Combine two of Morocco’s most unforgettable experiences in one incredible journey. This 8-day Atlas Mountains Trek & Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech begins with a four-day guided trek through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, where you’ll hike between traditional Berber villages, cross scenic mountain passes, discover lush valleys, and enjoy authentic hospitality in family-run guesthouses.
After completing your mountain adventure, continue south across the High Atlas via the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass to explore Morocco’s legendary desert landscapes. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, travel through the beautiful Dades Valley and Todra Gorge, and experience an unforgettable camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Spend a magical night in a luxury Sahara desert camp beneath a sky filled with stars before returning through the scenic Draa Valley and Ouarzazate to Marrakech.
Perfect for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and cultural explorers, this tour offers an ideal balance of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and authentic Moroccan experiences. From the rugged peaks of the High Atlas to the endless dunes of the Sahara, every day reveals a new side of Morocco’s remarkable beauty and rich Berber heritage.
Day 1: Marrakech – Tahnaout – Asni – Imi Oughlad (1450m) – Tizi Ntacht Pass (2000m) – Tiziane Village (1750m)
Begin your adventure with an early morning departure from Marrakech, driving through the beautiful landscapes of Tahnaout, Moulay Brahim and Asni before reaching Imi Oughlad (1450m), the starting point of your Atlas Mountains trek.
Meet your experienced Berber guide, cook and mule team before setting off on a gentle ascent through fragrant pine and juniper forests. After approximately two hours, arrive at Tizi Ntacht Pass (2000m), where panoramic views stretch across the Imlil and Ait Oussaden valleys.
Continue to Imi N’Ifri for a freshly prepared picnic lunch before descending to the peaceful Berber village of Tiziane (1750m). Enjoy traditional Moroccan hospitality with dinner and an overnight stay in a local guesthouse.
Walking time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Berber Guesthouse
Day 2: Tiziane Village – Tizi N’Taghrhourte Pass (1995m) – D’knt Valley (1870m)
After breakfast, continue through the scenic Ait Oussaden Valley, passing walnut orchards, terraced farms and traditional Berber homes.
Cross the Tizi N’Taghrhourte Pass (1995m) before stopping for a picnic lunch near the peaceful Assaka spring.
The afternoon descent leads to the charming village of D’knt (1870m), surrounded by orchards and dramatic mountain scenery.
Dinner and overnight in a traditional mountain guesthouse.
Walking time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Berber Guesthouse
Day 3: D’knt Valley – Tizi N’Tagdalte Pass (2600m) – Tizi Oussem (1850m)
Today’s hike is one of the most scenic of the trek.
Climb gradually through terraced barley fields and walnut groves toward Tizi N’Tagdalte Pass (2600m), where spectacular views reward your effort.
After enjoying lunch beside a mountain spring, descend through juniper forests to the beautiful village of Tizi Oussem in the Azzaden Valley.
Dinner and overnight in a traditional Berber guesthouse.
Walking time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Berber Guesthouse
Day 4: Tizi Oussem – Azib Tamsoulte – Tizi Mzik Pass (2479m) – Imlil
Following breakfast, hike to the beautiful Azib Tamsoulte waterfalls before making the final ascent to Tizi Mzik Pass (2479m), offering magnificent views over the Imlil Valley and surrounding High Atlas peaks.
Descend to Aroumd village for lunch before continuing to Imlil,night in imlil, confortable Riad
Walking time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Hotel/Riad in imlil
Day 5: Imlil – Tichka pass 2260 m – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dades Valley
After breakfast, depart Imlil and cross the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m), the highest mountain road in Morocco.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most famous fortified village, before continuing to Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Sahara.”
Travel through the Valley of Roses and Skoura Oasis before arriving in the breathtaking Dades Valley.
Dinner and overnight in a hotel overlooking the dramatic Dades Gorges.
Driving: Approximately 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Dades Valley
Day 6: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, travel through the impressive Dades Valley toward the spectacular Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs rise over 300 metres high.
After free time to explore the gorge, continue through Erfoud, famous for fossils and date palm groves, before arriving at Merzouga.
Meet your camel caravan and enjoy an unforgettable camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes while watching the sunset.
Spend the evening at a luxury desert camp with traditional Moroccan dinner, Berber music around the campfire and exceptional stargazing.
Camel ride: 1–1.5 hours
Accommodation: Luxury Desert Camp
Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Agdz – Ouarzazate
Wake early to witness a magical Sahara sunrise before returning by camel to Merzouga for breakfast.
Begin the journey west via the ancient market town of Rissani and the desert landscapes of Alnif.
Drive through the spectacular Draa Valley, home to Morocco’s longest palm oasis, before reaching Agdz and finally Ouarzazate.
Dinner and overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Driving: Approximately 6 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Ouarzazate
Day 8: Ouarzazate – Atlas Studios – Kasbah Taourirt – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Marrakech
After breakfast, visit the famous Atlas Film Studios and Kasbah Taourirt before beginning the scenic drive back across the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Arrive in Marrakech during the afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable eight-day Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert adventure.
Driving: Approximately 4–5 hours
Why Choose Marrakech Atlas Travel: Experience Morocco like a local with expert guides, personalized tours, safe and comfortable travel, and unforgettable cultural adventures.
