Trip description
The Great Southern Morocco is a true journey to discover the south of the country in depth. This 4x4 route begins in Fez , whose Medina , the envy of the Arab world, is a beautiful labyrinth in which to get lost.
The road continues through unique enclaves such as Ifrane , known as Little Switzerland , and Lake Aguelmane Sidi Ali , until reaching Erfoud , the gateway to the majestic Erg Chebbi Desert . A spectacle for the senses: endless dunes and that magical aura that surrounds these unique places will allow us to experience an unforgettable night under the stars . We will leave the desert behind to cross the High Atlas , enjoying breathtaking landscapes along the way. And from the mountains, to the city: Marrakech , full of color, dotted with artisans and artists, fascinating squares and aromas that will remain engraved in our memories.
  • Duration
    8 nights / 9 days
  • Places
    Fez, Ifrane, Aguelmame Sidi Ali, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Merdani, Rissani, Tinerhir, Boulmane Dades, Marrakech
  • Airport
    Fez / Marrakech
  • Price
  • Duration
    8 nights / 9 days
  • Places
    Fez, Ifrane, Aguelmame Sidi Ali, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Merdani, Rissani, Tinerhir, Boulmane Dades, Marrakech
  • Airport
    Fez / Marrakech
  • Price
Day 1 of the itinerary
  • Departure from the airport of origin towards Fez .
  • Arrival in Fez . (Depending on the time of year, there may be a time difference. )
  • Pick up at the airport and transfer to the Riad in the Medina or 4* Hotel .
  • Dinner and accommodation.
Note: Depending on the flight arrival time, the guided tour of Fez could be brought forward to this day, leaving the next one free for adapt to the change of zone.
Day 2 of the itinerary
Fez – Middle Atlas – Aguelmane Sidi Ali

  • In the morning , we will take a guided walking tour of the ancient Medina of Fez , considered one of the most authentic and best preserved in the Arab world.
  • We will walk through its labyrinthine medieval streets , full of local life, craft centers , mosques and palaces .
  • In the early afternoon , departure in a 4x4 vehicle with driver towards the south , crossing the Middle Atlas .
  • Arrival in Ifrane , known as “Little Switzerland” for its architectural style and natural surroundings.
  • We will cross the Giant Cedar Forests , where, with a little luck, we will be able to feed a colony of wild monkeys .
  • Continue to Aguelmane Sidi Ali , a special place located at 2,200 meters above sea level .
  • Accommodation and dinner at the Hotel Xaluca Spa Aguelmane Sidi Ali , a mountain refuge built in 1935 and recently restored to offer a charming night.
Day 3 of the itinerary
Aguelmane Sidi Ali – Ziz Valley – Erfoud

  • This morning we will wake up at the foot of the deepest natural lake in Morocco.
  • We will enjoy a privileged natural environment , with the option of:
  • Take a walk around the lake .
  • Climb the crater of a nearby volcano.
  • Visit a nomadic family in the area.
  • We can also take advantage of the hotel facilities :
  • Heated pool.
  • Spa and hammam services (optional).
  • Lunch at Xaluca Spa Aguelmane Sidi Ali .
  • In the afternoon , departure to the Desert .
  • We will cross the Ziz Valley , with more than ten million palm trees .
  • Arrival in Erfoud , known as “the Gateway to the Desert” .
  • Accommodation and dinner at Kasbah Xaluca , a unique accommodation in Morocco due to its characteristics.
Day 4 of the itinerary
Total Desert Day – Oasis – Erg Chebbi – Bivouac

  • Today we will experience a day of Total Desert .
  • We will travel along one of the tracks used in the Dakar Rally , discovering:
  • Traditional villages.
  • Encounters with desert nomads .
  • Stop at the Marine Fossil Quarries , over 360 million years old.
  • Picnic -style food .
  • Arrival at the Great Erg Chebbi , the impressive desert of fine sand dunes .
  • Change from 4x4 vehicle to camels , to enter the heart of the dunes .
  • We will contemplate an unforgettable sunset from the top of the dunes.
  • Arrival by dromedary at the Bivouac de luxe , where we will stay in traditional tents .
  • Dinner and accommodation.
  • A unique experience: sleeping under the desert stars.
Day 5 of the itinerary
Sunrise in the Dunes – Khamlia – Rissani – Relax at Kasbah Xaluca

