“The team understands the mountains. Muleteers, cook and guide felt like family. I climbed M'Goun (4,071 m) feeling cared for every step of the way.”
Thomas Becker
Berlin, DE·M'Goun trekking · 6 days
Southern Morocco journeysAtlas · Merzouga · Erg Chebbi
Southern Morocco.
Desert, kasbahs, oases and traditional villages of the Sahara — the country's most authentic crossing.
Four cinematic itineraries along the route of a thousand kasbahs, the High Atlas and the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Heritage of the south
The route of a thousand kasbahs
The route of a thousand kasbahs is one of Morocco's most emblematic and fascinating experiences.
Kasbahs are traditional Moroccan buildings, many made of adobe and stone, scattered across the south of the country among oases, valleys and ancient caravan routes.
The route lets you discover some of the most impressive examples of traditional Berber architecture, many of them still inhabited today.
Travelling the route of a thousand kasbahs is a unique way to experience the most authentic Moroccan culture and contemplate some of the most spectacular landscapes and architectures of North Africa.
The thousand-kasbahs route
Adobe fortresses, oases and Atlas roads.
Aerial shots and authentic cultural scenes from southern Morocco.
The thousand-kasbahs route
Adobe fortresses, oases and Atlas roads.
Aerial shots and authentic cultural scenes from southern Morocco.
Gallery · Thousand kasbahs
Adobe, palm groves and caravans.
Centuries-old kasbahs, earthen architecture, Drâa oasis valleys and Berber heritage along the mythical route of a thousand kasbahs.
06 images
01Aït Benhaddou at dawn
02Drâa Valley adobe
03Taourirt Kasbah · Ouarzazate
04Southern palm grove
05Imazighen woman weaving
06Dades GorgesFour circuits
Choose your southern crossing.
From the High Atlas to the Erg Chebbi dunes, by way of Essaouira's Atlantic — four circuits to discover the soul of southern Morocco.
01 · Multiple durations
Ouarzazate · High Atlas range · Erg Chebbi dunes · Errachidia
From€810per person
See circuit
02 · Multiple durations
Marrakech · High Atlas range · Erg Chebbi dunes · Errachidia
From€815per person
See circuit
03 · Multiple durations
Marrakech · High Atlas range · Erg Chebbi dunes · Marrakech
From€605per person
See circuit
04 · Multiple durations
Marrakech · Essaouira
From€665per person
See circuit
01Southern Morocco journeys
Multiple durations
Southern Morocco journeys
Ouarzazate · High Atlas range · Erg Chebbi dunes · Errachidia
- Ouarzazate
- High Atlas
- Imazighen villages
- Desert gate
- Erg Chebbi
- Errachidia
Want to disconnect for a few days and live something truly magical?
We propose an escape to the great Erg Chebbi, the closest dune desert to Europe, in the south of Morocco.
The route begins in the High Atlas range, travelling by 4x4 through Imazighen villages where time seems to have stopped.
We cross valleys, oases and gorges all the way to the «gate of the desert», where the magic of the Sahara starts to seep into every landscape.
The ancestral traditions of its people, local markets, desert colours and a night under the stars turn this experience into an unforgettable journey.
From€810per person
“We slept in a family home at 2,100 m. Cooked couscous with the grandmother and learned a Berber knot with her granddaughters. That cannot be bought.”
Claudia & Stefan
Wien, AT·High Atlas Berber villages · 4 days
Sahara legend
The gate of the desert
In the middle of the Merzouga desert lies a small door, half-buried between the dunes.
The so-called «Gate of the Desert» is a symbol charged with mystery — a portal to another world where time seems to stop and the immensity of the Sahara wraps every moment.
For centuries this place has stirred the imagination of travellers and nomads. Some believe it leads to another realm; others, that it belongs to the old legends of the desert.
Beyond the myth, there is no denying the energy and magnetism this unique corner of the Sahara transmits.
The gate of the desert
The Merzouga dunes at sunrise.
Walks through the dunes, endless sunsets and the silence of the Erg Chebbi.
The gate of the desert
The Merzouga dunes at sunrise.
