Before that, the journey will have passed Aït Ben Haddou — Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia set — the Erg Chebbi desert and the Aguelmane Sidi Ali lake, a former hunting lodge converted into a high-altitude boutique hotel.

A unique journey combining history, culture, nature, desert and mountain — from the «Moroccan Hollywood» to the medieval heart of the country.

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Quick facts

The essentials.

Duration6 nights / 7 days

PlacesOuarzazate · Aït Ben Haddou · Boumalne Dades · Todra · Erfoud · Erg Chebbi · Khamlia · Rissani · Ziz Valley · Aguelmame Sidi Ali · Ifrane · Fez

AirportsOuarzazate / Fez

TypeDesert + Atlas

Experiences4x4 · camels · bivouac · Berber villages · gorges · oases

Listen to this journey

Let us tell you the route.

A narration to picture every stage before you set off.

Listen to this journey

Let us tell you the route.

A narration to picture every stage before you set off.

The whole route

Your journey on a single map.

Every stop connected — the full route, day by day, in a single image.

stops7

approximate km577

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Gorge
City
Desert
Market
lake
Airport

Travel notes

Pack your bag

Handwritten notes from those who already did this route — what to pack to enjoy it surprise-free.

Versatile

Clothes for city, mountain & desert

Versatile layers: you'll mix medinas, the High Atlas and dunes in a single trip.
Comfortable, modest clothing for mosques and medersas (shoulders and knees covered).
A fleece or jumper for the cool Atlas and desert nights.
Comfortable, broken-in closed shoes: you'll walk a lot through medinas and kasbahs.

— Your Xaluca team

For the long days

The traveller's accessories

Sunglasses, SPF 50 and a cap: from city sun to Sahara sun.
A large scarf (cheche) for sun, wind and sand in the south.
Lip balm and moisturiser: the south is very dry.
A reusable bottle and headphones or a book for the drives.

— Your Xaluca team

Nights & logistics

The desert night & the transfers

A small bag for the night at the bivouac; your big suitcase rides in the vehicle.
A head torch and a power bank for the camp.
Something warm to sleep under the stars.
Cash in dirhams for tips, tea and purchases in the souks.

— Your Xaluca team

Tap a stage to read the details

Day 01
Arrival in Ouarzazate · Aït Ben Haddou · Boumalne Dades
Day route:Ouarza → Aitben → Dades
Highlights
- 01Aït Ben Haddou · UNESCO since 198717th-century fortified ksar on the Marrakech – Sudan caravan route. Its adobe walls and crenellated towers are the finest example of southern Moroccan architecture.
- 02Ouarzazate · capital of cinemaCapital of Moroccan cinema since the 1980s. Babel, Game of Thrones, Mission Impossible and many more have been filmed here.
The day, in detail
Arrival at Ouarzazate airport and pickup in a 4x4 with driver. Visit to Aït Ben Haddou — a UNESCO World Heritage ksar, set of films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Optional stops at the Atlas Film Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah. Continuation to Boumalne Dades, in the Valley of Birds at 1,612 m altitude. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Xaluca Dades 4★.

Full itinerary

Day by day, no shortcuts.

Day 01

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Aït Ben Haddou · UNESCO since 1987

17th-century fortified ksar on the Marrakech – Sudan caravan route. Its adobe walls and crenellated towers are the finest example of southern Moroccan architecture.

Did you know

Ouarzazate · capital of cinema

Capital of Moroccan cinema since the 1980s. Babel, Game of Thrones, Mission Impossible and many more have been filmed here.

Weather & pace

Layer up

Atlas mornings and nights are cool and middays mild: layers and a fleece. At this altitude, keep an easy pace and water within reach.

Day 01

Arrival in Ouarzazate · Aït Ben Haddou · Boumalne Dades

Arrival at Ouarzazate airport and pickup in a 4x4 with driver. Visit to Aït Ben Haddou — a UNESCO World Heritage ksar, set of films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Optional stops at the Atlas Film Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah. Continuation to Boumalne Dades, in the Valley of Birds at 1,612 m altitude. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Xaluca Dades 4★.

Cultural highlights

Aït Ben Haddou · UNESCO since 1987

17th-century fortified ksar on the Marrakech – Sudan caravan route. Its adobe walls and crenellated towers are the finest example of southern Moroccan architecture.

Ouarzazate · capital of cinema

Capital of Moroccan cinema since the 1980s. Babel, Game of Thrones, Mission Impossible and many more have been filmed here.

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What travellers say about this day

Aït Ben Haddou looks straight out of a film — and it is. Climbing to the top of the ksar at sunset was spectacular.

Marina L.

