Suggested Itineraries for Tours in Morocco

Southern Oasis Route

Southern Morocco Tours (from 5 days)

4x4 Morocco Tours to experience the culture and traditions of the Berbers and embrace the timeless quality of Moroccan life. Haggle in Berber souks, drink tea with Berber nomads and relax to the pace of the Sahara on a sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi or experience the simplicity of desert life on a 3-day camel trek in Erg Chigaga with an expert guide.

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Crossing the ever-changing landscapes of Morocco is amazing at any time of year and the trans-Saharan caravans took months, sometimes years, to navigate the desert and reach the fondouks of Marrakech. Now, in just one day, you can cross mountain passes and drive along oasis valleys in time to camel trek in the Sahara at sunset - not that we advise such haste when there is so much to discover along the route.

Travel at a leisurely pace, in a Toyota Land Cruiser with private driver, to experience the timeless quality of Moroccan life. Deep in the South, as the landscape grows more barren and the sand becomes all-invading, seek out the oases of life – orchards, fields, palm groves and rose gardens that stretch out along strips of fertile land where the Berbers work miracles with a donkey and plough.

Morocco Tours run Marrakech to Marrakech, Marrakech to Fes or Fes to Marrakech. In addition we can meet you in Ouarzazate, Tangier, Casablanca or elsewhere on request.

Quick Links for Southern Morocco Tours of the Berber Heartlands

Who are the Berbers?
Southern Morocco Tours from Marrakech to Marrakech
Southern Morocco Tours from Marrakech to Fez
Southern Berber Morocco Tours from Fez to Marrakech
Bonded Morocco Tours – Prices, Confirmation and Payment Options
Testimonials

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Who are the Berbers?

The Berbers are the indigenous people of North Africa and live in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The Berbers, who once ruled over kingdoms in the region, were conquered by the Arabs at the beginning of the seventh century.

Although mostly Muslim, Moroccan Berbers retain their ancient customs and festivals, especially in rural areas, and many speak a dialect known as Tamzight although it is not an officially recognised language.

Outside of the cities, in and around their small villages, the Berbers have an agricultural lifestyle - keeping sheep and goats and growing crops e.g. mint, cereals, vegetables etc.

The Berbers refer to themselves as Amazigh, which means ’free men’.

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Southern Morocco Tours from Marrakech to Marrakech

Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou

Cross the Tizi n’Tichka (2260m), the highest Atlas road pass, to Ait Benhaddou. Wander through the World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s most spectacular ksars (fortified villages) that once stood on the route of the trans-Saharan camel caravans as they made their way across the High Atlas to the fondouks of Marrakech.

Ait Benhaddou to Ncob

Transfer south to Ouarzazatae and visit the old Glaoua Kasbah of Taourirt. Continue along the Draa Valley, with ancient kasbahs and Berber villages, to Ncob.

Ncob to Merzouga via Tazzarine and Alnif. Erg Chebbi Camel Trek

Transfer to Merzouga via Tazzarine, Alnif and Rissani. Time to relax by a pool before setting off on your camels to a desert camp where dinner is served under the stars.

Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi Desert

Wake early to watch the sunrise and return across the desert on your camels to breakfast and shower. A day to explore with your driver e.g. seasonal lakes, Merzouga village and Gnawa musicians. Hotel at the dune line for your second night in the desert.

Merzouga to Todra Gorge via Tinerhir

Transfer to Tinerhir and leave the main road to drive along the highest gorge in Morocco past old pisé villages and valley floor gardens.

Todra Gorge to Telouet via Mgouna and Skoura Palmerie

Transfer to the High Atlas Berber village of Telouet via Kelaa Mgouna (Rose Valley), where children line the route in April and May selling garlands of the fragrant roses grown in this region, and Skoura Palmerie. Lunch and option of easy guided walk in the mountains.

Telouet to Marrakech

Visit the Kasbah of el Glaoui, former Berber War Lord and Pasha of Marrakech, lunch and continue to Marrakech.

Marrakech City Tour

The contrast between the traditional lifestyle of the Berber people and Marrakech could not be greater - take a day or two to explore the city and stay in a Riad, a beautifully renovated house around a central courtyard in the Old Medina.

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Southern Morocco Tours from Marrakech to Fez

Marrakech to the High Atlas Berber village of Telouet

Transfer from Marrakech across the Tizi-n-Tichka to Telouet in time for lunch and a guided tour of the Kasbah of el Glaoui, former Berber War Lord and Pasha of Marrakech.

Telouet to Dades Gorge via Ait Benhaddou and Skoura

Transfer to Ait Benhaddou and visit the World Heritage Site, one of Morocco’s most spectacular fortified villages. Continue through Ouarzazate to Dades Gorge via Skoura Palmerie and Rose Valley. Detour from Boumalne Dades to drive along valley with ruined Kasbahs, valley gardens and the strange rocks of the Tamnalt Hills.

Dades to Ncob across the Jbel Sarhro

Return to Boumalne Dades and travel off-road across the Tizi-n-Tazzazert to Ncob. The drive across the mountains is slow but with spectacular views.

Ncob to Merzouga via Rissani. Erg Chebbi Camel trek to a Desert Camp

Transfer to Merzouga along the Southern edge of the Jbel Sarahro. Visit the Souk in Rissani if it is the day of the market and continue to the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga. Sunset camel trek to a desert camp in the dunes.

Merzouga exploration

Rise early to see the sunrive and return across the dunes to Merzouga. Relax to the pace of desert life and explore with your driver e.g. fossil beds, seasonal lakes, Gnawa musicians and Merzouga village.