Astronomy & Geology Field Morocco Tour 5 Days
Astronomy & Geology Field Morocco Tour 5 Days
Explore the wonders of astronomy and geology on a 5-day field tour in Morocco. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes as you learn about celestial bodies and geological formations. This tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the mysteries of the universe while uncovering the geological history of this fascinating region.
ITINERARY: 5 Days Astronomy & Geology Field Morocco Tour from Marrakeh
DAY 1: Marrakech – Atlas Mountains – Ouarzazate – Alnif
On the first day of the Astronomy & Geology Field Morocco Tour 5 Days, we will depart from Marrakech and embark on a journey across the picturesque High Atlas pass. Our midday stop will be in Ouarzazat, also known as the Moroccan Hollywood, where we’ll enjoy a delightful lunch. In the evening, we’ll find ourselves in the mesmerizing Alnif desert, where we will have our first enchanting encounter with the stars. Our night will be spent in a hotel nestled in the expansive, flat, black, stony desert, where we’ll have the opportunity to attend a lecture about the stars and the night sky. All meals will be provided as part of the half-board accommodation.
DAY 2: Alnif – Merzouga Desert
On the second day of our Astronomy & Geology Field Morocco Tour 5 Days, we have an exciting itinerary ahead. We will be exploring fossil quarries with the main goal of collecting trilobite fossils. Later in the evening, we will be staying at a hotel located near the breathtaking Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Once we’ve settled in, we have an intriguing lecture lined up for us. The lecture will delve into the astronomy of nomadic tribal cultures, including the fascinating traditions of the Berbers, Bedouins, and Touregs. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to learn about their captivating mythology and beliefs.
DAY 3: Exploring Merzouga Desert
We drove to Taouz and then to the Kem Kem site, known for its diverse fossils. In a neighboring site, we found remnants of crinoids and laccoliths alongside fossils on display in Erfoud. Our next stop was the Filon 12 mine, which now extracts mineral specimens like vanadinite, haematite, goethite, and quartz. Evening sky observation using a 200 mm telescope after dinner. Then, it was time to return to the desert camp.
DaY 4: Merzouga – Todra gorges – Ouarzazate
Today, we will drive back to Ouarzazate from Merzouga. We will make a stop at the beautiful Todra Gorge, which is located halfway along our route. The gorge is carved through Jurassic layers on the edge of the High Atlas. We will spend about an hour exploring the area. Afterward, we will have lunch and continue our journey. We should arrive in Ouarzazate by late afternoon.
DaY 5: Ouarzazate – High Atlas – Marrakech
Our Astronomy & Geology Field Morocco Tour 5 Days itinerary includes visiting the World Heritage Sites of Kasbah Ait-Ben-Hoddou and the Medina and Souk of Marrakesh. We stopped at Kasbah Ait-Ben-Hoddou, a fortified settlement and a film set for many movies. After crossing the Atlas Mountains, we had lunch before reaching Marrakech. We spent some free time shopping at the souk, a World Heritage Site, and spent the night at the same hotel as day one.
The itinerary can be changed to suit your requirements. Please let us know if you would like to do this.
INCLUDED
– Geological tour driver guide
– Star Gazing & Astronomy guide
– Hotel accommodation
– Dinner and breakfast in the hotels
– Picnic lunch
– Bottled water on day excursions
– Transportation in Landcruiser
NOT INCLUDED
– Flights
– Alcohol and soft drinks
– Bottled water in hotels
We’d be more than happy to assist you in planning your geology tour. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any help you may need!