South Morocco Discovery 10 Days : See the best of Morocco’s south

Marrakech, welcome! The welcome meeting will begin at 6pm. Please check with reception for details. Marrakech is not a large city so you won’t have much time to explore it after the meeting. However, if your arrival early, there are plenty of things to do and see. Below is a list of recommended activities for people who arrive early.

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

• Marrakech – Marjorelle Gardens – MAD70
• Marrakech – Palais Bahia – MAD70
• Marrakech – Palais Badi – MAD70
• Marrakech – Saadian Tombs MAD70
• Marrakech – Medersa Ben Youssef – MAD40
• Marrakech Museum of Marrakech MAD40
• Marrakech – Hamam (public baths), – MAD250
• Marrakech – Photography Museum – MAD40

All Meals Included

This day does not include meals.

Additional Information

Attendance at the welcome meeting is essential as we collect insurance details and emergency contact information. Please let the hotel reception or your travel agent know if you will be arriving late. For more information about where the meeting will be held, ask reception or find a note in lobby.

It takes approximately 2 hours to drive through the High Atlas Mountains to reach the village of Imlil. Your main luggage should be stored upon arrival. You can then load your overnight bags onto your pack mules. Take the 1 hour trek to Aroumd. The remote village of Aroumd is perched on a rocky outcrop and offers breathtaking views over the High Atlas Mountains. It also provides an opportunity to learn traditional Berber (Amazigh), culture. Stay the night at a mountain gite family-run where you can enjoy traditional hospitality as well as delicious food. The rest of the day is free to explore the village or the nearby farmlands. The group can hike approximately eight kilometres to Sidi Chamharouch, which takes about four hours. No matter your level of fitness, Aroumd is a place you can explore far beyond the limits of modern society.

Accommodation

• Gite (1 Night)

Includes Activities

• Aroumd – High Atlas Mountains guided hiking

Optional Activities

• Aroumd- Mule Ride From Imlil To Aroumd- MAD80

All Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Additional Information

Proper footwear is required for the optional hike to Sidi Chamharouch shrine. Good walking shoes with a rigid, grippy sole are sufficient. Walking over rough terrain can be dangerous.

The facilities at the homestay (both the bathrooms and the sleeping arrangements) are shared, but they are comfortable and cozy and offer an unforgettable Intrepid experience.

Today’s journey will take you along mountain roads to Ait Benhaddou, on the edge of the Sahara, and over Morocco’s highest pass Tizi n’Tichka (22260m). Ait Benhaddou, perched on a hilltop, is one of Morocco’s most famous sites. It has remained almost unchanged since the 11th Century. The town was once a major stop for caravans crossing the Sahara. They brought salt, gold, ivory, and slaves back. There are many TV and film credits for the town, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia. You will be led by a leader through the Old Town’s narrow streets, and then climb to the top of the hill for stunning views of the surrounding plains. The Tawesna teahouse is located on the banks. The community-run business provides income for local women to support their families. They then produce delicious pastries, teas and other treats using locally-sourced ingredients. Talk to the women and enjoy a sweet treat as you chat. You can enjoy a demonstration of local cooking and a meal of Morocco’s most popular dishes, couscous or tagine.

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Includes Activities

• Ait Benhaddou-Leader-led ksar walking
• Ait Benhaddou – Tawesna Tea Break

Optional Activities

• Ait Benhaddou – Cooking Demonstration & Dinner – MAD100
• Ait Benhaddou – Henna Tattoo – MAD50

All Meals Included

• Breakfast

Today’s journey will take you south towards the Sahara. You’ll stop at Ouarzazate, a frequently used film location (approximately five hours). Continue onwards through the lush Draa Valley towards Zagora. This small oasis town is ideal for an overnight stay. Take a walk through the palm groves, visit the ksars, and explore the surrounding countryside upon your arrival.

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

• Ouarazate – Atlas Movie Studios – MAD80
• Ouarzazate – Kasbah Taourirt – MAD20

All Meals Included

• Breakfast

Create your tour

You will drive along the desolate Jbel Tadrart mountains, through desert oasis of date palms, and then on to Tamegroute. Visit an interesting library that houses ancient scripts and literature of science, literature, and the stories of the prophet Mohammed. After visiting the library, you can join a local guide and discover the underground Kasbah. Continue driving for approximately 1 hour to M’Hamid, a frontier town. Take a short camel ride across the dunes. Then, jump in 4WD vehicles to drive to the huge Erg Chigaga dunes. Arrive late in the afternoon. You will spend the night at your desert camp under the stars.

