This 12 Days expedition from Marrakech will enable you to learn about the Amazigh culture and enjoy the diversity of the dramatic landscape that southern Morocco has to offer.
This will take you to the heart of the country – to meet people with rich hearts and warm hospitality. You will enjoy travelling through vast, arid landscapes – with dry, fine air. Sleep under an unspoilt sky, revealing millions of stars. This expedition starts and ends in Marrakech or Casablanca.
Upon arrival, we will pick you up and drive you to your accommodation in the Medina, where you can check in and relax. After that, you will have the option to walk around the Jemaa El Fna Square, entertained by magicians, storytellers, musicians, and many more.
After breakfast at your authentic hotel, you’ll start exploring Marrakech, “the Red City of Morocco”. Your guide will ensure that you see the most important places of historical and cultural interest, including the famous Jemaa El Fna Square, the Saadian tombs, the Palaces of Bahia, and the Ben Youssef Coranic school.
Lunch near the square, at a restaurant of your choice, then in the afternoon visit the Majorelle Gardens, see the Koutoubia tower, and have a short tour in the new town of Marrakech.
Meet you at your riad or hotel in Marrakech and start travelling to Ourika Valley via the villages of Asni and Tahnaout. This tour will take you through the three valleys including Tahnaout valley, the Mulay Brahim Gorge and the Berber village of Asni, you will also have the opportunity to visit a Berber family and experience our culture.
During, your journey, you will experience the breathtaking scenery and the fascinating views of the Toubkal and Oukaimden Mountains -the highest peaks in North Africa. By lunchtime you will get to Ourika Valley – one of the richest valleys in Morocco with flowing water, luxuriant trees, magnificent flowers, blooming bushes, and delightful waterfalls.
After lunch here, you have the option to take a 2 hour hike. Walking through the Berber village of Setti Fatma, and within the fields where you may well see the monkeys in the wild, and experience great views of the waterfall. Afterwards, we will head back to Marrakech. Overnight at your riad as above.
After breakfast in your riad or hotel, you will start travelling to Taroudant via the Tizi n’Test Pass over the High Atlas Mountains. Today, you will be experiencing amazing landscape through the second highest pass in Morocco, the home of many Berber tribes. Your first main stop will be at the Tin-Mal Mosque, a 12th century historical site.
Now a UNESCO heritage site, Tin Mal area was the base of the Almohad dynasty before they succeeded the Almoravid empire. Your journey continues over the High Atlas Mountains and then through the Argan fields before you get to Taroudant where you will book in to your riad or hotel.
After breakfast in your riad or hotel, you will start exploring the city of Taroudant “The little Marrakech”. There is no must-see monument here, so the highlights of this town like most of any other place is the social daily life of the people; you will walk the souks , take a tour around the walls and wander the small square of Alaouine, known as “Assarag square”.
You will be walking the alleys of the Medina and visit the Berber Jewelry market. Taroudant is the foundation of the Saadian dynasty before they used Marrakech as their capital; this and because the red color of its buildings and narrow streets, it is always referred to as the “Little Marrakech”.
In the afternoon, you have the option to take a bike tour around the walls of the city or just walk around and enjoy watching the sunset colors over the walls. Overnight in riad or hotel as above.
After breakfast in your riad or hotel, you will start travelling to Tafraout via the Berber region of Ait Baha. Your journey will take you through the amazing Argan fields where you’ll see herds of goats climbing the Argan trees to look for fresh nuts – a healthy food for them.
This road offers great photo opportunities. You will continue over the Anti- Atlas Mountains to Ait Baha and then to Tafraout. Overnight at a local riad or hotel.
After breakfast in your riad or hotel, you will start exploring this attractive village and its wonders. In Morocco, the people and the diverse landscape that make each place a good destination to visit, and Tafraout is a good example of this: an authentic small village with a strong Berber culture.
Here you will see people with their traditional dress, either in the souk or in their fields. Situated within the Anti-Atlas Mountains with its red granite rocks, and the green valley of Ameln, the village’s landscape is amazing. You will see the Painted Rocks and enjoy a walk within the valley. In the afternoon you will have some free time to wander around the village on your own. Overnight accommodation as above.
After breakfast in your riad or hotel, you will leave for Tata via the Paradise Valley. You will be crossing the small Anti -Atlas hills, populated by the Ait Abdellah tribe, and then through the valley of Tazgzaout – where you will meet tent-dwelling nomadic people with their animals.
This is a very remote area – dry and arid – but the landscape is beautiful. You will get to Tata by the afternoon and check in to your riad or hotel. Afterwards, you will have some free time to walk within the old village and explore the town.
