Memory Road is an exclusive four-wheel-drive adventure through the secret south of Morocco. Quite simply, it takes the experience of the country to another level. So you follow the historic Route de Sud, once travelled by caravans from Timbuktu to Marrakech. Along the way, you stay in lovingly restored village houses in remote settings. It is the brainchild of Thierry Teyssier, who also created the celebrated Dar Ahlam.
This journey is only ever run privately, for a couple or up to six friends. So the whole experience feels wonderfully your own. You travel with a superb team of ‘experience’ providers. There is an air-conditioned 4×4 and driver for each couple. Meanwhile, a dedicated butler and a fine cook complete the party. As a result, every detail is taken care of.
Better still, all excursions, activities, meals and drinks are included. So it really is about the little smiles along the way. Imagine, for instance, a fabulous picnic with epic views and not a tourist in sight. You feel genuinely privileged to be there. In short, it is the side of Morocco you always hoped to find.
You begin in Marrakech, where we can add a few nights if you wish. Then it is a 2.5-hour drive to your first stop at Azrarag, in the Argan Valley. Here argan trees stretch as far as the eye can see. You stay at La Maison des Arganiers, a white-stone house on two terraces. With the beaches of the Souss-Massa nearby, we set up a lovely picnic lunch.
Next, drive inland to the remote village of Tighmert and La Maison de l’Oasis, set in a verdant palm grove. So a short walk leads to Amtoudi, where you lunch in an old grain store above the village. Afterwards, wander the Akka palm groves before returning for dinner. The following day takes you to La Maison Rouge, near the spellbinding ksour of Foumzguid. Naturally, another wonderful picnic awaits.
Then drive on to the dunes of the Sahara, where your luxury Nomadic Camp sits beside the dry lake of Iriki. A night in the desert is all about magical sunsets. So a drink is never far away as the sun drops. Later, marvel at the stars as they fill the sky. It is, quite simply, unforgettable.
Finally, spend two nights at Dar Ahlam, rated among the world’s finest hotels. The kasbah is wrapped in the palmeraie of Skoura. So you can relax, or walk in the nearby Valley of the Roses. The pool, meanwhile, is especially inviting after the road. Many guests happily extend their stay here. To leave, fly from Ouarzazate, or drive over the Atlas to Marrakech.
Naturally, the houses and camps are the very heart of this trip. First, La Maison des Arganiers and La Maison de l’Oasis charm in the south. Then La Maison Rouge and the Nomadic Camp take you deeper still. Finally, Dar Ahlam rounds things off in style.
Above all, this suits travellers who want something truly exclusive. For example, it is ideal for a milestone trip. Equally, it rewards a small group of friends travelling together. As a result, it is one of our favourite journeys in Morocco.
Generally, spring and autumn are ideal for the south. By contrast, high summer is extremely hot. Winter, meanwhile, brings crisp days and cold desert nights. So we tailor the timing to your plans. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.
What sets Memory Road apart is the detail. So a picnic appears in a spot you will never forget. Meanwhile, your cook conjures wonderful meals each evening. The butler, in turn, anticipates your every need. As a result, the whole journey feels seamless and special.
Each day brings a new world. First come the argan valleys near the coast. Then verdant palm oases and dramatic ksour. Soon after, the great dunes of the Sahara. Finally, the rose-scented palmeraie of Skoura. So the scenery never stops shifting.
As ever, the route is flexible. So we can add nights in any village, or extend your stay at Dar Ahlam. In the end, the journey is entirely your own.
Above all, this suits travellers wanting something rare and exclusive. For example, it is ideal for a special celebration. Equally, it rewards a small group of friends. As a result, it is a true Millis Potter favourite.
In the end, Memory Road is travel at its most special. So every picnic, house and sunset feels considered. Meanwhile, the team make it effortless throughout. As a result, it is a journey you will treasure for years.
Yes, entirely. The journey runs only for your party, with your own team. So the whole experience is exclusive from start to finish.
Almost everything: the 4×4 and driver, a butler, a cook, all activities, meals and drinks. So you simply enjoy the road.
Yes. Many guests add nights in the villages or linger at Dar Ahlam. We can also begin with time in Marrakech.
Generally, spring and autumn are most comfortable. We will advise on timing for your dates.
| £5500P.P |
|---|
Pricing is based on 6 friends travelling together, all transfers, meals, drinks and experiences throughout
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Azrarag | La Maison Des Arganiers |
| Day 2 | Tighmert | La Maison De L’Oasis |
| Day 3 | Aojou | Maison Rouge |
| Day 4 | Iriki | Dar Ahlam Nomadic Desert Camp |
| Day 5-6 | Skoura | Dar Ahlam |
| Day 7 | Ouarzazate Airport | Fly Home / Onwards in Morocco |
Depart Marrakech for La Maison des Arganiers, a drive of 2.5 hours (or 30 minutes from Agadir). Guests usually arrive in the afternoon, so nothing is planned but sundowners and a hearty dinner. We can also arrange nights in Marrakech first.
After a leisurely morning, drive down to the beach, about an hour, for a picnic lunch. Linger as long as you like, then drive to La Maison de l’Oasis, about an hour, with time to freshen up before dinner.
After breakfast, drive to the agadir (grain store) of Amtoudi for lunch, about 1.5 hours, followed by a short walk or mule ride. Continue to the palm groves of Akka for a walk, then drive to La Maison Rouge, including a stunning 45km off-road.
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Ait Kin for a picnic lunch, including 15km off-road. After lunch, head to Foumzguid, then on to the Nomadic Camp via a remote 37-mile track. Enjoy sundowners at sunset, followed by a camp dinner.
Drive to Dar Ahlam, about 4.5 hours. The first part follows a 27-mile track, before the superb drive along the Draa Valley.
Spend the day at leisure, or take walks in the Valley of the Roses and further afield.
Transfer to Ouarzazate for your flight to Casablanca or Marrakech, or take the four-hour drive to Marrakech over the Atlas Mountains.
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We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch. You can leave a phone number and suggest a time to call you back, and we can also arrange to do this during the evenings or at weekends if you are busy during the daytime. We can also meet up with you in you fancy a coffee and are based in and around London.