Explore The Grand South Of Morocco On A 5 Days 4X4 Adventure Tour
Experience the spectacular landscapes of southern Morocco on an unforgettable 4x4 desert adventure, beginning and ending in the imperial city of Marrakech. This multi-day journey is a wonderful way to discover the diverse scenery, historic kasbahs and traditional villages of Morocco’s dramatic Grand South.
The route takes you through some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes, including the beautiful Ounila Valley, Valley of the Roses, Dades Gorges and Draa Valley. Along the way, we visit the historic Kasbah of Telouet and the famous Ait Benhaddou, as well as traditional villages and remote desert landscapes.
A highlight of the journey is an unforgettable camel trek into the Sahara Desert. As the sun begins to set, we ride into the magnificent dunes of Erg Chebbi, travelling deep into the golden sands to reach our desert camp. Here, we spend the night beneath the stars in a traditional nomadic tent, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and spectacular scenery of the Sahara.
This Morocco desert tour runs all year round and can depart on any date of your choice.
We usually have several tours departing each week, which you are welcome to join. Please get in touch to discuss your preferred dates.
The tour can be booked independently, including transfers from Marrakech, or incorporated into a tailor-made Morocco holiday combining the desert with Marrakech, Essaouira, the Atlantic Coast or other parts of the Sahara.
Our mountain and desert adventures can also be combined with other Moroccan tours, including the Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert and Atlantic coast, allowing us to create a memorable itinerary tailored around your interests and available time.
Pick Up & Drop Off
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads don't have access via car so the driver will park nearby and come to get you.
You will be dropped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel. Our driver can call your riad to meet you if needed.
Route Details
Day 01
Marrakech – Tizi-n-Tichka - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Skoura – kelaa Mgouna – Boumalne - Dades Gorges
We set off early from Marrakech and travel south across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260m. On arrival at Ait Benhaddou, we visit the famous fortified kasbah before stopping for lunch.
In the afternoon, we continue towards Ouarzazate and then on to the beautiful Skoura Oasis, where we visit the impressive Kasbah Amridil. We then follow the scenic route towards the Dades Gorges, travelling through Kelaat M’Gouna, Boumalne Dades and the beautiful Dades Valley.
We arrive at the Dades Gorges in the evening, where we enjoy dinner and spend the night at a comfortable hotel.
Day 02
Dades Gorges– Boumlane – Tinghir – Toudra Gorges - Tinjdad - Touroug - Erfoud - Merzouga
After breakfast, we retrace our route through the beautiful Dades Valley towards Boumalne Dades before continuing to Tineghir and the spectacular Todra Gorge. Here, we take a walk through the dramatic gorge, surrounded by towering rock walls and impressive mountain scenery.
We then continue towards Erfoud, travelling through the palm groves of Tinejdad and Touroug, with a stop for lunch along the way. On arrival in Erfoud, we visit a local workshop specialising in fossil marble, where you can see traditional craftsmen creating decorative pieces from stone found in the surrounding region.
From Erfoud, we leave the main road and follow a desert track towards the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes. We arrive in time to enjoy the spectacular sunset over the golden sands before continuing to our hotel at the foot of the dunes. Overnight at a comfortable hotel with a swimming pool.
Day 03
Merzouga -Erg Chebbi – Merzouga
After breakfast, we set out by 4x4 to explore the spectacular landscapes surrounding the Erg Chebbi dunes. Our route takes us past the two oases of Merzouga, the seasonal lake, and the village of Khamlia, renowned for its traditional Gnawa music.
We continue towards the historic Mifiss mines and across the open desert plateau, where we have the opportunity to meet local Berber nomads and learn more about their traditional way of life. We then visit the peaceful Tissardmine Oasis before returning to our hotel.
Later, we exchange our 4x4 for dromedaries and set off into the golden dunes as the sun begins to set. We ride deeper into the Sahara to our desert camp, where we enjoy a traditional dinner and spend the night in a comfortable nomadic camp surrounded by the silence and spectacular scenery of Erg Chebbi.
