The Deep South

Merzouga Lake

The southern half of Morocco, known as the Deep South, extends from Ouarzazate to the Southern tip of the Moroccan Sahara. This Deep South is characterized by oasis, beautiful Southern Kasbah architecture, the High Atlas Mountains, camels and year-round sun and warm weather. Whether visiting the studios of Ouarzazate or the Painted Rocks of Tafraoute, the Deep South is an enchanting place with much to offer.

The Sahara desert is an enchanting place. Whether travelling by camel or 4x4, the horizon seems infinite until an oasis is spotted. Miracles of life, oasis are abundant with dates, palm trees, lush vegetation and water, a welcome respite from the hot sun. Moroccan sunsets are magical, but none more so than the sunset over the dunes.

Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert. This beautiful southern village is Morocco's Hollywood, and visitors can walk through famous movie sets (Kundun, Gladiator, etc) at Atlas Studios. The Kasbah Taourirt and Ait Benhaddou are beautiful examples of Southern Kasbah architecture. On the outskirts of the city, there are numerous oasis to visit. The Dades Gorge is an impressive site worth a visit, with beautiful vegetation growing in the middle of an impressive canyon.

Tafraoute is a pleasant little village set against the Anti Atlas. The Painted Rocks of Tafraoute are an amuzing and impressive piece of outdoor contemporary art on the outskirts of the town. They were painted by Belgian artist Jean Veran in 1984. Hiking and cycling are very popular activities, allowing visitors to take in the surrounding sights. In the middle of a deep valley, the Kasbah of Ait Mansour is a great example of Southern Kasbah architecture.

The Grandmother of Marrakech, Taroudant is a captivating walled city in the Deep South, in the Souss Valley. The city is off the main tourist circuits, helping it stay slower paced and more authentic. It is known for its beautiful architecture and its rich handicraft tradition. The souk and the city's central mosque are the main attractions. The surrounding area of the Souss Valley is equally beautiful, with a river flowing through the semi-arid terrain and nourishing beautiful patches of lush vegetation against the backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains.