Epic 10-Day Southern Morocco Adventure Tour: Kasbahs, Oases & Golden Dunes

Upon your arrival in Marrakech, your private driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax after your journey. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure—whether you choose to unwind in the comfort of your riad or explore the vibrant streets of Marrakech.

Depending on your arrival time, we can arrange an optional guided tour of Marrakech, where you’ll discover the city’s rich history, bustling souks, and iconic landmarks.

📍 Accommodation: Riad Assouel (or similar)
🍽 Meals included: Breakfast
🚗 Transportation: Private Car

After breakfast, your private guide will meet you at 9:00 AM for a guided city tour of Marrakech, uncovering the city's rich history and vibrant culture.

Your journey begins at the stunning Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, followed by a visit to the Medrassa Ben Youssef, one of the most beautiful Islamic colleges in North Africa. Explore the Saadian Tombs, an architectural gem from the 16th century, and admire the Koutoubia Mosque from the outside, an iconic symbol of Marrakech.

Next, dive into the lively atmosphere of the souks, where artisans craft everything from leather goods to intricate lanterns. Your tour ends at the famous Jamaa el Fna Square, where snake charmers, storytellers, and street food vendors bring the city to life.

📍 Accommodation: Riad Assouel (or similar)
🍽 Meals included: Breakfast
🚗 Transportation: Private Car

After breakfast, you will leave the bustling streets of Marrakech behind and head east towards the desert, traversing the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the breathtaking Tizi n’ Tichka Pass (2,260 m). Along the way, enjoy scenic stops at panoramic viewpoints, capturing the beauty of the rugged landscape.

Beyond the Tichka Pass, you will take a detour to visit the Telouet Kasbah, once the grand residence of the Glaoui family, rulers of southern Morocco. A local guide will take you through the ornate halls and crumbling yet fascinating ruins of this historic stronghold.

Continuing along the picturesque Ounila Valley, you’ll pass through lush green fields, striking red rock formations, and Berber villages, where traditional kasbahs blend seamlessly into the landscape.

Upon arrival in Ait Ben Haddou, a local guide will accompany you on a tour of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site—one of Morocco’s most famous ksours (fortified villages). With its well-preserved earthen architecture, Ait Ben Haddou has served as a backdrop for numerous famous films and offers a glimpse into Morocco’s past.

End the day with a relaxing overnight stay in a traditional guesthouse in Ait Ben Haddou.

📍 Accommodation: Kasbah Ellouze (or similar)
🍽 Meals included: Breakfast
🚗 Transportation: Private Vehicle

Wake up to the breathtaking views of Ait Ben Haddou, a remarkable example of medieval kasbah architecture. After breakfast, set off towards Ouarzazate, often called the "Hollywood of Morocco", where you can join a film studio tour to discover which iconic movies were filmed in the surrounding desert landscapes. A visit to Taourirt Kasbah and the Musée du Cinéma is also possible for those interested in the region’s cinematic and historical heritage.

Next, the journey continues to Kelaat M’Gouna, also known as "Valley of Roses." This region is Morocco’s largest producer of rose oil and water, essential to both local culture and the economy. Depending on the season, you may have the chance to see the rose fields in bloom and learn about the traditional distillation process.

As we move deeper into the Dades region, we take a scenic route along the Mgoun River through the village of Boutghrar, where a short stop allows you to visit nomadic families living in caves, offering a rare insight into their way of life.

Continuing through the colorful landscapes of the Dades Valley, we pass several fortified villages before arriving at your hotel for the night, nestled in the heart of this dramatic gorge.

📍 Accommodation: Riad dades Paradise (or similar)
🍽 Meals included: Breakfast
🚗 Transportation: Private Vehicle

After breakfast, set out on an immersive 4-hour walk through the breathtaking Dades Gorges and canyons. As you traverse the rugged terrain, you'll witness towering rock formations, lush oasis landscapes, and traditional Berber villages tucked into the valley.

Midway through the trek, you’ll arrive at a beautiful oasis, where a local Berber family will welcome you for an open-air lunch, offering a unique opportunity to experience authentic Berber hospitality and traditional cuisine.

After lunch, return to your hotel, where the rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and unwind—whether you choose to take in the stunning views, enjoy a leisurely stroll, or simply rest in the peaceful surroundings.

📍 Accommodation: Riad Dades Paradise (or similar)
🍽 Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
🚗 Transportation: Private Vehicle

After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through vibrant Berber villages and admiring the striking rock formations known as the Monkey Fingers. As we follow the Dades River, the landscape unfolds with ancient fortified kasbahs standing as remnants of Morocco’s rich history.

