Explore The Atlas Mountains & Sahara In 6 Days
Experience the perfect combination of a three-day Atlas Valleys trek and a three-day Sahara Desert tour, taking you from the mountain village of Imlil – Morocco’s own ‘Chamonix’ – through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains and on to the Sahara Desert.
Your adventure begins in Imlil, where you’ll spend three days exploring the beautiful Atlas valleys and traditional Berber villages on foot. After your trek, travel across the High Atlas towards the Dades Gorges, your first stop on this scenic journey through southern Morocco.
From Dades, continue towards Merzouga and the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll enjoy an unforgettable camel ride across the Sahara before spending the night at a traditional nomadic-style desert camp. The following day, leave the dunes behind and travel through the stony desert landscapes around Tazarine and the dramatic Draa Valley, before crossing the High Atlas once again via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
We arrive back in Marrakech at around 18:00, completing an unforgettable combination of trekking in the Atlas Mountains and adventure in the Sahara Desert.
This trek operates all year round and can depart on any date of your choice.
We usually have several treks departing each week that you can join if you wish, so please get in touch!
All of our Morocco mountain treks can also be combined with other tours and experiences, including trips to the Sahara Desert, visits to Morocco’s Imperial Cities or journeys to the Atlantic Coast.
Pick Up & Drop Off
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads don't have access via car so the driver will park nearby and come to get you.
You will be dropped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel. Our driver can call your riad to meet you if needed.
Route Details
Day 01
Marrakesh - Imi Oughlad - Tinzert
We leave the vehicle on the road towards Imlil at Imi Oughlad (1,450m), where we meet our Berber guide and muleteer team. Our first day is an easier acclimatisation trek through the beautiful Ouirgane National Park, with gentler terrain, distinctive copper-green soil and fragrant juniper trees.
The trail offers a peaceful introduction to trekking in the High Atlas, passing through the surrounding mountain landscape before reaching the small, rustic Berber village of Tinzert. Here, we spend the night in a traditional village gîte, experiencing the warm hospitality and simple way of life of the local mountain communities. Walking time: approximately 4 hours.
Day 02
Tinzert - Azzaden Valley (Ait Aissa)
After breakfast, we leave Tinzert and climb out of the valley before traversing across towards the spectacular Azzaden Valley. As the landscape opens up, the trail follows a rushing mountain stream through lush walnut groves, with increasingly impressive views towards Jebel Toubkal and the surrounding peaks at the head of the valley.
We continue through this beautiful High Atlas landscape before reaching the traditional Berber village of Aït Aïssa, where we spend the night in a village gîte and enjoy the warm hospitality of the local community. Walking time: approximately 5–6 hours.
Day 03
Ait Aissa - Tizi n Mzik - Imlil
Today’s trek takes us on a rewarding climb out of the beautiful Azzaden Valley. We follow the valley towards Tizi Oussem before climbing steadily towards the spectacular Tizi n’Mzik Pass (2,489m). From the pass, the trail descends towards Imlil, with impressive views opening up across the surrounding High Atlas mountains.
On arrival in Imlil, there’s time to relax and enjoy the village, or take a short stroll to explore the surrounding area. We spend the night at Dar Adrar Guesthouse or similar accommodation. Walking time: approximately 4–5 hours.
Day 04
Imlil - Dades Valley
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Imlil at 9:00am and begin the scenic journey across the High Atlas Mountains. The route takes you over the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass, winding through the mountains and passing numerous traditional Berber villages along the way.
As you cross into southern Morocco, the landscape changes dramatically, with greener mountain valleys giving way to arid desert scenery. Along the route, you’ll see riverside oases and barren hillsides dotted with traditional kasbahs – fortified dwellings that were once home to local families and their livestock.
There will be an opportunity to stop and visit the famous Ouarzazate Film Studios, or alternatively enjoy a short hike to explore the surrounding landscape on foot. Continuing east, we eventually reach the spectacular Dades Gorges, where you can choose to stretch your legs with a hike or simply relax and enjoy your hotel.
Sleep overnight in the Dades Gorges. Driving time: approximately 7 hours.
