10 days south Morocco discovery

Take a short drive into the High Atlas Mountains to the village of Imlil (approximately 2 hours). On arrival, store your main luggage and load your overnight bags onto pack mules. Make the 1-hour trek to the peaceful village of Aroumd. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the remote village of Aroumd offers stunning views across the High Atlas Mountains and a unique opportunity to experience traditional Berber (Amazigh) culture. Spend the night in a family-run mountain gite where, surrounded by the smell of woodstoves and bread, you will enjoy traditional hospitality and food. Use the rest of the day to explore the village and the surrounding farmlands. If the group is up for it and weather permits, there will be a chance to hike around eight kilometres to the pilgrimage shrine of Sidi Chamharouch (approximately 4 hours return). Regardless of your fitness levels, the gentle pace of Aroumd makes it a special place to explore beyond the reach of the modern world.

Accommodation

Gite (1 night)

Included Activities

Aroumd - High Atlas Mountains guided hike

Optional Activities

Aroumd - Mule Ride from Imlil to Aroumd - MAD80

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

The optional hike to the Sidi Chamharouch shrine requires appropriate footwear. A pair of good walking shoes with rigid and grippy sole will be sufficient. You will walk over well-trodden paths that may be muddy and unstable.

Facilities at the homestay are shared (both the bathroom and sleeping arrangements) but cozy, comfortable, and definitely a unique Intrepid experience.

This morning, journey along mountain roads and over Morocco's highest pass, Tizi n'Tichka (2260 metres), to Ait Benhaddou on the edges of the Sahara (approximately 6 hours). Perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century, Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco's most iconic sites. It was once an important stop for caravans passing through as they carried salt across the Sahara, returning with gold, ivory, and slaves. The town has a long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator. Enjoy a leader-led walk through the winding streets of the Old Town, making your way to the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy the views across the surrounding plains. Your evening is free, with the option of partaking in a local cooking demonstration and meal of Morocco's most famous dishes: couscous and tagine.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk

Optional Activities

Ait Benhaddou - Cooking Demonstration & Dinner - MAD100

Ait Benhaddou - Henna Tattoo - MAD50

Meals Included

Breakfast

This morning you'll journey south towards the Sahara, stopping in the regularly used film location of Ouarzazate along the way (approximately 5 hours in total). Continue to travel through the lush Draa Valley to Zagora, a small oasis town on the Sahara fringe that is perfect for an overnight stop. On arrival, take a stroll through the palm groves, explore the ksars and wander around the surrounding countryside.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Ouarazate - Atlas Movie Studios - MAD80

Ouarzazate - Kasbah Taourirt - MAD20

Meals Included

Breakfast

Drive along the rugged and desolate Jbel Tadrart ranges and through seas of sand and past the occasional desert oasis of date palms to the township of Tamegroute. On arrival, visit an intriguing library filled with ancient scripts of science, literature, the Koran, and stories of the prophet Mohammed (subject to unregulated opening times). Afterward, join a local guide to uncover the underground Kasbah. Then carry on driving to the frontier town of M'Hamid (approximately 1 hour). From here, take a short camel ride through the dunes, then jump into 4WD vehicles and drive to the massive Erg Chigaga dunes. Arrive in the late afternoon. Enjoy a night under the stars at your desert camp.

Accommodation

Desert camp (1 night)

Included Activities

Tamegroute - Ancient Library

Sahara Desert - Camel Ride

Sahara Desert - 4WD to Erg Chigaga dunes

Tamegroute - Underground kasbah guided tour

Meals Included

Breakfast

Dinner

Special Information

The camel trek through the Sahara is a highlight of the trip for many. If you're uncomfortable with this, it's possible to walk alongside the camels for about an hour to the camp. You would need to walk back the same distance the next morning, but it’s a gentle and relaxing walk. The camp itself is a simple affair, with bedding and basic toilet facilities provided. The blankets provided are usually sufficient for most travellers between April and October, but if you feel the cold easily you may like to bring your own sleeping bag for extra warmth, especially during the months between November and March. Electricity is not available in the camp therefore it’s important to come prepared with fully charged phones, cameras and everything else you may need.