  • “Date with the Dawn” : It is advisable to get up early to climb to the top of the dunes and see the sunrise .
  • Bedouin breakfast at the camp.
  • Departure in 4x4 along the Erg Chebbi until reaching the abandoned village of Merdani .
  • Continuing to Khamlia , a village of Sudanese origin, where we will be offered:
  • Their traditional dances .
  • A mint tea .
  • Visit Rissani desert tribes and nomads still get their supplies
  • Curious about its famous donkey “parking” .
  • Climb to a natural viewpoint to bid farewell to the desert with a beautiful panoramic view .
  • Return to Kasbah Xaluca and rest of the afternoon free to relax .
  • Available activities:
  • Heated pool
  • Jacuzzi
  • Tennis and minigolf
  • Traditional hammam or relaxing massage (optional)
  • Quad biking excursion through the dunes (optional)
  • Chauffeur-driven vehicles will be available if you wish to continue exploring or take a free walk around Erfoud .
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Kasbah Xaluca.
Note: Rissani market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and SundaysIf it doesn't match the route, an attempt will be made to relocate the visit, although this may not always be possible.
Day 6 of the itinerary
Tinerhir – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

  • Departure by road to Tinerhir , a small and prosperous town that offers a beautiful panoramic view with its pink houses and palm groves .
  • It is the ideal starting point to discover the Todra Gorges , where we will take a light walk following the course of the river .
  • Continue towards Boumalne Dades , located in the Valley of the Birds , at 1,612 meters above sea level , in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains .
  • In the afternoon, tour through the Dades Valley until reaching its gorges .
  • Climb to a panoramic viewpoint where we will enjoy a traditional tea .
  • On the way back, stop at the rock formation known as the “monkey’s paws” .
  • Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4*.
Day 7 of the itinerary
Boumalne Dades – Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou – Tizi n'Tichka – Marrakech

  • Stage with approximately 310 km of route , although compensated by the spectacular nature of its landscapes .
  • Departure towards Marrakech .
  • Visit to the Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou , declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the setting for various film productions .
  • Crossing the Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass , the highest road pass in the country.
  • During the ascent and descent, the landscape changes from the lunar tones of the desert to the green and ochre colors of the High Atlas.
  • Arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon.
  • We recommend a first introduction by visiting Djemaa el-Fna Square reciters, fortune tellers, jugglers, snake charmers gather , and where traditional food stalls are set up outdoors at dusk.
  • Free dinner and accommodation in a Riad in the Medina or 5* Hotel .
Note: Last day of use of the 4x4 vehicle with driver.
Day 8 of the itinerary
Medina of Marrakech – Guided tour and free time

  • Walking tour of the Medina of Marrakech with a local guide .
  • Start in front of the Koutoubia Minaret , known as the twin of the Giralda of Seville .
  • Visit to the Bahia Palace , a jewel of Moroccan architecture.
  • Tour the narrow streets of the Souk , meeting local artisans:
  • Carpet weavers
  • Slipper makers
  • And a wide variety of traditional crafts
  • Visit to a Berber pharmacy , where they will show us their natural remedies and traditional secrets .
  • Return to Djemaa el-Fna Square , where the daytime atmosphere contrasts completely with the nighttime atmosphere .
  • Free afternoon to practice the art of haggling , explore at your leisure, or relax.
  • Accommodation in a Riad in the Medina or a 5* Hotel.
Day 9 of the itinerary
Return from Marrakech

  • At the agreed time , transfer to Marrakech airport to catch the return flight .
At Xaluca Tours, all our programs are custom-designed to suit each traveler. Below, you can find the document with indicative prices for this program during peak and off-peak seasons.

👉 View program with detailed prices.

Remember that these prices are only a reference: each trip is quoted individually based on the number of people, dates, accommodation category, and included services.