An exploration of the various facets of Southern Morocco begins in Marrakech, the capital of the south. The itinerary allows you to cross the High Atlas Mountains twice via two different routes, ride in a 4x4 through the desert, and even see a camel caravan. The Tin Mel mosque, on the way to Tizi n'Test, is one of the Almohad architecture masterpieces. In one week, we visited Marrakech, the mountains, off-road tracks, the desert, oases, a caravan, and bivouacs, all with short and not too strenuous stages.

 DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN MARRAKECH 

Arrival at the Menara Airport in Marrakech. Welcome and assistance are provided. Transfer to a hotel in the city.

DAY 2: MARRAKECH - TIZI N'TEST - OULED BERHIL.

After breakfast, drive to the Tizi n'Test pass in a 4x4 vehicle. The road leads you to the foot of Mount Toubkal, North Africa's highest point. A little further on, you'll find the Tin Mel mosque, which is currently undergoing restoration but is far enough along to appreciate its simple yet exceptionally elegant architecture. Beyond the pass, the descent provides spectacular views of the southern plains and, on a clear day, all the way to the desert. Proceed to Ouled Berhil.

DAY 3: TALIOUINE - TAZENAKHT - AGDZ - ZAGORA.

You will first pass through Taliouine, a small town known for its saffron production, the quality of which is valued far beyond Morocco's borders. If you want, you can stop by the saffron cooperative to learn more about its production and properties. Then, proceed to Tazenakht, which is famous for its rugs. Even if you don't intend to buy anything, we recommend strolling through the shops and admiring the local craftsmanship. You will then arrive in the Draa River valley at Agdz. Lunch is planned in Tamnougalte, a very old town that served as the setting for the film "The Sheltering Sky." Some families, with the help of European NGOs, are attempting to preserve a semblance of life there. The restaurant is housed in one of these restored old houses, which has been transformed into a genuine small museum of ancestral life. Following that, you will follow the road at the valley's bottom, which is actually a very long oasis surrounded by arid mountains.

DAY 4: ZAGORA-TAMGROUTE-ERG LIHOUDI. 100 KM.

Explore Zagora and its surroundings by 4x4 in the morning. Tamgroute, the Quranic library, the Zaoua, the underground kasbah, and the pottery workshops are all worth seeing. Continue on, following the Draa River valley towards M'Hamid. Meet your camel driver and camels in the late afternoon for a desert trek to the Erg Lihoudi dunes bivouac site. Dinner and overnight in a bivouac.

DAY 5: ERG LIHOUDI - ZAGORA - OUARZAZATE - AT BENHADDOU. 325 KM.

After breakfast, the caravan returns to the road, and you depart by vehicle for the return to Zagora, then to Agdz. Beyond Agdz, on your way to Ouarzazate, you'll pass through a completely mineral landscape, which is quite impressive. Lunch is served in Ouarzazate. Then you continue to Ait Benhaddou, where you can admire the site at its best: just before sunset. Spend the night in a hotel.

DAY 6: AÏT BENHADDOU - TELOUET - TIZI N'TICHKA - MARRAKECH.

200 KM. Return to Marrakech via the old caravan route to Telouet. Visit the ancient kasbah of Glaoui, who controlled the caravan route that, over the centuries, brought the products of sub-Saharan Africa to Marrakech. Lunch is planned at an inn very close to Telouet, by the river, in the midst of an orchard. In the afternoon, return on the Tichka pass road. Spend the night at a hotel in Marrakech.

DAY 7: MARRAKECH

A half-day guided city tour begins after breakfast. The afternoon is free for leisurely strolls through the souks or city gardens, or even a carriage ride. Evening at a Moroccan restaurant in an old mansion in the heart of the old town. Spend the night at the hotel.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE.

Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport after breakfast. Check-in assistance is available.

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