Accommodation

• Desert camp (1 Night)

Includes Activities

• Tamegroute – Ancient Library
• Sahara Desert – Camel Ride
• Sahara Desert – 4WD to Erg Chigaga dunes
• Tamegroute – Underground kasbah guided Tour

All Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Additional Information

Many consider the camel trek through Sahara to be a highlight of their trip. You can walk with the camels about an hour to get to the camp if you are not comfortable doing this. It’s possible to walk the same distance back the next day, but it is a pleasant and easy walk. You will find basic facilities and bedding at the camp. Most travellers will be comfortable between April and October with the blankets provided. However, if you are sensitive to cold, you might want to bring your own sleeping bag, especially in the months of November through March. You will not have electricity in the camp so it is important to bring your own batteries, chargers, and any other items you might need.

Minivans are the best way to travel to Oulad Berhil, the market town. It should take approximately 8 hours to complete the journey, with several stops. The drive takes you through desert scenery, and follows a reserve route for argan trees. You might be able to see the famous photo of goats climbing trees for nuts if you are lucky. After a day of travel, arrive at your accommodation in the evening to relax.

Accommodation

• Riad (1 night)

All Meals Included

• Breakfast

Additional Information

This is a long journey day so you will not arrive at your accommodation until the late afternoon or early evening. You can relax at the pool or in the steam bath at the riad (house) located 45 km outside Taroudant.

You can start your day by visiting the souqs in Taroudant, where you will find silver jewellery and colourful mosaics from Morocco. After that, travel west to Essaouira on the coast (approximately five hours). Essaouira is a name that means « image », which is fitting since it’s such an idyllic town. The town’s charm is evident. You will find whitewashed homes with bright blue shutters, art galleries, and wood workshops within its stone walls. It will be dark by the time you arrive so don’t waste your time looking around.

Accommodation

• Riad (1 night)

All Meals Included

• Breakfast

Join a local guide today for a walking tour of the old medina and Jewish mellah. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. You can grab a fresh-cooked meal from the port or wander the many shops and art galleries. You can also take a relaxing hammam or local-style shower if you prefer.

Accommodation

• Riad (1 night)

Includes Activities

• Essaouira: Guided walking tour

Optional Activities

• Essaouira – Hamam (public baths) – MAD200
• Essaouira – Berber Massage – MAD350
• Essaouira – Horse Riding – MAD250
• Essaouira Seafood Market Lunch – MAD80

All Meals Included

• Breakfast

Enjoy a morning at your leisure in Essaouira and then take a bus to Marrakech in afternoon. It will take approximately 3 hours. You will have free time upon arrival to explore the area or take part in optional activities. You might want to visit the Palais Bahia which is a stunning example of Muslim architecture or the Palais Badi ruins.

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

• Marrakech – A Taste of Marrakech: Inside the Medina Urban Adventure (MAD605)
• Marrakech – Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure. – MAD640
• Marrakech – Cascades d’Ouzoud Day Tour – MAD2207
• Marrakech Hot Air Balloon Ride MAD2050
• Marrakech Luxury Spa Hammam and Massage – MAD750
• Marrakech – Ourika Valley Day Tour – MAD1817
• Marrakech – Oukaimeden Day Tour – MAD1882
• Marrakech – Asni & Ouirgane Day Trip with Lunch – MAD1806
• Marrakech-Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling daytrip with lunch – MAD2000
• Marrakech – Medina Palaces & Tombs Urban Adventure – MAD630
• Marrakech-Palmy Cycling Tour – MAD350
• Marrakech – Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour MAD350

All Meals Included

• Breakfast

Your adventure ends after breakfast. You can pre-book additional accommodation if you want to spend more time in Marrakech (subjects to availability).

All Meals Included

• Breakfast

You would like to customize this itinerary?

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

4×4, Private vehicle. Public bus. Taxi.

Accommodation

Camping site (1 night), Gite (1 Night), Hotel (4 Nights), Riad (3 Nights)

Activities included

• Aroumd – High Atlas Mountains guided hiking
• Ait Benhaddou-Leader-led ksar walking
• Ait Benhaddou – Tawesna Tea Break
• Tamegroute – Ancient Library
• Sahara Desert – Camel Ride
• Sahara Desert – 4WD to Erg Chigaga dunes
• Tamegroute – Underground kasbah guided Tour
• Essaouira: Guided walking tour

Important notes

1. If you don’t want to share a room, a single supplement is available. You will not be able to share a room on Day 2 (Gite), or Day 5 (Desert Camp). This supplement is subject to availability. For more information, please speak to your agent.