8 day tour to the gran south of Morocco

Our journey begins with a morning departure from Marrakech, heading toward the serene Lalla Takerkoust Lake and the village of Asni. We will visit the historic Tinmel Mosque, a 12th-century architectural masterpiece and one of only two mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, it sits nestled in the mountains. We then ascend the dramatic Tizi n’Test pass, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views as we navigate the High Atlas range. Our day concludes in Taliouine, the heart of Morocco’s saffron production, where we will visit a local saffron cooperative.

After breakfast, we head to Taznakht, a major hub for traditional Berber carpet weaving. From there, we reach the remote military outpost of Foum Zguid for lunch. The afternoon takes us off-road across the dry bed of Lake Iriki, a hauntingly beautiful landscape bordered by rolling dunes. We then enter the wild dunes of Erg Chegaga, the largest sand sea in the region. Here, you will enjoy a camel trek at sunset followed by a night of traditional music and dancing around a desert campfire.

Wake up early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the dunes. We then depart for the village of M’hamid and continue to Tamegroute. Here, we will explore the famous Koranic Library (Zaouia), the unique green pottery workshops, and the ancient underground Kasbah. Following the Draa Valley through the Ait Isfoul Oasis, we arrive in Zagora, famously known as the "Gate to the Desert," marked by the iconic sign: "Timbuktu 52 days."

Leaving Zagora, we traverse desert plains and Berber settlements toward Tazarine, a village celebrated for its Henna festival. Along the way, we will stop at Aït Ouazik to view ancient rock engravings. After a lunch stop in Alnif, known for its fossils and dates, we continue to Rissani, the ancestral home of the Alaouite dynasty. By late afternoon, we reach the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, where we will spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Today is dedicated to the Sahara. We’ll navigate the old Paris-Dakar Rally tracks, visiting nomadic families and experiencing the desert's changing colors. We’ll stop at the "Black Village" of Khamlia to listen to the soulful rhythms of Gnawa musicians, followed by a lunch of "Berber Pizza," a local specialty. The afternoon is yours to explore the local markets or enjoy a coffee while soaking in the quiet pace of desert life.

After a final sunrise over the dunes and a camel ride back for breakfast, we return to Rissani to explore its bustling traditional market—the largest in the south. We then head to Erfoud to visit a fossilized marble factory. Our route continues through the Berber villages of Touroug and Tinjdad until we reach the towering limestone cliffs of the Todra Gorges, where you can take a refreshing walk along the riverbed.

We depart for the Dades Valley, driving along the winding roads to explore the dramatic Dades Gorges. Afterward, we head off-road toward Boutaghrar to meet nomad families living in mountain caves, witnessing the fascinating contrast between desert and mountain lifestyles. After lunch, we enter the Valley of the Roses in Kelaat M’Gouna, famous for its rose-infused perfumes and oils. We finish the day visiting the Amerdhyle Kasbah in the Skoura Oasis before arriving in Ouarzazate.

Our final day explores the "Hollywood of Africa." We’ll visit the Kasbah Taourirt, a stunning fortress with intricate artwork once owned by the Glaoui family. Movie enthusiasts will love the Atlas Film Studios, where sets from blockbusters like Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven still stand. After exploring these cinematic landmarks, we cross the High Atlas Mountains one last time, arriving back in Marrakech by late evening.