The Beautiful South
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Some of Morocco’s most spectacular scenery lies in the south of the country, an area which extends from the snow-tipped mountains of the High Atlas, down through lush green valleys to the first sand dunes on the edge of the Sahara. Leaving Marrakech, the road soon starts to climb dramatically up through breathtaking mountain scenery to the 2,260m Tichka pass. It then runs down at a dizzy pace past steep valleys in which wadis (rivers) snake by pisé Berber villages of stacked flat-roofed houses, surrounded by a brilliant green patchwork of fertile fields and fruit trees. Southern Morocco is famous for its kasbahs and ksours, large imposing fortified homes and villages made of sun-baked bricks with crenellated towers and walls decorated with geometric patterns. Set against a landscape of mountain peaks and lush palm groves, they are simply magical. This is the heartland of Berber country, where life continues in much the same way as it has for centuries. Most famous of these are the Kasbah Telouet, the grandiose ruin of the once all powerful Glaoui family, and exotic Ait Benhaddou, one of the best preserved and most filmed (Lawrence of Arabia and The Gladiator); both are off the main road to Ouarzazate. This former French garrison town gives easy access to the desert, either by following the beautiful Dades Valley (Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs) or the sinuous Draa Valley (Valley of the Dates). These two spectacular drives wind through barren desert landscapes and rocky mountain ranges, past impressive ochre-red kasbahs, oases with enormous palm trees, picturesque Berber villages and lively market towns, until they reach the desert outposts of Erfoud and Zagora. From here you transfer to a 4 x 4 vehicle and a final push takes you to the Tinfou or Merzouga dunes, where the Sahara starts seriously and camel trekking and bivouacking under the stars begins. We can arrange flexible and interesting itineraries travelling by a chauffeur-driven or self-drive car, enjoying the wonderful scenery and colourful Berber life. You can base yourself in Ouarzazate and plan day excursions along the valleys or stop off along the way and stay at a selection of authentic kasbah hotels. The desert offers many adventures, including camel treks to watch the sun set or rise over the dunes, exciting journeys across the desert by 4 x 4 vehicle and romantic nights, spent in a bivouac under the stars. Whatever your requirements, our knowledgeable staff can help you plan your unique journey around this wonderful area – a journey that can be as relaxing or as intensive as you choose. Highlights
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