Get ready for an exciting journey through the High Atlas Mountains! On the first day of your Atlas Mountain Trek and Desert Tour, our team will pick you up from the Marrakech airport and take you on a private transfer to the small town of Imlil.

Nestled in the stunning Atlas Mountains, Imlil is known for its breathtaking scenery and traditional Berber culture. As you wind your way up the mountain roads, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the rugged terrain and lush greenery.

Once you arrive in Imlil, you’ll be welcomed with open arms at a friendly, family-run guesthouse. You’ll have the opportunity to settle in and relax, taking in the beautiful surroundings and enjoying the warm hospitality of your hosts.

As the sun sets over the mountains, you’ll be treated to a delicious dinner featuring traditional Moroccan cuisine. Savor the flavors of aromatic spices and fresh, locally sourced ingredients as you prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.

After a hearty breakfast at your guesthouse, you’ll meet your guide and muleteer who will help load up your bags onto the trusty mule. The cook will also accompany the group to pick out a perfect spot to cook your lunch.

The day’s trek starts with a steep climb towards the pass at Tizi n Mzik, which stands at an impressive altitude of 2489m. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with dramatic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, showcasing the raw natural beauty of the Atlas range.

As you descend from the pass, the trail leads into the spectacular Azzadene valley, also known as the “valley of color” for its vibrant landscapes. The valley is dotted with traditional Berber villages and terraced farms, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the local people.

After a full day of hiking, you’ll reach the small Berber village of Tizi Oussem where you’ll spend the night in a cozy gite. If you’re feeling energetic, you can take a slight detour to visit the D’Irhoulidene waterfalls, adding a couple of extra hours to your walk but well worth the effort for the stunning views.

Overall, you can expect to walk for approximately 4-5 hours, or 6-7 hours if you choose to visit the waterfalls. The trek involves a 749m ascent and 649m descent, so be prepared for some challenging but rewarding hiking.

Day 3 of your Atlas Mountain trek promises more breathtaking scenery and a chance to explore the traditional Berber villages. After a hearty breakfast in Tizi Oussem, you’ll set off on a leisurely hike through the Azzadene valley, taking in the stunning views of the High Atlas peaks behind you.

As you make your way down the valley, you’ll come across several small Berber villages, each with their unique charm and cultural heritage. The trail leads you through lush walnut groves, with the sound of a rushing mountain stream as your constant companion.

The hike eventually takes you into the Ouirgane National Park, a protected area of natural beauty, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings and appreciate the unspoiled landscape. You’ll arrive in Tinzert, a rustic Berber village, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional guesthouse.

Overall, you can expect to walk for approximately 5-6 hours, with a descent of 640m. Take your time to soak up the scenery, chat with the friendly locals, and learn about the rich Berber culture.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner A

On day 4, you will experience a relatively easier day of walking. The terrain is less steep, allowing you to enjoy the stunning Mediterranean-style landscape at a leisurely pace. As you trek towards Imi Oughlad, you will pass through picturesque valleys adorned with juniper trees, rosemary and thyme, where you might encounter local shepherds tending their goats. After a morning of pleasant walking, you will stop for lunch in Imi Oughlad before bidding farewell to your guide, mule, and cook. In the afternoon, you will be driven back to your accommodation in Imlil, where you can relax and unwind after your trek, take a hot shower and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. The day’s walking will take approximately 4 hours, and you will ascend around 200 meters.

On Day 5, your adventure takes a new turn as you depart Imlil at 9:00 am and embark on a scenic drive over the Atlas Mountains. This journey will take you through the magnificent Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass, where you can feast your eyes on stunning views of the rugged landscape. Along the way, you will pass through several charming Berber villages, each with its unique cultural identity.

As you enter the desert region, you will come across picturesque riverside oases and barren hillsides dotted with kasbahs, which are fortified dwellings that house families and their livestock. You’ll have the option of taking a break and visiting the Ouarzazate Film Studios, where you can learn about the history of filmmaking in Morocco and explore various movie sets.

Alternatively, you can choose to take a hike and soak in the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding terrain. As you approach the Dades Gorge, you will have the option to go for another hike or simply relax at your hotel and take in the stunning views. You will spend the night in Dades, where you can savor a delicious dinner and get some rest before another exciting day of exploration. The total driving time for the day is approximately 6 hours.

After breakfast at your hotel in Dades Gorges, you will be transferred to the Todra Gorge, a stunning natural feature that rises up 300 meters and divides the High Atlas Mountains. The gorge is situated in a narrow valley that is dotted with Berber villages and palm groves. You can explore the palmery and hike through the green oasis filled with date palms. After lunch, you will continue your journey deeper into the desert to the town of Merzouga, where you will stock up on supplies for your desert adventure. You will then drive to a kasbah to meet your camel and embark on a 1.5-hour trek to a Berber camp in the desert. Here, you will have a traditional Moroccan dinner and spend the night under the stars or in tents at the desert camp. The total driving time for the day is approximately 6 hours.

On day 7, you will wake up to a stunning desert sunrise before returning to the kasbah by camel. After a refreshing breakfast, you will leave the desert behind and embark on a scenic drive towards Ait Benhaddou. On the way, you will pass through the small town of Alnif and Tazarine, famous for its lush palm groves and stunning views of the Draa Valley. The Draa Valley is known for its breathtaking landscapes, consisting of lush oases, towering palm trees, and magnificent kasbahs.

After exploring the Draa Valley, you will continue towards Ait Benhaddou, an ancient fortified city that has been featured in many Hollywood movies such as “The Mummy,” “Gladiator,” and “Lawrence of Arabia.” Your guide will take you on a tour of the city, allowing you to explore the countless kasbahs and buildings that make up this historic city. You will then spend the night in a hotel located near Ait Benhaddou. The total driving time for the day will be approximately 5-6 hours.

On the last day of your adventure, you will travel along the picturesque Ounilla Valley to visit the historic Telouet Kasbah. This ancient and impressive kasbah was once an important stop for traders traveling through the region. After exploring the kasbah and its surroundings, you’ll have lunch before heading back to Marrakech. The journey will take you back over the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, offering one last chance to take in the stunning scenery of the High Atlas Mountains. The total driving time for the day will be approximately 4 hours.