Southern Morocco: Marrakech, the Atlas Mountain & the Sahara

From

CAD 2,651

Duration

8 days

Countries

Morocco

Activity

moderate

The adventure

Southern Morocco exudes natural beauty and sparks the spirit of adventure at every single turn. Imagine yourself on a movie set as you explore the ancient kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. Set off on a hike in the incredible scenery of the Dades Gorge and take a camel ride at sunset before sleeping in a desert camp in the Sahara under an array of stars. Walk amongst olive and juniper trees through the villages of Ouirgane and immerse yourself into daily life with a Amazigh family. If you're looking for the heart and soul of Morocco, this is it.

At a glance

Duration

8 days

Route

Marrakech → Marrakech

Countries

Morocco

Activity level

moderate

Style

Active & Multi-Sport, Culture & History, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Morocco

Day 1Images of desert palmsMarrakech

Marrakech

Images of desert palms, camels and exotic food float through your head as you make your way from the airport to the hotel. See the mix of the old and new as you pass modern buildings and ancient structures that begin to tell the story of this bustling city. We welcome you to Morocco, and invite you to embrace all of the new cultural traditions, landscapes and delicious food that await.

Day 2See the landscape change dramatically as you pull…Marrakech

View of historic red walls and lush gardens under a blue sky in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Marrakech

See the landscape change dramatically as you pull away from Marrakech, passing verdant green farmland and rocky desert outcroppings before crossing the Atlas mountains along a winding road. You arrive to Ouarzazate, considered to be at the crossroads of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara desert, where the land becomes more stark as you approach the striking valley of the Dades Gorge.

Day 3Keep the camera handy as you continue east…

Keep the camera handy as you continue east to the sprawling expanse of the Sahara Desert wilderness. There is something magical about the sea of sand for as far as the eye can see, and particularly stunning at sunset. Reaching your comfortable desert camp by 4x4 and riding a camel up the dunes for sunset will be an unforgettable experience, and watching as the sky starts to glimmer with stars as you take it all in from around a campfire.

Day 4The people who live in this area have…

The people who live in this area have thrived despite the harsh environment, settling near natural oases where water and date palms provide some essential elements to survive. Set off into the dunes in 4x4s where you'll have the choice to focus more on the cultural traditions of the Sahara meeting with nomads and villagers, or to focus more on the natural history of the desert, exploring an oasis and meeting with a local farmer.

Day 5Leaving the desertscape behind

Leaving the desertscape behind, you'll head back through farmland and dusty, rocky terrain on the way to the ancient kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou. Wandering the narrow alleyways next to massive clay buildings, picture yourself in one of the many famous movies or tv shows which have been filmed here, all of which the locals will be thrilled to tell you about.

Day 6The views are stunning as you head up…Travel to Ouigane with some stops along the way to take in the beautiful Atlas Mountain scenery, visit a tree nursery, and enjoy lunch made by women of the G Adventures—supported Zarbiat Achbarou Cooperative. Here, you'll get a sense of how this project is changing peoples' lives and enjoy a brief carpet weaving demonstration while hearing stories from members of the cooperative. Arrive to Ouigane in the late afternoon and choose to enjoy a stroll in the beautiful and fragrant gardens of the hotel before dinner.

Travel to Ouigane with some stops along the way to take in the beautiful Atlas Mountain scenery, visit a tree nursery, and enjoy lunch made by women of the G Adventures—supported Zarbiat Achbarou Cooperative. Here, you'll get a sense of how this project is changing peoples' lives and enjoy a brief carpet weaving demonstration while hearing stories from members of the cooperative. Arrive to Ouigane in the late afternoon and choose to enjoy a stroll in the beautiful and fragrant gardens of the hotel before dinner.

Day 7The picturesque mountain scenery will be your playground…

The picturesque mountain scenery will be your playground as you set off on a hike through olive and juniper trees and quaint villages. Immerse yourself into the daily life of a Amazigh family and enjoy a tea demonstration while hearing stories about their lifestyle and traditions. Share a delicious traditional meal with them before hiking back down to Ouirgane.

Day 8Today your adventure comes to an endMarrakechDrive to Marrakech in the morning, where the tour ends on arrival. Outbound flights should depart no earlier than 2pm.

Marrakech

Drive to Marrakech in the morning, where the tour ends on arrival. Outbound flights should depart no earlier than 2pm.