Walks through the dunes, endless sunsets and the silence of the Erg Chebbi.
Gallery · Erg Chebbi
The gate of the desert.
150-metre Erg Chebbi dunes, luxury bivouacs, Merzouga and Saharan light that shifts with every hour.
06 images
01Path through the Erg Chebbi dunes
02Bivouac at sunset
03Camel caravan
04Mint tea in the desert
05Khamlia · Gnawa village
06Sunset over the Sahara02Southern Morocco journeys
Multiple durations
Southern Morocco journeys
Marrakech · High Atlas range · Erg Chebbi dunes · Errachidia
- Marrakech
- High Atlas
- Berber villages
- Erg Chebbi
- Rissani
- Errachidia
Marrakech – Erg Chebbi is an authentic journey to uncover the soul of southern Morocco.
The route starts in Marrakech, a vibrant city full of colour, aromas, historic squares, artisans and artists who leave a lasting mark on every traveller.
From the city, the journey continues by 4x4 into the High Atlas, revealing spectacular landscapes, vast gorges and small villages where life moves slowly.
Little by little, the mountains give way to the Erg Chebbi desert — a true feast for the senses.
The endless dunes and magical atmosphere of the Sahara open the way to an unforgettable night under the stars.
The route also crosses emblematic places like Rissani and its ancestral market, considered one of the most authentic in the south of the country.
From€815per person
“Xaluca turned every day into a postcard. Sleeping under the Erg Chebbi stars after tea with nomads has been the most authentic thing we've ever lived.”
Laia & Marc
Barcelona, ES·Atlas + Erg Chebbi · 7 days
“Three days reset my whole year. Xaluca's jaima has a real bed, private bathroom and a silence you don't forget.”
Marta Ruiz
Madrid, ES·Desert escape · 3 days
Three worlds in one journey
Marrakech, the High Atlas and the Sahara
Marrakech is a deeply picturesque city. Its buildings adorned with traditional mosaics, the palm trees, the markets and the aroma of spices create a unique atmosphere.
The call to prayer echoes through the city while life flows between souks, gardens and squares brimming with history.
The High Atlas, in turn, is home to many Berber villages and offers some of the most impressive landscapes in Morocco.
And finally, the Merzouga desert appears as a completely different world.
The soft warm sand, blazing sunsets and starlit nights turn the Sahara into one of the most magical places on the planet.
Marrakech, the High Atlas and the Sahara
From the souks to the dunes — one journey, three worlds.
Atlas panoramic roads, camps under starry skies and the energy of Marrakech.
Marrakech, the High Atlas and the Sahara
From the souks to the dunes — one journey, three worlds.
Atlas panoramic roads, camps under starry skies and the energy of Marrakech.
Gallery · Atlas & Sahara
Summits, oases and seas of dunes.
From Jemaa el-Fna to the High Atlas summits via Tizi n'Tichka, the Todra Gorges and the Skoura oasis.
06 images
01Marrakech · the red city
02High Atlas · Imazighen villages
03Todra Gorges
04Sahara dunes
05Skoura oasis
06Atlas Berber market
03Southern Morocco journeys
Multiple durations
Southern Morocco journeys
Marrakech · High Atlas range · Erg Chebbi dunes · Marrakech
- Marrakech
- High Atlas
- Berber villages
- Valleys & oases
- Gorges
- Erg Chebbi
- Marrakech
Marrakech – Erg Chebbi – Marrakech is a circular route designed to discover southern Morocco in depth.
The journey starts in Marrakech and continues across the High Atlas by 4x4, threading Berber villages, valleys, oases and spectacular gorges.
The route lets you enjoy the landscape unhurried, chat with local villagers and discover the authentic rhythm of traditional Morocco.
The Erg Chebbi desert delivers one of the most memorable moments of the trip: a night under the stars surrounded by endless dunes and absolute silence.
From€605per person
“Walking Fez's medina with a guide who actually lives in it is another experience. Every detail was perfect: charming riads, on-time transfers and tips you won't find in any guidebook.”