Day 05
Dades Valley - Todra gorge - Merzouga
After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the Dades Valley and travel towards the spectacular Todra Gorge, a dramatic natural fault cutting through the High Atlas Mountains. Towering cliffs rise up to 300 metres above the narrow valley, surrounded by lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages.
On arrival, there’s time to explore the palmery on foot, following trails through this beautiful green oasis beneath the shade of the date palms. After lunch, we continue south towards Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, where we can pick up any supplies needed for our desert adventure.
We then drive to a nearby kasbah to meet our camel team. As the sun begins to set, we set off on an unforgettable 1½-hour camel ride across the golden Sahara dunes to a traditional Berber desert camp. On arrival, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner before spending the night beneath the stars or in a comfortable desert tent. Driving time: approximately 6 hours.
Day 06
Merzouga - Marrakech
We make an early start, just before sunrise, for a memorable 1½-hour camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun rises over the Sahara, we explore the surrounding desert before riding our camels back to Merzouga.
On arrival in Merzouga, enjoy breakfast and take the opportunity to have a shower and freshen up before beginning our long journey back to Marrakech. We travel through the stony desert and across the Atlas Mountains, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way for photographs, exploring the landscape and lunch.
We continue through the changing scenery of southern Morocco before arriving back in Marrakech, usually between 17:00 and 18:00. Driving time: approximately 10 hours.
Please note: This itinerary is a guideline and may be adapted according to local conditions.
Equipment
Please ensure you have packed all safety essentials. See the Equipment List here if you're unsure of what to bring. Our guides will conduct a final gear check in Imlil before we commence the ascent to the higher altitudes of the Toubkal massif.
Tour Rates
Flexible Pricing
1 person : 900€
2 people : 540€/person
3 people : 470€/person
4 - 7 people : 395€/person
8 - 12 people : 360€/person
What Is Included?
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All transport
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1 Overnight in Dar Adrar (HB)
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English speaking guide, and cook (MT)
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Muleteers and mules for assistance (MT)
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Accommodation in Villages gites during the mountain trek.
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Full board on trek + mineral water, coffee and tea (MT)
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4x4 or Mini-bus during Desert tour
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2 overnight in hotels at Dades & Ait Benhaddou(HB)
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1 overnight camping on Dunes at Erg Chebbi (HB)
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Camel Ride on Dunes
What Is Not Included
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Travel insurance.
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Soft/alcoholic drinks
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Tips and personal expanses
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Lunches during the desert trip.
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Entrance fee (Monuments visits)
Accommodation & Shelters
Night 1: Village gîte in Tinzert.
Night 2: Village gîte in Aït Aïssa.
Night 3: Dar Adrar Guesthouse in Imlil or similar accommodation.
Night 4: Hotel accommodation in the Dades Gorges.
Night 5: Traditional nomadic-style tent at a desert camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Clothing & Essential Equipment
Essential Equipment
Can Be Hired From Us
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Good walking boots and socks / good trainers for valley treks
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Personnel First aid Kit
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3 to 4 season sleeping bag ( winter) or light Sleeping bag ( Summer)
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Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
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Water bottle or camel back (recommended)
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Soft-sided bag (50-80 litres)
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Lightweight daypack
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Torch and batteries
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Towels & all personal toiletries
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Ask us to see what we have
What Is Appropriate Attire In Morocco?
Morocco is a conservative and religious country, which means you always need to be mindful of your clothing choices. This is especially true in the country’s more rural areas, which include the Sahara Desert and its surrounding villages. As a general rule of thumb, you should always attempt to cover body parts considered “private”. For women, this means covering the arms (or at least the shoulders) and the knees up. For men, it requires covering up the shoulders and above the knee.
High Energy Meals
Meals on the trek are cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:
Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milkLunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruit
Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met. Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.
Start Your Journey
Ready to explore the Atlas Mountains? Reach out to us for detailed trek inquiries, tailor-made itineraries, or any questions about our Berber-led adventure tours.
Email: aztat.trek@gmail.com
Phone: +212 668-760165
Location: Imlil, Morocco
Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the day. NB: Left luggage or unnecessary luggage can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek.