A Day Walk In The Atlas Mountains & A Night At Erg Chebbi & Ait Benhaddou
This express Morocco adventure combines a rewarding day walk in the Atlas Mountains with a three-day, two-night journey through southern Morocco, including Ait Benhaddou and the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes. The highlight is an unforgettable overnight camping experience among the golden sands of the Sahara, making this a wonderful introduction to the landscapes, culture and scenery of southern Morocco.
It is an ideal option for travellers with limited time who want to experience both the mountains and the desert in one memorable adventure.
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 at around 8.00am and drive south for approximately 1 hour 20 minutes towards the Moulay Brahim Gorges. We pass through Asni, where a lively weekly market is 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 towards the Tizi n’Agersioual Pass (2,200m), with beautiful views across the surrounding mountain landscape.
We stop for lunch in a traditional Berber home or beside the river before continuing through the Imnane Valley. We then climb towards the Tizi n’Tamatert Pass (2,779m), from where there are spectacular views down towards both the Imlil Valley and the Imnane Valley.
From the pass, we begin a descent of approximately 1½ hours to the mountain village of Imlil, where we enjoy an evening meal and overnight stay at the charming Dar Adrar Guesthouse.
Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes’ driving / 6 hours’ walking.
Day 02
Imlil - Dades Valley
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Imlil at 9.00am and begin the journey across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, travelling over the stunning Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Along the way, we pass through numerous traditional Berber villages before descending towards the desert landscapes of southern Morocco.
As the scenery changes, the rugged mountains give way to riverside oases, barren hillsides and traditional kasbahs – fortified dwellings historically used by families and their livestock. Along the route, there is the option to stop and visit the Ouarzazate Film Studios.
A side trip to Ait Benhaddou is also possible. This remarkable ancient fortified village is home to numerous traditional kasbahs and has provided the atmospheric backdrop for many famous Hollywood films, including The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander and Lawrence of Arabia. You will have time to explore the narrow streets and historic buildings on foot with your guide.
We then continue towards the dramatic Dades Gorges, where you can either enjoy a short hike or relax at your hotel. Walking will depend on the season, as shorter winter days may limit the time available.
Spend the night in the Dades Gorges.
Day 03
Dades Valley - Todra gorge - Merzouga
After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the Dades Valley and travel towards the spectacular Todra Gorge, a dramatic geological fault cutting through the High Atlas Mountains. Towering cliffs rise up to 300m above the narrow valley, surrounded by lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages.
Here, there is time to explore the beautiful palmery on foot, following trails through this green oasis beneath towering date palms. After lunch, we continue deeper into southern Morocco towards Merzouga, the gateway to the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes, where we can stock up on supplies for our desert adventure.
We then continue by road to a nearby kasbah, where we meet our camels and begin our journey into the Sahara. Around sunset, we set off on an unforgettable one-hour camel trek across the golden dunes to a traditional Berber desert camp.
On arrival, enjoy a delicious traditional Moroccan dinner before spending the night beneath the stars during the summer months, or in comfortable tents at the desert camp.
Approx. 6 hours’ driving.
Day 04
Merzouga - Marrakech
We wake early, just before sunrise, and set off on a memorable one-hour camel ride to explore the Erg Chebbi dunes as the first light appears over the desert. We then return to Merzouga by camel, where there is time for breakfast and the opportunity to shower and freshen up.
Afterwards, we begin our long journey back to Marrakech, travelling through the stony desert and across the High Atlas Mountains. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop along the way for photographs, sightseeing and lunch, allowing you to enjoy the changing landscapes of southern Morocco.
We usually arrive back in Marrakech between 17:00 and 18:00.
Approx. 10 hours’ driving.
NB: If you prefer to break up the long journey on the final day, we recommend spending the night at the historic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, turning the itinerary into a 5-day tour.
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 : 640€
2 people : 415€/person
3 people : 390€/person
4 - 7 people :355€/person
8 - 12 people : 295€/person
What Is Included?
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All transport
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1 Overnight in Dar Adrar or similar (Dinner & breakfast)
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Guided Day Walk
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Lunch on day 1
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4x4 or Mini-bus during Desert tour
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1 overnight camping in Erg chebbi + dinner & breakfast
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Camel Ride
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1 overnight accommodation in Hotel in Dades gorges + dinner & breakfast
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 3 days Desert part.
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Entrance fee (Monuments visits)
Accommodation & Shelters
1st night: Guesthouse in Imlil, such as Dar Adrar or a similar property.
2nd night: Hotel or guesthouse in the Dades Gorges, such as Hotel Babylon, Dar Essyaha or a similar property.
3rd night: Traditional nomadic tent among the golden dunes of the Erg Chebbi Desert.
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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Check with us to see if we have anything for hire
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.