Leaving the Dades Valley, we head toward Tinghir and the Todra Valley, where panoramic views reveal old mud-brick Berber villages scattered across the lush valley. Upon reaching the Todra Gorge, marvel at the towering 300-meter-high red cliffs, a popular destination for rock climbers from around the world. Enjoy a walk through this dramatic canyon, taking in its awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Continuing our adventure, we explore the remote Saghro region, where we encounter Ait Atta nomads living a traditional lifestyle in black Bedouin tents, tending to their herds of goats, sheep, and camels. This is an incredible opportunity to witness the enduring nomadic culture of Morocco.

Crossing the Tizi n’Tzazert Pass (2,200m), we descend into Nkob, a hidden oasis dotted with 45 mudbrick ksour (fortified villages). The town’s name originates from a cave once used as shelter by Ait Atta nomads, and its untouched charm makes it a perfect place to experience authentic southern Morocco.

Tonight, relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Nkob in a traditional kasbah hotel.

📍 Accommodation: Kasbah Imdoukal (or similar)
🍽 Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
🚗 Transportation: Private Vehicle

After breakfast, explore the charming village of Nkob, nestled at the base of Jbel Saghro, famous for its 45 well-preserved kasbahs. Take in the panoramic views of the surrounding palm groves and enjoy a brief walk through the village, passing by one of its most prominent buildings.

Next, we follow the ancient Draa Valley, once a key trade route for caravans exchanging goods between Morocco, Mali, and Niger. The valley is a breathtaking oasis, home to thousands of date palms, producing an impressive 44 varieties of dates. The lush scenery here is a striking contrast to the arid desert that lies ahead.

Our journey continues with a stop in Tamgroute, an ancient town that dates back to the 16th century Saadian dynasty. Visit the famous green pottery workshops, the historic Coran library, and the fascinating underground kasbah, where the architecture has stood the test of time.

We then drive further south to M’hamid, known as the gateway to the desert and the end of the paved road. Here, we will enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the vast desert landscape, taking in the tranquility of this remote area.

After lunch, we embark on an off-road journey to the majestic Erg Chegaga Desert. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your camels and begin your camel trek into the heart of the desert. As the sun sets over the golden sand dunes, you'll experience the magic of the Sahara.

Spend the night in a luxury desert camp, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner under a sky filled with stars, surrounded by the silence and beauty of the desert.

📍 Accommodation: Luxury Desert Camp (or similar)
🍽 Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
🚗 Transportation: Private Vehicle

Wake up early to witness the stunning sunrise over the Erg Chegaga Dunes, a magical moment as the golden sands are bathed in the first light of day. After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to our Berber camp team and continue our journey through the desert.

We drive 90 km through varying desert landscapes, passing by the Iriqui Lake, a vast dried-up lake, and the black stone plains, with fossils scattered across the ground. The stark beauty of this terrain is truly unique.

Before heading back to the main road, we stop in Foum Zguid, the first town after the desert, and continue north to Taznakht, a town renowned for its Berber carpets. Here, we’ll visit a local carpet cooperative where women from surrounding villages craft intricate, handwoven carpets.

After about an hour’s stop for lunch, we continue on to Taliouine, the heart of Morocco’s saffron-growing region. At a government-run museum, we’ll learn about the fascinating process of saffron cultivation and its importance to the local economy.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Taroudante, often called “Marrakech’s little sister” for its historic charm and ochre-colored city walls. After checking into your riad, you’ll have the evening free to explore the city at your leisure.

📍 Accommodation: Hotel Dar Zitoune (or similar)
🍽 Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
🚗 Transportation: Private Vehicle

After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Taroudante, a charming and relaxed town often referred to as "Marrakech’s little sister." You’ll meet your local guide for a tour of the town’s main attractions, including the impressive city walls and bustling souks, where you can shop for local crafts without the crowds of Marrakech. Taroudante offers an authentic experience of Moroccan life, making it a great place to enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere.

Afterward, we begin our drive back to Marrakech via the scenic Tizi n’ Test Pass (2,100m), a beautiful mountain road that offers panoramic views of lush greenery contrasting with red clay hills and winding roads. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Tin-Mal Mosque, a historic 12th-century monument that closely resembles the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech. Tin-Mal was the birthplace of the Almohad dynasty, which played a key role in Moroccan history.

The remainder of the drive takes us through charming hamlets and mesmerizing landscapes as we pass Ouirgane, Asni, and Tahanouet before arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon.

📍 Accommodation: Palm Menara Hotel (or similar)
🍽 Meals included: Breakfast
🚗 Transportation: Private Car

Depending on your flight time, you’ll have the opportunity for some last-minute sightseeing in Marrakech. Visit the beautiful Majorelle Garden, an oasis of exotic plants and vibrant colors, or explore the artistic Anima Garden for a peaceful stroll surrounded by sculptures and greenery. If you have time, you can also shop for souvenirs to remember your adventure in Morocco.

Afterward, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your unforgettable Moroccan journey.

🍽 Meals included: Breakfast
🚗 Transportation: Private Car