Southern Morocco & Sahara Adventure

Today's journey takes you out of Marrakech and into the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. The road offers several photo stops, with changing landscapes unfolding at every turn. In Telouet, you visit the historic Glaoui Kasbah, a powerful symbol of Morocco's political past. The drive continues to Ait Ben Haddou, where you first check in to your hotel before exploring the famous ksar. Built entirely of clay, this UNESCO-listed site is one of Morocco's finest architectural examples and a renowned filming location for movies such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones.

Leaving Ait Ben Haddou behind, the road leads to Ouarzazate, home to Morocco's main film studios, where a studio visit is optional. The journey then turns southwest toward the Draa Valley, known for its vast palm groves and date production. The scenery invites several photo stops before reaching Zagora, your destination for the night. A swim is a pleasant way to cool down, followed by a gentle two-hour walk through the Zagora oasis.

After breakfast, departure toward Tamagrout, where you visit one of the oldest libraries in southern Morocco, housing over 4,000 rare books and manuscripts from different regions. From here, the paved road ends, and a 4x4 drive takes you deep into the Sahara. Upon arrival in the Chegaga dunes, you enjoy a camel ride across the golden sands before settling into a Bedouin desert camp for the night, surrounded by silence and stars.

An early wake-up rewards you with a desert sunrise before leaving the Sahara. After approximately three hours, you rejoin the main road and continue toward Taznakht, known as the heart of authentic Berber carpet production. A short visit to a local cooperative offers insight into this ancestral craft. After lunch, the drive continues through Argan tree forests, where goats are often seen climbing the branches. The night is spent in a 17th-century palace, now converted into a charming hotel.

After breakfast, the route leads to Taroudant, often referred to as the grandmother of Marrakech, for a brief visit. The journey continues to Agadir, Morocco's modern Atlantic city, where a short stop is made to pick up snacks before heading north to Essaouira, also known as Mogador. Along the way, a visit to a women's argan oil cooperative is recommended. Accommodation for the next nights will be in a traditional riad.

The morning is dedicated to a guided tour of Essaouira, covering key landmarks such as the Jewish Quarter, the Skala, the fishing port, and the grain and fish markets. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore further. A hammam and massage is highly recommended to release the fatigue accumulated during the journey.

An early departure brings you back to Marrakech in approximately three hours. After checking in to your hotel, you head out for a guided city tour including the Majorelle Gardens, Bahia Palace, and Dar Si Said Museum. The rest of the day is free before meeting in the evening at Jemaa el-Fna Square for a street food dinner, a fitting end to the adventure.