4 Day Atlas Mountains Trek Express & Sahara Desert Combined Trip

Description


Embark on an extraordinary combination tour through the enchanting southern region of Morocco, where a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty awaits at every turn. Begin your journey with a thrilling day hike amidst the rugged splendor of the Atlas Mountains, where panoramic views and breathtaking landscapes provide a stunning backdrop to your exploration.

From there, journey deep into the heart of the Sahara Desert for a three-day, two-night stay in the captivating Erg Chebbi and Ait Benhaddou areas. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the desert as you traverse vast dunes and ancient caravan routes, discovering hidden oases and traditional Berber villages along the way.

As the sun sets over the horizon, experience the magic of an overnight camping excursion in the Erg Chebbi Dunes, where the silence of the desert night is broken only by the crackling of the campfire and the whisper of the wind through the sand. Fall asleep under a blanket of stars and wake to the gentle glow of dawn painting the sky in hues of pink and gold.

Throughout your journey, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Morocco, from the ancient kasbahs of Ait Benhaddou to the vibrant markets of nearby towns. Sample traditional cuisine, meet local artisans, and learn about the customs and traditions of the Berber people who call this region home.

Whether you're scaling mountain peaks, traversing desert dunes, or exploring ancient ruins, this combination tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of southern Morocco. So pack your sense of adventure and prepare to embark on a journey of discovery through one of the world's most captivating destinations.


Itinirary (4 Days)


4 Day Atlas Mountains Trek Express & Sahara Desert Combined Trip: Departure by car from Marrakech around 8 a.m. in the morning for a 1-hour, 20-minute drive south up the Moulay Brahim Gorges, the Asni weekly market every Saturday, then to Agersioual (1,600m), set in the upper-level foothills of the Western High Atlas mountains. Here you will leave the vehicle and meet your local guide prior to setting out for some 12 km of excursion. Lunch is taken inside a Berber home (or by the river), then carried on walking up the Imnane Valley, then over Tizi n Tamter pass (2779m). From here, one can view the two valleys, down into the Imlil Valley, and back down to the Imnane Valley. Another 1h30 trek down from here will take you to the village of Imlil, where you will enjoy an evening meal in the charming guesthouse. 1h20 drive and 6hours walking.

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Imlil at 9 am and head out over the Atlas Mountains, driving over the stunning Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass. You’ll pass through lots of Berber villages, and once you’re in the desert, you’ll see riverside oases and barren hillsides dotted with kasbahs (fortified dwellings that house families and their livestock). Along the way, you will have the option to either take a break or visit the Ouarzazate Film Studios. A side trip is possible to Ait Benhaddou. This is an ancient fortified city containing countless kasbahs and has been the atmospheric subject of numerous Hollywood movies (The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander, Lawrence of Arabia, etc.) You will have the chance to walk around the buildings and explore with your guide. Once you reach Dades Gorge, you have the option of going for a hike (this will depend on the season, as this may not be possible in winter due to short days) or relaxing at your hotel. Overnight in Dades. (Total driving time 7 hours)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from the Dades Valley to Todra Gorge, a massive fault dividing the High Atlas mountains, rising up 300 meters in a narrow valley with palmery and Berber villages. Here, you can go for a hike to explore the Palmery, a green oasis full of large date palms. After lunch, you’ll head further into the desert to the gateway town of Merzouga to pick up supplies for your desert trip. You will then drive on to a kasbah to pick up your camel. At sunset, you’ll trek for an hour by camel to a Berber camp, where you will enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and sleep under the stars (in the summer) or in tents at a desert camp. (Total driving time: 6 hours)

Wake up early, just prior to sunrise. We have a 1-hour camel ride at sunrise to explore the area further, and we head back to Merzouga on our camels. When we reach Merzouga, we have breakfast and the opportunity to shower, and then we begin our journey through the stony desert and over the Atlas Mountains, with plenty of stops for photos, exploring, and lunch as we return to Marrakech. The usual arrival time in Marrakech is between 17:00 and 18:00. (10h drive). End tour: 4 Day Atlas Mountains Trek Express & Sahara Desert Combined Trip.

Included & Excluded


    ✔ All transport

    ✔ 1 Overnight in Imlil or similar (Dinner & breakfast)

    ✔ Guided Day Walk

    ✔ Lunch on day 1

    ✔ 4x4 or Mini-bus during Desert tour

    ✔ 1 overnight camping in Erg chebbi + dinner & breakfast

    ✔ Camel Ride

    ✔ 1 overnight accommodation in Hotel + dinner & breakfast

    ✘ Travel Insurance

    ✘ Soft/alcoholic drinks

    ✘ Tips and personal expenses

    ✘ Lunch during the 3 days Desert part

    ✘ Entrance fees (Monuments visit)