South Morocco Adventure: Marrakech – Essaouira, 15 Days

Morocco is your home! You will be transferred by private vehicle from Menara Airport (RAK), to your accommodation within 30 minutes of your arrival. The driver will meet you at your airport and be happy to give suggestions on how to spend your time. Marrakech 

Marrakech, Morocco’s second largest metropolis, is also known as « The Red City », due to its natural red pigment. You’ll be able to experience its vibrant sights, sounds, and smells as you walk through its center on a self guided tour. You will start by orientating yourself at Jemaa El-Fna Square. This is the city’s iconic plaza, which is home to street food and markets. The souks (markets), the Koutoubia Mosque & Gardens, and the Kasbah with the Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace can be explored to the east.

After you have seen the main sites of the center, visit Majorelle Gardens to stroll among its subtropical plants, bamboos, lilies and palms. You could also visit Almoravid Koubba or the Marrakech Museum, which is located in the 19th century Dar Mnebhi Palace, or the Museum of Moroccan Arts.

You’ll travel from Marrakech to your accommodation at Imlil, in the High Atlas. After an early departure, drive through a beautiful valley, known for its lush meadows, and beautiful green gardens. You can see many varieties of shrubs and trees even in winter. Next, stop by Asni. Although Asni is only home to 20,000 people, it plays an important role in the lives of the surrounding residents. For those looking to trade goods or stock up on food, there is a weekly souk held in the city every Saturday.

Next, drive between the mountains of the Atlas Mountains & the Moulay brahim Gorge. This stretch is breathtaking. Next stop is Imlil, located in the heart Toubkal National Park. After you have arrived, enjoy a cup of mint tea with your guide, before embarking on your easy hike to Armed. This village is the largest and most prominent in the Imlil valley. Armed is a Berber village that uses traditional farming techniques and has unique building structures. As you walk down the village of Ait Souka, spend some time with a Berber family.

Explore the breathtaking scenery of the Atlas Mountains Mount Toubkal The highest point is at 13,671 feet (4.167 m). You’ll spend approximately 3-4 hours walking through the Imlil valley, where you will meet locals and learn about the area’s past. As you travel through forests, streams, and breathtaking views, take in the beauty of the surroundings. This short hike will take you through two traditional Berber villages where you can meet the locals and listen to their stories.

Day 5: Transfer from Ait Benhaddou to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, and Free Time

Enjoy great views of Mount Toubkal by climbing up the High Atlas Mountains. The Tizi n’Tichka Pass offers panoramic views of the entire mountain range. Also, the road winds down the mountainside.

You’ll find the medieval Ait Benhaddou Kasbah in the middle of the desert. This is Morocco’s most popular kasbah, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After you have settled in your accommodation, take a stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways of the old town. You can stop by shops to grab something to eat or a cup mint tea. To view the kasbah and surrounding areas as well as historical caravan routes, you can hike up to the Old Granary. Nearly two dozen Hollywood movies have used the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah as a backdrop. The old town was also featured in the recent « Game of Thrones” TV series.

Create your tour

Enjoy great views of Mount Toubkal by climbing up the High Atlas Mountains. The Tizi n’Tichka Pass offers panoramic views of the entire mountain range. Also, the road winds down the mountainside.

You’ll find the medieval Ait Benhaddou Kasbah in the middle of the desert. This is Morocco’s most popular kasbah, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After you have settled in your accommodation, take a stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways of the old town. You can stop by shops to grab something to eat or a cup mint tea. To view the kasbah and surrounding areas as well as historical caravan routes, you can hike up to the Old Granary. Nearly two dozen Hollywood movies have used the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah as a backdrop. The old town was also featured in the recent « Game of Thrones” TV series.

A comfortable private transfer will take you from Ait Benhaddou towards Boumalne Dades. You’ll be able to see beautiful desert scenery on the way. You’ll pass the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs near Kalaat M’Gouna. This area is known as the Valley of the Roses. You will find the traditional mud kasbahs, red-orange rocks and the stretch that follows the Dades River.

After you have arrived, you can take a leisurely walking tour and meet some Berber families. Enjoy the beautiful architecture, hear stories about regional history, take part in fun activities, see traditional farming techniques, and enjoy live entertainment. Afternoon, visit a traditional family to enjoy a meal of Berber and Moroccan food. After a delicious tea ceremony, you will return to Boumalne Dades.

Now you’ll head to your Bedouin-style tent accommodations in Merzouga. You will also stop to visit some desert communities in the Sahara. The desert town of Tinghir is your first stop. The area is known for its stunning views of nearby villages and a river oasis with 30 miles (48km) of palm trees. Continue on to the Todra Canyon, which is rich in red-stained limestone. You can take a short walk through the gorge or simply relax in the shallow, cool water. To learn more about the fossils in the area, visit an artisan collective before you reach Erfoud.

You’ll then make your way to Rissani and enter its impressive gate. You can spend some time admiring the « parking lot » for donkeys and exploring the popular market. Take a break near Merzouga to get ready for a camel ride through dunes. You will reach your camp before sunset. After you have settled into your tent, take a short break to prepare for a camel ride through the dunes. You will be able to see the sunset across the sands from the highest dune. Return to the camp for dinner, and enjoy traditional Berber music by the locals. You can also choose to stay in a Merzouga hotel or auberge.

