The Great South

Discover the fascinating southern region of Morocco with this fantastic itinerary that will take you to the most amazing places of the Sahara Desert. Departing from Marrakech, the ‘Magic of the South‘ tours offer a great opportunity to explore the region’s spectacular landscapes, ancient Kasbahs, and villages in detail.

Tour details

Duration
6 days
arrival
marrakech
departure
Marrakech
season
all year
group size
exclusive

Itinerary

  • Welcome to Marrakech Menara Airport and meet with the tour guide.
  • Transfer to the hotel/riad 
  • Free visit at your own pace to Djemma el Fna Square and the medina, the city’s heart.
  • It’s a unique experience where all the life and nighttime activity converge: dancers, storytellers, jugglers, artisans, merchants, and snake charmers.
  • From the terraces of some cafés, you can enjoy a broad panoramic view of the city: mosques and minarets, palaces and gardens, souks, and bazaars.
  • You will spend night in hotel/riad
  • After breakfast and at the agreed time with the guide, we will be picked up from the hotel or riad to begin the journey.
  • We will cross the High Atlas Mountains, passing through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2260 meters.
  • Along the way, we will make stops to admire the landscape and take photographs, as this route is one of the most impressive in Morocco.
  • We will witness the transition from the lush vegetation of Marrakech, with views of palm groves and the northern face of the mountains, to the arid landscapes of the south.
  • We will start to see the first adobe villages of the Berber people nestled at the foothills of the mountains.
  • After passing through the city of Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert,
  • We will continue through the Skoura Palmeraie, a beautiful palm grove, and the Valley of Roses until we reach the Dades Valley, where we will spend the night surrounded by mountains.
  • You will spend night in hotel/riad
  • After breakfast, we will continue along the banks of Boumalne Dades, where a road lined with kasbahs and ksours (fortresses or castles) unfolds, displaying ochre, red, and mauve hues.
  • As we journey through oases and palm groves, we will arrive at Tineghir, home to the spectacular Todra Gorgesperched at an altitude of 1,350 meters and surrounded by a palm grove.
  • Our route will then take us to Erfoud, known as the “City of Fossils,” and after a stretch of off-road tracks,
  • We will reach Merzouga, facing the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Here, we will exchange our vehicle for dromedaries, leading us to the campsite for an overnight stay in traditional tents, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the enchantment of the desert beneath a blanket of millions of stars.
  • We will savor a typical dinner accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Berber drums.
  • For those who wish, an early wake-up call allows the opportunity to witness the sunrise from the dunes, an unforgettable experience few places can rival.
  • After breakfast, we bid farewell to the dunes and returned to the meeting point, where our 4×4 vehicle awaited.
  • Our journey continues towards Rissani, the first imperial city renowned for its vibrant market, where nomads gather to sell their livestock and acquire necessary supplies.
  • If the timing aligns and it’s market day, we can witness the lively local trade firsthand.
  • We then proceed towards Ouarzazate through the picturesque Draa Valley, home to one of Morocco’s longest rivers.
  • Along the way, we make stops to admire the charming adobe kasbahs, Berber villages, and fascinating geological formations adorn the valley.
  • Finally, we arrive at the hotel, where you can rest well.
  • After breakfast, if desired, there is an optional visit to the Universal Studios of Cinema or the Taourirt Kasbah.
  • We then detour the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned as one of Morocco’s best-preserved ksours (fortified villages).
  • Enjoy some free time to stroll through the kasbah and climb to its summit for breathtaking views.
  • We will then traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains with their stunning landscapes.
  • Upon arrival in Marrakech, you will be transferred to the riad for some well-deserved rest or to immerse yourself in the city’s magical atmosphere.
  • Night in your hotel/riad.
  • Depending on the scheduled departure time of your flight, you will have some free time for final visits and shopping.
  • Alternatively, if the flight departure time allows, there is an optional guided tour with a local guide.
  • You will be transferred to the airport for your departure at the agreed time.
  • End of our services.

Tour Highlights

What's Included / not included

Overview

Start a fascinating journey through the southern region of Morocco, known as the ‘Magical South.’ Beginning in Marrakech, you will be transferred to your accommodation to explore the Djemaa el Fna Square and the bustling medina. Travel through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tichka Pass, and take in the changing landscapes and traditional berber villages.

Discover Ouarzazate, ‘The Gateway to the Desert,’ and the picturesque Skoura Palm Grove. Dive into the impressive rock formations and other landscapes of the Dades Valley.

Be amazed by the towering cliffs and the oasis of the Todra Gorges. Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert in Merzouga and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, enjoying a camel ride and a night in a desert camp. Explore the historic city of Rissani and the charming Draa Valley with its palm groves and ancient kasbahs.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, known for its well-preserved kasbah. Conclude the journey with a transfer back to Marrakech, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and memories.

This trip offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and unforgettable moments, showcasing the charming ‘Magical South‘ of Morocco.

Essential Information

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Rated 5 out of 5