9-Day Tour: “The Wild South of Morocco”
Tour overview
Set off on a unique adventure through Morocco’s untamed southern regions, where the majestic High Atlas Mountains open the way to vast deserts, Berber villages, and timeless landscapes. This 9-day tour takes you to the country’s three major sand dune areas: Erg Ouzina, Erg Chebbi, and the surroundings of Maider, along scenic routes filled with ancient kasbahs and legendary valleys like the Draa and Dades. You’ll stay in traditional riads and luxury desert camps, and immerse yourself in the local culture, music, and warm hospitality of the Moroccan Sahara.
Duration: 9 days
Day 1
Arrival – Marrakech
Our Spanish-speaking driver (tour guide) will be waiting for you at the airport and take you in a private vehicle to your Riad/hotel in the Medina. You’ll have the evening free to explore Marrakech at your own pace.
Day 2
Marrakech – High Atlas – Telouet – Ait Ben Haddou – Draa Valley – Zagora
After breakfast, we’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 meters above sea level. We’ll visit the Kasbah of Telouet and the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou (a UNESCO World Heritage site), where you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour to discover its fascinating history and its role as a backdrop for major films such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Jewel of the Nile (1985), Queen of the Desert, Gladiator (2000), and the series Game of Thrones (2013).
We’ll continue through the scenic Draa Valley until we reach Zagora.
Dinner and overnight stay in a charming riad in Zagora.
Day 3
Zagora – Maider Lake – Erg Ouzina
On this day we’ll head off-road in a 4×4 through desert tracks, passing remote Berber villages and the vast dry Maider Lake. Later, we’ll arrive at Erg Ouzina, where you’ll be welcomed with traditional mint tea and take a walk through the golden dunes.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner, live drum music around a campfire, and an overnight stay in a desert kasbah.
Day 4
Ouzina – Khemlia – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi
Today we’ll visit the village of Ouzina and then Khemlia, renowned for its Gnawa music, a powerful heritage rooted in sub-Saharan African traditions. We’ll continue to Merzouga, where we’ll switch to camels and ride into the heart of the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Witness a stunning desert sunset, and—if you’d like—add a thrilling hour of quad biking across the dunes (optional, not included).
Dinner and overnight in a luxury desert camp.
Day 5
Erg Chebbi – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After breakfast, we begin our journey to Rissani and Erfoud, continuing on to the majestic Todra Gorges, where dramatic rock walls tower above— a hidden gem for rock climbers.
We’ll then head to the scenic Dades Valley, famous for its kasbahs and unique rock formations.
Dinner and overnight at a Riad/hotel.
Day 6
Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate
Today we explore the Dades Valley and the Valley of Roses, followed by a visit to the palm grove of Skoura.
Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” for its film studios and cinematic landscapes.
Dinner and overnight stay in a local Riad.
Day 7
Ouarzazate – High Atlas – Marrakech
After breakfast, we cross the High Atlas Mountains once again on our return to Marrakech. Arrival in the afternoon with free time to explore the bustling souks, tranquil gardens, or enjoy a tea at Jemaa el-Fna square—connecting the magic of the Moroccan south to the heart of the Red City.
Overnight in a Riad/hotel.
Day 8
Marrakech – Guided City Tour
In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech’s historical monuments, including the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Madrasa, traditional souks, and more.
The afternoon is free for you to relax, explore, or do some shopping.
Overnight in a Riad.
Day 9
Marrakech – Airport Transfer
Depending on your flight time, we’ll transfer you to the airport.
This marks the end of your 9-day tour through the wild south of Morocco.
We hope to welcome you again on your next adventure!
- Included
- Pick-up & drop off at/from your accommodation/airport
- Transport by private modern vehicle with A/C
- Experienced English-speaking Driver/Guide
- Car Fuel
- 7 nights in a private room in the hotel (Dinner & Breakfast)
- Camel Trekking (Camel per person)
- Sunset camel ride
- Hearty dinner and party around the campfire (Berber Drums)
- Overnight at a private tent in Camp (Breakfast & dinner)
- 4×4 transfer from and to the camp (Alternative to Camels)
- Not Included
- Flight tickets
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Entrance to monuments (Optional)
- Tips
