South Morocco Circuit
The South Morocco Circuit is a vibrant and adventurous journey through Morocco’s diverse southern landscapes—blending desert, mountains, coastline, and Berber culture. Beginning and ending in Marrakech, this 10-day tour takes you across the High Atlas Mountains, through the iconic Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, and deep into the Sahara Desert at Erg Chigaga, where you’ll ride camels and sleep under the stars. The route continues through the rocky plains of Tata, the granite beauty of Tafraoute, and ends on the breezy Atlantic coast in Essaouira. Along the way, you’ll enjoy guided medina tours, local meals with families, cultural demonstrations, scenic hikes, and unforgettable landscapes—from ancient granaries to painted rocks. This trip offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and local encounters.
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Salam Oulaikom! Welcome to Morocco. Today you will be Picked-up by our stuff or Tour leader from the Airport and transfer to your accommodation. Welcome Meeting will be held at 18:00pm with the tour leader and the rest of the group. Optional evening visit to Jemaa el-Fna. Overnight in Marrakech. Meals: no meals provided Accommodation: Hotel/Riad Activities: none for today
Day 2: Marrakech _Aït Benhaddou
Drive via Tizi n’Tichka Pass and stop for panoramic view over the valley. Visit Aït Benhaddou Kasbah a world UNESCO heritage site. After the the visite join for local dinner. Overnight in Aït Benhaddou village.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Riad
Activities: stop for panoramic view and Visit the Kasbah village
Travel time: 4 hours
Day 3: Aït Benhaddou _ Erg Chigaga Desert
Enjoy your early breakfast and drive through Draa Valley, a beautiful scenery of landscapes through the valley and Zagora town a gate town to the desert of M’hamid. After lunch you will be transferred by 4×4 off-road to Chigaga dunes, camp. You will be welcomed by Moroccan tea, at the same time camel drivers prepare the Camels for the ride, desert camp dinner, overnight under stars.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Sahara desert camp/ basic
Activities: 4×4 cars, camel ride and sunset
Travel time: 7 hours in total / 2 hours by 4×4 cars.
Day 4: Erg Chigaga _Tata
Today wake up early to catch up the sunrise and enjoy your breakfast after that jump to your 4×4 car, Off-road via the sand dunes and Iriki national park or Lake, stop for pictures on the way scenic desert landscapes to Foum Zguid town where you switch the cars. Overnight in Tata.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: : Hotel/Riad
Activities: stop for rocks Fossils
Travel time: 5 hours
Day 5: Tata_Tafraoute
After your breakfast drive through Anti-Atlas scenic view of landscapes through the valleys. Today you will stop and discover on of the most important granary in the Anti atlas mountains, when you finshed the visit of the granary join for your picnic lunch. Continue driving through the valleys to Tafraoute town. In the evening visit the painted rocks . Overnight in Tafraoute. Meals: breakfast and picnic lunch
Accommodation: : Hotel/Riad
Activities: Granary visit, picnic and painted rocks
Travel time: 5 hours
Day 6:Tafraoute Hike
Today enjoy your breakfast and get ready to discover the Ameln valley and Berber villages. Stop for visiting Berber museum and demonstration of tea. After the visit continue hiking to join a local family for lunch. Evening is free to discover on your own, overnight in Tafraoute.
Meals: breakfast and lunch with a local family
Accommodation: : Hotel/Riad
Activities: hike in Ameln valley, visit Berber museum and tea demonstration
Travel time: 2/30 to 3 hours hike
Day 7: Tafraoute _ Essaouira
Drive via Tiznit and Atlantic coast. Picnic lunch close to the beach after lunch drive to Mogador city. Free evening in Essaouira.
Meals: breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: : Hotel/Riad
Activities: No activities today
Travel time: 7 hours
Day 8: Essaouira City Tour
Guided Medina tour: discovering the souks, port, Skala, Mellah and fish market. Free time on the beach. Overnight in Essaouira.
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: : Hotel/Riad
Activities: guided tour and Medina visit
Travel time: medina visit 2/30 to 3 hours
Day 9: Essaouira_ Marrakech
Morning drive to Marrakech by joining a public transport with locals. Marrakech Medina tour, Koutoubia, Jemaa el-Fna, souks and tasting trails. Good spot to join a local resturant for a Farwell dinner. Overnight in Marrakech. Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: : Hotel/Riad
Activities: guided tour, Medina visit and tasting local trails
Travel time: 3 hours visit
Day 10: Departure
Transfer to Marrakech airport according to your flight schedule.
Airport transfers (arrival and departure in Marrakech)
9 nights accommodation in hotels, riads, guesthouses, and desert camp
Private transport throughout the journey (except shared local ride Day 9)
4×4 transfer to Erg Chigaga desert
Camel ride in Sahara Desert
Meals as listed:
Daily breakfasts
3 lunches (2 picnics, 1 with a local family)
5 dinners (in Aït Benhaddou, desert camp, Tata, Tafraoute)
Guided visits and cultural experiences:
Aït Benhaddou Kasbah
Sahara camel trek and desert sunset
Anti-Atlas granary visit
Painted Rocks in Tafraoute
Ameln Valley hike, Berber museum & tea demo
Medina tour in Essaouira and Marrakech
English-speaking tour leader
Luggage handling and support throughout
International flights to/from Morocco
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Meals not specified (e.g., dinners in Essaouira and Marrakech)
Drinks, bottled water, and personal snacks
Tips for guides, drivers, and accommodation staff
Entry fees not listed in the itinerary
Optional activities (e.g., hammam, surfing in Essaouira, shopping)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Experience the magic of Morocco with our authentic tours and cultural experiences.