07 Secrets of the South

Overview

Our recommendations

Season: September - June. This area’s climate is less extreme than the classic desert routes further east.

Length: 7 - 21 nights. Whilst the itinerary is possible in 7 nights, it is advisable to extend your stay if possible.

Flights: Agadir (50 minute transfer), Marrakech possible (3.5 hour transfer).

Pricing: See Details tab - from £665 pp for 7 nights based on 2 sharing (B&B and half board in places), excl. flights. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.

Transport options:

The base price above is for a self drive vehicle (excluding fuel) based on 2 people sharing.

A car with driver can be quoted for and prices will vary for various sizes of group.

Extension options: West to the Atlantic coast at Mirleft, Massa and Agadir; east to the High Atlas; south or east to see more of the Sahara desert; north to Essaouira and/ or Marrakech.

Activity options: A range of day excursions from Taroudant are available.

Weather: Please have a look at our 'Weather' page with further details and an average temperature guideline in various locations throughout the year.

Details

Our Secrets of the South Holiday Suggestion

We recommend 7 nights minimum, see the example below (more nights makes the trip more relaxing):

Prices from £665 per person (7 nights) excluding flights*

Pricing: * Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B for 3 nights, Half Board for 4 nights), including return transfers to Agadir airport, excl. flights, staying at Palais Oumensour (Taroudant) , Dar Infiane (Tata), comfortable desert camps at Tissint and Icht, a small hotel near Tafraoute and a lovely riad in Tamraght - budget accommodation; Naturally Morocco can offer alternatives if required. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate. Days 3-8 are priced for self drive vehicle, excluding fuel (or option for a chauffeur driven trip).

Location

Places in the Region

This suggestion takes you through the lesser explored southern Morocco, an area of vast landscapes, semi desert and rolling moutains.

Taroudant

Taroudant is a “Little Marrakech” due to the backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains and its red town walls, which are more complete than those of any other Moroccan town. This Berber market town is little frequented by tourists,  providing an authentic experience of everyday life and is an ideal base from which to explore Berber countryside.

Talaouine

On the edge of the spectacular Jbel Sirwa mountains, this village lies midway between Taroudant and Ouarzazate, not long before the road branches off to Zagora. Famous for production of saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, Talaouine has a cooperative where you may buy this miraculous spice at bargain rates and learn about its cultivation. It also has a large crumbling kasbah.

Tata

Now a thriving market town, Tata was formerly an important caravan stop for camel trains travelling from Timbuktu to Taroudan. It lies 3.5 hours’ scenic drive south of Taroudant at the foot of the huge escarpment, Jbel Bani, and is surrounded by 900,000 palms, making it the largest oasis between the Atlantic and Zagora.

Tissint

A small village an hour’s drive east of Tata, Tissint is known for its picturesque waterfalls and gorge as well as beautiful rocky desert scenery. It is possible to drive via a scenic route north to Igherm and thence either north east to Talaouine or west to Taroudant and Agadir.

Icht

Like Tata, this ancient village (partially below ground level) also lies at the foot of the huge escarpment, Jbel Bani. It is an ideal point from which to visit the region to the south including various rock formations, archaelogical sites including rock engravings and the sand dunes of Tanzida.

Tafraoute

This peaceful town roughly 3 hours' drive from Agadir along winding mountain roads, is an ideal base for exploring the Ameln Valley and the Ait Mansour gorges as well as seeing the spectacular pink rock formations, the Blue Rocks and rock engravings in the region.