Home

Destinations

Ways to travel

About

Travel deals

Group of travellers standing before Ait Benhaddou fortified village, Morocco

South Morocco Discovery

Safe travels and flexible bookings - see our Safe travels hub for details

Days

10

Style

Original

From

$748 USD

Home Africa Morocco South Morocco Discovery

Map of South Morocco Discovery including Morocco

From souk to Sahara, see the best of Morocco’s south

From the colourful, chaotic Marrakech medinas to the vast, serene Sahara desert, this tour immerses you in the rich cultures and landscapes of South Morocco. Stay in traditional accommodation and explore villages off the beaten track. Feast on tagine, visit the grand Ait Benhaddou kasbah, travel through the Sahara on a camel and relax in seaside Essaouira. This ten-day tour is perfect for travellers looking to discover the diversity of Morocco’s south in a short amount of time.

Start

Marrakech, Morocco

Finish

Marrakech, Morocco

Destination

Morocco

Style

Original

Theme

Explorer

Code

XMSF

Physical rating

Ages

Min 15

Group size

Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

Take a guided hike through the High Atlas Mountains and spend a night with an Amazigh (Berber) family in the traditional village of Aroumd.

Travel through the Sahara Desert in a camel convoy and spend the night in a Bedouin camp, listening to tales by the campfire.

Recharge with two days in seaside Essaouira and explore the whitewashed houses, lively port, and tiny alleyways.

Explore Ait Benhaddou, a World Heritage site with a grand history and a long list of film and TV credits including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator.

Duck in and out of souqs and haggle with traders as your local leader helps you to navigate the 16th-century walled city of Taroudant.

Is this trip right for you?

This trip has departures that run during Ramadan. During this time, some restaurants and shops are closed, but you'll get a unique insight into local customs. See Important Notes for more details.

This trip involves plenty of walking and is best suited to travellers with a good level of fitness and mobility. More details on these included activities can be found in the itinerary.

Accommodation on this trip includes a desert camp, a homestay, and basic hotels.

When travelling in Morocco, temperatures can get very warm. Have a think about what time of year suits you best to travel.

Gallery

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Marrakech

Welcome to Marrakech! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm – check at reception for information on where this will take place. There's not much time to explore Marrakech after the meeting, but if you arrive early there's plenty to see and do. We've compiled a list below of suggested activities for those who arrive early.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Marrakech - Marjorelle Gardens - MAD70

Marrakech - Palais Bahia - MAD70

Marrakech - Palais Badi - MAD70

Marrakech - Saadian Tombs - MAD70

Marrakech - Medersa Ben Youssef - MAD40

Marrakech - Museum of Marrakech - MAD40

Marrakech - Hamam (public baths) - MAD250

Marrakech - Photography Museum - MAD40

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and emergency contact information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Day 2: Aroumd

Take a short drive into the High Atlas Mountains to the village of Imlil (approximately 2 hours). On arrival, store your main luggage and load your overnight bags onto pack mules. Make the 1-hour trek to the peaceful village of Aroumd. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the remote village of Aroumd offers stunning views across the High Atlas Mountains and a unique opportunity to experience traditional Berber (Amazigh) culture. Spend the night in a family-run mountain gite where, surrounded by the smell of woodstoves and bread, you will enjoy traditional hospitality and food. Use the rest of the day to explore the village and the surrounding farmlands. If the group is up for it and weather permits, there will be a chance to hike around eight kilometres to the pilgrimage shrine of Sidi Chamharouch (approximately 4 hours return). Regardless of your fitness levels, the gentle pace of Aroumd makes it a special place to explore beyond the reach of the modern world.

Accommodation

Gite (1 night)

Included Activities

Aroumd - High Atlas Mountains guided hike

Optional Activities

Aroumd - Mule Ride from Imlil to Aroumd - MAD80

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

The optional hike to the Sidi Chamharouch shrine requires appropriate footwear. A pair of good walking shoes with rigid and grippy sole will be sufficient. You will walk over well-trodden paths that may be muddy and unstable.

Facilities at the homestay are shared (both the bathroom and sleeping arrangements) but cozy, comfortable, and definitely a unique Intrepid experience.

