Hike the Atlas Mountains and explore the Sahara Desert 6 days

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  • 6 Days
  • Max Guests : up to 14
  • Difficulty : 8/10
  • Solitude Lv : 8/10
  • Distance : 5 - 7 hours- hike-Day

Trek Detail

Embark on an extraordinary Hike the Atlas Mountains and explore the Sahara Desert 6 days  that takes you from the majestic High Atlas Mountains to the mesmerizing sands of the Sahara Desert. This itinerary combines moderate hiking, cultural immersion, and awe-inspiring landscapes, creating a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and authentic Moroccan experiences. Walk through picturesque Berber villages, explore the dramatic gorges of southern Morocco, and experience the serenity of the Sahara while staying in unique accommodations that showcase Moroccan hospitality at its finest.

Distances & Notes Hike the Atlas Mountains and explore the Sahara Desert 6 days 

  • Day 1: Marrakech to Imlil (64 km, 1.5 hours), 3-4 hours hiking
  • Day 2: Imlil to Dades Gorges (310 km, 6 hours driving)
  • Day 3: Dades Gorges to Merzouga (270 km, 5 hours driving)
  • Day 4: Merzouga exploration (camel trek approximately 1.5 hours)
  • Day 5: Merzouga to Agdz (370 km, 6.5 hours driving)
  • Day 6: Agdz to Marrakech via Ait Benhaddou (340 km, 7 hours driving)

Price Includes

  • Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakech.
  • Expert mountain guides
  • Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage.
  • All meals on the hike
  • Breakfast and dinner daily Desert Trip
  • Five nights’ accommodation (Berber guesthouse, hotels, and luxury desert camp)
  • Camel trek in the Sahara Desert

Price Excludes

  • Travel insurance.
  • Lunches and beverages
  • Soft/alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and personal expanses

Itinerary

Day 1 – Marrakech to Imlil – Exploring the High Atlas Mountains

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from the bustling city of Marrakech to the tranquil village of Imlil, nestled in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. The drive, approximately 1.5 hours, takes you through vibrant valleys and charming villages. Upon arrival, meet your local mountain guide and set off on a moderate hike through the Toubkal Massif, Morocco’s highest mountain range. Trek along terraced fields, cross small rivers, and pass through the picturesque Berber village of Aroumd, where you’ll learn about the unique culture and lifestyle of the region’s inhabitants. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch amidst the stunning mountain scenery before returning to Imlil. Your day concludes with a warm and welcoming overnight stay at a traditional Berber guesthouse, where you’ll savor authentic Moroccan cuisine.

  • Driving : 1h30 minutes
  • Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
  • Elevation Gain: Ascend to 2,700m 
  • Accommodation: Berber Guesthouse

Day 2 - Imlil to Dades Gorges via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and Ouarzazate the Dades Gorges

After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to Imlil and drive through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, ascending the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. The winding roads offer panoramic views of the rugged peaks and valleys. En route, stop in Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco,” to visit the historic Taourirt Kasbah and learn about its cinematic legacy. Continue your journey to the Dades Valley, where dramatic rock formations and lush greenery create a stunning landscape. Explore the winding roads of the Dades Gorges, known for their unique “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. Spend the night in a charming hotel in the Dades Valley, enjoying traditional Moroccan hospitality and a hearty dinner.

  • Distance: (310 km, 6 hours driving)
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Dades Gorges

Day 3 - Dades Gorges to Merzouga – Gateway to the Sahara Desert

Begin your day with a drive through the Todra Gorges, a dramatic canyon with towering red cliffs that provide a stunning backdrop for a short walk. Continue through the fertile Ziz Valley, with its lush palm groves and picturesque oases, before arriving in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. As the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi come into view, you’ll feel the magic of the desert envelop you. Mount your camel for a sunset trek across the dunes, witnessing the shifting colors of the sands as the sun sets. Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, live Berber music, and the unforgettable experience of stargazing under the desert sky.

