Getting here

DAR SIDI BOUNOU is located in a palmerie right on the edge of the SAHARA DESERT in the south of Morocco.

Most travelers fly into Marrakesh on flights operated by Easyjet, Ryan Air, Thompson, Royal Air Maroc and others. Some travellers like to stay in Marrakesh overnight or longer, but if your flight arrives at an appropriate time, it is possible to be picked up at Marrakesh Airport for a direct drive to DAR SIDI BOUNOU, or you could pick up a hire car if you wish and drive yourself. The actual driving time is about nine hours. It is a paved road not requiring a 4X4,  but it is very winding in some places in the mountains and not very wide. It is not a ‘fast road’ and there is a lot to see on the way.

The road crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the Tichka Pass and travels through a spectacular landscape. The town of Ouarzazate is located in the foothills of the southern side of the High Atlas about half way to your final destination. Ouarzazate has a good selection of hotels of all classifications and it is a good place to spend the night if you wish. There is an International Airport at Ouarzazate,  but at present it is only serviced by Royal Air Maroc. There is also now a flight available from Marrakesh to Zagora.

After Ouarzazate the road passes through the Anti Atlas Mountains and the historic Draa Valley of the Kasbahs. It then passes through Zagora, the last large town, before crossing the flat Hammada and through the ancient town of Tamgroute, famous for its green pottery. The last very small town is Tagounite. The road then crosses the Jbel Ben Sliman Mountains where, as you descend, you get your first view of the open desert. Entering the margins of the  Palmerie of M’Hamid, first you pass the almost invisible Village of Erg Gabi, then after about 2.5 km, you  go through the charming Kasbah Village of Ouled Driss.

Dar Sidi Bounou is located 4 km BEYOND  OULED DRISS and 4 km BEFORE you get to the end-of-the-road town of M’HAMID. There is no village on the road at Bounou, so it is essential to look out for the DAR SIDI BOUNOU sign on the road. The entrance is directly off the road on the right-hand side. If you pass the big TABRAKAT HOTEL on the next bend, you have gone too far. Turn back for about 300 m to our gate.

The most economical way of getting here (and back to Marrakesh) is by the CTM Bus.  It is a good quality coach and costs 150 Dh (15 Euros) each way. It leaves the CTM Marrakesh Terminus (which is very near the Train Station) at approximately 11:30 am each day and arrives at our gate sometime around 10:00 pm.

The bus stops in the High Atlas at Taddart for about 30 minutes. There are restaurants with good hot meals ready to serve and there is plenty of time to eat and stretch your legs. There are other stops along the way and passenger numbers are carefully checked at each stop before departure.

As Bounou is a REQUEST STOP WHICH IS 4 Km BEFORE THE END OF THE ROUTE AT M’HAMID, it is essential to tell the bus driver as soon as you get on in Marrakesh that you want to get off at BOUNOU and remind him again when the bus stops briefly at Zagora or at Tagounite, which is about 30 minutes before you reach Bounou. The driver will stop directly by our gate, as long as you tell him in advance and he is reminded at least once.

If you’d like to hire a 4×4 and driver, we can make the arrangements for you.

If you are a group traveling from the UK for a music/dance event, for assistance with arrangements contact Allal The MadNomad – email: allalyamine@hotmail.com.

For a budget priced hotel in Marrakesh, we recommend the HOTEL ALI: www.hotel-ali.hostel-marrakech.co.uk, which has large, clean rooms with bathrooms and is conveniently located near the main square.