Palma, Spain

Verified traveller

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Town
Kasbah
Historic site
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

6 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 01 / 07

14%

Place gallery

Ouarzazate

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Ouarzazate

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Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah

Discover a city surrounded by kasbahs, oases, and desert landscapes that has become one of the most emblematic destinations in Morocco.

Ouarzazate

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Explore history, cinema, and culture

Visit the Kasbah Taourirt, explore the film studios, and discover the most interesting corners of the city.

Ouarzazate

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The Hollywood of Morocco

Experience the thrill of visiting some of the locations used in famous international productions while exploring the country's cinematic capital.

Dades/Hotel Xaluca Dades - Generales - LeoGerzon-41.jpg

Day 02

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Dades Valley · Todra Gorges · Erfoud

Route through the High Atlas Central crossing contrast-filled landscapes — Boutaghrar, the Dades Valley, the Dades Gorges with their panoramic viewpoint, mountains, canyons, valleys and caves inhabited by nomads. In the afternoon, arrival in Tinerhir and visit to the Todra Gorges with a walk along the river — vertical walls reaching 160 m high.

Tip of the day

Sun, wind & sand

A cap, sunglasses, SPF 50 and a scarf (cheche) for the wind and fine sand. Drink water often.

For the photo

Golden light & stars

Sunrise and sunset turn the dunes orange in minutes. At night, with no light pollution, the Milky Way is spectacular: switch on night mode.

Day 02

Dades Valley · Todra Gorges · Erfoud

Route through the High Atlas Central crossing contrast-filled landscapes — Boutaghrar, the Dades Valley, the Dades Gorges with their panoramic viewpoint, mountains, canyons, valleys and caves inhabited by nomads. In the afternoon, arrival in Tinerhir and visit to the Todra Gorges with a walk along the river — vertical walls reaching 160 m high. Continuation to Erfoud, «the Gate of the Desert». Dinner and overnight at Kasbah Xaluca.

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What travellers say about this day

The Todra gorges make you feel tiny: towering walls and a stream at the bottom. A wonder of nature.

Daniel & Laura

Vigo, Spain

Verified traveller

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Mountain
Berber village
Gorges
Town
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

7 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 02 / 07

29%

Place gallery

High Atlas range

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High Atlas range

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The great backbone of Morocco

Behold impressive mountains, deep valleys, and landscapes that constantly change along one of the most spectacular mountain ranges on the continent.

High Atlas range

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Crossing high passes and landscapes

Travel along scenic roads, mountain trails, and small Berber villages hidden among the peaks.

High Atlas range

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The grandeur of the Moroccan mountain

Enjoy spectacular panoramas, wild nature, and the authenticity of local communities.

Day 03

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Kamkamia Luxury Desert Camp

Luxury tents with private bathroom and hot water, in the heart of the Erg Chebbi. Candle-lit Berber dinner and telescope stargazing.

Did you know

360-million-year-old marine fossils

Southern Morocco was a tropical sea during the Devonian. Erfoud quarries hold trilobites, ammonites and orthoceratids exported to museums worldwide.

For the photo

Golden light & stars

Sunrise and sunset turn the dunes orange in minutes. At night, with no light pollution, the Milky Way is spectacular: switch on night mode.

Day 03

Erfoud · desert tracks · oasis · Erg Chebbi · Bivouac

Today we live a day of total desert. We will drive an old Dakar Rally track, crossing villages and meeting desert nomads. Stop at the marine fossil quarries (over 360 million years old) and picnic in an authentic oasis. We continue to the great Erg Chebbi, the famous desert of ultra-fine dunes. We swap 4x4 for camels and enter the heart of the dunes for an unforgettable sunset. Arrival at the Bivouac de Luxe (Kamkamia Luxury Desert Camp), traditional Berber tents like those used by nomads. Dinner and overnight — sleeping under the stars is a spectacular experience.

Cultural highlights

Kamkamia Luxury Desert Camp

Luxury tents with private bathroom and hot water, in the heart of the Erg Chebbi. Candle-lit Berber dinner and telescope stargazing.

360-million-year-old marine fossils

Southern Morocco was a tropical sea during the Devonian. Erfoud quarries hold trilobites, ammonites and orthoceratids exported to museums worldwide.

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What travellers say about this day

The Erg Chebbi dunes and the night at the camp were the best of the trip. The starry sky is simply indescribable.

Inés & Pablo

Oviedo, Spain

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Berber village
Geology
Palm grove
Dunes
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

6 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 03 / 07

43%

Place gallery

Dakar Rally tracks

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Dakar Rally tracks

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The legendary routes of the desert

Discover the spectacular landscapes where some of the most mythical stages of the Dakar Rally in Morocco took place for years.

