6 Days Deep South in Morocco and Desert Tour from Marrakech

Exploring the 6 Days Deep South in Morocco and Desert Tour from Marrakech

Travelers seeking a journey into Morocco’s most captivating landscapes will find this 6-day tour quite appealing. It offers a blend of iconic film-worthy Kasbahs, breathtaking gorges, and the vast Sahara dunes—all wrapped into one adventurous package. While it’s not perfect, the trip is packed with memorable sights and authentic moments that make it a worthwhile experience.

What we love about this tour? First, the chance to visit Ouarzazate and walk through the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for over 20 movies. Second, the stunning views of the Todra and Dades gorges, where dramatic cliffs and winding paths create picture-perfect scenery. Third, the unique experience of sleeping under the stars in a traditional Berber camp—an unforgettable highlight.

A potential drawback? The schedule is quite packed, and some may find the long drive times between stops a bit tiring. Also, the tour is quite popular, so group sizes can reach up to 34 travelers, which might limit intimacy or flexibility for some.

This tour suits adventurous travelers eager to see Morocco’s diverse landscapes, culture, and history without the hassle of planning each detail. It’s perfect for those who want authentic desert experiences, stunning scenery, and a taste of Berber life—all within a manageable, guided framework.

Key Points

• Authentic Moroccan landscapes combined with cinematic Kasbahs and rugged gorges.
• Overnight stays in a desert camp under the stars, with camel rides at sunrise and sunset.
• Cultural visits like the film studios in Ouarzazate and Rissani’s historic sites.
• A well-rounded itinerary balancing drive time with sightseeing and relaxed moments.
• All-inclusive accommodations for 5 nights, with some meals and activities included.
• Group experience, with a maximum of 34 travelers, fostering camaraderie.

A Thorough Look at the 6-Day Morocco Desert & South Tour

Starting in Marrakech and the High Atlas

The adventure kicks off early from Marrakech, with a pickup from the designated meeting point at Café de France. The first major highlight is crossing the Tizi N’Tichka pass, which at 2,260 meters offers sweeping views of the High Atlas. Expect a scenic drive through traditional Berber villages clinging to mountain slopes—an image you’ll carry home long after the trip.

Our visit to Ouarzazate is a highlight for movie buffs. The famed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou stands out as a UNESCO site with a history that dates back centuries. This fortress, featured in countless films, transports visitors back in time amid its mud-brick walls and winding alleys. Reviewers like Richard_D, despite some dissatisfaction, mention the tour’s rich visual appeal and the chance to explore a site that looks straight out of a film set.

Exploring the Rose Valley and Gorges

On day two, the route takes us through Skoura, known for its impressive Kasbah Amredhyle, and then into the Rose Valley, a fragrant stretch of land famous for its annual rose festival. We’ll stop at Kella M’Gouna and in Tinghir, a town with access to the stunning Todra Gorge.

Here, the rugged landscape is truly breathtaking—cliffs tower dramatically over narrow riverbeds, creating a perfect backdrop for photographs. Lunch in a local restaurant adds a taste of everyday Moroccan life, and free time in the gorges lets you wander along the trails or just soak in the views. One reviewer lauded the gorges as “fabulous,” emphasizing the dramatic beauty of the natural formations.

Into the Sahara: Merzouga and the Desert Life

The third day introduces travelers to the merchandise of the desert— Erfoud, Tinjdad, and the oasis town of Merzouga. The landscape shifts as you enter the Tafilalet region, known for its date palms and desert oases. Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, is where the true desert adventure begins.

The evening features a relaxing hotel stay, but the real magic starts the next morning with a camel trek into the dunes. You’ll wake early to watch the sunrise over the sand, an experience that many find deeply moving. The camels are usually gentle, and the views of vast, rolling dunes—some reviewed as “fabulous”—are breathtaking. Spending a night in a Berber bivouac is quite the experience, with a sense of adventure and closeness to nature.

Living with Nomads and Desert Traditions

One of the tour’s unique moments is visiting Khamlia, a village known for Gnawa music. You get to listen to live performances while sipping hot mint tea—an authentic touch that adds cultural depth. The experience of drinking tea under the Berber tents, as described by reviewers, evokes a genuine sense of nomadic life.

