The Magic of the Atlas and the South (5 days / 4 nights)
Trip description
Join one of our 4x4 safaris and travel through exciting landscapes of mountains and desert—discover the sights and sounds of an exotic culture.
We travel along ancient camel routes into the heart of authentic Morocco, a land where time seems to stand still.
If you prefer independent travel, we can design a tailor-made journey with a personalized itinerary, book your accommodations, provide local guides, and supply the necessary vehicles for your trip—with or without a driver.
If you wish to combine a 4x4 adventure with city tours, trekking in the Atlas Mountains, or a beach stay, we can offer you a suitable customized program.
Tour itinerary
Early in the morning, departure from Marrakech by 4x4. After a short drive, beautiful landscapes and small terraced villages appear along a winding road leading to the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, located at 2,260 meters above sea level.
Just after the pass, we take a road of about 20 kilometers through desert hills before arriving at the village of Telouet, a hidden gem known for the ruins of its magnificent Kasbah. This kasbah was once the main residence of the “Lord of the Atlas,” Pasha El Glaoui, and included his court, stables, a mosque, and numerous servants during the time he ruled a vast territory stretching from Marrakech to Agadir and even toward the Sahara Desert.
After visiting the Kasbah of Telouet, the journey continues off-road through the Assif Ounila Valley and its Berber villages, leading to Ait Ben Haddou, the famous ksar and kasbah listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we step out of the vehicle to explore this remarkable architectural complex, built against the mountainside with earthen walls, fortified towers, stepped housing, and decorative gates.
This extraordinary site has served as a filming location for many Hollywood productions such as *The Mummy*, *Gladiator*, *Babel*, *Alexander*, and more. Upon arrival in Ouarzazate, an optional visit to the impressive Atlas Film Studios can be arranged.
We then continue to the Kasbah Taourirt for a short visit of this cultural heritage site, a labyrinth of rooms, alleys, and fortified walls. Dinner and overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
Departure in the morning from Ouarzazate by 4x4 towards Agdez, crossing the Tizi-n-Tinfifite Pass (1,660 m).
After a short break for tea or coffee in Agdez, we continue the journey to enjoy stunning views of the valley, passing gardens, oases, and kasbahs between the Draa River and the surrounding mountains.
Back on the paved road, we stop at the Kasbah of Tamnougalt for another tea or coffee break. This is one of the oldest kasbahs in the Draa Valley and is still partially inhabited. You may explore it with a local guide if desired.
After lunch, we continue towards Zagora, one of the largest oases in the Draa Valley, famous for its dates.
The journey continues to Tamegroute, where we visit the Quranic library and local pottery workshops, known for producing the distinctive green pottery of southern Morocco.
Dinner and overnight stay in Zagora.
After breakfast, departure for the Todra Gorge through unique desert landscapes dotted with oases. This beautiful off-road route, with its many small palm groves, was once one of the great caravan pathways.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant along the way.
We then continue the journey across desert tracks through Tazarine and Alnif, before arriving at the majestic canyon formed by the Todra Gorge.
After visiting the gorge, we proceed to Boumalne Dades.
Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Xaluca Dades.
After breakfast at Hotel Xaluca in Boumalne Dades, we head towards Ouarzazate, passing through the spectacular Dades Gorges and the beautiful Valley of Roses.
On the way, we stop in Skoura to visit the magnificent Kasbah Amerhidil, dating back to the 17th century.
We then continue our journey to Ouarzazate. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, we visit Ouarzazate and its famous film studios, then depart towards Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass.
Included
- Accommodation for 4 nights on a half-board basis. Our priorities when selecting accommodation are authenticity, comfort, and quality of service.
- The assistance of a driver-guide speaking the traveler’s language throughout the circuit, and a certified national guide for groups of more than 8 people.
- All taxes included.
Not included
- Transfers from Moroccan cities or airports to Marrakech: If you would like a member of our staff to pick you up wherever you are, an additional fee will be charged.
- Additional meal costs.
- All beverages.
- Optional excursions offered (to be booked and paid for on site).
- Optional tips.