  • Distance: (270 km, 5 hours driving)
  • Hiking Time: 1 hour
  • Accommodation: Luxury Desert Camp

Day 4 - Merzouga Exploration – Desert Adventures and Nomadic Culture

Wake early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, a magical moment that will stay with you forever. After breakfast at the camp, spend the day exploring the fascinating landscape of the Sahara. Visit nomadic families who live in the desert, gaining insight into their traditions and way of life. Explore the nearby fossil sites or enjoy a relaxing day soaking in the serenity of the desert. Return to Merzouga for an overnight stay in a cozy desert hotel, where you’ll have time to unwind and reflect on your desert adventures.

  • Distance: 15 km
  • Hiking Time: Free Time
  • Accommodation: cozy desert hotel

Day 5 - Merzouga to Agdz via Al Nif and the Draa Valley

Depart Merzouga after breakfast and drive through the rugged Al Nif region, known for its striking geological formations. Continue along the scenic route to Agdz, a charming town at the gateway to the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley. Here, lush palm groves, kasbahs, and traditional villages create a captivating landscape. Spend the night in a traditional guesthouse in Agdz, savoring a home-cooked meal and the tranquility of this beautiful region.

  • Distance: (370 km, 5 hours driving)
  • Accommodation: Hotel/ Kasbah Agdz

Day 6 - Agdz to Marrakech via Ait Benhaddou

On your final day, journey to the iconic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance. Walk through the ancient fortified village, which has served as a backdrop for numerous films, and immerse yourself in its rich history. After exploring the kasbah, continue your drive through the High Atlas Mountains, arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Your adventure concludes with fond memories of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and warm hospitality.

  • Travel Time: Approximately 5-6 hours
  • Accommodation: N/A (Return to Marrakech)

Frequently Asked Questions

Prices

  • Group 1 person :  on Request
  • Group 2 people : 800 € / person
  • Group 3 people:  770 € / person
  • Group 4 – 7 people : 730 € / person
  • Group 8 – 12 people: 700 € / person

Availability & dates

This trek runs From May To October and can depart at any date of your preference.
We usually have several treks departing each week that you may join if you wish , please get in Touch!!
This trek is available to be booked independently (including transfers from Marrakech) 

Accommodation

The Accommodation will be in a simple berber Gites And Camps and Refuge
NB : If accommodation is required in the Atlas Mountains either before or after the trek, we can always book you at our Riad In Marrakech.

Essential Equipment / Kit hire

  • Good walking boots and socks / good trainers for valley treks
  • Personnel First aid Kit
  • 3 to 4 season sleeping bag ( winter) or light Sleeping bag ( Summer)
  • Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
  • Water bottle or camel back (recommended)
  • Soft-sided bag (50-80 litres)
  • Lightweight daypack
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Torch and batteries
  • Towel & all personal toiletries

Most of those equipment can be rented locally from our equipment shop in Imlil:

  1.  Walking boots : 5 €/day
  2.  Sleeping bags : 2.5 €/day
  3.  Rain Jackets : 3 €/day
  4.  Walking Poles : 3 €/day/pair   
  5.  Back packs : 3€/day

Start Point ? Finish Point?

  • You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads does not have access by car so the driver will park nearby and come to get you.
  • You will be droped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel , our driver can call your riad to meet you if needed.

How do you book & pay?

Find the trek you are interested in then contact us via E-mail to discuss your trek and check availability. Once the details of your trek (duration, route and number of people) have been agreed, we will make a provisional booking, giving the dates and cost.
To confirm your booking we ask you to pay a 20% deposit. This can be in Euros, pounds sterling or US dollars  online via bank account. The balance is paid in Morocco by cash – again in Euros, sterling or dollars – at the beginning of the trek.
NB: if you can’t carry cash, you can always pay again the balance online by bank few days before departure.

Price
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