The Southern Oasis & Draa Valley Expedition

Beyond the Beaten Path For the adventurer who seeks silence over crowds, The Southern Oasis & Draa Valley Expedition offers a profound journey into Morocco’s wilder, more remote landscapes. This 10-day circuit trades the standard tourist routes for the ancient caravan trails of the Draa Valley and the towering, pristine dunes of Erg Chigaga—the Sahara’s best-kept secret.

Itinenarie

Day 1: Welcome to the Red City

Your journey begins with a private airport pickup.

• The Arrival: Retreat from the airport bustle to a Luxury Riad a traditional mansion with an interior courtyard.

• The Evening: Enjoy an intimate welcome dinner featuring Tanijia (a slow-cooked Marrakech specialty) as your host briefs you on the desert expedition ahead.

Day 2: Marrakech Guided Heritage

A deep dive into the history of the Almohad and Saadian dynasties.

• Architecture: Visit the Koutoubia Minaret and the Saadian Tombs, where the sultan’s family rests in chambers of Italian Carrara marble and intricate honeycomb stucco.

• The Souks: We navigate the specialized quarters of the Medina—the dyers’ souk, the blacksmiths, and the herbalists.

• Sunset: Experience the transformation of Jemaa el-Fna from a marketplace to an open-air theater from the best rooftop vantage point in the city.

Day 3: The "Lord of the Atlas" & World Heritage

We leave Marrakech to cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260 m).

• The Hidden Palace: Visit Kasbah Telouet. Though crumbling on the outside, its interior remains a breathtaking display of Glaoui wealth and mosaic art.

• Cinematic Icon: Explore Ait Benhaddou, the UNESCO-protected earthen clay village. Walk the same paths where Kingdom of Heaven and Gladiator were filmed.

Day 4: The Draa Valley – The Green Ribbon

Travel south through the rugged Anti-Atlas Mountains toward the edge of the desert.

• The Palmery: Follow the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river. We drive through a $200\text{km}$ stretch of millions of date palms, dotted with ancient mud-brick Ksars (fortified villages).

• The Night: Settle into Zagora, the historic "Gateway to Timbuktu" (famously marked by the sign stating it’s a 52-day journey by camel).

Day 5: Underground Libraries & Off-Roading

• Today, we leave the pavement behind for the true wilderness of the Erg Chigaga dunes.

  • Tamegroute: Visit a 17th-century underground library housing ancient manuscripts of science and Quranic law. Then, see the town's famous green pottery being fired in traditional pits.

  • The Deep Sahara: Switch to a 4x4 vehicle for a 60 m off-road trek through the "Reg" (stone desert) until the massive, 300m high dunes of Erg Chigaga appear on the horizon.

Day 6: Sahara Solitude – The Ultimate Disconnect

A day to experience the Sahara as the nomads do.

• Desert Play: Try sandboarding down the steep faces of the dunes or enjoy a guided trek to find a hidden oasis for a picnic lunch.

• The Golden Hour: Embark on a sunset camel trek to the highest ridge for a 360-degree view of the shifting sands.

• The Night: A luxury desert camp experience. Expect white linen, gourmet cuisine, and the hypnotic sounds of traditional Berber drums around a roaring campfire.

Day 7: Salt Flats, Fossils & Walled Cities

The journey continues across the rugged desert floor.

• Lake Iriqui: Cross the vast, dried-up salt flats of Lake Iriqui, where the horizon creates mesmerizing mirages. Keep an eye out for prehistoric fossils embedded in the rock.

• Taznakht: Stop in this famous carpet-weaving hub to see the intense colors of saffron-dyed wool rugs.

• Taroudant: Arrive in the "Red City of the South," nestled within perfectly preserved golden ramparts.

Day 8: From the Ramparts to the Atlantic

• Taroudant Exploration: Wander the relaxed souks of Taroudant, known for high-quality leather and medicinal herbs.

• The Argan Forest: Drive toward the coast through the heart of the Argan Biosphere. Watch for the famous "climbing goats" and stop to taste the nutty, toasted Argan oil.

• Essaouira: Arrive at the Atlantic coast, where the cool sea breeze provides a refreshing contrast to the desert heat.

Day 9: Coastal Charm & The Return to Marrakech

• The Port: Watch the blue fishing boats return with their daily catch. Explore the Scala de la Ville and the bustling woodcarving workshops of the Thuia craftsmen.

• The Drive: A scenic 3-hour journey brings you back to Marrakech.

• Farewell Dinner: A final celebratory meal at a high-end restaurant in the Guéliz district to toast your successful expedition.

Day 10: Final Souvenirs & Departure

• Leisure: Spend your final morning at the Majorelle Garden or doing last-minute shopping for spices, saffron, or leather goods.

• Departure: Your Atlas Menara driver ensures a smooth private transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your journey home.