Day 3: Ait Benhaddou

This morning, journey along mountain roads and over Morocco's highest pass, Tizi n'Tichka (2260 metres), to Ait Benhaddou on the edges of the Sahara (approximately 6 hours). Perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century, Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco's most iconic sites. It was once an important stop for caravans passing through as they carried salt across the Sahara, returning with gold, ivory, and slaves. The town has a long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator. Enjoy a leader-led walk through the winding streets of the Old Town, making your way to the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy the views across the surrounding plains. Your evening is free, with the option of partaking in a local cooking demonstration and meal of Morocco's most famous dishes: couscous and tagine.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk

Optional Activities

Ait Benhaddou - Cooking Demonstration & Dinner - MAD100

Ait Benhaddou - Henna Tattoo - MAD50

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 4: Ouarzazate - Zagora

This morning you'll journey south towards the Sahara, stopping in the regularly used film location of Ouarzazate along the way (approximately 5 hours in total). Continue to travel through the lush Draa Valley to Zagora, a small oasis town on the Sahara fringe that is perfect for an overnight stop. On arrival, take a stroll through the palm groves, explore the ksars and wander around the surrounding countryside.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Ouarazate - Atlas Movie Studios - MAD80

Ouarzazate - Kasbah Taourirt - MAD20

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 5: Tamegroute - Erg Chigaga

Drive along the rugged and desolate Jbel Tadrart ranges and through seas of sand and past the occasional desert oasis of date palms to the township of Tamegroute. On arrival, visit an intriguing library filled with ancient scripts of science, literature, the Koran, and stories of the prophet Mohammed (subject to unregulated opening times). Afterward, join a local guide to uncover the underground Kasbah. Then carry on driving to the frontier town of M'Hamid (approximately 1 hour). From here, take a short camel ride through the dunes, then jump into 4WD vehicles and drive to the massive Erg Chigaga dunes. Arrive in the late afternoon. Enjoy a night under the stars at your desert camp.

Accommodation

Desert camp (1 night)

Included Activities

Tamegroute - Ancient Library

Sahara Desert - Camel Ride

Sahara Desert - 4WD to Erg Chigaga dunes

Tamegroute - Underground kasbah guided tour

Meals Included

Breakfast

Dinner

Special Information

The camel trek through the Sahara is a highlight of the trip for many. If you're uncomfortable with this, it's possible to walk alongside the camels for about an hour to the camp. You would need to walk back the same distance the next morning, but it’s a gentle and relaxing walk. The camp itself is a simple affair, with bedding and basic toilet facilities provided. The blankets provided are usually sufficient for most travellers between April and October, but if you feel the cold easily you may like to bring your own sleeping bag for extra warmth, especially during the months between November and March. Electricity is not available in the camp therefore it’s important to come prepared with fully charged phones, cameras and everything else you may need.

Day 6: Oulad Berhil

Travel to the market town of Oulad Berhil by minivan. The journey should take around 8 hours in total, including several stops. This drive goes through desert scenery and along a route that's a reserve for the indigenous argan trees. If you're lucky, the group might come across the famous image of goats climbing these trees in search of nuts. Arrive at your accommodation by the early evening and relax after a long day of travel.

Accommodation

Riad (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Please note that this is a long travel day, and you won't arrive at tonight's accommodation until late afternoon/early evening. The riad (house) tonight is 45 kilometres outside of Taroudant and offers the chance to relax by the pool or take a steam bath.

In the morning, take to the souqs of Taroudant and haggle with local traders for silver jewellery or colourful Moroccan ceramics and mosaics. Afterwards, head west to the coastal town of Essaouira (approximately 5 hours). The name Essaouira means image, which is appropriate since it's such a picturesque town. Its charm is undeniable; within the stone ramparts, you'll find whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters, art galleries and wood workshops. You’ll arrive in the early evening, so there won’t be much time to look around today.

Accommodation

Riad (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Home

Destinations

Ways to travel

About

Travel deals

Group of travellers standing before Ait Benhaddou fortified village, Morocco

South Morocco Discovery

Safe travels and flexible bookings - see our Safe travels hub for details

Days

10

Style

Original

From

$748 USD

Home Africa Morocco South Morocco Discovery

Map of South Morocco Discovery including Morocco

From souk to Sahara, see the best of Morocco’s south

From the colourful, chaotic Marrakech medinas to the vast, serene Sahara desert, this tour immerses you in the rich cultures and landscapes of South Morocco. Stay in traditional accommodation and explore villages off the beaten track. Feast on tagine, visit the grand Ait Benhaddou kasbah, travel through the Sahara on a camel and relax in seaside Essaouira. This ten-day tour is perfect for travellers looking to discover the diversity of Morocco’s south in a short amount of time.

Start

Marrakech, Morocco

Finish

Marrakech, Morocco

Destination

Morocco

Style

Original

Theme

Explorer

Code

XMSF

Physical rating

Ages

Min 15

Group size

Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

Take a guided hike through the High Atlas Mountains and spend a night with an Amazigh (Berber) family in the traditional village of Aroumd.

