The great South

Ouarzazate – Todra gorges

Start your day with a morning departure from your hotel in Ouarzazate, heading toward the spectacular Dades and Todra gorges. Along the way, we pass through the lush Skoura oasis, where we stop to visit the famous Amridil Kasbah, a beautifully preserved example of traditional Moroccan architecture. We then continue through Kelaa M’Gouna, the heart of the valley of roses, and pause for a relaxing coffee break surrounded by the fragrant rose fields (in season). From there, we take the scenic off-road route known as the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to reach the dramatic Dades gorges. Lunch is served in a charming local guesthouse. In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle walk along the Dades valley and the nearby Fig valley, offering breathtaking views and a taste of local life. By late afternoon, we arrive at the Todra gorge, where towering limestone cliffs create one of Morocco’s most awe-inspiring natural sights. Dinner and overnight stay in a comfortable hotel near the gorge.

Todra gorges – Saghro Mountains – Draa Valley – Zagora

After breakfast, we set off from the Todra gorges, crossing the stunning Tizi-n-Tazzazert Pass (2,283 meters) in the rugged Saghro mountain range. The winding road offers breathtaking panoramic views of the dramatic desert landscapes and remote Berber villages. We arrive in N’Kob around lunchtime — a peaceful village known for its traditional kasbahs and palm groves. In the afternoon, our journey continues south along the magnificent Draa valley, following the ancient route once traveled by desert caravans. By evening, we reach the town of Zagora, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a relaxing night in a charming riad.

Zagora – M’hamid – Erg Chegaga

After breakfast, we leave Zagora and head towards the majestic dunes of Erg Chegaga. Along the way, we stop in Tamegroute, a village renowned throughout Morocco for its distinctive green-glazed pottery. Here, we visit the traditional workshops, explore the small medina with its covered desert alleyways, and discover the ancient Quranic library, home to exquisite hand-written Arabic manuscripts. We then continue south to M’hamid, the gateway to the Sahara, where we enjoy lunch at a welcoming hotel with a swimming pool — perfect for a refreshing break. In the afternoon, the real desert adventure begins. We journey off-road for 66 km through the varied landscapes of the Sahara Desert: from vast flat plains (reg) to rocky plateaus (hammada), scattered oases, and sweeping sand dunes (erg). By late afternoon, we arrive at the magnificent dunes of Erg Chegaga — Morocco’s largest dune field, rising up to 300 meters and stretching over 45 km. There’s time to take a camel ride or walk across the dunes and soak in the unforgettable sunset from the summit of Erg Chegaga. The evening continues with a traditional dinner and an overnight stay in a comfortable desert camp beneath a sky full of stars.

Erg Chegaga – Foum Zguid – Taznakht – Draa valley

If you wake up early, you’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking sight of the sun rising over the dunes — a magical moment in the silence of the Sahara. After breakfast, we begin our journey from Erg Chegaga to Agdez, driving across 100 km of remote desert landscapes. The route offers a constantly changing panorama: golden dunes, rocky plains, the dry bed of Lake Iriqui, rugged mountains, and areas rich in ancient fossils — a true off-the-beaten-path experience. We stop for lunch in the desert town of Foum Zguid before continuing through the weaving roads of Taznakht, a village known for its Berber carpets and weaving traditions. By late afternoon, we arrive in the peaceful oasis town of Agdez, nestled in the heart of the Draa valley. Here, you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in a traditional riad surrounded by palm groves and kasbahs.

Agdez – Fint oasis – kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the historic Tamnougalt Kasbah, one of the oldest and most picturesque kasbahs in the Draa valley. Steeped in history, it offers a glimpse into the rich architectural and cultural heritage of southern Morocco. We then travel north toward Ouarzazate, crossing the striking landscapes of the Anti-Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tinfifte pass (1,660 meters), with sweeping views of valleys and rocky peaks. Before reaching the city, we take a scenic detour along an unpaved track to the hidden Fint oasis — a lush, secluded valley nestled between mountains. Once a vital stop for ancient caravans, it remains a peaceful haven of palm trees and traditional mud-brick homes. After a relaxing lunch, we continue to the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its cinematic scenery and historic importance. Explore its winding alleys and impressive fortress-like structures before returning to your hotel in Ouarzazate by late afternoon — marking the end of a memorable journey.