In short
The Moroccan Grand South is best explored over 8 days from Marrakech: the Tizi n'Tichka pass, the kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Todra gorges and the edge of the Sahara at Erfoud. Distances are long, but an escorted circuit that keeps time in Marrakech makes the pace comfortable.
- RouteMarrakech, Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Todra, Erfoud
- Suggested length8 days / 7 nights
- Popular seasonsFebruary to April, October to November
- HighlightsAït Ben Haddou kasbah and the Todra gorges
What is there to see in the Moroccan Grand South?
As soon as you cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass, at 2,260 m, the scenery changes: the High Atlas gives way to palm-filled valleys, red-earth villages and wide mineral landscapes. It is this contrast, more than any single sight, that gives the region its appeal.
The first big stop is the kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified earthen village listed by UNESCO, best explored on foot among its lanes and granaries. Nearby, Ouarzazate is nicknamed "the Hollywood of Morocco", as its landscapes have served as a backdrop for many film shoots. Further east, the Todra gorges and the Dadès gorges offer red rock walls, palm groves and roads winding towards the Tafilalet, at the gateway to the Sahara.
Our Morocco: the Grand South, kasbahs and gorges, from Marrakech to Erfoud circuit links exactly these stops, with the Draa valley and its palm groves along the way.
What does an 8-day circuit from Marrakech to Erfoud look like?
The trip begins with two full days in Marrakech: the Ménara gardens, the Koutoubia mosque, the medina and Jemaa el-Fna square. It is a gentle way into the country before heading south. Three days then follow the big road stages, and the return to Marrakech leaves a free, full-board day before departure.
Here is the schedule as our circuit presents it, with the distances given in the programme:
| Day | Route | Worth remembering |
|---|---|---|
| Day 3 | Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate (220 km) | Tizi n'Tichka pass, visit of the Aït Ben Haddou kasbah |
| Day 4 | Ouarzazate – Todra gorges – Erfoud (320 km) | Palm groves, valleys and the gateway to the desert |
| Day 5 | Erfoud – Tazarine – Ouarzazate (350 km) | Pre-Saharan Tafilalet region, oases |
| Day 6 | Ouarzazate – Marrakech (200 km) | Panoramic view of the High Atlas |
Our experts' tip
Driving days are long: pack layers, as it can be cool at altitude and hot in the valleys, and leave room for photo stops. If you like to take your time, tell us you prefer a slower pace and we will adapt the trip.
When should you go, and at what pace?
For this circuit, the trip page lists October to November and February to April as favoured periods. The south can be very hot in midsummer and cooler in winter, especially at altitude and in the evening. To compare month by month, see our guide on when to go to Morocco.
As for pace, a week lets you see the essentials without rushing, provided you accept a few long driving stages. If you are torn between the Grand South and a more cultural circuit, our comparison 8 days in Morocco: which itinerary to choose? helps you decide. And if you dream of dunes and a night in a bivouac, a shorter private 4x4 format exists too.
Which Morocco circuit should you choose?
Here are our Morocco circuits that best extend this wish for the Grand South, the desert or the imperial cities.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for the Moroccan Grand South?
Our circuit runs 8 days and 7 nights from Marrakech, with two full days in the city and a free day before the return. It is a good balance between discovery and comfort.
Can you see the desert on this circuit?
The circuit reaches Erfoud and the Tafilalet, a pre-Saharan region at the gateway to the Sahara, with desert landscapes and oases. For a night in a bivouac among the dunes, our private 4x4 desert circuit is a better fit.
Is there a more comfortable version?
Yes: a 4x4 version with 4* hotel accommodation is also offered on this circuit. Contact us for details and departures.
Your tailor-made trip to Morocco
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