Combined Atlas and Sahara desert tour: The Atlas Mountains reward their visitors with a stunning combination of valleys, summits, and traditional villages clinging to mountainsides. On this active adventure through one of Morocco’s most naturally beautiful regions, you’ll experience magnificent views and enjoy meeting local people along the trail. From the comfort of your cozy accommodation recount the day’s exploits while enjoying home-cooked dinners each night.
This 5 days Combined Atlas and Sahara desert tour was designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind, the challenging but rewarding hikes are taken at a leisurely pace, allowing plenty of time to catch your breath, then the chance to lose it all over again while admiring the stunning views.
Day 1Marrakech – Imlil – Sidi Chamharouch – Toubkal Refuge
You will be picked up from your hotel in Marrakech at 8AM. Our driver will take you to Imlil (1740m), a Berber village located about 65 km south from Marrakech, where our trek will start. Here we will meet the Berber muleteer crew. An experienced mountain guide will take you on a walk through the Berber villages via the shrine Sidi Chamharouch (2500m) to reach the mountain hut. Here we will stop for a picnic lunch.
After enjoying the lunch and having a short break, we will continue towards the refuge (3200m). Hot shower will be available to wash off the dust from your body and freshen up for the next day. In the evening a traditional Moroccan meal will be prepared for dinner. During summer months there is an option to spend a night in the tent.
Day 2Toubkal Refuge (3207m) – Toubkal Summit (4167m) – return to Imlil
The next day starts with an early wake up to escape from the full power of the sun. Breakfast is served around 5:00 am. We will begin the ascent climb at 5:30AM. In the middle of our climb we will stop for a short break with some refreshments – water, oranges and nuts. After walking uphill for some 3-4 hours, we will be able to enjoy a picturesque view of all the High Atlas Mountains, valleys and Berber villages.
When reaching the summit, we will have a break of 45 minutes to take pictures and enjoy the magnificent view. Afterwards we will return back to the hut, where the lunch will be awaiting for us. To get back to Imlil we will follow the same route down the hill.
Day 3Imlil - Tichka pass (2260m) - Ait Ben Hadou Kasbah - Dades Gorges
Once you have taken breakfast you will begin your drive to the Sahara. You will firstly cross Tizi n’Tichka Pass of the High Atlas mountains. Passing through many Berber Villages along the way you will have a chance to view riverside oasis and barren hillsides that are clustered with Kasbahs. After lunch you will drive further to Valley of Roses, with beautiful views of the Dades valley and the valley of a thousand kasbahs. You will stay overnight in Dades.
Day 4Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Merzouga sand dunes
After breakfast you will be taken to Todra Gorge. After this stop you will head onwards to ‘Auberge du Sud’ at the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Day 5Merzouga Erg Chebbi - Marrakech
Wake up in the morning to enjoy sunrise in Chebbi Dunes. After breakfast we will return to Marrakech via Ouarzazate, arrival around 8 pm and end of our Atlas and Sahara desert tour.
- All transport
- English speaking tour guide and cook (MT)
- 1 night in Imlil (HB)
- Muleteers and mules for assistance (MT)
- Full board on trek + mineral water
- 4×4 or mini-bus on desert tour
- 1 overnight in hotel at Dades (HB)
- Camel ride on dunes
- 1 overnight in dunes camp
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks
- Tips and personal expanses
- Lunches on the desert tour
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