Unforgettable 5-Day Southern Morocco Desert Tour: Kasbahs, Dunes & Cultural Wonders

Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from your riad or hotel in Marrakech. Journey through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains via the Tichka Pass (2,260m), the highest road pass in Morocco, offering stunning panoramic views of rugged peaks, lush valleys, and charming Berber villages nestled along the winding route.

En route, explore historic kasbahs, including Tamnougalte and the renowned Ait Ben Haddou. This 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Morocco’s best-preserved and most striking kasbahs, famously featured in Hollywood productions such as Gladiator.

Continue the journey through the picturesque Draa Valley, where lush palm groves line the riverbanks, creating a striking contrast against the arid desert landscape. By evening, arrive in Zagora and settle into a traditional kasbah for an authentic Moroccan experience.

Accommodation: Kasbah Sirocco (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Transportation: Private Car

After breakfast, embark on a journey through breathtaking desert landscapes rarely explored by tourists. Travel along ancient caravan routes once used to transport sugar, cotton, and rice across Morocco, immersing yourself in the rich history of the region.

Part of the route follows the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally trail, offering a taste of adventure as you traverse the rugged terrain of the Draa Valley and the vast Oum Geran Plateau. Pass through remote Berber villages seemingly untouched by time and cross the striking black desert ergs, where dramatic landscapes unfold at every turn.

Enjoy a serene picnic lunch beneath the shade of an Acacia tree, taking in the tranquility of the desert. By late afternoon, arrive at your accommodation in the Ouzina Desert, where you’ll experience the charm of a traditional kasbah amidst the dunes.

Accommodation: Kasbah Ouzina (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast | Dinner
Transportation: Private Car

Begin the morning with an immersive visit to the remote village of Ouzina, home to just 14 families living in traditional adobe houses. Experience the warmth of local hospitality as you visit the village bakery, where women gather to bake bread and share stories. Continue to the Ouzina Association and the local school before concluding your visit with tea at a Berber family's home.

Later, journey to Khamlia, a small Saharan village with a rich cultural heritage rooted in Mali. Here, enjoy an authentic performance of traditional Gnawa music, drumming, and dancing. Take a leisurely walk through the village and its unique desert farmlands before heading toward Merzouga.

Upon arrival in Merzouga, trade your car for a camel and embark on a breathtaking trek across the golden dunes of the Sahara. As the sun sets, hike up a dune for a mesmerizing view before settling into your Bedouin-style desert camp. Enjoy a warm meal by the fire, accompanied by the rhythms of Berber music under a canopy of stars.

Accommodation: Pueblo Touareg (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast | Dinner
Transportation: Private Car | Camel Ride

Rise early to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Sahara sunrise, painting the dunes in hues of gold and crimson. After enjoying an open-air breakfast at your desert camp, bid farewell to the Merzouga region and set off towards new landscapes.

Your first stop is the oasis town of Tinghir, a lush valley nestled between the mountains. From here, journey to the dramatic Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs soar up to 300 meters (985 feet), creating one of Morocco’s most stunning natural wonders. Take time to explore the gorge with a local guide, wade in the refreshing waters of the Todra River, and enjoy lunch in this serene setting.

Continuing the journey, travel towards the breathtaking Dades Valley. Upon reaching Boumalne Dades, take a scenic detour along a winding route leading to the Dades Gorges, a landscape famed for its otherworldly rock formations, ancient kasbahs, and charming Berber villages. Along the riverbanks, fertile land flourishes with almond, fig, and walnut trees, creating a striking contrast against the rugged terrain. This road is considered one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world.

Accommodation: Riad Dades Paradise (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast | Dinner
Transportation: Private Car

After breakfast, take a short morning walk through the stunning Dades Gorges before continuing your journey through Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes. Follow the scenic Dades Valley, passing through El Kelaa M’Gouna, famously known as the Valley of the Roses, where fragrant rose fields bloom in spring. Travel along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, a route dotted with ancient fortresses and traditional Berber villages.

Arriving in Ouarzazate, often called the "Gateway to the Sahara," take in views of its historic kasbahs and film studios. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic and best-preserved kasbahs, known as a backdrop for famous films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Enjoy some time exploring this ancient fortified village before stopping for lunch.

In the afternoon, journey back to Marrakech, crossing the Tichka Pass (2,260m), the highest road pass in Morocco, offering spectacular panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening, marking the end of your unforgettable Moroccan desert adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Transportation: Private Car