Southern Morocco

From the Red City of Marrakech over the High Atlas to Ouarzazate, the Dades Gorge and the Merzouga dunes, with Agadir and the southern Atlantic coast to the west.

This region is defined by administrative region and includes Marrakech-Safi, Drâa-Tafilalet, Souss-Massa, Guelmim-Oued Noun and the Saharan regions further south, covering the High Atlas and the vast lands beyond it, plus Marrakech and the southern Atlantic coast.

Highlights: Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fnaa night market, Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Garden and Bahia Palace; the port city of Essaouira and its windy surf; the High Atlas's Mount Toubkal and the Berber village of Imlil; the Tizi n'Tichka Pass; the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Ouarzazate's film studios; the Rose Valley, Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge; camel rides over the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga and stargazing from desert camps, plus the Drâa Valley at Zagora and M'Hamid; and Agadir's beach, the ramparts of Taroudant and Taghazout's surfing.

Classic itineraries: 2–3 days in Marrakech, then the classic "3-day, 2-night desert tour" of Marrakech–Aït Benhaddou–Dades–Merzouga, either round trip or continuing across to Fez; add 1–2 days in Essaouira along the coast.

Getting there: Marrakech, Ouarzazate and Agadir all have airports. Note: the status of Western Sahara is unresolved, and it is included here only for data grouping; check safety and entry rules before traveling to the southern regions.

Destinations

• Marrakech City
• Ouarzazate
• Merzouga
• Dadès Valley & Todra Gorge
• Zagora & Draa Valley
• Agadir
• Dakhla
• Essaouira

Itineraries

• Marrakech-Sahara Dunes Round Trip – Cross the Atlas Mountains, pass kasbahs and gorges to the Erg Chebbi dunes, and spend the night in a tented camp.
• Classic Imperial Cities & Sahara Loop – Head north from Casablanca to the Blue City and Fes, then cross the desert and gorges to Marrakech.
• Andalusia to the Sahara Crossing – Cross the sea from Seville via Tarifa, traveling through the Blue City, Fes, and the desert to Marrakech
• Marrakech City and Day Trips – Use the medina as your base for day trips to Ait Ben Haddou, Essaouira, the Ourika Valley and Agafay.
• Road Trip: Red City to the Atlantic Coast – Drive west from Marrakech to Essaouira, then head south along the coast to Taghazout and Taroudant
• Draa Valley & Erg Chigaga 4x4 Adventure – Drive south along the Draa Valley to the end of the road, then take a 4x4 into the remote dunes of Erg Chigaga
• Marrakech, the Red City, for First-Timers – Three days covering Jemaa el-Fnaa, the medina souks, the palaces and royal tombs, and the Majorelle Garden.
• Marrakech Medina in Depth and the Atlas – Wander the medina's districts and museums at a leisurely pace, plus a day hiking the High Atlas villages of Imlil.
• Morocco Rail Journey: North to South – Skip the car rental and private drivers; connect Tangier to Marrakech via high-speed and standard trains
• Marrakech Gardens and Art – A tour of famous gardens and palace museums, including Majorelle, the Secret Garden, Menara and Anima.
• Mount Toubkal Summit Trek – From Marrakech to Imlil, summit North Africa's highest peak (4,167m) in two days, then return to the Red City