Discovering the Jewels of Southern Morocco
An 8-day journey through kasbahs, gorges, palm groves, and the dunes of Merzouga. Authentic Morocco awaits you.
A Quick Overview of the Tour
Embark on an 8-day adventure through southern Morocco, starting and ending in Marrakech. Explore the charming coastal town of Essaouira, the relaxed vibe of Agadir, and the authenticity of Taroudant before venturing into the spectacular High Atlas and its Berber villages. The journey continues to the famous kasbahs of Aït Ben Haddou and the cinematic city of Ouarzazate. Immerse yourself in the magic of the Merzouga desert with its golden dunes, nomadic villages, and an unforgettable quad biking adventure. The Ziz Valley, the dramatic Todra Gorges, and the Ouzoud Waterfalls complete this journey rich in contrasting landscapes, authentic encounters, and exceptional natural sites. A diverse and authentic experience between sea, mountains, desert, and oases, perfect for discovering the best of southern Morocco.
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Day 1: Marrakech – Essaouira
Depart at 8:30 AM from your accommodation in Marrakech towards the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, traverse a stunning region dotted with argan trees, iconic to southwestern Morocco. Depending on the season, you may spot goats perched in these trees, foraging for argan fruit. Optional stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative to learn about the artisanal production of this precious oil. Arrive in Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage coastal town. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant, then explore this charming city known for its white medina with blue shutters, Portuguese ramparts, and bohemian artistic vibe. Stroll along the fortifications (Skala), visit the port and fish market, and enjoy free time in the souks. Dinner and overnight stay in a charming riad.
Day 2: Essaouira – Agadir – Taroudant
Depart along the Atlantic coast southward, passing through wild landscapes of cliffs, dunes, and deserted beaches. Stop at several fishing villages before arriving in Agadir, a modern seaside resort rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake. Enjoy a seaside lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Taroudant, one of Morocco’s oldest cities, nicknamed “Little Marrakech” for its ochre ramparts and artisanal vibe. Stroll through the medina, explore its lively souks, and optionally visit the former Pacha’s palace. Taroudant is renowned for its artisanal products (leather, silver, carpets, pottery...). Dinner and overnight stay in a Taroudant riad.
Day 3: Taroudant – Taliouine – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
Head east through the High Atlas mountains, passing through Taliouine, Morocco’s saffron capital, home to one of the world’s most precious spices. Optional stop at a cooperative to see traditional saffron cultivation. Continue to Taznakht, known for its hand-knotted Berber carpets. Then, reach the iconic Aït Ben Haddou kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy lunch on-site. Explore this spectacular hilltop kasbah, a filming location for movies like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Jesus of Nazareth, and one of Morocco’s best-preserved kasbahs. Arrive in Ouarzazate, the city of cinema and a former French garrison, by late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
Day 4: Ouarzazate – Tizgui Waterfalls – Drâa Valley – Merzouga Dunes
After breakfast, depart at 8:30 AM from Ouarzazate towards southern Morocco. Cross the Tizi-n-Tinfifite pass (1,660 m) with its arid, spectacular landscapes, then stop at the hidden gem of Tizgui Waterfalls, perfect for relaxation and photography. Depending on water flow, you may descend to the waterfall’s base. Continue to Agdez, the gateway to the mythical Drâa Valley, Morocco’s longest oasis. Follow a section of the ancient caravan route, immersed in lush palm groves, traditional mud-brick kasbahs, and fortified Berber villages. Lunch in N’Kob, an authentic village surrounded by 45 kasbahs. In the afternoon, travel through Tazarine, Alnif, and Rissani, the historic capital of Tafilalet and origin of the Alaouite dynasty, known for its traditional market and ksours (fortified villages). Arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon, at the foot of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes, Morocco’s tallest. Enjoy a camel ride at sunset, a magical moment, leading to a luxury desert camp. Dinner and overnight stay in a comfortable tent under a starry sky, steeped in authentic Saharan ambiance.
Day 5: Desert Immersion – Erg Chebbi Tour, Khamlia Village, and Quad Biking in the Dunes
After watching the sunrise over Merzouga’s dunes, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the camp before a thrilling day exploring Erg Chebbi and its surroundings. Start with a 4x4 excursion around the dunes, traversing varied Saharan landscapes: majestic dunes, rocky plateaus, discreet oases, and villages nestled between sand and stone. Meet nomadic Berber families living in traditional tents, offering insights into their resilient, simple lifestyle. Stop at Khamlia village, known as the “Gnaoua village,” home to a sub-Saharan community famous for its spiritual music. Experience a live Gnaoua performance, vibrant with percussion and soulful chants. Continue to a fossil-rich desert area, showcasing marine fossils like trilobites and ammonites from a prehistoric ocean. Return to Merzouga for lunch at a local restaurant, savoring Saharan specialties. In the afternoon, embark on a two-hour quad biking adventure through Erg Chebbi’s golden dunes, blending adrenaline and awe. Return to the luxury camp for a traditional dinner under the stars and a peaceful night in the desert.
Day 6: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Todra Gorges: A Journey Through Lush Oases and Dramatic Cliffs
After a serene desert wake-up and hearty breakfast, depart north from Merzouga to Erfoud, renowned for its exceptional fossil quarries. Explore this geological treasure, home to millions of years of Saharan history, and its vibrant date market. Continue through the spectacular Ziz Valley, a lush green corridor lined with thousands of date palms, contrasting with the arid surroundings. Admire traditional mud-brick kasbahs and Berber villages along this biodiverse oasis. Enter the Tafilalet Valley, a historic cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, rich in culture and heritage. Lunch in Tinjdad, an authentic village with warm, local cuisine. In the afternoon, reach Tinghir, the gateway to the majestic Todra Gorges, known for their 300-meter-high cliffs carved by time and the Todra River. Stroll through Tinghir’s lush palm grove, a verdant oasis of palms, gardens, and orchards. Explore the dramatic Todra Gorges, a narrow canyon popular with hikers and climbers, where changing light highlights the cliffs’ ochre and red hues. End the day with dinner and a restful night in a nature-surrounded riad.
Day 7: Crossing the High Atlas – Berber Villages – Imilchil – Bin El Ouidane Lake – Ouzoud Waterfalls
This day offers a stunning journey through the High Atlas’s diverse landscapes. Travel along a spectacular route of plateaus and mountains, passing remote villages like Tamtattouchte and Aït Hani, where traditional Berber life thrives in stone houses and terraced fields. Visit Imilchil, famous for its annual betrothal festival, a cultural highlight showcasing Amazigh traditions. Lunch by the serene Bin El Ouidane Lake, a scenic spot surrounded by wooded mountains, perfect for a relaxing stroll. In the afternoon, reach the iconic Ouzoud Waterfalls, Morocco’s natural wonder with 110-meter cascades, ancient olive trees, and free-roaming Barbary macaques. Spend the night in a riad near the waterfalls, immersed in a tranquil natural setting.
Day 8: Ouzoud Waterfalls – Imi n’Ifri – Demnate – Return to Marrakech
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy free time to explore the Ouzoud Waterfalls, Morocco’s tallest, with opportunities for walks, swimming in natural pools (seasonal), and observing playful Barbary macaques. Head back to Marrakech, stopping in Demnate, a historic Berber town rich in culture and traditional architecture. Nearby, visit Imi n’Ifri, a striking natural bridge formed by a collapsed cave, spanning a lush gorge—a geological marvel. After this enriching stop, continue to Marrakech, arriving at your hotel or riad in about two hours, concluding an unforgettable journey.
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