South Morocco tour Highlights
- Fes Medina: Explore the intellectual and spiritual soul of the kingdom with a private guide.
- Sahara Experience: Spend two nights at the edge of the dunes, including a luxury desert camp.
- 4×4 Adventure: Go off-road to meet nomadic families and listen to Gnaoua music in Khamlia.
- Canyons & Valleys: Walk through the towering Todra Gorges and the lush Dades Valley.
- Ait Ben Haddou: Visit the iconic UNESCO-listed Kasbah that has starred in many films.
- Marrakech Discovery: End your South Morocco tour in the bustling souks and historic gardens.
7 Days South Morocco Tour Itinerary
Arrival in Fes
Your 7 days South Morocco tour begins with a private greeting at the airport and a transfer to your boutique Riad. As the oldest imperial city, Fes is the perfect starting point to understand the history of the dynasties that eventually moved south. Spend your first evening relaxing in a traditional courtyard, listening to the fountain and enjoying your first taste of authentic Moroccan mint tea. This night serves as a peaceful introduction to the incredible journey ahead on your South Morocco tour.
Overnight: Riad in FesFes Medina: A Guided Journey Through Time
Today is dedicated to a deep exploration of Fes Medina. An official local guide will take you through the winding alleys to see the Al-Qarawiyyin University and the stunning zellij work of the Bou Inania Madrasa. You will visit the famous tanneries and meet weavers and potters whose families have practiced these arts for centuries. Understanding the craftsmanship of Fes is a vital part of the South Morocco tour, as it sets the stage for the Berber artistry you will find later in the mountains and desert.
Overnight: Riad in FesFes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
We leave the north behind to begin the desert phase of your South Morocco tour. We drive through the alpine town of Ifrane and stop in the ancient cedar forests of Azrou to see the local macaques. After lunch in the high plains, we descend into the Ziz Valley, where the landscape opens up into vast palm groves. By late afternoon, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon. This first night at the edge of the Sahara is a quiet, magical moment on the South Morocco tour.
Overnight: Hotel in Merzouga4×4 Desert Trip & Luxury Sahara Camp
The fourth day of your southern Morocco tour is focused on deep desert immersion. We take a 4×4 vehicle off-road to meet nomadic families living in traditional tents and learn about their way of life. We also visit the village of Khamlia to hear the soulful Gnaoua music. In the afternoon, you will switch to a camel for a ride into the high dunes to reach your luxury desert camp. Watching the sunset over the Sahara is often the most memorable part of the entire South Morocco tour.
Overnight: Luxury Desert CampRissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After a desert sunrise, the South Morocco tour continues to Rissani, once a major trade hub for caravans. We then travel to the Todra Gorges, where you can walk through the massive limestone canyon. The drive then takes us into the Dades Valley, known for its unique rock formations and lush gardens. This day showcases the rugged beauty of the southern mountains, a terrain that has shaped the history and architecture of every South Morocco tour.
Overnight: Hotel in Dades ValleyDades – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
The South Morocco tour moves toward the high peaks of the Atlas. We visit Ouarzazate, the film capital of the country, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou. This ancient mud-brick fortress is a stunning sight and has appeared in many world-famous films. After exploring the Kasbah, we cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass, reaching the highest point of our South Morocco tour before descending into the vibrant gardens and palaces of Marrakech.
Overnight: Riad in MarrakechMarrakech Guided Tour
Today, your South Morocco tour focuses on the Red City. A guided tour includes the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Koutoubia Mosque. You will have time to navigate the bustling souks and witness the incredible energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa square. This day provides a final, high-energy look at the urban side of the South Morocco tour, contrasting beautifully with the silence of the desert nights you experienced earlier in the week.
Overnight: Riad in MarrakechAirport Transfer
The final morning of your tour is yours to enjoy. You might choose a final walk through the Majorelle Garden or a relaxed breakfast on your Riad rooftop. Depending on your flight time, we provide a private transfer to the airport.
End of TripInclusions
- Private 4×4 or minivan with AC
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Fuel and all transportation taxes
- Airport Pick-up and Drop-off
- 1 Night in a Luxury Desert Camp
- 5 Nights Accommodation in handselected riads/hotels
- Sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi
- Daily Breakfast and 3 Dinners (Sahara & Dades)
- Fresh bottled water provided daily in the vehicle
- Flexible photo stops
- All local taxes
Exclusions
- Lunches and most dinners
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips and personal expenses
Know Before You Go
- Packing: Temperatures on this tour vary significantly. Bring layers for the cool mountain air and warm desert sun.
- Connectivity: Riads have good WiFi, but expect a peaceful digital break while staying at the desert camp.
- Cash: While cards are accepted in major cities, smaller Berber villages on the South Morocco tour prefer local currency (Dirhams).
Common Questions
Is this tour private?
Yes, all our journeys are private to ensure your group has a flexible and personalized pace.
Can we add extra days?
Absolutely. We can extend this tour to include the coast or more time in the Atlas.
What is the best month for this tour?
September through May is the ideal window for a Moroccan tour to avoid the extreme summer heat.
Book Your Morocco Tour
Experience the majesty of the desert and the history of the Atlas. Our Moroccan tours are designed for travelers who want to see the authentic side of the kingdom.
Morocco Best Trips provides high-quality service and expert knowledge. Contact us today to receive your custom quote.