Dakar Rally tracks

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Adventure trails

Explore desert tracks, rocky plains, and routes that traverse some of the wildest landscapes of the Sahara.

Dakar Rally tracks

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Feel the spirit of Dakar

Experience the excitement of visiting historic sites associated with one of the most famous competitions in the world.

Day 04

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Khamlia · UNESCO Gnawa music

Founded by communities of Sudanese origin, the village is known for its Gnawa music — UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2019.

Did you know

Rissani · Tafilalet caravan market

Souk active since the 14th century, where Aït Atta tribes and desert nomads still stock up today. Its «donkey parking» is one of the most photographed quirks.

For the photo

Merdani · abandoned village

An old manganese mining hamlet, today a mineral cemetery in the middle of the Erg recalling the French Protectorate extractions.

Day 04

Sunrise · Khamlia · Rissani · relax at the Kasbah

«A date with the sunrise»: an early climb to the top of the dunes for the sunrise — a magical experience. Bedouin breakfast at the camp. We then drive around the Erg to the abandoned village of Merdani. We continue to Khamlia, a village of Sudanese origin, where its inhabitants welcome us with traditional dances and mint tea. Later, we head to Rissani's traditional market — one of the most authentic in the region, with its curious «donkey parking» where the nomads tie up their animals. We end the morning by climbing to a natural viewpoint for a farewell to the desert. Free afternoon at Kasbah Xaluca: heated pool, jacuzzi, tennis, mini-golf. Optional hammam, massage or quad ride in the dunes. Dinner and overnight at Kasbah Xaluca. Note: the Rissani market runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Hotel wellness

Heated pool
Hammam & jacuzzi
Massages (optional)
Quads (optional)
Tennis & mini-golf

Cultural highlights

Khamlia · UNESCO Gnawa music

Founded by communities of Sudanese origin, the village is known for its Gnawa music — UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2019.

Rissani · Tafilalet caravan market

Souk active since the 14th century, where Aït Atta tribes and desert nomads still stock up today. Its «donkey parking» is one of the most photographed quirks.

Merdani · abandoned village

An old manganese mining hamlet, today a mineral cemetery in the middle of the Erg recalling the French Protectorate extractions.

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What travellers say about this day

The Rissani souk is pure Morocco: colours, aromas and freshly picked dates. A very authentic experience.

Alberto C.

Cáceres, Spain

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Berber village
Living culture
Market
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

4 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 04 / 07

57%

Place gallery

Merdani

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Merdani

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Virgin dunes of the Sahara

Discover a lesser-known area of the desert where the dunes remain virtually untouched and away from the busiest routes.

Merdani

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Explore the wilder Sahara

Traverse landscapes of endless sand, walk across the dunes, and enjoy the absolute tranquility of the surroundings.

Merdani

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The purest silence of the desert

Experience an exclusive moment surrounded only by sand, sky, and endless horizons.

Day 05

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Erfoud · Ziz Valley · Midelt · Aguelmane Sidi Ali

Free morning at Kasbah Xaluca to enjoy the facilities — heated pool, hammam or jacuzzi — before the long drive. Departure around midday heading north for some 330 km.

Tip of the day

Cash & pace

Bring some cash in dirhams for tips, tea and small purchases. Travel calmly and enjoy the journey.

Local culture

Mint tea

If you're offered a mint tea, accept it: it's the most genuine welcome in Morocco.

Day 05

Erfoud · Ziz Valley · Midelt · Aguelmane Sidi Ali

Free morning at Kasbah Xaluca to enjoy the facilities — heated pool, hammam or jacuzzi — before the long drive. Departure around midday heading north for some 330 km. We cross the Ziz Valley — home to more than ten million palm trees — Midelt and the Atlas range to reach the Aguelmane Sidi Ali lake, set at 2,200 m altitude on the flank of a volcano, next to Morocco's deepest natural lake. Dinner and overnight at Xaluca Spa Aguelmane Sidi Ali — a former hunting and fishing lodge reconverted into a high-altitude boutique hotel.

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What travellers say about this day

The endless green palm grove of the Ziz valley, amid arid mountains, was a beautiful farewell to the south.

Marta & Javier

Málaga, Spain

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XALUCA HOTEL
Valley
Town

Day map

Day's landmarks

3 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 05 / 07

71%

Place gallery

Kasbah Hotel Xaluca

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Kasbah Hotel Xaluca

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The great desert refuge

Discover one of the most iconic hotels in southern Morocco, situated on the doorstep of the Sahara and surrounded by palm groves.

Kasbah Hotel Xaluca

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Enjoy unique facilities

Relax in its gardens, pools, spa, and spaces dedicated to rest and disconnection.

