A Day Walking In The High Atlas & Camping At An Oasis
This short adventure combines a rewarding day walk in the Atlas Mountains with an overnight camping experience in the beautiful Nakhla Oasis, in the Draa Valley. It is an excellent introduction to southern Morocco, combining mountain scenery, traditional villages and the peaceful landscapes of the desert region for travellers with limited time.
Compared with the spectacular dunes of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, Zagora offers a gentler desert experience, but it is an ideal choice for those looking to discover the landscapes and culture of southern Morocco without committing to a longer Sahara journey.
This trek runs all year round and can depart on any date of your choice.
We usually have several treks departing each week, which you are welcome to join. Please get in touch to discuss your preferred dates.
Our Atlas Mountains treks can also be combined with other Moroccan tours, including adventures in the Sahara Desert, visits to the Imperial Cities or trips to the Atlantic coast, allowing us to create a tailor-made itinerary around your interests and available time.
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
Marrakech – Imlil
We depart from Marrakech by vehicle at around 8.00am for the approximately 1 hour 20-minute journey south towards the Moulay Brahim Gorges. We pass through Asni, home to a lively weekly market held every Saturday, before continuing to Agersioual (1,600m), situated in the upper foothills of the Western High Atlas Mountains.
Here, we leave the vehicle and meet our local guide before setting off on foot towards the traditional Berber village of Aïkkiss (1,700m). The trail climbs gradually towards the Tizi n’Agersioual Pass (2,200m), offering beautiful views across the surrounding mountains and valleys.
We stop for lunch in a traditional Berber home or beside the river before continuing our walk through the beautiful Imnane Valley. The route then climbs towards the Tizi n’Tamatert Pass (2,779m), where spectacular views open across both the Imlil and Imnane valleys.
From the pass, we begin the descent towards Imlil, with approximately 1½ hours of walking taking us into the village. Here, we enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the charming Dar Adrar Guesthouse.
Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes’ driving / 6 hours’ walking.
Day 02
Imlil – Zagora
After breakfast, we leave Imlil and drive south towards Zagora, crossing the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). We continue through the changing landscapes of southern Morocco, passing through Ouarzazate and Agdz, where we stop for lunch.
We then continue towards Zagora, an atmospheric oasis town and historic stopping point on the ancient camel caravan routes. Today, it serves as an important gateway to the Sahara and the desert landscapes of the Draa Valley.
On arrival in Zagora, we meet our camels and set off on a short camel trek through the surrounding desert landscape, continuing towards our camp in the peaceful Nakhla Oasis. Here, we spend the night surrounded by palm groves and the tranquil scenery of the Draa Valley.
Approx. 8 hours’ driving.
NB: An overnight stay in a hotel in Zagora is optional and can be arranged at the time of booking.
Day 03
Zagora – Aït Benhaddou – Marrakech
We make an early start from Zagora for the journey back to Marrakech. The early departure allows plenty of time to stop at Ait Benhaddou, where we enjoy lunch and have time to explore this remarkable ancient fortified village.
Ait Benhaddou is a traditional ksar, or fortified settlement, built from mud and earth along the former caravan route linking the Sahara with Marrakech. Its impressive kasbahs and atmospheric narrow streets provide a fascinating insight into Morocco’s rich history and architectural heritage.
After our visit, we continue towards Marrakech, arriving in the late afternoon after a scenic journey across southern Morocco and the High Atlas Mountains.
Approx. 7 hours’ driving.
Note: This itinerary is a guideline and may be adapted to suit 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 : 480€
2 people : 290€/person
3 people : 240€/person
4 - 7 people : 220€/person
8 - 12 people : 200€/person
What Is Included?
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Transfer from Marrakech to the Start of the day trek in the Atlas Mountains.
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1 Overnight in Dar Adrar or similar (Dinner & breakfast)
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Full Day trek in the Atlas Mountains
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Lunch on day1
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2 days Drive on 4x4 or Mini-bus during Desert tour.
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1overnight camping in Zagora ( Oasis Nakhla (Dinner & breakfast)
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Camel Ride
What Is Not Included
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Travel insurance.
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Lunches on the desert part
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Entrance fees
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Soft/alcoholic drinks
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Tips and personal expanses
Accommodation & Shelters
Accommodation is provided in a comfortable guesthouse in Imlil, such as Dar Adrar or a similar property, followed by an overnight stay in a traditional nomadic desert tent.
NB: If you require accommodation in the Atlas Mountains before or after your trek, we can arrange a stay at our Dar Adrar Guesthouse in Imlil or our Eco-Lodge in Ouirgane, depending on your itinerary.
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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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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Towel & 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.