Grand South & Essaouira
Grand south & Essaouira
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Morocco's old caravan routes, starting in the majestic Atlas Mountains. Admire the authentic architecture of the south and the ancient rock engravings of the Draa Valley, where history whispers through the stones. Explore the artistry of rural pottery, crafted by skilled hands that preserve generations of tradition. Feel the soul of the Sahara in its vast dunes and tranquil oases, stop at the Berber granary of Tata—a remarkable feat of resilience and ingenuity—then conclude your adventure on the Atlantic shores of Essaouira, where the ocean meets vibrant culture, before ending in Marrakech, a city bursting with life, color, and timeless allure.
Day one: departure from Marrakech to the draa Valley.
After leaving the red city WE will head south east towards the grandiose Hight Atlas mountain, crossing the breathtaking Tizi n’ Tichka pass, going along the color full Onila Valley we will
stop, as did the trans-saharan trade caravans in the past, at the UNESCO World heritage site of Ait ben haddou a stunning example of mud and Adobe architecture. Continuing ti reach the lush Draa Valley dinner and overnight a Agdz.
Day two Agdz, Mhamid, Chegaga desert.
Departing from Agdz stop for fresh walk in the Beautiful Gardens of Draa palm grove after discovering the rock engraving archeological site of Foum chenna, the green rural pottery in Tamgroute is a must see. Before Mhamid Elghezlane stop at another archeological site waitressing the Prehistory of the region: Foum larjam.
In the afternoon venture to the magical Chegaga Sahara Desert, dinner and overnight in the Akwabir Eco Camp.
Day three: immersion in the soul of the Sahara Desert.
Wake up for the sunrise After breakfast start your cooking class in the nomadic tent, while the meal will be ready, we invite you to go for two hours hiking throw the dunes, enjoy your tea in the Sahara and come back experiencing the camel ride, after lunch have free time for meditation retreat. Dinner & overnight in the Camp.
Day three: immersion in the soul of the Sahara Desert.
Awaken to the sunrise, then begin your cooking class in the nomadic tent after breakfast. While awaiting the meal, we invite you to embark on a two-hour hike through the dunes, savor tea in the Sahara, Journey back on camel ride. After lunch, enjoy free time for a meditation retreat. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the Camp.
Day four: Chegaga Sahara Desert -Tata-Taroudante.
Driving alongside Lake Iriki and heading west towards the town of Foum Zguid, where the off-road trail ends, today’s journey offers a broad perspective to explore the Anti-Atlas landscape and the Amazigh lifestyle, including architecture, farming, and more. Our first stop is the Aitkin granary, one of the oldest banking systems and a testament to Amazigh ingenuity, cultural richness,
and the essence of communal heritage in Moroccan history. We’ll then savor a delicious Amazigh lunch with a local family, discover the Souss plain, a land of citrus and argan trees, and conclude with dinner and an overnight stay in a beautiful Riad in Taroudant.
Day five Taroudant, Atlantic Ocean, Essaouira.
An hour from Taroudant, pause at the panoramic view of Agadir, which means the granary and is the capital of the region. Follow the road along the Atlantic Ocean, passing beaches, fishermen’s villages, and goat herders. Visit the women’s cooperative for argan oil. Essaouira, a charming coastal medina and UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts winding alleys, whitewashed buildings with blue accents, and historical ramparts.
It offers fresh seafood, is a hotspot for surfing and kitesurfing, and is known for Gnawa music—a fusion of Moroccan tradition and African rhythms. Essaouira, or Mogador, is the ideal place for those seeking a mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a riad.
Day six Essaouira, Marrakech
Arriving in Marrakech feels like a warm embrace, with air as smooth as silk and a sensory feast of sounds and scents. The colors of the dunes dominate, reminiscent of its origins, while colorful towels, endless orange stalls, and dried fruits like dates, figs, and apricots cast their spell all around. Discover the magic of Marrakech,
where tradition and modernity converge. Navigate the labyrinthine souk of the historic Medina, admire the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and Ben Youssef Madrasa, be captivated by the vibrant Djemaa el-Fna square with its storytellers and musicians, and explore the stunning Majorelle Gardens. Unwind in a luxurious riad and savor your farewell dinner.
