6 Days Atlas Mountains Trek And Sahara Desert Tour

Description


An unforgettable adventure with the ideal fusion of a three-day trek through the mesmerizing valleys of the Atlas Mountains and a thrilling three-day desert tour, transporting you to Morocco's renowned "Chamonix" in Imlil. Begin your journey by immersing yourself in the picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture of the Atlas valleys, where each step unveils hidden treasures and ancient Berber villages waiting to be explored.

As you traverse the rugged terrain, take in the breathtaking beauty of the Atlas Mountains before ascending to the dizzying heights of the Dades Gorges, your first stop on this epic odyssey. From there, journey onward to Merzouga, where a world of desert wonders awaits. Experience the magic of a camel ride through the endless dunes of the Sahara, followed by a night spent amidst nomadic sands under a blanket of stars.

Conclude your adventure with a drive through the stony desert of Merzouga, where ancient rock formations and barren landscapes create a surreal backdrop for your journey back. Throughout your expedition, indulge in the rich tapestry of Moroccan culture, sampling traditional cuisine and forging connections with local communities along the way.

Whether you're scaling mountain peaks, traversing desert dunes, or marveling at ancient wonders, this extraordinary journey promises an immersive exploration of Morocco's diverse landscapes and vibrant heritage. So pack your sense of adventure and prepare to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience through the captivating landscapes of Morocco's Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert.


Itinirary (6 Days)


6 Days Atlas Mountains Trek and Sahara Desert Tour: You’ll leave the vehicle on the road up towards Imlil at Imi Oughlad (1,450 m), where you will meet your Berber muleteer and guide. Your first day will be an easier acclimatization trek in the Ouirgane National Park. The terrain here is gentler, with copper-green soil and juniper trees. Overnight in Gite in Tinzert, a small, rustic Berber village. Approx. 4 hours of walking time.

After breakfast, you’ll head up and out of the valley and traverse over to the stunning Azzaden Valley. The views open up with a rushing mountain stream surrounded by lush walnut groves leading up towards Toubkal and her sister peaks at the head of the valley. Overnight in a village in Gite in Ait Aissa. Approximately . 5–6 hours walking.

Today involves a fantastic climb out of the Azzadene Valley. You'll head up the valley towards Tizi Oussem, from where you'll head towards the pass at Tizi n Mzik (2489m) before descending down into Imlil for an evening relaxation or a short stroll to explore the town Approx. 4-5 hours walking. overnight in Imlil or similar

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 either to take a break and visit the Ouarzazate Film Studios or stop for a hike. Once you reach Dades Gorge, you have the option of going for a hike 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 palmeries 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 and a-half by camel to a Berber camp, where you will enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and sleep under the stars or in tents at a desert camp. (Total driving time: 6 hours.).

Wake up early, just prior to sunrise. We have a 1h30 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. (10-hour drive). The end of the six-day Atlas Mountains Trek and Sahara Desert Tour.

Included & Excluded


    ✔ All transport

    ✔ 1 Over night in imlil (HB)

    ✔ English speaking guide, and cook (MT)

    ✔ Muleteers and mules for assistance (MT)

    ✔ Accommodation in Villages gites during the mountain trek

    ✔ Full board on trek + mineral water, coffee and tea (MT)

    ✔ 4x4 or Mini-bus during Desert tour

    ✔ 2 overnight in hotels at Dades & Ait Benhaddou(HB)

    ✔ 1 overnight camping on Dunes at Erg Chebbi (HB)

    ✘ Travel insurance

    ✘ Soft/alcoholic drinks

    ✘ Tips and personal expanses

    ✘ Lunches during the desert tour

    ✘ Entrance fee (Monuments visits)