Kasbah Hotel Xaluca

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An authentically Saharan experience

Combines comfort, traditional architecture, and proximity to the desert in an unforgettable stay.

SIDI ALI/Hotel Xaluca SPA Aguelmame Sidi Ali - Exteriores - LeoGerzon-34.jpg

Day 06

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Sidi Ali · cedars · Ifrane · Fez

Morning walk around Aguelmane Sidi Ali lake, with the option to climb to the nearby volcanic crater. Lunch at the hotel.

Local culture

Mint tea

If you're offered a mint tea, accept it: it's the most genuine welcome in Morocco.

Local culture

In the medina

Comfortable, modest clothing for mosques and medersas (shoulders and knees covered). Medinas are best explored on foot and unhurried.

Day 06

Sidi Ali · cedars · Ifrane · Fez

Morning walk around Aguelmane Sidi Ali lake, with the option to climb to the nearby volcanic crater. Lunch at the hotel. We then head north through the Giant Cedar Forests, where with luck we can feed the Barbary macaques, and the city of Ifrane — Morocco's «little Switzerland», surprisingly alpine. Final crossing of the Middle Atlas down to Fez. Dinner and overnight at a Medina riad or 4★ hotel. Note: end of the 4x4 portion.

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What travellers say about this day

The Fez medina is a fascinating maze. Seeing the Chouara tanneries from a terrace was breathtaking.

Raquel S.

Santander, Spain

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Mountain
Town

Day map

Day's landmarks

3 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 06 / 07

86%

Place gallery

Cedar Forests

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Cedar Forests

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The great forest of the Middle Atlas

Discover vast expanses of centuries-old cedars that form one of the most unique natural landscapes in Morocco.

Cedar Forests

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Walking among thousand-year-old trees

Stroll along natural paths, observe local wildlife, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Cedar Forests

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Living nature of the Atlas

Experience serenity among cedars, mountains, and the famous Barbary macaques.

Day 07

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Fez Medina · Madrasa · return

Guided walking tour of the Fez Medina — one of the most authentic and best-preserved in the Arab world. We thread its medieval alleys, discovering artisan workshops, mosques, palaces, the famous Chouara tanneries and the Bou Inania Madrasa.

Local culture

In the medina

Comfortable, modest clothing for mosques and medersas (shoulders and knees covered). Medinas are best explored on foot and unhurried.

Tip of the day

Souks & bargaining

Bring some cash in dirhams for souks, tea and tips. Bargaining is part of the experience: do it calmly and with good humour.

Day 07

Fez Medina · Madrasa · return

Guided walking tour of the Fez Medina — one of the most authentic and best-preserved in the Arab world. We thread its medieval alleys, discovering artisan workshops, mosques, palaces, the famous Chouara tanneries and the Bou Inania Madrasa. Transfer to Fez airport for the return flight.

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What travellers say about this day

The Fez medina is a fascinating maze. Seeing the Chouara tanneries from a terrace was breathtaking.

Pablo & Marta

Tarragona, Spain

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Town
Market

Day map

Day's landmarks

2 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 07 / 07

100%

Place gallery

Fez

3 cards

Fez

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The spiritual capital of Morocco

Discover one of the most important imperial cities in the country, famous for its immense medina and extraordinary historical heritage.

Fez

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Travel to the heart of Moroccan history

Wander through medieval alleyways, visit historic madrasas, and contemplate the traditional tanneries that have made the city famous.

Fez

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An unparalleled cultural experience

Immerse yourself in centuries of history, craftsmanship, and tradition in one of the most fascinating cities of the Islamic world.

Postcards from the journey

Handwritten memories

What travellers like you wrote to us after this route.

A postcard from the crossingA country in one trip

Hello from the road,

This trip is like crossing several countries in one: we crossed the snowy Atlas, slept among the dunes of Erg Chebbi and climbed up to the cedar forests of Ifrane, where we met monkeys. Morocco changes landscape every few hours.

From one end of the country to the other,

Marcos

Xaluca ToursMARRUECOS

From the Atlas to the desert

A postcard from FezThe most alive medina

Dear family,

Today we got lost in the medina of Fez, the oldest and most labyrinthine in the world: thousands of alleys, copper craftsmen and the famous tanneries with their coloured vats. A boy led us up to a terrace to see them from above. Worth every step.

Amazed at every corner,

Carmen

Xaluca ToursFEZ

Medina of Fez

A postcard from MerzougaA pause in the desert

For anyone seeking adventure,

Halfway through the crossing we stopped to sleep in the desert. After so many miles, sitting in silence on a dune to watch the sun go down was the most beautiful moment of the trip. Crossing Morocco from south to north changes you a little inside.

With a backpack full of memories,

Hugo