7 days hidden southern gems
7 Days Hidden Southern Gems
- Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert
From $140 per adult
- Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day hidden gems tour of Southern Morocco, a journey that takes you beyond the usual tourist spots into the heart of the country’s best-kept secrets. From hidden Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains to untouched desert dunes in Erg Chigaga, this itinerary is designed for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Along the way, you’ll explore secret waterfalls, visit remote kasbahs, and experience the true essence of Moroccan culture in small villages and ancient sites. This off-the-beaten-path adventure starts and ends in Marrakech, taking you through breathtaking landscapes and cultural wonders that remain undiscovered by mass tourism.
- Included & Excluded
- Free Marrakech airport transfer upon arrival
- Pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech
- Comfortable, modern air-conditioned minivan
- Guided visits to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, Rose Valley, and Todra Gorge
- Camel treks at sunrise and sunset in Erg Chebbi dunes
- 1 night in a Merzouga desert camp (standard or luxury)
- 1 night in a Rose Valley guesthouse (half board)
- 1 night in an Ouarzazate hotel (half board)
- Daily breakfasts and dinners
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Optional quad biking
- Buggy riding
- Sandboarding in Merzouga
- Tips and gratuities
- Itinerary
Activity Details
Start your journey from Marrakech, leaving behind the bustling medina to uncover the stunning landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is Ouzoud Waterfalls, Morocco’s tallest and most scenic falls, where hidden rock pools and lesser-known hiking trails lead to spectacular viewpoints. Continue to Bin El Ouidane, a tranquil turquoise lake surrounded by mountains, perfect for a boat ride or a peaceful lakeside lunch. Before heading to your mountain guesthouse, visit Imin Ifri, a natural rock bridge that remains one of Morocco’s best-kept secrets.
Wake up to the fresh mountain air and drive into the Ait Bouguemez Valley, often called the "Happy Valley" for its lush green landscapes and welcoming Berber communities. This secret paradise offers stunning panoramic views and a glimpse into traditional Berber life. Hike through scenic trails leading to ancient granaries and prehistoric dinosaur footprints, hidden within the valley's rock formations. Enjoy an authentic home-cooked Berber meal before spending the night in a charming eco-lodge, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the High Atlas
Travel south toward Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara Desert, but skip the crowded tourist spots in favor of more authentic discoveries. Visit Kasbah Telouet, an abandoned yet stunning fortress with intricate carvings and rich history. Unlike the over-touristed Ait Benhaddou, this kasbah remains a hidden treasure. Continue to Fint Oasis, a secluded palm-filled valley where only a few Berber families reside, offering a truly peaceful retreat. Here, enjoy a traditional lunch in a local family’s home before spending the night in a traditional riad in Ouarzazate.
Leave civilization behind as you journey into the vast, untouched dunes of Erg Chigaga, one of the most spectacular yet least-visited parts of the Moroccan Sahara. Unlike the popular Merzouga dunes, Erg Chigaga remains an authentic desert experience, far from the crowds. Ride a camel caravan into the golden sands, experience a mesmerizing sunset over the dunes, and enjoy an authentic nomadic-style dinner under the stars. Spend the night in a luxury desert camp or a traditional nomadic tent, completely immersed in the tranquility of the Sahara.
After a magical desert sunrise, travel toward Foum Zguid, an isolated town that serves as the entrance to some of Morocco’s most surreal landscapes. Drive through Iriqui National Park, a Mars-like terrain of dried lakebeds and rocky desert. Stop at Fort Bou Jerif, an abandoned French Foreign Legion fortress that feels frozen in time. Hidden in this remote region is a natural hot spring, where you can relax in mineral-rich waters surrounded by the desert. End the day at a kasbah-style lodge, enjoying the stillness of the Moroccan wilderness.
Head west to Taroudant, a hidden gem often called "Little Marrakech", yet without the overwhelming crowds. Enclosed by impressive 16th-century ramparts, Taroudant boasts a relaxed atmosphere and a traditional medina filled with artisan markets, where you can find authentic Berber jewelry, pottery, and carpets. Visit the Palace of Claudio Bravo, a stunning yet little-known retreat filled with incredible artwork. Indulge in a rejuvenating hammam experience at a historic bathhouse before retreating to a luxurious riad hidden within the medina.
For your final day, take the breathtaking Tizi n’Test Pass, a winding mountain road offering spectacular views of the High Atlas Mountains. Stop at Tinmel Mosque, a historic 12th-century mosque that is one of the few open to non-Muslim visitors. This forgotten architectural masterpiece provides a glimpse into Morocco’s deep Islamic heritage. Enjoy a relaxed lunch in a Berber village café before arriving back in Marrakech for a farewell dinner, reminiscing about the unforgettable hidden gems you’ve uncovered in Southern Morocco.
Why Choose This Tour?
✅ Avoids the crowds – This tour skips over-touristed destinations like Merzouga and Ait Benhaddou, focusing on authentic, lesser-known locations.
✅ Cultural immersion – Experience Berber hospitality, stay in traditional guesthouses, and explore villages untouched by mass tourism.
✅ Diverse landscapes – From mountains to oases, desert dunes to secret beaches, this itinerary offers a stunning variety of Moroccan scenery.
✅ Sustainable travel – Support local communities, stay in eco-lodges, and engage in responsible tourism experiences.
Book your Marrakech to hidden southern gems today and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
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