5-Day Atlas Mountains Trek and Sahara Desert Tour



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Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our 5-day itinerary, combining the beauty of the Atlas Mountains with the enchantment of the Sahara Desert. This tour offers the perfect blend of a 2-day trek through the Atlas Mountains valleys and a 3-day exploration of the mesmerizing desert landscapes. Immerse yourself in the Moroccan Chamonix of Imlil, discover Berber villages, traverse the Atlas Mountains, and experience the magic of the Sahara.

Join us on this extraordinary 5-day journey, blending the majesty of the Atlas Mountains with the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert, and create unforgettable memories of Morocco's diverse landscapes.

  1. Day 1 Marrakech – Imlil – Tizi M’zik – Tamsoult Waterfalls – Tizi Oussem

    In the morning, we will pick you up from your accommodation in Marrakech at around 8:30. From there, we will drive you to the captivating Moulay Brahim Gorges, heading towards the Berber town of Imlil (1745m) through Asni town. Imlil is a paradise nestled in the upper foothills of the Western High Atlas Mountains, offering a plethora of trail options. Once we arrive, we will leave the vehicle and meet our experienced local guide and muleteer crew. We begin with a 3-4 hour acclimatization hike along mule tracks, surrounded by cornfields and juniper. Descending to Azzaden Valley, we will enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing our walk to the traditional village of Tizi Oussem. Our accommodation for the night will be a guesthouse owned by a local Berber family. While the guesthouse is simple, it provides comfortable beds with foam mattresses. The expedition cook accompanying us will prepare our meals. Overnight in a Berber house.

  2. Day 2 Tizi Oussem – Id Issa – Tizi Oudid – Matat - Imlil

    After breakfast and helping load our mules, we set off from the picturesque village of Tizi Oussem. Our journey continues down the valley to the village of Id Issa, followed by a climb to Tizi Oudid (2005m) for breathtaking panoramic views. Descending the pass, we reach Matat village, where we can enjoy a scenic walk through juniper forests and walnut groves. Relish a relaxing riverside lunch under the shade of walnut trees. In the afternoon, we ascend to the Imlil Valley and spend the night in a Berber house. The total walking time for the day is approximately 6 hours.

  3. Day 3 Imlil - Ait Benhaddou - Dades Gorges

    On this day, we depart from Imlil and pass through Asni, Moulay Brahim Gorges, and Tahnoaout. Continuing our journey, we traverse the winding mountain roads, ascending to Tizi N'Tichka (2260m), where a breathtaking panoramic view awaits us. Marvel at the beauty of the Anti-Atlas and the Tadart Valley before heading towards Agwim, Ighrem, and the renowned Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, one of the world's most famous tourist destinations. After lunch, we visit the Kasbah and proceed to Ouarzazate City, known as the Hollywood of Morocco, and Qlaat Mgouna. Our final stop for the day is Dades Valley, famous for its annual rose harvest and festival held in May. Overnight in Dades Gorge. The total driving time for the day is approximately 7 hours.

  4. Day 4 Dades Gorges – Todra Gorge – Merzouga

    After a delicious breakfast, we continue our journey towards the breathtaking Sahara Desert of Merzouga. En route, we visit the dense and lush Palm Grove of Todra, a vast expanse of palm trees. Our adventure leads us to the spectacular Todra Gorge, and we proceed to Erfoud, known as the City of Fossils, where traditional houses dot the landscape, inhabited by the Berber people. Upon reaching Merzouga, we leave the vehicle behind and embark on a captivating camel ride through the vast dunes of the desert. After approximately two hours, we pause at a dune to witness the magical sunset as the night gracefully unfolds. Our accommodation for the night will be in nomadic tents, also known as haimas, allowing us to indulge in the serenity and celestial beauty of the desert, surrounded by stars and the moon.

  5. Day 5 Merzouga - Agdez - Marrakech

    Wake up early to witness the unforgettable sunrise over the dunes, an image that will remain etched in your memory. After the sunrise, we ride camels back to the hotel, where we freshen up with a shower and enjoy breakfast. Our journey continues towards the vast Palm Groves of Tafilalet, passing through the city of Rissani, once the capital of the Alaouite sultans. We proceed towards Alnif, a small desert town known for its unique environment, and explore the oasis of Tazarine and Nkob. As we approach Ouarzazate, we traverse the unbeatable Draa Valley, passing through the Berber villages of Agdez and the Ait Saoun pass (1660m) with its breathtaking views. Finally, in the middle of the afternoon, we arrive back in Marrakech, where you will be transferred to your accommodation.

-This tour runs all year round and can depart at any date of your preference

- the Atlas Mountains and desert trip is available can be arranged for groups of all size

- Further discounts are available for group size over eight people.

- We usually have several treks departing each week that you may join.

- you can pay Euros, Dollars, sterling pounds, Dirhams

Berber tea house

The Accommodation will be in a Berber guesthouse will be simple and basic but has beds with foam mattresses. The food will be cooked by the Mount Toubkal Expedition cook who is traveling with you.

CAMPING

Camping is an option if prefered (june-Octo).

We provide modern igloo-style tents that sleep two persons each; they are of various sizes so ideally we would like to be advised in advance if any of your party is particularly tall (6 ft or over). So that, we can provide the most suitable tents for all groups.

Along with the sleeping tents, we also provide one or more large traditional Berber tents for cooking, eating and socialising which make your camp a little bit special.

NB : If accommodation is required in the Atlas Mountains either before or after the trek, we can always book you at our Imlil Refuge or at our Riad Dar Bab Toubkal in Armed village.

REFUGE

The refuge is simple but offers warm showers, a few western toilets and a warm lounge with electric lighting in which to read or chat with your fellow hikers. There is a full kitchen for your team to cook in and a couple of dining areas. Please note that boots must not be worn in the refuge. So, sandals, shoes or flip flops should be taken to keep your feet (and socks) warm, dry and clean.

Big bag for clothing

Backpack for each daily supplies

Good walking boots and socks / good trainers for Toubkal treks

Personnel First Aid Kit

3 to 4-season sleeping bag ( winter) or light Sleeping bag ( Summer)

Crampons, Ice axes, and Gaiters for Winter treks ( Nov to April )

Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants

Water bottle or camelback (recommended)

Lightweight daypack

Sunglasses

Hat

Toilet tissues

Sun-cream

Head Torch and batteries

Towel & all personal toiletries

Most of those equipment can be rented locally from our equipment shop 

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
Whats included in this tour Items that are covered in the cost of tour price.
  • English speaking guide
  • Transportation
  • Accommodation for trekking duration
  • Muleteers and Mule for Luggage carrying during the trek
  • All meals during your trek
  • 1 - overnight in a hotel at Dades valleys (Dinner & Breakfast)
  • 1 – overnight camping on Dunes of merzouga desert (Dinners & Breakfast)
  • Camle Riad on Dunes
Whats not included in this tour Items that aren't covered in the cost of tour price.
  • Travel insurance
  • flight Ticket
  • accommdation and meals in Marrakech
  • drinks
  • Lunches during the desert tour
  • Entrance fees to Kasbahs and cinema studio
  • Tips