You can ride a Jeep across the dunes. Erg Chebbi Discover the secrets of this magical country. Meet the local nomads and enjoy a cup with a local family before heading to the monastery. Gnawa House In Khemliya Traditional music can be explored in a village. You can then rent a sandboard to test your skills on dunes, or join a quad-ATV tour. You can climb up to the highest dune and watch the sunset, before returning to camp to spend another night under the stars.

Your driver will take you along the scenic Anti-Atlas mountain range until the town of Zagora. There are dramatic river gorges, and villages that cling onto the mountains. This is where you’ll find the Ait Atta Berber nomadic tribe of Atlas Mountains nomads. This community lives in tents and still practices nomadism. Two hundred Berber families depart Ait Atta each spring with their camels. They brave the heat of southern Morocco to reach the high alpine pastures in the High Atlas Mountains. Their caravans then descend to the south and they spend the winter in Saghro.

The route will be similar, passing through Saghro as well as the mountain town N’kob. Continue onward to the verdant Draa valley, which is known for its « millions of palm trees » along the length the Draa River. As you travel through palmeries, fruit trees and farms, the surrounding landscape will become lush and green. Enjoy an evening amongst the palms after you have settled into your Zagora accommodation.

You can leave the Draa Valley behind to cross the Tizi n’Tinififft pass and enjoy the stunning views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. Next stop: Ouarzazate. This picturesque town is known as « Gateway To the Sahara ». After checking in, you can explore the 19th-century Taourirt Kasbah. The kasbah’s top offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. You can see the surrounding landscape from the top of the kasbah, including the red-mud city Ait Benhaddou and the green Draa valley.

Ouarzazate’s fame has been built on the film industry. You can visit a movie studio ( Atlas Corporation Studios, CLA Studios), or the Musee du Cinema. Get a close-up look at the props and sets used in blockbuster films like « Black Hawk Down », « Prometheus, » American Sniper, and « Game of Thrones. » Ouarzazate has a significant mellah, a Jewish quarter with an old synagogue as well as plenty of vibrant souks.

Next day, travel west to Taroudant. This is known as the « Grandmother » of Marrakech. The surrounding ramparts and the historic medina make it seem like Marrakech. Begin by looking at the old town’s gates and walls, including Bab Selsla and bab Targont. To explore the walls of the town, you can either rent or walk a bicycle. You can then explore the souks where you will find many crafts and tanneries that are similar to Marrakech and Fes.

You can stop by one of the cafes and restaurants for a bite or a glass mint tea in the hotel gardens. You can also visit Agadir Tsguent if you want to explore more of Taroudant. A short hike will take you to an old fortress that offers breathtaking views. You can also visit the Palais Claudio Bravo. It is now a hotel and restaurant. This was the former home of Claudio Bravo (a Chilean artist). You’ll find artifacts, fascinating interiors, tranquil gardens, and some of the artist’s paintings.

You can say goodbye to the Anti-Atlas as you make your way towards the Atlantic coast. The city of Agadir will be passed so that you can take a scenic coastal route. The bright blue ocean and the surrounding mountains will be your backdrop. Next, head north to Essaouira. This is the « white pearl ». This charming coastal city offers a tranquil contrast to the bustling Marrakech. You can stay the rest of your day in peace. Essaouira, a great spot for surfing, has managed to avoid mass tourism. It was a mecca for hippies in the 1970s. Today, it is a fashionable town with independent travelers.

Begin by exploring the medina which spans 75 acres (30 ha) and winds through wide, bright streets. You can also visit traditional souks and chat with artisans who make ceramics, leather goods, art, leather goods (including shoes), jewelry, rugs, wood craft, and other items. Relax in MulayEl-Hassan square, the city’s central square, lined with cafes, restaurants, and hotels. You can also hang out at the port to see the fishmongers at work, or take a walk to the 16th century Portuguese Castelo Real de Mogador. You can also stop by the Synagogue Haim Pinto and wander through the maellah. Or, you could relax on Essaouira beach.

Enjoy the delicious cuisine of Morocco with a cooking class in a traditional riad (house that has a garden/courtyard) located in Essaouira. You’ll be taught how to make tajine, one of Morocco’s most beloved and authentic dishes. The ceramic pot that was used to make this dish is its name. Tajine is a dish that uses meats, vegetables and/or fruits to enhance its savory flavor. The hands-on experience is concluded with a delicious lunch, conversation with your host, and a cup traditional mint tea.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Essaouira, a charming historic city. If you’d like to include an additional activity, you can spend this time on an ATV/quad bike adventure, horseback ride, or windsurfing/kitesurfing lesson.

You should keep an eye out for goats as you travel from Essaouira towards your Marrakech accommodation. To eat the leaves and fruit of their trees, goats naturally climb them. Many farmers « encourage » goats to climb the trees because they are a source of additional income.

Marrakech offers a refreshing and relaxing spa experience in a Moroccan spa. hammam (public bath). Visitors traditionally take part in a steam session, followed by a scrub that is inspired by Roman bath traditions. Relax after your bathing experience with an argan oil and essential oils massage to soften and soothe the skin. After a relaxing bath, you can enjoy a refreshing mint tea or herb-infused water. Then, return to Marrakech and take a private tour of the medina. Ten traditional Moroccan delicacies will be on offer, including sweets and savory tagines. You will learn about Morocco’s most important ingredients, cooking techniques and culinary culture.

As you depart Morocco, transfer from your Marrakech accommodation  to Menara Airport (RAK). It takes approximately 30 minutes. You will arrive at the airport in plenty of time to catch your flight. Your driver will make sure you do not miss any delays. Enjoy a safe and enjoyable journey to home or to your next destination.