8 Days Trekking The Beautiful Zat Valley In The High Atlas
Experience six days of trekking through the spectacular Zat Valley in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, discovering an incredible variety of landscapes ranging from lush river valleys and fertile terraces to rugged, barren mountain terrain.
Along the way, we’ll pass through traditional Moroccan Berber villages, with houses built from local stone and earth and often clinging dramatically to steep mountainsides. In places, the villages appear to merge almost seamlessly with the surrounding rock, creating a fascinating and distinctive mountain landscape.
This remote and scenic trekking route offers a wonderful opportunity to experience a quieter side of Morocco, away from the more established trekking areas, while discovering traditional mountain communities and spectacular High Atlas scenery.
This trek runs 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 mountain treks can be combined with other Morocco tours and experiences, including trips to the Sahara Desert, the Imperial Cities or 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
Marrakech
On arrival in Marrakech, you’ll be met and welcomed by our team before being transferred to your hotel. After checking in, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
In the evening, you may wish to explore the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, when the heart of Marrakech comes alive with food stalls, local entertainment and a lively atmosphere.
Day 02
Marrakech - Ourika Valley
After an early breakfast, we’ll leave Marrakech and transfer to the beautiful Ourika Valley, where you’ll meet your expedition team, including the muleteers and mules supporting the trek.
From here, we begin walking through a spectacular green and colourful mountain landscape, following trails into the High Atlas. We’ll stop for lunch in the Berber village of Amddouz before continuing along the valley towards Assif Mloulene, where we’ll set up camp for the night.
Day 03
Yagour - Ouarzazarte - Zat Valley
After an early breakfast, we continue our trek across the spectacular Yagour Plateau, passing traditional azibs (seasonal shepherds’ settlements) and Berber villages along the way. The route offers a wonderful variety of High Atlas scenery as we cross this remote mountain landscape.
We’ll stop for lunch near the village of Ouarzazate before beginning a long descent towards the Zat Valley. Continuing downhill, we reach the banks of the Oued Zat, where we’ll set up camp beside the river at an altitude of around 1,397m.
Approx. 5 hours trekking.
Overnight camping.
Day 04
Oued Zat - Zaroun
After breakfast, we continue trekking up the Oued Zat, following the river through a series of spectacular traditional Berber villages. Along the way, we’ll see distinctive local architecture, with houses built along the riverbanks and surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the High Atlas.
Continuing upstream, we eventually reach the village of Zaroun, where we’ll set up camp for the night at an altitude of around 1,505m.
Approx. 6 hours trekking.
Overnight camping.
Day 05
Zat Valley
After breakfast, we continue our trek deeper into the Zat Valley, following the trail upwards towards the Tizi n’Tslit Pass. The route gradually climbs through increasingly rugged mountain scenery before reaching our camp beneath the pass at an altitude of around 2,800m.
The spectacular surroundings provide a peaceful setting for our overnight camp, with the mountains rising dramatically above the valley.
Approx. 5 hours trekking.
Overnight camping.
Day 06
Col Of Tslit
After an early breakfast, we continue our trek by crossing Tizi n’Tslit Pass (2,800m). The trail leads through spectacular mountain scenery, with a long and rewarding descent offering wonderful views across the beautiful Ourika Valley.
After lunch, we continue towards the traditional shepherds’ settlements of Agouns, situated at around 1,800m. Here, we’ll set up camp and enjoy an evening surrounded by the peaceful landscapes of the High Atlas.
Approx. 5 hours trekking.
Overnight camping.
Day 07
Berber Villages
After breakfast, we continue our trek through the High Atlas, stopping at a traditional Berber village for a refreshing tea break. We then walk for around two hours before stopping for a picnic lunch and enjoying the surrounding mountain scenery.
After lunch, we meet our vehicle and begin the journey back to Marrakech. On arrival, check in to the hotel, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.
Approx. 2 hours trekking.
Day 08
Departure
After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport for your flight home, marking the end of your Morocco adventure.
Note: This itinerary is a guideline and may be changed 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 : 578 £
2 -3 people : 480 £ / person
4 - 7 people : 410£ / person
8 - 12 people: 360 £ / person
What Is Included?
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Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
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Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage
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Berber Cook
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All meals on the hike
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Accommodation in a Berber village (gite)
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Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakech .
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Camping Materiels ( Tents & Mattress) for summer treks.
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
Accommodation & Shelters
Accommodation during the trek will be a combination of camping, traditional Berber gîtes and mountain huts.
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.
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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Towel & all personal toiletries
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Crampons : 5 €/ Day/pair
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Ice Axe : 3 €/day
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Walking boots : 5 €/day
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Sleeping bags : 2.5 €/day
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Rain Jackets : 3 €/day
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Walking Poles : 3 €/day/pair
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Back packs : 3€/day
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Stoves : 2€/day
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.