After breakfast in your riad or hotel, you will start travelling to Chigaga Sahara desert. Today you will be travelling through the black moonscape desert, which has attracted many world movie producers to film here. You’ll see camel caravans and nomads along the way.
After crossing the dry lake of Irikki, you will get to Chigaga for the sunset. Here you will have the option to take a camel ride into the dunes to watch the sunset before you have dinner in your desert camp. Overnight at desert camp.
Early in the morning, your guide will wake you up to watch the sunrise over the dunes before you continue your journey east. After breakfast in your camp, you will start travelling to Zagora via the old village Tamegrout; walk within the village and then visit the Islamic library, the oldest in the area, which served as a school and the source of Islamic education for many decades.
Your visit continues to the hand-made pottery works where you will see men using traditional methods. After lunch, you will continue your journey to Zagora where you will book into your overnight accommodation at a riad or hotel.
After breakfast in your riad or hotel, you will start travelling to Marrakech via the Draa valley and then through the High Atlas Mountains. Today, your journey will take you through the fascinating Draa valley to Agdez and then through the Ait Saouen pass to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the largest Kasbah in Morocco. Here you will have the opportunity to visit this old mud site, a UNESCO heritage site now.
The Kasbah was built by T-Hami El Glaoui, one of the last Berber chieftains who dominated the whole region. He used the Kasbah as a stop during his long trading caravans from sub-Saharan countries to Marrakech. Your journey continues to Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260 m), arriving at Marrakech towards the end of the day. Here you will book into your overnight accommodation at a riad or hotel.
After breakfast in your riad or hotel, we will drive you to the airport for your departure flight. The tour ends at the airport.
Once you book your 12 days tour expedition from Marrakech with us, you should expect to stay at authentic hotels and luxury camps in the Sahara desert, including private rooms and ensuite tents with essential amenities, complete with private showers and flush toilets, ensuring a comfortable and private stay. Our guests can choose from various accommodation options, from luxurious suites to all-inclusive resorts. We have narrowed down the best accommodation options to suit all preferences, budgets, services, decorations, and locations. We gathered the top-rated hotels and desert camps in Morocco based on our deep experiences and we’ve organized them by luxury, mid-range, and budget to help you choose the best hotel for your group.
All our accommodations are decorated in Moroccan style. The rooms are clean and well-maintained, providing a truly outstanding experience such as complimentary breakfast, and guests praise the helpful staff, which is the perfect place to unwind after an exploration day full of activities. We constantly allow our guests to match between Our best-selected accommodations also. In case, these accommodations are not available on your requested dates, we’ll book the alternative ones in the same category and let you know in advance. If you have a preferred alternative accommodation in mind, just let us know and we’ll be happy to accommodate your request, ensuring it aligns with your travel plans and preferences. Your comfort and convenience are our priority! We invite you to get in touch with us, selecting the accommodation level and our local team will share the accommodation links.
The price of our 12 day tour from Marrakech varies depending on several factors, including accommodations, the size of your group, and the season of your travel. The more participants in your group, the lower the cost per person, making it ideal for larger groups seeking affordability.
For those who prefer to travel in October, April or the end of December, we highly recommend contacting us in advance. This will not only help you avoid peak season fees but also provide a greater chance of securing your preferred accommodations during these popular travel periods.
For a pricing quote, we invite you to get in touch with us as soon as you know your dates. Our expert team shall provide the best price that meets your requirements and budget.
I had an unforgettable 12 day trip with Traverse Morocco! Every detail was perfectly organized, and Mohammed was very quick in replying to our emails, from the first inquiry until the end of the tour. All our daily journeys amazed us from the stunning landscapes of the Sahara to the vibrant cities and hidden gems. Our guide Said was knowledgeable, friendly, and went above and beyond to make the experience personal and immersive. I felt safe, welcomed, and truly connected to Moroccan culture. Highly recommend Traverse Morocco for anyone seeking an authentic and seamless adventure!
Yes, Morocco is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it’s essential to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
The best time to visit the Sahara Desert is during the cooler months, from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for exploring.
Visitors from many countries can enter Morocco visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. However, it’s essential to check visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
Moroccan cuisine is diverse and flavorful, known for dishes such as tagine (slow-cooked stews), couscous, and pastilla (a savory pastry). It often features a blend of spices like cumin, saffron, and cinnamon.
Tipping is appreciated for good service in Morocco, especially in restaurants, hotels, and for tour guides. Around 10% of the bill is usually considered appropriate.
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+212 663 606 413
contact@traversemorocco.com
