LIFE OF BERBERS BETWEEN THE ATLAS AND THE DESERT – 5 DAYS

from/per person 369
  • Itinerario culturale
    Culture tour
  • Deserto
    Desert
  • Montagna
    Mountain
  • Oasi
    Oasis
  • Pernottamento presso famiglie locali
    Homestay accommodation
  • Architettura e monumenti
    Monuments and architecture
  • Mountain bike
    Mountain bike

General description


Direction Sud invites you on a five day journey through the history and traditions of southern Moroccan Berbers, experiencing the pleasure of slow travelling. Ideal for senior travelers and families with children, especially in spring.

An unforgettable slow trip with the imazighen, the free people of the desert, discovering the beautiful landscapes, the amazing colors and the unforgettable flavors of a unique land enclosed between the Atlas mountains and the lush oases at the gates of the Sahara. Starting from Marrakech, we’ll cross the central High Atlas at the Tizi n’ Tichka pass to reach the majestic Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, through the ancient salt route in the Ounila Valley. On the way to Ait Ben Haddou, we’ll travel along the ruins of the Glaoui Palace in Telouet, the suggestive village of Asaka, carved in to the rocks of a steep canyon, and the beautiful kasbah of Tamdakht. We'll then explore this unique territory moving east to the oasis of Skoura, one of the last still inhabited and cultivated, and the Rose Valley, marvelous in spring during flowering. The last two days of the trip will be dedicated at the discovery of the Draa Valley, the largest oasis in North Africa, and the silent city of Ouarzazate, with its traditional souk and the beautiful Taorirte palace, finely restored in recent times.

Other details



Included services:


Reception and accompaniment - Transport by 4x4 or minibus – 1 homestay nights in local village - 3 nights in hotel / riad / guest house – Accommodation on full board basis - 4X4, hiking and walking tours - Gnawa music evening – Entrance fees to monuments and architectural sites - 1 professional guide throughout the duration of the trip - 24h24 Assistance.

Extra services not included:


Airplane tickets - Drinks - Tips for staff – Optional activities – Travel health and cancellation insurance (upon request, Direction Sud will help you identify the most suitable for your needs). Direction Sud guarantees no hidden costs or other extra fees.

Stages of the trip

5 days / 4 nights


Ait Ben Haddou
We'll reach Ait Ben Haddou by crossing the Central High Atlas at the Tizi n 'Tichka pass (2260 m). Along the way, we’ll stop to admire the amazing profile of the Atlas mountains and visit characteristic local handicraft cooperatives. In the afternoon, guided visit of the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou and dinner with local families with traditional music sessions. Upon request, food tastings and cooking demonstrations. Night in a traditional guest house in the ksar.

Duration: 04:00

Ounila Valley
Starting from Ait Ben Haddou, we’ll cross the narrow canyons shaped by the Ounila river to reach the wide valley of Telouet and the picturesque ruins of the kasbah of Glaoui. We'll dive into the life of the Berber populations of the Atlas, by visiting the small villages in earth and straw where ancient traditions are still vital today. For walking lovers, Direction Sud proposes accessible trekking trails to the Lake Tamda, at 2200 meters above sea level, surrounded by the scenic landscape of the Atlas mountains.

Duration: 01:30

Oasis of Skoura
From Ouarzazate we’ll drive east towards the oasis of Skoura, travelling along the famous Road of One Thousands Kasbahs to visit the beautiful Kasbah of Amridil, perfect example of traditional oasis architecture. For sport lovers, Direction Sud proposes also walking, horse-riding and/or mountain biking excursions in the oasis of Skoura, before leaving for the nearby Valley of the Rose, to appreciate the richness and refinement of local handicraft and architecture.

Duration: 02:30

Draa Valley
The last travel day is dedicated to the discovery of the Draa Valley, a lush endless oasis that crosses the South of Morocco down to the gates of the great Sahara. Guided visit of the traditional souk in Agdz, with its fragrance of spices and dates, and the Kasbah of Tamnougalt, classic example of lowland fortress, beautifully overlooking the oasis.

Duration: 01:30

Ouarzazate
The last day of the trip will be dedicated to the discovery of the peaceful town of Ouarzazate (trans. "The place without noise"), with a guided tour at the splendid Taorirte palace, hanging over the alleys of the ancient medina and the nearby handicraft traditional market. Before leaving for Marrakech, last refreshing break in the lush oasis of Fint, among palm groves, almond and fig trees.

Duration: 04:00