Day 04
Merzouga - Rissani - Alnif - Tazarine - Nkoub – Draa Valley - Agdez - Ouarzazate
We set off early to watch the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, before returning by dromedary to the inn for breakfast. We then begin our journey towards the vast Tafilalet palm groves, travelling through the historic town of Rissani.
Continuing south, we reach Alnif, where we stop for lunch before travelling through the beautiful Tazarine Oasis and the traditional Berber village of N’Kob. We then follow the scenic route through the Draa Valley, surrounded by palm groves, rugged mountains and dramatic desert landscapes.
Our journey continues towards Ouarzazate, passing through the small Berber village of Agdz and crossing the Anti-Atlas Mountains, reaching around 1,660m. We arrive in Ouarzazate in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 05
Ouarzazate – Fint Oasis – Tifoultoute - Marrakech
After breakfast, we travel to the beautiful Fint Oasis, a hidden green haven nestled among rugged mountains and rocky landscapes. From a rocky viewpoint, we enjoy spectacular views across the oasis, which lies within the wadi below and is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
The oasis is home to four small traditional villages, where life continues at a peaceful pace and local communities still depend largely on the natural resources of this fertile valley. We take time to explore this tranquil setting before stopping for lunch along the way.
After lunch, we continue to our hotel, marking the end of our Moroccan adventure and our services.
Note: This itinerary is a guideline and may be adapted to suit local conditions.
Equipment
Please ensure you have packed all safety essentials. See the Equipment List here if you're unsure of what to bring. Our guides will conduct a final gear check in Imlil before we commence the ascent to the higher altitudes of the Toubkal massif.
Tour Rates
Flexible Pricing
1 person : 990€
2 - 3 people : 595€/person
4 - 7 people : 510€ £/person
8 - 12 people : 450€/person
What Is Included?
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4x4 / mini-bus with English speaking driver
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1 night in a hotel at Dades gorges (HB)
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1night in a Hotel at Ait Benhaddou (HB)
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1 overnight camping on the Dunes (HB)
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1 night in a hotel in Zagora
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Camel ride on the dunes.
What Is Not Included
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Travel insurance.
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Soft/alcoholic drinks
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Tips and personal expanses
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Lunches
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Entrance fee (Monuments visits)
Accommodation & Shelters
1 night in a hotel at the Dades Gorges, on a half-board basis.
1 night in a hotel at Ait Benhaddou, on a half-board basis.
1 night camping among the Sahara dunes, on a half-board basis.
1 night in a hotel in Zagora.
NB: Accommodation can also be arranged at our Dar Adrar guesthouse in Imlil or at our eco-lodge in Ouirgane, depending on your itinerary.
Clothing & Essential Equipment
Essential Equipment
Can Be Hired From Us
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Good trainers for valley treks
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Personnel First aid Kit
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Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
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Lightweight daypack
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Torch and batteries
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Towel & all personal toiletries
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Ask us to see what we have
What Is Appropriate Attire In Morocco?
Morocco is a conservative and religious country, which means you always need to be mindful of your clothing choices. This is especially true in the country’s more rural areas, which include the Sahara Desert and its surrounding villages. As a general rule of thumb, you should always attempt to cover body parts considered “private”. For women, this means covering the arms (or at least the shoulders) and the knees up. For men, it requires covering up the shoulders and above the knee.
High Energy Meals
Meals on the trek are cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:
Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milkLunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruit
Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met. Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.
Start Your Journey
Ready to explore the Atlas Mountains? Reach out to us for detailed trek inquiries, tailor-made itineraries, or any questions about our Berber-led adventure tours.
Email: aztat.trek@gmail.com
Phone: +212 668-760165
Location: Imlil, Morocco
Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the day. NB: Left luggage or unnecessary luggage can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek.