or under an outside canopy-covered dining spot. Lunch and dinner is included today.

Days 6 & 7 – Included activity: 4x4 adventure to Lake Takerkoust & Kik Plateau  

At Nkhila we enjoy an excursion by 4x4 exploring the Agafay Desert. We will also drive to Lake Takerkoust in the foothills of the Atlas mountains, and up to the Kik Plateau for amazing panoramic views of the Agafay Desert and beyond. Try and spot Nkhila Lodge on the east side of the desert! We return to Nkhila for a late lunch and have the afternoon free to relax. If you are feeling active, there is an option to join a quad-bike adventure and ride desert tracks over rolling hills in another area of Agafay Desert. Depending on when you stay, the lodge may be illuminated at night by the moon or experience an amazing dark sky full of stars. Try out one of Nkhila’s telescopes and enjoy some stargazing. Lunches and dinners are included.

Day 8 – Transfer back to Marrakech. The experience is over!

Your transfer today can return you to Riad Africa, or directly to Marrakech airport.

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HOLIDAY PRICE PER PERSON
SHARING A DOUBLE OR TWIN ROOM/TENT
PRICE INCLUDES

Private transfers by 4x4 vehicle from Marrkech to Agafay and back to Marrakech; four activities as detailed in itinerary with English-speaking guide; accommodation in a double or twin Riad Africa superior room & Nkhila Lodge stargazing tent; seven breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners; local tourist taxes; use of binoculars, telescope and Planisphere.

PRICE EXCLUDES

Tips, beverages, optional activities and items of a personal nature.

SEASONS

Standard:  05 January to 28 February, 01 June to 30 September,  21 November to 20 December.

High:  01 March to 31 May, 01 October to 20 November, 21 December to 04 January.

DEPARTS DAILY

It is possible to book this package at any time of the year subject to availability.

DON'T FORGET

Bring walking shoes if planning to walk some of the many excellent trails around Nkhila Lodge. We also recommend a camera, sun hat and sunglasses.

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