8-Day Authentic Southern Morocco & Sahara Tour

ARRIVAL AT MARRAKECH AIRPORT

Welcome to Morocco! Your guide will pick you up at Marrakech Airport to your riad/hotel.

MARRAKECH GUIDED TOUR WITH A LICENSED LOCAL GUIDE

Your private guided tour will start from your riad/hotel with a local guide. You’ll visit historical monuments and discover more about the local way of life. The ancient part of Marrakech, known as the Medina, was founded in 1070–1072 by the Almoravids and was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. You’ll visit the Bahia Palace, one of the most beautiful palaces in Marrakech, built in the late 19th century. Then, you’ll visit the Saadian Tombs, which were built in the late 16th century.

Next, you’ll visit Ben Youssef Madrasa, an Islamic school founded in the 14th century by the Marinid Sultan Abu al-Hasan. We’ll then walk through the narrow alleyways of the Medina towards Jemaa el-Fna Square, enjoying the lively atmosphere and exploring the market stalls filled with handmade crafts, traditional objects, and jewelry to suit all tastes. Jemaa el-Fna Square is the main square of the city and the gateway to the souks. Here, local merchants and artisans come to display and sell their goods. Afterward, we’ll head to the Majorelle Garden, followed by a short tour of the Gueliz district and its main avenue (optional).

Overnight at your riad/hotel in Marrakech.

MARRAKECH ⤍ HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS ⤍ AÏT BENHADDOU KASBAH ⤍ ROSES VALLEY ⤍ DADES VALLEY

Today, you will begin your trip from Marrakech to Dades Gorge via Tizi n’Tichka Mountain Pass at 2,260 m altitude. There will be some time for a quick photo and rest. After that, you will proceed to Aït Benhaddou, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and remains one of the most iconic historical places of Morocco. After arriving there, it is time for lunch and visiting Kasbah.

Aït Benhaddou is a historic fortified ksar, which was one of the key stops on the ancient caravan route between Marrakech and Sahara. This iconic historical place served as a filming location for many Hollywood blockbusters such as Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, The Message, and the recent series Game of Thrones.

The next destination of the day will be Kalaat M'Gouna, known as the "City of Roses," a small Berber resort located in southeastern Morocco. Kalaat M'Gouna hosts an annual Rose Festival in May. The views of Valley of Roses from here are fantastic. . On the way to last destination of the day, we’ll stop to see the volcanic rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers". Then, we'll experience the stunning winding road in the Dades Gorge, one of the most amazing attractions in the authentic south of Morocco. It is located between the Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains. One of its most striking features is the Dades Gorge, which is characterized by dramatic gorges and karstic canyons that form a fascinating landscape of eroded rock formations.

Overnight at your riad/hotel in Dades Valley.

DADES VALLEY ⤍ TODRA GORGES ⤍ ERFOUD ⤍ MERZOUGA DESERT

After breakfast and check-out, we’ll set off towards the Todra Gorges. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery as we reach the impressive canyon, with dramatic rock walls rising up to 160 meters on both sides. We’ll then continue towards the Merzouga Desert, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant in Tinejdad. After lunch, we’ll drive on to Merzouga, where you’ll get your first views of the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes.

Once we arrive, you’ll meet your camel guide and begin your camel trek into the desert as the sun starts to set. Ride through the golden dunes, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and take in the beautiful desert scenery along the way.

After watching the sunset and taking some memorable photos, we’ll arrive at the desert camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner, relax under the stars, and spend the night in a Berber desert camp.

MERZOUGA DESERT ⤍ RISSANI ⤍ ALNIF ⤍ TAGHBALTE ⤍ ZAGORA

Wake up to a hearty breakfast at the desert camp. Next, we’ll pick you up and begin our journey with a half-hour drive to the Rissani Souk. It is the heart of regional trade and is divided into several sections. The vendors offer a wide selection of both local and imported products to meet the needs of the region’s residents.

Our next stop will be Alnif, along the route to Zagora. We’ll stop for lunch before continuing our journey to Zagora.

Overnight at your riad/hotel in Zagora.

ZAGORA ⤍ TAMEGROUTE ⤍ ERG CHIGAGA DESERT
(56km Through the Sand Track)

The main attraction of Zagora is its unique palm grove and interesting sights. After breakfast, we will visit Tamgroute Village to see the well-known Quranic Library, the underground Kasbah, and the workshop of the local potters. Zaouïa Naciria – this is the name of the Quranic Library that has more than 4,000 books and was established in the 17th century by the scholars of the Zaouïa Naciria.

Next, we will walk a little further to the underground Kasbah where you will be able to take photos. Also, we will visit the workshop where the potters craft pottery by hand using ancient methods. This craft is transferred from generation to generation by the locals. Now, we will go to El Mhamid – the last oasis of the Draa Valley before you will reach the Sahara Desert and the Erg Chigaga dunes. Have lunch in the local restaurant.

Now, we will drive along the desert track to Erg Chigaga. Upon arrival, you will meet the guide of the camels and start the tour when the sun sets. Desert scenery, high sand dunes, friendly local people and tranquility make the Erg Chigaga perfect place for relaxation after your hard day travel. Watch the fantastic sunset and take photos of the amazing nature inside the dunes.

Overnight in a Traditional Berber Desert Camp

ERG CHIGAGA DESERT ⤍ LAKE IRIQUI ⤍ FOUM ZGUID ⤍ MARRAKECH
(62km Through the Paris-Dakar road)

In the morning, wyou’ll wake up early (optional) to enjoy the amazing sunrise over the sand dunes. Then, return to the camp for a traditional breakfast and check out.

Next, we’ll continue our journey to Foum Zguid Village, crossing Lake Iriqui via the Paris-Dakar road. En route, we’ll make stops at various wonderful landscapes and scenic viewpoints along the way. Lunch will be in this small Berber village. Then, we’ll travel through the mountains on our way back to your hotel/riad in Marrakech.

MARRAKECH ⤍ AIRPORT (RAK)

Today, there’s free time until the transfer to the Marrakesh airport for the flight to the next destination.