Morocco Destination
8 day Southern Oases & Valleys Adventure
Experience an 8-day journey through Morocco's southern landscapes, where arid beauty meets lush oases. Visit the Sahara's edge, exploring ancient kasbahs, vibrant valleys, and golden dunes. Begin in Ouarzazate, the 'Gateway to the Desert,' and traverse the stunning Dades and Todra Gorges. Discover Berber villages in Skoura and the fragrant Valley of Roses. Spend a magical night under the stars in a luxury desert camp near Zagora, surrounded by the serene Sahara. Explore the Draa Valley, Morocco's longest river oasis, filled with kasbahs and date palms.
Discover Morocco’s Desert Heart: Oases, Valleys & Timeless Kasbahs
Day 1: Marrakech to Ouarzazate via Telouet and Ait Benhaddou
Your journey begins in Marrakech, heading south across the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n'Tichka pass, which offers spectacular panoramic views. Your first stop is the Telouet Kasbah, a once glorious fortress along the ancient caravan route. After exploring its unique blend of Berber and Andalusian architecture, you’ll continue to the iconic Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cinematic mudbrick ksar. After wandering its historic alleys, you proceed to Ouarzazate, often dubbed the “Gateway to the Sahara,” where you’ll spend the night.
Day 2: Exploring the Skoura Palm Grove
From Ouarzazate, you travel eastward to the lush Skoura palm grove, a verdant oasis surrounded by date palms and dotted with ancient kasbahs. The day is dedicated to hiking and exploration within this tranquil setting. You’ll meander through hidden trails, interact with locals, and discover centuries-old irrigation systems that sustain life in this desert oasis. It’s a chance to slow down and absorb the natural beauty and cultural heritage of southern Morocco.
Day 3: Skoura to Bou Tharar and Dades Valley
Departing Skoura, the route takes you deeper into the heart of the valley landscapes, passing through the remote village of Bou Tharar. This area is known for its dramatic rock formations and terraced fields nestled along the edge of the High Atlas. Continuing into the Dades Valley, you’ll encounter the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and winding roads that hug the red cliffs. Settle in for the night surrounded by breathtaking scenery and Berber hospitality.
Day 4: Full Day in the Dades Valley
Spend the entire day discovering the rich beauty of the Dades Valley. Explore its traditional mud-brick villages, hike along green oasis trails, and meet local families who maintain time-honored agricultural practices. The valley’s layered landscapes, shifting between rugged canyons and fertile plots, offer endless opportunities for exploration, photography, and cultural exchange.
Day 5: Dades Valley to Merzouga via Todra Gorges and Erfoud
Today’s adventure takes you from the Dades Valley to the towering cliffs of the Todra Gorges, a paradise for hikers and climbers. After exploring the dramatic canyon, the journey continues through the desert towns of Erfoud famous for fossils and dates on your way to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara dunes. Upon arrival, you’ll prepare for a magical desert experience, perhaps with a camel ride at sunset and a night under the stars in a desert camp.
Day 6: Merzouga to Zagora via Rissani
After a peaceful morning in Merzouga, you head toward Rissani, once a major caravan trading post and home to a vibrant market. The route continues south across ever-changing desert landscapes toward Zagora, nestled in the Draa Valley. This leg of the journey offers a striking transition from dune filled expanses to palm-lined river valleys, capturing the essence of Morocco’s southern frontier.
Day 7: Exploring Zagora and Tamegroute
Today is dedicated to discovering the cultural treasures around Zagora. You’ll visit Tamegroute, a village renowned for its green pottery workshops and historic Islamic library. Spend time exploring nearby villages, meeting artisans, and learning about the region’s spiritual and cultural traditions. The slower pace offers a deeper connection with the Saharan lifestyle and its resilient communities.
Day 8: Return to Marrakech via Scenic Routes
On the final day, you begin your journey back to Marrakech, taking alternative scenic routes that reveal new aspects of Morocco’s southern landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass through remote villages, mountain passes, and endless desert vistas each adding a final layer of richness to your adventure. Arrival in Marrakech marks the end of a memorable journey through Morocco’s oases, valleys, and desert wonders.
Services included
- Private Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle or minibus with an English/French-speaking driver/guide throughout the tour.
- Accommodation for 7 nights in charming guesthouses, kasbahs, or desert camps
- Daily Breakfasts and Dinners (half-board), offering a mix of traditional Moroccan and regional cuisine.
- Guided visits to Telouet Kasbah, Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO site), Tamegroute Library and pottery workshops.
- Hiking experience in the Skoura palm grove and Dades Valley.
- Camel Trekking in Merzouga at sunset/sunrise with an overnight in a Sahara Desert camp.
- Bottled Water during the desert experience
- All Local Taxes and Fuel Charges
Services not included
- Travel insurance (highly recommended, but not provided).
- Lunches
- Drinks and personal expenses, such as souvenirs or laundry.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff (at traveler’s discretion).
- Optional activities not specified in the itinerary.