THE ROAD OF ONE THOUSAND KASBAHS AND THE DESERT – 7 DAYS

from/per person €440
  • Itinerario culturale
    Culture tour
  • Deserto
    Desert
  • Oasi
    Oasis
  • Gole
    Gorges
  • Architettura e monumenti
    Monuments and architecture
  • Escursioni in dromedario
    Camel excursion

General description

Adventure tour in 4x4 for nature lovers and explorers, also suitable for children and families.

Starting from Marrakech, we’ll travel along the famous road of One Thousand Kasbahs down to the superb dunes of Merzouga, at the doors of the great Sahara. A trip designed to enjoy all the beauty and variety of landscapes of southern Morocco: the vast desert plateaux at the foothills of the Atlas, surrounding the quiet city of Ouarzazate and the magnificent Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, the narrow canyons of Dadés with their suggestive red rocks, up to the Ziz valley, incredible mosaic of traditions and cultures, crossroad of trade routes between Morocco and the Saharan Africa. The unique experience of the desert, with its dunes of fine golden sand, is designed to ensure comfort, adventure and discovery, with excursions in 4x4, camel treks and a night in a traditional bivouac at the warm light of a bonfire. On the way back to Marrakech, we’ll spend a day in the green oasis of the Draa, with excursions and walking tours along the narrow paths that twist among the palm trees. Crossing the High Atlas Mountains, we’ll finally travel along the red canyons of the Ounila Valley, admiring the beauty and calm of the most traditional Berber Morocco.

Other details


Included services:

Reception and accompaniment - Transport by 4x4 or minibus - 1 night in bivouac with camel trek on the dunes - 5 nights in hotel / riad / guest house – Accommodation on full board basis - Traditional music nights - Treks, hikes and walking tours - Entrance fees to monuments and architectural sites - 1 professional guide throughout the duration of the trip - 24h24 Assistance

Extra services not included:

Airplane tickets - Drinks - Tips for staff – Optional activities – Travel health and cancellation insurance (upon request, Direction Sud will help you identify the most suitable for your needs). Direction Sud guarantees no hidden costs or other extra fees.

Stages of the trip

7 days / 6 nights

Ouarzazate
Starting from Marrakech, we’ll reach the quiet town of Ouarzazate by crossing the central High Atlas at the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Guided visit of Ouarzazate and the beautiful Taorirte palace, finely restored, overlooking the traditional handicraft souks and the narrow streets of the old medina. For nature lovers, quad and mountain biking tours at the Tifoultout Kasbah, hidden amongst a lush palm grove, and at the Oasis of Fint.

Duration: 04:00
Dadés Gorges
We’ll travel along the famous valley of One Thousand Kasbahs up to the Dadés valley, crossing the oasis of Skoura with the picturesque Kasbah of Amridil and the suggestive landscapes of the Roses Valley, beautiful in spring during fowering. During the day, hikes and 4x4 tours in the Dadés valley, exploring its deep red canyons scattered with ancient kasbahs, oasis and traditional rural communities.

Duration: 02:30
Ziz Valley
On the way to the Ziz valley, we’ll stop for an short excursion at the impressive cliffs of the Todgha gorges. We’ll then move east with a stop at the Ksar al Khorbat and at the beautiful lush oasis of Gheris, to admire the old Ksar of Goulmima, with its thick walls made of earth and straw.

Duration: 02:30
Merzouga sand dunes
Going south towards the desert of Merzouga, we’ll cross the blue source of Meski and the Ksar Ain Maadid in Erfoud, the largest in the South of Morocco. Once in Merzouga, Camel ride into the hearth of the rose dunes of the Erg Chebbi for a night in a traditional bivouac provided with all comforts.

Duration: 03:00
Tazzarine ( Draa Valley)
At the departure from Merzouga, guided visit to the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif in Rissani, dedicated to the origins of the Alaouite royal dynasty. We’ll then explore the Draa Valley with a first stop at the prehistoric cave paintings of Tazzarine and a walking tour along the charming paths of the oasis, discovering traditional villages and the ruins of mysterious kasbahs made of earth and straw. Upon request, horse riding and mountain biking circuits.

Duration: 03:30
Ait Ben Haddou
Guided visit of the famous souks of Agdez, located on the ancient caravan trade route linking Marrakech to the Saharan Africa. In the afternoon, guided visit of the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, superb example of traditional architecture in earth and straw. Depending on your interests, the visit will be followed by short hikes, quad, horse riding trails and camel treks along the ksar surroundings, traditional music performances, food tastings and cooking demonstrations.

Duration: 03:00
Ounila Valley
The last day of the trip will be dedicated to the discovery of the Central High Atlas, traveling along the steep canyons of the Ounila valley, narrow green corridor linking the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou to the village Telouet and the Galoui Palace, located in a wide and quiet valley among spectacular mountain peaks. Return trip to Marrakech at the Tizi n'Tichka pass.

Duration: 04:00