Come & See The Middle Atlas
Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco’s most impressive Sahara Desert landscapes, a vast dune field stretching approximately 22km from north to south and up to 5km from east to west at its widest point. The highest dune, reaching around 884m, lies towards the northern end of the Erg. Scattered throughout the dunes are several natural oases, where water can be found surprisingly close beneath the sand.
The journey to these remote desert oases begins with a long road trip, which is an experience in itself. The changing landscape provides a fascinating introduction to southern Morocco, with plenty of opportunities to stop, cool down, take photographs and meet local people along the way. As we travel deeper into the Sahara, the scenery becomes increasingly wild and remote.
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.
The Erg Chebbi desert trek can be booked independently, including transfers from Marrakech, or we can create a tailor-made Morocco holiday combining your trek with time in Marrakech, Essaouira, the Atlantic Coast or the wider Sahara Desert.
Our mountain and desert treks can also be combined with other Moroccan tours, including the Sahara Desert, Imperial Cities and Atlantic coast, allowing us to create a memorable Morocco adventure holiday 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
Fes - Ifran - Azrou - Midelt - Er-Rachidia - Erfoud - Merzouga
We set off early and travel through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Ifrane, often known as the ‘Moroccan Switzerland’, and the traditional Berber town of Azrou. We stop in the cedar forest to visit the famous Cedre Gouraud, where you may spot Barbary macaques among the ancient trees.
Continuing south, we pass through a changing landscape of remote villages, volcanic rock formations and open desert scenery. Along the way, there may be opportunities to see nomadic families living in traditional tents beside the road. We stop in Midelt for lunch before continuing across the Tizi n’Talghomt Pass (1,907m), enjoying spectacular panoramic views.
The journey then takes us through the dramatic Ziz Gorge and tunnel towards Errachidia, where we see the turquoise waters of the Hassan Al-Dakhil Reservoir. We continue to Erfoud, stopping for a panoramic view across the Aoufous palm grove along the Ziz River before leaving the main road and following an off-road route towards our hotel at the foot of the dunes.
Here, we meet our camels and set off across the golden dunes to our desert camp. After arriving in the heart of the Sahara, enjoy a memorable evening beneath the stars, dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional nomadic Berber tent. Approx. 9 hours’ driving.
Day 02
Merzouga - Rissani - Erfoud - Tinejdad - Tineghir - Todra Gorges - Boumalne Dades.
We wake early to the call of our guide and head out into the dunes to watch the spectacular Sahara sunrise before returning for breakfast. We then trek back to the hotel, where there is time for a hot shower and to freshen up before continuing our journey.
We depart for Rissani, where we visit the Zawiya Moulay Ali ash-Sharif and have time to explore the lively local souk. You may also see the traditional fondouks, where donkeys gather and local traders meet. We then continue towards Tineghir, passing through Erfoud, known as the ‘capital of fossil marble’, and see the traditional khatarat irrigation canals along the route.
After lunch in Tinejdad or Tineghir, we continue alongside the river towards the spectacular Todra Gorges. Here, we leave the vehicle and explore the gorge on foot, walking between towering rock walls rising up to 300m and enjoying the dramatic scenery. We then travel towards Boumalne Dades and continue to the Dades Gorges, where there is time to explore the impressive rock formations, including the distinctive ‘Monkey Fingers’ and shapes resembling human figures.
Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel. Approx. 6 hours’ driving.
Day 03
Dadès gorges - El-Kelaâ M’Gouna - Ouarzazate - Aït BenHaddou - Tizi N’Tichka Pass - Marrakech
Today we continue towards Ouarzazate, travelling through Boumalne Dades, El-Kelaâ M’Gouna and the scenic Skoura Oasis. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views across Morocco’s famous Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, the fragrant Valley of the Roses and the lush palm groves of Skoura.
On arrival in Ouarzazate, there is an opportunity to stop and admire the impressive Kasbah of Taourirt, once associated with the powerful Glaoui dynasty. We then continue to the historic village of Ait Benhaddou, where we stop for lunch before exploring its remarkable fortified kasbah and atmospheric mud-brick buildings.
Afterwards, we begin the journey back towards Marrakech, crossing the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). There will be opportunities to stop for photographs and admire the dramatic High Atlas Mountains, traditional Berber villages and sweeping mountain landscapes along the way.
We arrive in Marrakech and transfer to the hotel of your choice. 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 : 580€
2 - 3 people : 350€/person
4 - 7 people :285€/person
8 - 12 people : 250€/person
What Is Included?
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4x4 / mini-bus with english speaking driver
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1 night in a hotel at Dades gorges with dinner & breakfast
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1overnight camping on the Dunes with dinner & breakfast
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Camel ride on the 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
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Entrance fee (Monuments visits)
Accommodation & Shelters
One night camping on the dunes in Nomad tents and one night in a hotel at Dades Gorge.
NB: we also have access to the Eco Lodge and Dar Adrar guesthouses.
Clothing & Essential Equipment
Essential Equipment
Can Be Hired From Us
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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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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.