Festival
of Goulmime and Camel Fair
Moussem of
Guelmime Camel Caravan gatherings
The Goulmime
festival in Morocco, sometimes called the "camel Fair" because of the
impressive
number of caravan dromedaries that assemble in Morocco from different
regions of the Sahara desert, takes place in early
June. This
moussem has a more trade and exchange character for the needs of nomads
in neighboring countries. the Goulmime festival is also very popular
with
visitors because of the numerous festivities accompanying it,
particularly the
magnificent "guedra" dance that can be seen in the evening under the
tent around a succulent "meshwee".
Guedra Dance
Southern Morocco boosts with many
different rhythms and dances, but the Guedra dance remains one of
Morocco’s
most known Tribal Dance or ritual dance. Initially, the city of
Goulimine (Goulmime)
is known for Guedra best dancers. The
origins of the Guedra is hidden is a distant past. On the trance
rhythms of a skinned
pot- the big drum or rather some sort of big cauldron covered with
camel skin
which is painted with geometrical figures of henna. Guedra is also the
name of
this large drum used to beat the rhythms of the dance. Female dancers
make
mesmerizing movements with the arms while swaying their heads from left
to
right. It's a Tuareg blessing dance done on the knees where the dancers
can get
in a sort of trance. Typical for this dance are the flickering
movements of the
fingers and hands nicely tattooed with henna geometrical motives. The
torso
makes vertical pulses. Some Guedra dancers move or rather shove in a
sort of
back and forward movement on their knees over the sand or
carpets. Besides
the Guedra dance known as the real Saharan dance you will encounter in
this
Camel fair other tribal dances and music from the immediate surrounding
of
Goulmime, such as the Tissint, Houara, Taskiouine and Rouayes not to
forget of
course the spectacular Gnaoua dance and healing music.
The
Camel Festival is an event organized in Goulmime Department of Tourism,
Art and
Culture, Government of Morocco, every year in the month of June. Desert
region's Folk dances and music, add on to what is otherwise an
exclusive camel fair.
A festival when the ships of the desert are seen at their best. Camels
fascinate everyone from all over the world with their movements, charm
and
grace. A spectacle of unusual camel gathering in one place due to their
contribution
to life in the Sahara Desert, will tempt you to take a bumpy, neck
shaking
camel ride.
The
Atlas Odyssey Camel Fair Tour
Discover
Morocco’s
Southwestern region, a time-honored aspect of the North African
landscape that
is celebrated across the globe. Traverse
the savannah and venture into the mountains; navigate the steppe and
explore
the desert. Encounter the notorious
hospitality of the indigenous Berber tribes, known for an unparalleled
joie de
vivre exemplified by their distinctive arts and crafts.
Day
1: New York
– Agadir
You will begin your journey at New York’s
John F.
Kennedy Airport,
boarding an overnight flight on Royal Air Maroc, which will connect in Casablanca to
Agadir.
Day 2: Agadir
Upon your arrival at Agadir
Massira Airport, you will meet
your guide. From there, you will travel
to your hotel, where you will check in and spend the remainder of the
morning
relaxing and acclimating yourself to your new surroundings. For
lunch, you will enjoy a seafood fest
served at the open-air harbor restaurants, followed by a tour of the
city’s
notorious monuments. Your tour will
include visits to the museum of Berber arts, the
Valley of the Birds, where you will see exotic birds in their natural
habitats,
and the breathtaking view of Agadir from the Kasbah. With its
beautiful beaches lined with Spanish
Costa-style high-rise buildings and gentle blend of parks, hotels,
gardens, and
residential neighborhoods, the quiet town of Agadir is an excellent place to begin any
vacation.
Day
3: Agadir – Massa
– Tassila
In the morning, you will leave for the Massa Valley,
visiting several typical Berber villages en route, including Inzeggane,
Tassila, and Sidi R’bat. You will eat a
typical Berber tagine lunch in a fisherman’s restaurant overlooking the
Atlantic Ocean.
Afterward, you will stroll beside the Massa
River, walking from Sidi R’bat
to
Tassila through a conservatory in which you can see the various species
of
birds which live in the sanctuary of the Massa
region. You will conclude your day in
the legendary Mirleft, enjoying a traditional Berber dinner under the
North
African stars.
Day 4: Tassila
– Bousoum – Sidi Ifni – Algzira
You will depart early in the morning for Sidi Ifni,
traveling through the beautiful village
of Mirleft to glimpse a
beautiful
stretch of beach on the Atlantic Ocean. You will continue onward to visit the ancient
city of Sidi Ifni,
a remnant of the Spanish colonial era replete with elaborate ironwork,
sweeping
architecture, and patches of garden providing a refreshing sense of
renewal. You will conclude your day with
dinner in Algzira, a seasonal hideaway for fishermen. >
Day 5: Aglzira
You will spend your day exploring the white beaches and
surrounding villages of Algzira, learning of the daily life of Berber
fisherman
and peasants. In the evening, you will
enjoy a campfire feast on the white sands of Algzira, prepared for you
by a
local fisherman.
