9-Day Southern Morocco Tour

Duration

9 Days

Tour Type

Multi-Day Tour

Group Size

10 People Max

Languages

English

Overview

The 9-Day Southern Morocco itinerary offers an immersive journey through the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Morocco’s southern region. From the bustling city of Casablanca to the tranquil coastal town of Essaouira, travelers embark on a captivating adventure filled with historic sites, scenic vistas, and authentic experiences.

The tour begins with an arrival in Casablanca, where visitors have the option to explore the iconic Hassan II Mosque before heading to Essaouira. Here, the charming old medina and seafront ramparts provide a picturesque backdrop for leisurely exploration and optional activities such as horseback riding, surfing, or indulging in Moroccan spa treatments.

As the journey continues southward, travelers traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains, encountering traditional Berber villages nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes. Stops at UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou offer insight into Morocco’s rich architectural heritage, while visits to local cooperatives provide a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship.

The highlight of the itinerary is an unforgettable overnight excursion to the Sahara Desert, where adventurers embark on a 4×4 desert safari, ride camels across the towering dunes of Erg Chigaga, and experience the magic of a desert campfire under the starlit sky.

Additional highlights include explorations of Lake Iriki National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna, and opportunities to engage with local communities through cultural activities like cooking classes and music performances.

Holiday Sale Date:

February 16-24, 2025 (9 days) –

$1,450 USD per person (double occupancy)

$1,750 USD per person (single occupancy)

Includes – Casablanca, Zagora, Tagounite, Sahara Desert, Essaouira, Marrakech.

Deposit:

Secure your reservation with a $500 deposit upon booking. Please note that this deposit is non-refundable.

A payment plan can be set up to suit your needs for the remainder. We can discuss on an individual basis. Additional service fee for credit card and PayPal payments.

Maximum group size is 10 people.

Cancellation Policy. In the event of cancellation:

– If you cancel your $500 deposit is non-refundable

– If you cancel within 40 days of the beginning of the trip, 75% of tour price is due.

DAY 1: Flight Casablanca to Zagora

I will meet you in Zagora with our driver to begin our journey. You can take the morning flight out of Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport on Royal Air Moroc Airlines or meet us there to add to your journey, if you are already in the area. We will have lunch in Zagora and visit an artisan cooperative to learn about the ancient method of resorting restoring doors and casting silver. Then we will continue south and stop in the town of Tamgroute, home to a pottery cooperative run by seven families. Here, we’ll learn about their unique methods and materials. This day includes lunch, and dinner. Overnight: Tagounite

DAY 2 - 3: Local Days Exploring the Surrounding Area

These days we’ll immerse ourselves in the local culture of southern Morocco. You can join a cooking class, learn how to make Moroccan tea, get henna done, enjoy traditional music, or take a walk to explore nearby river and small dunes. These days include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight: Tagounite

DAY 4: Overnight 4x4 Excursion to the Sahara Desert

Today we will embark on an unforgettable overnight adventure in the Sahara Desert. Our journey begins with a thrilling 4×4 desert safari, where we’ll stop to enjoy tea or lunch with a nomadic family. We’ll visit a historic site where Moroccan traders once gathered before embarking on the perilous journey to Timbuktu, an ancient hub for gold and salt trade. Lunch will be provided along the way.

Upon reaching our desert camp at Erg Chigaga, the largest dunes in Morocco, we’ll be greeted with traditional Moroccan tea and treats. As the sun begins to set, we’ll take a camel caravan into the dunes for a memorable ride and photo opportunities.

In the evening, we’ll savor a delicious dinner. Afterward, we’ll gather under the starry sky to enjoy a campfire accompanied by traditional music. The camp offers well-equipped tents or earthen rooms with comfortable beds, hot showers, and western toilets. You also have the option to sleep under the stars. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight at the Sahara Desert Camp.

DAY 5: Fossil Mountain and Berber Women’s Carpet Cooperative

We’ll begin our journey this day across a different part of the Sahara, passing through Lake Iriki National Park. Although the lake is mostly dry today, it was once a favorite spot for southern gazelles. The park spans 123,000 hectares and was established to protect the region’s biodiversity, flora, and fauna.

Along the way, we’ll stop at “Fossil Mountain,” where we’ll discover fossils of sea creatures from when this area was a sea millions of years ago. We’ll also visit a Berber Women’s Carpet Cooperative to learn how local carpets are made. If time allows, we’ll visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its traditional adobe architecture. This iconic location has been featured in films such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. This day includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight in the High Atlas Mountains.

DAY 6: Essaouira

After breakfast, we’ll set off for the charming port town of Essaouira. This town boasts a fortified old medina, protected by the 18th-century seafront ramparts known as the Skala de la Kasbah. The walls, lined with old brass cannons, offer stunning views of the ocean. The drive will take approximately 5 hours. This day includes breakfast. Overnight in Essaouira.

DAY 7: Day in Essaouira

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the quaint port town of Essaouira at your own pace. Optional activities include quad biking, camel or horse riding on the beach, surfing lessons, yoga, or a hammam (Moroccan spa treatment). This day includes breakfast. Overnight in Essaouira.

DAY 8: Marrakech

Today we will drive approximately 3 hours to Marrakech. We will do a walking tour of Marrakech after lunch to explore the medina and visit some of the historical landmarks of this beautiful city. Includes breakfast. Overnight Marrakech.

DAY 9: Depart Marrakech Menara Airport