8-Day Southern Morocco Circuit: Marrakech, Dades, Merzouga & Zagora

Overview 

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day private journey through the heart of Southern Morocco with Green Palms Transport, your trusted local DMC. This immersive desert adventure begins in Marrakech and winds through the High Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, dramatic gorges, and the golden dunes of Merzouga and Zagora.

Explore the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Jemaa el-Fna Square, cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), visit the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou, hike in the Todra and Dades Gorges, and ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for an overnight in a luxury desert camp. Continue to Zagora, the “Gateway to Timbuktu,” and return via the lush Drâa Valley and Ouarzazate.

With private 4×4 transport, handpicked 4- and 5-star accommodations, daily breakfast, and expert local guides, this tour offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and comfort — ideal for couples, solo travelers, and small groups seeking an authentic Moroccan experience.

Description 

Discover the soul of Southern Morocco on this 8-day guided private journey from Marrakech, meticulously designed by Green Palms Transport for travelers who want depth, comfort, and adventure. Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Marrakech-Menara Airport, followed by a seamless transfer to your hotel.

On Day 2, explore Marrakech with a full-day city tour: visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Dar Si Said Museum, and Menara Gardens, then wander the vibrant souks and Jemaa el-Fna Square.

On Day 3, journey east through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping at the Telouet Kasbah before arriving in Boumalne Dades. Day 4 takes you through the Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge, then to Merzouga, where a sunset camel trek delivers you to a luxury desert camp for dinner and a night under the stars.

On Day 5, travel via Alnif to Zagora, exploring the Tinfou dunes along the way. Day 6 includes a scenic drive through the Drâa Valley to Ouarzazate, known as “Hollywood of Morocco.” On Day 7, visit Taourirt and Tifoult Kasbahs, revisit Aït Ben Haddou, and return to Marrakech via the Atlas Mountains. On Day 8, enjoy a final breakfast before your airport transfer. With private transport, curated stays, and seamless logistics, this is the ultimate Southern Morocco experience.

Highlights

✅ Explore Marrakech: Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, souks & Jemaa el-Fna
✅ Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) in the High Atlas Mountains
✅ Visit UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
✅ Hike in the Todra Gorge and Dades Gorge
✅ Ride camels into the Merzouga dunes at sunset
✅ Spend a night in a luxury desert camp under the stars
✅ Discover Zagora, the “Gateway to Timbuktu”
✅ Drive through the lush Drâa Valley with millions of palm trees
✅ Stay in 4-star and 5-star hotels & riads
✅ Includes private 4×4 transport, driver, and guided tours

Includes & Excludes

Includes

• 7 nights’ accommodation in selected 4- and 5-star hotels:
  • Marrakech: El Andalous or Kenzi Rose Garden (3 nights)
  • Boumalne Dades: Le Perle du Dades or similar (1 night)
  • Merzouga: Luxury Desert Camp (1 night)
  • Zagora: Antique Forum Hotel or similar (1 night)
  • Ouarzazate: Jaal Resort or similar (1 night)
• Private airport transfers (arrival and departure)
• Private 4×4 vehicle with professional driver
• Daily breakfast at all hotels
• Guided tours in Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou, and Merzouga
• Camel trek to and from the desert camp
• All listed activities per itinerary

Excludes

• International flights
• Personal expenses, souvenirs, and tips
• Lunches and dinners (unless specified)
• Optional entrance fees (e.g., museums, kasbahs)
• Travel insurance
• Additional excursions (e.g., quad biking, camel rides in Agafay)

Tour Plan (Itinerary)

Day 1 – Arrival in Marrakech

• Arrive at Marrakech-Menara Airport
• Meet and greet by your Green Palms driver
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Check-in and overnight stay

Day 2 – Marrakech City Tour

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Full-day guided tour:
  • Koutoubia Mosque (exterior)
  • Bahia Palace
  • Dar Si Said Museum
  • Menara Gardens
  • Souks of the Medina
  • Jemaa el-Fna Square
• Overnight in Marrakech

Day 3 – Marrakech → Ouarzazate → Boumalne Dades

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Depart for Ouarzazate via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
• Stop at Telouet Kasbah
• Continue to Boumalne Dades
• Overnight in Dades Valley

Day 4 – Boumalne → Todra Gorge → Merzouga

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Drive to Todra Gorge (ideal for hiking)
• Continue to Merzouga via Erfoud (fossil capital)
• Sunset camel trek into the dunes
• Dinner and overnight in a luxury desert camp

Day 5 – Merzouga → Alnif → Zagora

• Breakfast at the camp
• Depart via Alnif and Tazzarine
• Stop at the Tinfou Dunes for photos and a short camel ride (optional)
• Arrive in Zagora
• Overnight in Zagora

Day 6 – Zagora → Drâa Valley → Ouarzazate

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Scenic drive through the Drâa Valley, lined with palm groves and ancient ksour
• Arrive in Ouarzazate
• Visit Taourirt Kasbah and Tifoult Kasbah (optional)
• Overnight in Ouarzazate

Day 7 – Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Guided visit to Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage site)
• Optional lunch in Ouarzazate or Aït Ben Haddou
• Return to Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
• Overnight in Marrakech

Day 8 – Departure from Marrakech

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Private transfer to Marrakech-Menara Airport
• Departure for your onward journey

FAQs

Q: Is this tour suitable for solo travelers and couples?
A: Yes — ideal for couples, solo adventurers, and small groups seeking a private, immersive experience.

Q: Are meals included?
A: Breakfast is included daily. Lunches and dinners are not included, allowing you to explore local cuisine.

Q: What type of vehicle is used?
A: Private 4×4 or air-conditioned minivan with professional driver — perfect for mountain and desert roads.

Q: Can I upgrade to a luxury desert camp?
A: Yes — we offer premium upgrades with private tents, en-suite bathrooms, and gourmet dining.

Q: Is the camel ride safe for beginners?
A: Yes — camels are calm, and staff assist with mounting and dismounting.

Q: Can I extend my stay in Merzouga or Marrakech?
A: Yes — we can arrange extra nights or custom itineraries upon request.

Q: What should I pack?
A: Comfortable walking shoes, warm jacket (cold desert nights), hat, sunscreen, camera, and modest clothing for visiting religious sites.

Q: Is Wi-Fi available at the hotels?
A: Yes — all listed hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi.

✅ Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
Book your 8-Day Southern Morocco Circuit with Green Palms Transport — a licensed and experienced DMC since 2005, committed to safe, sustainable, and unforgettable travel.