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Day 6: Algzira – Tiznit
In the morning, you will depart for Tiznit, where the
region’s tribesmen come to trade goods and entertain themselves. Tiznit’s military history is evident; the
walled city is comprised of small, neatly organized streets and a
sizeable
garrison, which gives the impression of order and security. Your city tour of Tiznit will include: the
Meshouar (city square), Lalla Tiznit, a natural spring named after the
founder
of the city, the Kasbah, and the Kissaria, an exclusive market where
one can
find some of the most unique Berber jewelry in all of Morocco. You will conclude your day with dinner and
other accommodations in the exotic Tiznit hotel.
Day 7: Tiznit –
Tafraout
You will spend your day amidst the breathtaking scenery of
the Atlas Mountains.
The diverse rock formations create an ideal
environment for the region’s cliff-hanging villages and wards, which
add a
touch of civilization to the atmosphere.
You will enjoy a picnic lunch on the road, and will then
continue onward
to Tafrout, which is situated on the edge of an oasis, providing stark
contrast
to the region’s otherwise barren landscape.
You will spend your afternoon exploring the village of Tafrout
and the nearby rock carving sites, which date back to the Neolithic
period. You will conclude your day
nestled between the peaks of the Atlas Mountains,
with dinner and other accommodations in the village.
Day 8: Tafraout
– Taroudant
Early in the morning, you will depart for Taroudant, known
as “the bride of the South.” You will
stop for lunch in Ait Baha, the largest Berber village in the area
overlooking
a valley. You will spend the remainder
of your afternoon exploring the region, followed by dinner and
additional
entertainment at the Salam hotel.
Day 9: Taroudant
You will spend your day discovering the marvels that
Taroudant has to offer. Surrounded by
regal, red-ochre walls, the city is often referred to as “Little
Marrakech.” You will tour the city’s
historic monuments and visit its bustling markets.
You will conclude your day with a tea
ceremony in the gardens of the Salam Hotel.
Day 10:
Taroudant – Tizintest Pass
Immediately before one of the highest, most dramatic passes
in the High Atlas Mountains stands Tinmal, birthplace of the Almohade
dynasty. The dynasty is known for
uniting all of the tribes of Morocco
under the banner of Islam, dramatically shaping the country’s future. You will visit the Tinmal Mosque, one of the
oldest in Morocco,
and continue onward to Ouirgane, where you will spend the night in a
Berber
home.
Day 11:
Ouirgane – Asni – Imlil
In the morning, there will be an optional mule ride into the
mountains, where you can hike the slopes of the Toubkal Mountain,
a national park with a breathtaking beauty that exceeds that of the
Atlas’s
other regions. You will enjoy a
traditionally prepared lunch at a Berber home in Imlil, and spend your
afternoon visiting a cliff-hanging village.
There, you will learn about the daily life of Berber villagers,
spending
the night with a Berber family. You will
conclude your day with dinner, followed by traditional music and
dancing.
Day 12: Imlil –
Tahnaoute – Marrakech
You will spend your morning exploring a Berber market,
followed by lunch in the Mountains.
Afterward, you will climb to the Oukaimeden, found in a region
known for
its Jewish heritage. There, you will
find some ancient Jewish shrines and temples.
In the evening, you will depart for Marrakech, where you will
end your
day with dinner and accommodations at your hotel.
Day
13: Marrakech
You will devote your day to discovering the magnificence of
Marrakech, one of the world’s most overwhelming man-mad oases. You will visit the city’s historic monuments
in the morning, followed by a visit to the souks and the bustling Jamaa
El F’na
square in the afternoon. Afterward, you
will go for a ride in horse Caleches for an exotic view of “Al Bahja,”
the
glowing city.
Day 14:
Marrakech
You will continue your exploration of Marrakech. In
the afternoon, you will spend your time shopping
in one of Morocco’s
major craft and trading centers.
Afterward, you will attend a farewell dinner, hosted on your
behalf at a
traditional Moorish house in the Medina,
followed by typical Moorish entertainment.
Day 15:
Marrakech – Casablanca – New York
In the morning, your driver will take you to Marrakech’s Menara Airport,
where you will board your Royal Air Maroc flight back to New York, connecting in Casablanca.
What is included:
-
Round trip tickets New York
to Casablanca
and additional connecting flights
-
Camping equipment and accommodations in
three and four
star hotels
-
Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner
daily)
-
Land transportation in an air conditioned,
chauffeured
vehicle
-
Services of expert guides and tour leaders
-
Entrance fees to monuments and museums
-
Hotel taxes and service charges
Hotels Used:
-
Agadir: Hotel Anezi, 1 night
-
Mirleft: camping, 1 night
-
Agzira: camping, 2 nights
-
Tiznit: Hotel Tiznit, 1 night
-
Tafrout: Hotel Les Amandiers, 1 night
-
Taroudant: Hotel Salam, 2 nights
-
Imlil: camping, 2 nights
-
Marrakech: Hotel Imilchil, 3 nights
Cost perperson based on
Double occupancy:
$3685.00
Minimum four travelers, maximum twelve travelers.
For Morocco Travel
Tips, All Festivals in Morocco Tour information Contact:
Sarah Tours, Inc.
800-267-0036
Tel: 703-619-0777
Fax: 703-619-9399
sarahtur@erols.com