Sophie & Antoine
Lyon, FR·Imperial cities · 5 days
“The riad in Fez was a hidden jewel. The seven-vegetable couscous dinner on the rooftop while the adhan was calling is one of those moments that stay.”
Isabel & Diogo
Porto, PT·Fez · Meknes · Volubilis · 5 days
Two souls, one country
Marrakech and Essaouira
Marrakech and Essaouira are two of the most fascinating and complementary destinations in Morocco.
Marrakech shines through its vibrant energy, markets, mosques, gardens and squares teeming with life.
Essaouira, known as «The Pearl of the Atlantic», offers a completely different atmosphere: relaxed, maritime and artistic.
Its walls facing the ocean, its fishing port and its beaches turn this UNESCO World Heritage city into one of the most special corners of the country.
Gallery · Marrakech & Essaouira
Two souls: the red city and the Atlantic pearl.
Souks, palaces and vibrant squares in Marrakech, set against the Portuguese ramparts, gulls and wind of Essaouira.
06 images
01Jemaa el-Fna at sunset
02Essaouira · Portuguese ramparts
03Spices in the Marrakech souk
04Marrakech palm grove
05Essaouira harbour
06Leather artisans
04Southern Morocco journeys
Multiple durations
Southern Morocco journeys
Marrakech · Essaouira
- Marrakech
- Jemaa el-Fna
- Souks
- Essaouira
- Atlantic
- Fishing port
A two-city pairing of two essentials of Morocco.
On one hand Marrakech, with its unrivalled Jemaa el-Fna square, its labyrinthine souks, palaces, gardens and craft workshops.
On the other hand Essaouira, a beautiful coastal city where you stroll, relax and enjoy the Atlantic in a calm and authentic atmosphere.
From€665per person
Marrakech – Essaouira options
Choose your route.
Pick between the options depending on how many days you have for this journey.
“After Marrakech's heat, Essaouira's Atlantic wind was a blessing. Fresh fish at the harbour and golden sunsets — a perfect finale.”
Paula & Ben
Hamburg, DE·Marrakech & Essaouira · 5 days
“Tangier surprised me: art, literary cafés, views to Europe from Cape Spartel. Xaluca picked a riad with a terrace over the kasbah — perfect.”
Laure Vidal
Marseille, FR·Tangier escape · 3 days
Other South routes
More ways to discover Southern Morocco.
Reasons to travel with Xaluca Tours
Four reasons that make the difference.
Personal attention, 100% tailor-made trips, top-tier quality and the Grup Xaluca guarantee: a private network of hotels and camps across southern Morocco.
Personal 24/7 attention
We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to help you plan your trip and resolve any question during your stay in Morocco.
100% tailor-made journeys
Every trip is tailor-made. We adapt each experience to your availability, interests and chosen activities.
Top-tier quality assured
Every hotel, route and activity has been hand-selected and tested by our team to guarantee top-tier quality.
Grup Xaluca guarantee
We own a network of hotels and camps across southern Morocco, delivering a complete experience and a 360-degree personal service.
Voices from those who discovered Morocco with Xaluca.
“Xaluca turned every day into a postcard. Sleeping under the Erg Chebbi stars after tea with nomads has been the most authentic thing we've ever lived.”
Laia & Marc
Barcelona, ES·Atlas + Erg Chebbi · 7 days
“Three days reset my whole year. Xaluca's jaima has a real bed, private bathroom and a silence you don't forget.”
Marta Ruiz
Madrid, ES·Desert escape · 3 days
“We asked for something special for our honeymoon. They woke us up with white linen, rose petals and a sky with zero light pollution. Unforgettable.”
Ricardo & Ana
Lisboa, PT·Sahara honeymoon · 5 days
Discover all our circuits
The most authentic Morocco awaits.
Explore our journeys, routes and experiences crafted to uncover the desert, the mountains, the kasbahs and the imperial cities.
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Southern Morocco
Southern MoroccoSee trips in Southern Morocco
Southern Morocco
22 itineraries availableOuarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou and the Drâa valley: the cinematic grand south.
Highlighted experiences
Aït Ben HaddouDrâa kasbahsOases & palm groves
Related itineraries
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