Travel through the Sahara Desert in a camel convoy and spend the night in a Bedouin camp, listening to tales by the campfire.

Recharge with two days in seaside Essaouira and explore the whitewashed houses, lively port, and tiny alleyways.

Explore Ait Benhaddou, a World Heritage site with a grand history and a long list of film and TV credits including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator.

Duck in and out of souqs and haggle with traders as your local leader helps you to navigate the 16th-century walled city of Taroudant.

Is this trip right for you?

This trip has departures that run during Ramadan. During this time, some restaurants and shops are closed, but you'll get a unique insight into local customs. See Important Notes for more details.

This trip involves plenty of walking and is best suited to travellers with a good level of fitness and mobility. More details on these included activities can be found in the itinerary.

Accommodation on this trip includes a desert camp, a homestay, and basic hotels.

When travelling in Morocco, temperatures can get very warm. Have a think about what time of year suits you best to travel.

Gallery

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Marrakech

Welcome to Marrakech! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm – check at reception for information on where this will take place. There's not much time to explore Marrakech after the meeting, but if you arrive early there's plenty to see and do. We've compiled a list below of suggested activities for those who arrive early.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Marrakech - Marjorelle Gardens - MAD70

Marrakech - Palais Bahia - MAD70

Marrakech - Palais Badi - MAD70

Marrakech - Saadian Tombs - MAD70

Marrakech - Medersa Ben Youssef - MAD40

Marrakech - Museum of Marrakech - MAD40

Marrakech - Hamam (public baths) - MAD250

Marrakech - Photography Museum - MAD40

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and emergency contact information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Day 2: Aroumd

Take a short drive into the High Atlas Mountains to the village of Imlil (approximately 2 hours). On arrival, store your main luggage and load your overnight bags onto pack mules. Make the 1-hour trek to the peaceful village of Aroumd. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the remote village of Aroumd offers stunning views across the High Atlas Mountains and a unique opportunity to experience traditional Berber (Amazigh) culture. Spend the night in a family-run mountain gite where, surrounded by the smell of woodstoves and bread, you will enjoy traditional hospitality and food. Use the rest of the day to explore the village and the surrounding farmlands. If the group is up for it and weather permits, there will be a chance to hike around eight kilometres to the pilgrimage shrine of Sidi Chamharouch (approximately 4 hours return). Regardless of your fitness levels, the gentle pace of Aroumd makes it a special place to explore beyond the reach of the modern world.

Accommodation

Gite (1 night)

Included Activities

Aroumd - High Atlas Mountains guided hike

Optional Activities

Aroumd - Mule Ride from Imlil to Aroumd - MAD80

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

The optional hike to the Sidi Chamharouch shrine requires appropriate footwear. A pair of good walking shoes with rigid and grippy sole will be sufficient. You will walk over well-trodden paths that may be muddy and unstable.

Facilities at the homestay are shared (both the bathroom and sleeping arrangements) but cozy, comfortable, and definitely a unique Intrepid experience.

Day 3: Ait Benhaddou

This morning, journey along mountain roads and over Morocco's highest pass, Tizi n'Tichka (2260 metres), to Ait Benhaddou on the edges of the Sahara (approximately 6 hours). Perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century, Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco's most iconic sites. It was once an important stop for caravans passing through as they carried salt across the Sahara, returning with gold, ivory, and slaves. The town has a long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator. Enjoy a leader-led walk through the winding streets of the Old Town, making your way to the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy the views across the surrounding plains. Your evening is free, with the option of partaking in a local cooking demonstration and meal of Morocco's most famous dishes: couscous and tagine.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk

Optional Activities

Ait Benhaddou - Cooking Demonstration & Dinner - MAD100

Ait Benhaddou - Henna Tattoo - MAD50

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 4: Ouarzazate - Zagora

This morning you'll journey south towards the Sahara, stopping in the regularly used film location of Ouarzazate along the way (approximately 5 hours in total). Continue to travel through the lush Draa Valley to Zagora, a small oasis town on the Sahara fringe that is perfect for an overnight stop. On arrival, take a stroll through the palm groves, explore the ksars and wander around the surrounding countryside.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Ouarazate - Atlas Movie Studios - MAD80

Ouarzazate - Kasbah Taourirt - MAD20

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 5: Tamegroute - Erg Chigaga

Drive along the rugged and desolate Jbel Tadrart ranges and through seas of sand and past the occasional desert oasis of date palms to the township of Tamegroute. On arrival, visit an intriguing library filled with ancient scripts of science, literature, the Koran, and stories of the prophet Mohammed (subject to unregulated opening times). Afterward, join a local guide to uncover the underground Kasbah. Then carry on driving to the frontier town of M'Hamid (approximately 1 hour). From here, take a short camel ride through the dunes, then jump into 4WD vehicles and drive to the massive Erg Chigaga dunes. Arrive in the late afternoon. Enjoy a night under the stars at your desert camp.

