Authentic Southern Adventure Tour

Day 1:  Marrakech

Marrakech is Morocco´s 4th largest city. It was founded in 1062. The red walls of the city were constructed in 1122 and during the 12C the ruling dynasty, the Almoravids, built several merdasas (koranic schools) and mosques. In the 17th century the wealthy Saadian sultans constructed various sumptuous palaces, some of which are open to the public today. The main square, Djemaa el-Fna is a hive of activity and possibly the busiest square in Africa.

Accommodation will be provided in a stylish and comfortable riad in the medina. We recommend that on the 1st night you take dinner at the riad, perhaps exploring the neighbourhood in the vicinity. If you arrive early in the day we can help arrange activities in the afternoon – perhaps a half day private tour, a food tour or one of the activities included in the ´day trips´ section .

Day 3: Marrakech

Free day.

Your time can be spent indulging in an endless array of activities – shop in the exotic souks, relax in a hammam, visit one of the gardens, or perhaps take a cooking course with our friend that owns a saffron farm in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Additional ideas and options are provided in the ´day trips´ section.

Day 5:  Essaouira

Essaouira is quite different in character to any other town in Morocco. It’s blue and white buildings are in stark contrast to Marrakech´s sand coloured pise constructions. The medina is protected by 18th century seafront ramparts. The medina is both colourful and relaxed, a wonderful place to wander around the souks and visit the art galleries and boutiques. It is also gaining a reputation as a gastro centre, with new niche restaurants opening seemingly every week. Essaouira has a stunning crescent shaped beach. Being known as the windy city of Africa, the beach is better suited to hiking and activity, rather than sun worshippers. But this ´rawness´ all adds to Essaouira’s unique atmosphere.

You can divide your full day between the delights of the medina, visiting the fishing port, or enjoying the beach hiking, surfing, horse riding (best done at a beach 3 km south of Essaouira, which you can walk or take a vehicle to) or quad biking. Lunch and dinner can be enjoyed at one of the many restaurants on the seafront or in the medina. A guide is not required in Essaouira. However, if you require any assistance in organising anything, we are always on call and happy to help.

Day 7:  Mirleft

Whilst there are 5 beaches in or near the town, perhaps the best beach to head to is Legzira, famous for its rock arch (although one has just collapsed). You can also hike from here to Sidi Ifni, a 10km walk of which half is on the beach and half on an escarpment.
We also offer the option of going fishing. Many of our drivers are obsessed with fishing and will happily spend all day (and night) with their rod, either perched precariously on the rocks or knee deep in water on the beach. They are quite adept at catching fish too, so your evening will probably be spent around the camp fire on the beach, eating your freshly caught catch of the day.

Day 9:  Amtoudi

We would happily return to Amtoudi again and again.. Amtoudi has two prize assets. Firstly, its gorge. It’s pristine, with crystal clear rocks pools (perfect for a dip on a hot day) squeezed between the imposing rock faces of the Anti Atlas. The opening to the gorge is through an intensively lush and cultivated oasis. You can then follow the river through the increasingly narrow gorge on a 3 hour circular trip. Everything about the walk is spectacular – green, lush and unspoiled, with the mountains providing a spectacular and colourful backdrop. The gorge is probably best visited on arrival in Amtoudi, a late afternoon stroll. Whilst you will require a guide, you are unlikely to encounter many other people.

There is only one place to stay in Amtoudi and this is an utterly charming guest house, perched on the opposite side of the river with spectacular views downstream. It might not be described as luxury, but it’s delightful.

Day 11:  Tata

Located at the foot of Jebel Bani, Tata was an oasis settlement along the trade route from West Africa. The geology in the area is of outstanding beauty. An evening walk in the oasis against the backdrop of the sand coloured mountains is a tranquil experience. Accommodation is in quirky guest house with beautiful views of the sand coloured mountains and oasis.

Day 13:  Erg Chigaga Luxury Desert Camp

All day at Erg Chigaga Luxury Desert Camp. There are plenty of activities for those that want to be active. Conversely you can just chill out and enjoy the camp and the pristine desert environment. Activities include camel treks, sand-boarding, guided walks, lunch at the private oasis, quad biking (this activity takes place 20 minutes from the camp), sundowners on the dunes and informal singing and drumming around the fire. Your camel trek can be done at anytime, sunrise often being the best time, when the desert has a magical stillness and serenity.

Day 15:  To Marrakech airport

The trip from Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech is about 4 hours. Assuming you have an afternoon flight, the morning trip is a perfect way to end your trip to Morocco. If you have a morning flight it would of course be preferable to overnight in Marrakech.

The route is via the Ounila Valley, which is laden with ancient kasbahs dotted around small but verdant oasis. There are endless photo opportunities and you may stop wherever you are inspired. The Glaoui (who was known as Lord of the Atlas) inspired Kasbah of Telouet features some magnificent tile and zeillij work. You then take the main road over the Tiz n’Tichka pass, which cuts through the High Atlas Mountains. It’s a stunning mountain road through stark mountain scenery and Berber Villages and a fine way to end your trip to Morocco.

And there concludes your trip to Southern Morocco – an eclectic adventure.