Oasis Camp
A nomad camp tucked away in an oasis in the Moroccan Atlas, where you experience life as it is lived in the middle of the desert.
Located between two palm groves in the valley of Oued Izerki, halfway between the oases of Skoura and Ouarzazate, Oasis Camp immerses you in the life of a Southern Atlas valley while still guaranteeing all the services of a hotel. Arriving at this camp after crossing a plateau of black rocks is a totally amazing experience. What indeed could be more surprising than to find accommodation of such a high quality in such a remote setting ?
The camp is vast yet welcoming, with carpets, discreet lighting and attentive service playing their part in enhancing it. Comfortably settled on carpets and cushions, you gaze out at the snow-covered peaks of the Atlas on the horizon while the kasbahs outlined against the bottom of the valley invite you to explore... or to daydream.
Life at oasis camp
This camp is doubly advantageous in that its location makes it the perfect base from which to visit Ouarzazate and its region, yet being installed in an oasis that is remote but nevertheless a centre of activity it also offers an authentic experience of Berber life in a valley still spared by tourism.
There are lovely walks to enjoy to the nearby kasbahs and gardens. Mountain bikes are also available and the camp staff can recommend cycling trails suited to your abilities. Excursions on horseback can also be arranged if booked in advance.
We recommend you stay for several days so as to enjoy the natural environment and way of life to the full.
Facilities
The camp comprises 10 tents well spaced out from one another, a restaurant in a Berber tent and a comfortable library lounge. Each guestroom is a spacious, comfortable nomad tent (khaïma) well furnished with carpets, armchairs, hanging rails, shelving, storage chests and two frame beds. The tents are all fitted out using traditional local materials, their sober decoration beneath white drapery contrasting with the ochre-coloured tents themselves, superbly hand woven by craftsmen of the Ait Atta tribe.
A comfortable shower and toilet block (with hot water) built of clay brick and tadelakt stands in the centre of the camp. The dining room too is comfortable, with quality table linen and crockery; the waiters are uniformed and the meals served are refined and typically Moroccan. A staff of eight, including two cooks and a guide, ensures the camp runs smoothly.
Around the camp
Oasis Camp is the ideal starting point for discovering the Dades Valley, also known as the "valley of roses" since for six centuries thousands of wild roses have grown here in the midst of the arid mountains at an altitude of 1000 metres.
The arid, barren landscapes of the Dades gorges are some of the most stunning in the far south of Morocco. As the sun sets the valley glows with magnificent colours – a magical moment certainly not to be missed !
Strolling among the gardens and kasbahs, exploring the oasis by mountain bike, indulging in a massage with essential oils... Oasis Camp has many surprises in store for you.
Activities
• Gardening workshops with the camp gardener: irrigation, planting aromatic herbs, picking plants, …
• Cookery classes with our local team: making bread, traditional cakes, …
• Berber language classes for beginners, cards and other games, quizzes, …
• Classes in preparing henna and kohl.
• Massages with essential oils by the camp's beautician. (300 Dirhams)
• Just for kids: 2 Donkeys
• Mule rides (4 mules available in the village close by ; 100 dirhams an hour paid directly to the villagers)
Pictures credits: © Véronique Mati - Ludovic Maisant
Drawings: Alain Bouldouyre
