The Grand Southern Circuit (6 Days / 5 Nights)
Trip description
This circuit is a deep immersion into the Moroccan desert, designed for those seeking a complete change of scenery and an authentic escape far from everyday life.
It offers a unique opportunity to discover the breathtaking beauty of the Sahara and the simplicity of life in southern Morocco, where local communities are known for their warmth, hospitality, and genuine friendliness.
Throughout the journey, you experience a harmonious blend of cultures, landscapes, and colors, along a truly exceptional and original route that reveals the richness and diversity of Morocco’s southern regions.
Tour itinerary
Morning departure towards Ouarzazate, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), passing several traditional Berber villages along the way.
We stop at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before continuing to Skoura to visit the Kasbah Ameridil and its beautiful palm grove.
The journey then continues towards the Dades Gorge, passing through the Valley of Roses and the town of El Kelaa M’Gouna.
Arrival at the Dades Gorge. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, departure for a walking tour in the palm grove of the Todra Valley. We then continue the journey towards Erfoud, passing through Tinejdad and several traditional Berber villages along the way.
A stop is planned at the fossil marble workshops in Erfoud, before continuing towards the impressive dunes of Merzouga and Erg Chebbi.
Upon arrival, you will be invited to enjoy an unforgettable camel trek across the dunes of Merzouga to explore this magical corner of the desert and witness one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Sahara.
You will then spend the night in a nomadic-style desert camp in the heart of the dunes, fully immersed in the Sahara experience. Dinner and overnight stay in the bivouac.
Early in the morning, there is the option of a short walk near your camp to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, departure towards Rissani, including a visit to the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif and the local souk.
We then continue towards Alnif for lunch, before heading in the direction of Zagora. Along the way, we pass through Tamegroute, where you can visit traditional pottery workshops and kilns, and optionally explore the famous Quranic library for those interested in Arab-Islamic heritage.
The journey continues to M'hamid El Ghizlane, where you begin to truly feel the vast desert landscapes. Arrival in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight stay in a bivouac located about 2 km from the village, in the heart of the dunes.
After breakfast, departure by 4x4 along a sandy track towards the dunes of Erg Chegaga, the largest and most impressive dunes in Morocco.
Along the way, we stop for lunch in the shade of palm trees or tamarisks, with a short break at the Sacred Oasis.
In the afternoon, we continue off-road towards Chegaga. Upon arrival, we settle into the desert camp and take time to relax in this spectacular setting.
Later, we climb the highest dune to watch the unforgettable sunset over the Sahara. Return to the camp for dinner, followed by an evening of entertainment and overnight stay in a traditional bivouac under the stars.
Departure towards the Fint Oasis via a track between the Erg Chegaga dunes and the Draa riverbed, passing by Lake Lake Iriki, then through Foum Zguid, where we rejoin the main road.
We continue to Taznakht, a town well known for its traditional Berber carpet cooperatives, before heading to Ouarzazate.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Ouarzazate.
After breakfast, you may visit the city of Ouarzazate, including the Kasbah Taourirt and the Kasbah Tamesla (also known as the “Stork Kasbah”). An optional visit to a film studio can also be arranged, where major Hollywood productions have been filmed.
We then return via the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying breathtaking views of the Atlas peaks and traditional Berber villages along the way.
Arrival in Marrakech in the evening, with drop-off at your hotel.
Included
- Accommodation for 5 nights on a half-board basis. Our priorities when selecting accommodation are authenticity, comfort, and quality of service.
- Camel ride in Merzouga.
- The assistance of a tour guide at selected sites.
- All taxes included.
Not included
- The cost of additional meals.
- All beverages.
- Other optional excursions booked during the tour (to be paid on site).