Accommodation

Desert camp (1 night)

Included Activities

Tamegroute - Ancient Library

Sahara Desert - Camel Ride

Sahara Desert - 4WD to Erg Chigaga dunes

Tamegroute - Underground kasbah guided tour

Meals Included

Breakfast

Dinner

Special Information

The camel trek through the Sahara is a highlight of the trip for many. If you're uncomfortable with this, it's possible to walk alongside the camels for about an hour to the camp. You would need to walk back the same distance the next morning, but it’s a gentle and relaxing walk. The camp itself is a simple affair, with bedding and basic toilet facilities provided. The blankets provided are usually sufficient for most travellers between April and October, but if you feel the cold easily you may like to bring your own sleeping bag for extra warmth, especially during the months between November and March. Electricity is not available in the camp therefore it’s important to come prepared with fully charged phones, cameras and everything else you may need.

Day 6: Oulad Berhil

Travel to the market town of Oulad Berhil by minivan. The journey should take around 8 hours in total, including several stops. This drive goes through desert scenery and along a route that's a reserve for the indigenous argan trees. If you're lucky, the group might come across the famous image of goats climbing these trees in search of nuts. Arrive at your accommodation by the early evening and relax after a long day of travel.

Accommodation

Riad (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Please note that this is a long travel day, and you won't arrive at tonight's accommodation until late afternoon/early evening. The riad (house) tonight is 45 kilometres outside of Taroudant and offers the chance to relax by the pool or take a steam bath.

Day 7: Taroudant - Essaouira

In the morning, take to the souqs of Taroudant and haggle with local traders for silver jewellery or colourful Moroccan ceramics and mosaics. Afterwards, head west to the coastal town of Essaouira (approximately 5 hours). The name Essaouira means image, which is appropriate since it's such a picturesque town. Its charm is undeniable; within the stone ramparts, you'll find whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters, art galleries and wood workshops. You’ll arrive in the early evening, so there won’t be much time to look around today.

Accommodation

Riad (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 8: Essaouira

Today, join a local guide for a walking tour through the old medina, Jewish mellah, port, and skala (sea wall). Afterward, enjoy free time for the rest of the day. Maybe grab a freshly-cooked plate of the day's catch at the port, or browse the plentiful shops and intriguing art galleries. If you’d prefer to relax, don't miss the opportunity to indulge in a hammam or local-style bath.

Accommodation

Riad (1 night)

Included Activities

Essaouira - Guided walking tour

Optional Activities

Essaouira - Hamam (public baths) - MAD200

Essaouira - Berber Massage - MAD350

Essaouira - Horse Riding - MAD250

Essaouira - Seafood Market Lunch - MAD80

Meals Included

Breakfast

Enjoy a free morning Essaouira, then catch a bus back to Marrakech in the afternoon (approximately 3 hours). Enjoy free time on arrival to explore or partake in optional activities. Maybe check out the Palais Bahia, a superb example of Muslim architecture, or the ruins of the Palais Badi.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Marrakech - A Taste Of Marrakech: Inside the Medina Urban Adventure - MAD605

Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure - MAD640

Marrakech - Cascades d'Ouzoud Day Tour - MAD2207

Marrakech - Hot Air Balloon Ride - MAD2050

Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage - MAD750

Marrakech - Ourika Valley Day Tour - MAD1817

Marrakech - Oukaimeden Day Tour - MAD1882

Marrakech - Asni & Ouirgane day trip with lunch - MAD1806

Marrakech - Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day trip with lunch - MAD2000

Marrakech - Medina, Palaces & Tombs Urban Adventure - MAD630

Marrakech - Palmery Cycling Tour - MAD350

Marrakech - Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour - MAD350

Meals Included

Breakfast

Your adventure ends after breakfast. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Marrakech (subject to availability).

Meals Included

Breakfast