Smara province is one of Morocco’s richest areas for rock art and prehistoric archaeology, set on a stone plateau under very dark skies. Blackstone offers research teams a quiet base on the hamada, with long-stay rates, a work tent, dependable meals, daily 4x4 access to the field and a licensed guide who knows the sites, the families and the tracks.
Who we host
- Archaeologists and rock art specialists
- Geologists and geomorphologists working on the hamada, wadis and desert varnish
- Astronomers and astrophotographers
- Documentary crews and university field schools
What a mission gets
- Long-stay rates from seven nights
- A shared work tent with tables and power for laptops and batteries
- Packed field lunches for long days
- A 4x4 with driver for daily access to your study areas
- Introductions to local families and landowners
Permits and ethics
Archaeological research in Morocco requires authorisation from the competent authorities, such as the Ministry of Culture and the Institut National des Sciences de l’Archéologie et du Patrimoine (INSAP). We do not issue permits. Once a team is authorised, we handle field logistics, and we apply the same rules we use with every visitor: no touching, no chalk, no published coordinates.
Connectivity and power
Mobile coverage works in and around Smara but becomes patchy on the plateau. Tell us about your data needs and heavy equipment in advance, so we can plan power and, if needed, stays closer to town.
Questions travellers ask
Do you offer long-stay rates for research teams?
Yes, from seven nights. Send us your dates, team size and field needs for a written quote.
Can you help locate rock art sites for a study?
We work with authorised teams and share local knowledge on the ground. Site locations are never published.
Is there electricity at the camp?
Yes, enough to charge laptops, cameras and batteries. Tell us in advance about heavier equipment.