Exploring the Draa Valley and Berber Villages

Day five begins with a sunrise over the desert—an awe-inspiring sight. After camel rides back to the hotel, the journey continues through Rissani, the historic capital of the Alawite dynasty, and passes through several Berber villages en route to Agdz. The lush palm groves in the valley contrast sharply with the surrounding desert, offering scenic diversity.

Returning to Marrakech

The final day retraces the route over the Tizi N’Tichka pass, offering one last glimpse of the High Atlas. The drive back is a good opportunity to reflect on the trip’s highlights, with a transfer back to Marrakech ending the experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The highlight of this tour is the balance of natural beauty and culture. The gorges, Kasbahs, and desert camps offer photo-worthy moments, while the visits to film studios and Rissani provide historical context. The camel rides, both at sunset and sunrise, are classic desert moments that deliver on their promise of scenic and authentic experiences.

The accommodations, spread over 5 nights, range from traditional hotels to the desert bivouac. Most are comfortable and well-located for sightseeing, though some reviews hint that long drive times might be tiring—expect around 6 hours on the road on some days.

Pricing and Value

At approximately $942 per person, this tour offers an all-inclusive experience with hotel stays, some meals, and activities like camel rides and sandboarding. While meals outside of breakfast and dinners are not included, the value largely lies in the guided experience, transportation, and the access to Morocco’s iconic sites.

Practical Insights from Reviews

Reviewers highlight the stunning scenery as the trip’s main selling point. One noted, “The views of the dunes at sunrise are simply fabulous,” emphasizing the emotional impact of these moments. However, some mentions of the tour being a replacement for an canceled one suggest that expectations may vary, and travelers should be aware of the group size and schedule intensity.

Who is This Tour For?

This is ideal for travelers who want to see the highlights of southern Morocco without the hassle of planning logistics. Adventure seekers looking for authentic desert nights, scenic gorges, and impressive Kasbahs will find plenty to love. It’s also suited for those comfortable with group travel and long drives.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For those eager to experience Morocco’s diversity—mountains, deserts, and ancient cities—this tour provides a well-rounded, guided introduction. The inclusion of camel rides and a night under the stars in the desert makes it stand out. While the schedule can be tight, the sights and authentic moments more than compensate.

If you’re after a comprehensive adventure that combines natural beauty with cultural insights, this tour offers genuine value. Expect stunning vistas, memorable encounters, and a deep sense of connection to Morocco’s vibrant landscape.

This trip is best suited for those who enjoy structured group tours, are comfortable with long driving days, and want to tick off several iconic sites in one go. Whether it’s your first trip to Morocco or a return visit, this six-day journey will leave you with incredible stories—and plenty of photos.

FAQ

• What is the starting point for this tour? It begins at the Hôtel Restaurant Café de France in Marrakech.

• How long is the tour? It lasts approximately 6 days, including travel and sightseeing.

• What’s included in the price? The price covers comfortable transportation, 5 nights of accommodations, camel rides for sunset and sunrise, sandboarding, and 5 dinners and breakfasts.

• Are meals besides breakfast and dinner included? No, lunch, drinks, and personal expenses are not included.

• What is the maximum group size? The tour can have up to 34 travelers, which is typical for group experiences.

• Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees? Entrance fees for sites like Ouarzazate are not included and need to be paid separately.

• Is this tour suitable for all ages? Most travelers can participate, but check your comfort with long drives and physical activities like camel riding.

• Can I cancel if needed? Yes, there is a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour starts.

• What kind of vehicle is used? A comfortable vehicle with a professional driver, with fuel included, ensures smooth travel.

• Will I see authentic Moroccan culture? Yes, from Berber villages to Gnawa music, the tour provides meaningful cultural experiences.

In summary, this 6-day Moroccan adventure offers a dynamic mix of landscapes, culture, and iconic sights. It’s a fantastic choice for curious travelers wanting to see the most photogenic and authentic parts of the Deep South, with the comfort of guided logistics and memorable desert nights.