Trip description
"The Great South of Morocco" is an authentic journey designed to explore the country's south in depth. The 4x4 route begins in Marrakech, a vibrant city bursting with color, dotted with artisans and artists, beautiful squares, and aromas that will stay with you forever.

From the city, we'll venture into the High Atlas Mountains, leaving behind its mountainous landscapes to reach the imposing Erg Chebbi Desert, a spectacle for the senses. The endless dunes and the magic that envelops these places will gift us an unforgettable night under the stars.

The road will take us through unique places like the towns of Rissani, with its ancient market, and Ifrane, known as Little Switzerland, surrounded by forests of giant cedar trees, until we reach Fez, whose Medina is considered a jewel of the Arab world: a beautiful labyrinth where you can lose yourself and find that special memory of Morocco.
  • Duration
    6 nights / 7 days
  • Places
    Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Boulmane Dades, Tinerhir, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Merdani, Rissani, Ifrane, Fez
  • Airport
    Marrakech / Fez
  • Duration
    6 nights / 7 days
  • Places
    Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Boulmane Dades, Tinerhir, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Merdani, Rissani, Ifrane, Fez
  • Airport
    Marrakech / Fez
Day 1 of the itinerary
  • Departure from the airport of origin to Marrakech.
  • Arrival in Marrakech. (Depending on the time of year, there may be a time difference.)
  • Airport pickup and transfer to a riad in the Medina or a 5-star hotel.
  • Meet with the local guide to begin the walking tour of the Medina of Marrakech.
  • We will begin the tour by admiring the Koutoubia Minaret, twin of the Giralda of Seville, and continue with a visit to the Bay Palace.
  • We will venture into the narrow alleyways of the souk, where we can observe the artisans in action: weaving carpets, making slippers, and more.
  • An ideal place to discover a wide variety of high-quality crafts.
  • We will visit a Berber pharmacy, where they will show us some of their most curious natural remedies.
  • We will end the visit in the legendary Djemaa el-Fna Square, where the daytime atmosphere contrasts radically with the hustle and bustle of the nightlife.
  • Free time to practice the art of bargaining or explore the most authentic corners of the Medina at our own pace.
  • Accommodation in a riad in the Medina or in a 5-star hotel.
Day 2 of the itinerary
  • Early departure in a 4x4 vehicle with driver towards the Central High Atlas.
  • We have a day of approximately 310 km, rewarded by the spectacular landscapes along the route.
  • We will cross the Tizi n'Tichka, the highest mountain pass in Moroccotones green and ochre of the landscape will give way to an almost lunar.
  • En route, we will visit the iconic Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and known for having been the setting for numerous film productions.
  • We will continue passing through Ouarzazate until we reach Boumalne Dades, a town located in the so-called Valley of the Birds, at an altitude of 1,612 meters, in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains.
  • Dinner and accommodation at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4*.
Day 3 of the itinerary
  • In the morning, we will venture along tracks into the heart of the Central High Atlas, traversing landscapes of great beauty and contrast.
  • We will visit Berber villages like Boutaghrar, where time seems to have stood still.
  • During the journey, we will discover rugged mountains, canyons, valleys, and caves still inhabited by nomadic families.
  • We will travel through the Dades Valley until we reach its imposing gorges, where we will stop at a panoramic viewpoint to enjoy tea with a view.
  • Along the way, we will make a brief stop at the curious rock formations known as the “monkey paws”.
  • In the afternoon, we will continue towards Tinerhir, a prosperous and picturesque town that offers a beautiful panorama of pink houses among palm groves.
  • From there, we will enter the famous Todra Gorges, where we can take a pleasant walk following the course of the river.
  • Later, we will continue along the route until we reach Erfoud, known as "the Gateway to the Desert".
  • Dinner and accommodation at Kasbah Xaluca, a unique accommodation in Morocco, recognized for its unique architectural and design features.
Day 4 of the itinerary
  • Today we will experience a true Total Desert Day.
  • We will travel along one of the legendary tracks used in the Dakar Rally, passing through remote villages and nomadic desert settlements.
  • We will make a stop at the impressive marine fossil quarries, over 360 million years old, and enjoy a picnic in an authentic oasis, a cool corner in the middle of the arid immensity.
  • We will continue the route until we reach the majestic Erg Chebbi, known as the "desert of dunes of very fine sand".
  • There we will exchange the 4x4 vehicle for dromedaries, to venture into the heart of the desert and contemplate an unforgettable sunset from the top of the dunes.
  • At sunset, we will arrive by caravan at the Bivouac de Luxe, where we will stay in traditional tents, similar to those used by desert nomads.
  • Dinner and accommodation under a starry sky, a unique experience that will be etched in your memory.
Day 5 of the itinerary
  • It's worth getting up early today. We recommend walking to the top of the dunes to witness the sunrise, a unique spectacle in the middle of the desert.
  • After sunrise, we will enjoy a Bedouin breakfast at the camp and return to the vehicle to begin a new stage.
  • We will circle the Erg Chebbi until we reach the abandoned village of Merdani.
  • We will continue towards Khamlia, a small village of Sudanese origin where we will be welcomed with traditional dances and a comforting mint tea.
  • Later, we will head to Rissani*, where we will visit its traditional market, a meeting point for tribes and desert nomads.
  • A very peculiar place because of its "donkey parking lot", which is quite a local spectacle.
  • To end the day in the desert, we will climb to a natural viewpoint with unforgettable panoramic views.
  • Return to Kasbah Xaluca, where we will have the rest of the day free to relax after the desert adventure.
  • You can enjoy:
  • Heated pool
  • Jacuzzi
  • Tennis courts
  • Mini golf
  • Traditional hammam or revitalizing massage (optional)
  • Optional quad bike excursion through the dunes near the hotel (activity for the more adventurous)
  • In the afternoon, chauffeured vehicles will be available if you wish to explore the area or visit Erfoud for a leisurely stroll or to visit a craft.

* The Rissani market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and SundaysIf it doesn't coincide with the route, we will try to reschedule the visit for another day, although this will not always be possible.
Day 6 of the itinerary
  • Departure in a northerly direction for a day of approximately 400 km, crossing landscapes of great diversity and beauty.
  • We will begin by exploring the impressive Ziz Valley, home to more than ten million palm trees, one of the largest palm groves in the country.
  • We will continue towards Midelt, and then on to Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland" for its striking resemblance to Alpine landscapes and architecture.
  • We will cross the famous giant cedar forests, home to a colony of wild monkeys.
  • If we're lucky, we'll be able to stop and feed them in the wild, a very special experience.
  • Arrival in Fez in the afternoon.
  • Dinner and accommodation in a riad in the Medina or in a 4-star hotel.

Note: Today is the last day with 4x4 vehicle.
Day 7 of the itinerary
  • Today 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.
  • Accompanied by a local guide, we will delve into its labyrinthine medieval alleyways, where, amidst the bustle of its inhabitants, we will discover:
  • Craft centers
  • Old mosques
  • Majestic palaces
  • We will also visit a traditional tannery, where we will learn firsthand about the leatherworking process ,one of the city's most emblematic trades.
  • At the agreed time, transfer to Fez airport to take 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.
Prices are based on double and triple rooms. For other room configurations or applicable discounts for children, please consult specific conditions.