Tour Overview
Atlas to Sahara · Trekking Adventure · Guided ExplorationThis Atlas to Sahara trekking adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes of Morocco. From the green valleys of the High Atlas to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, experience authentic Berber culture, traditional villages, and breathtaking natural wonders on this unforgettable Morocco adventure.
This Atlas to Sahara 11-day trekking adventure is a spectacular journey through Morocco's most iconic landscapes. Beginning in Marrakech, we venture into the High Atlas Mountains, exploring the beautiful Aït Bouguemez Valley known as the "Happy Valley" for its stunning scenery and welcoming communities.
Our trek takes us through remote mountain passes, traditional Berber villages, and breathtaking gorges before descending to the pre-Saharan valleys and eventually reaching the magnificent Sahara Desert with its spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes. Along the way, you'll experience authentic cultural encounters, traditional hospitality, and landscapes that will stay with you forever.
This carefully curated journey combines moderate trekking in the mountains with comfortable accommodations and authentic desert experiences. Whether you're an experienced hiker or new to mountain trekking, this adventure offers the perfect balance of challenge and cultural immersion.
Tour Highlights
What makes this Atlas to Sahara trek unique- Trek through the stunning High Atlas Mountains and Aït Bouguemez Valley
- Experience authentic Berber culture and hospitality in mountain villages
- Cross the magnificent M'goun Massif with its breathtaking landscapes
- Explore the beautiful Dades Valley and Valley of Roses
- Discover the spectacular Todra Gorges with their towering cliffs
- Camel trekking at sunset in the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Overnight in a traditional desert camp under star-filled skies
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech's Djemaa El Fna square
Detailed Itinerary – 11 Days
Sample program, adaptable to your preferencesArrival in Marrakech
Airport reception and transfer to your comfortable hotel or riad near the famous Djemaa El Fna square. Settle in and enjoy your first evening in this vibrant city. Free dinner to explore local cuisine at your leisure.
Marrakech – Aït Boulli Valley – Ait Bouguemez
Depart from Marrakech at 8:00 AM. Visit the natural bridge of Imi-n-Ifri and the rock carvings of Tizi-n-Tirghist. Enjoy a 2-hour hike in the red villages of Aït Bouali with a picnic lunch. Visit the Jaro Gorge with swimming opportunities. Arrive at the lodge "La montagne au pluriel" in Aït Bouguemez Valley for dinner and overnight stay.
Aït Bougmez Valley Exploration
Morning hike to the granary of Sidi Chita with local legends shared by your guide. Walk through fields back to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon dedicated to cultural immersion - participate in local life with village women harvesting wheat, barley, or potatoes. Opportunity to discover and participate in traditional weaving. Evening return to the lodge to watch the sunset over the Atlas Mountains.
Agouti – Azib n'Ikkis
Meet your team of muleteers and begin your trek along the trail to Arous Valley. Visit Berber shepherds and a local family for tea. Climb through a narrow canyon to the high-altitude sheepfolds of Azib n'Ikkis with superb views of the M'goun massif. Set up camp and explore the surrounding gorges before dinner and overnight at the bivouac. 6-7 hours walking / 550m ascent.
Azib n'Ikkis – Marate Plateau
Steady climb to Tizi n'Oughri Pass (3200m) with remarkable views of the northern slope of M'Goun. Bivouac in sublime high-altitude settings. Meet Aït Atta nomads who migrate from the Sahara for summer. Participate in a cooking class under the tents and visit a nomadic family. Explore the gorges before returning to camp. 5 hours walking / 650m ascent, 450m descent.
Marate Plateau – Source of M'goun (Aflafal)
Steady climb through the Atlas Mountains to Tizi Nouagmar Pass (2900m), then descent to Oulilimt Valley. Discover fairy chimneys and the seasonal shelters of nomadic tribes. Camp near the M'goun spring with swimming opportunities. 5 hours walking / 500m ascent, 400m descent.
M'goun Spring – Dades Valley
Gradually leave the high mountain landscapes and take the 4×4 towards the Valley of Roses and Dades. Cross the Ait Ahmed Pass with panoramic views of the Saghro massif. Hike in the beautiful Valley of Roses. Visit a nomadic family for tea and enjoy a short walk in the Dades Valley. Dinner and overnight at a hotel with shower facilities.
Dades – Todra Gorges – Merzouga
Morning departure for the spectacular Todra Gorges with a walk through the towering cliffs. Continue to Erfoud, famous for its fossilized marble. Pass through Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet, then head to the Merzouga desert. Camel trek at sunset to your desert camp in the middle of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy mint tea, dinner, entertainment, and overnight in a tent or under the stars.
Merzouga – Ait Benhaddou
Short camel ride back for breakfast, then departure by 4×4 from Merzouga through beautiful desert and mountain landscapes. Pass through Tazzarine, N'kob, and Tansikht to the verdant Drâa Valley at Agdz. Continue through ochre-colored villages to Ouarzazate. Dinner and overnight stay.
Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech
Morning departure via the mountain road to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. Stop in Telouet to visit the Telouet Kasbah. Lunch in Taddart before continuing to Marrakech with photo stops along the way. Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon for overnight stay at your riad or hotel.
Departure from Marrakech
Transfer to the airport for your return flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Atlas to Sahara trekking adventure.
What's Included / Not Included
To prepare your budget comfortably- 2 nights in a riad in Marrakech with half-board or 3-star hotel equivalent
- Full board during the tour for the group and accompanying team
- Professional mountain guide and accompanying team
- Mules for luggage transport during trekking days
- Nights in guesthouses, hotels, and desert bivouac
- All cooking equipment and camping gear
- All transfers by minibus or 4×4 as per itinerary
- Round-trip airport-hotel transfers
- Individual travel insurance
- Camels in the Sahara (optional extra)
- Meals in Marrakech, drinks, and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and staff
- Airfare and visa fees
- Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
Practical Details
Duration, level, seasons & participantsTour Route Map
Explore the Atlas to Sahara trekking route through MoroccoFrequently Asked Questions
Some answers before you goThis trek is rated as moderate to challenging, with some days involving 5-7 hours of walking and significant elevation changes. Participants should be in good physical condition and have some previous hiking experience. The trek includes mountain passes over 3000m and desert walking. For more information about preparing for mountain adventures, check out our Complete Guide to Traveling and Exploring Morocco.
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for both mountain trekking and desert exploration. Summer can be extremely hot in the desert, while winter brings cold temperatures and possible snow in the High Atlas. These seasons provide ideal conditions for enjoying both the mountain and desert sections of this journey. For detailed safety information about traveling in Morocco, visit our Morocco Safety Guide.
You'll stay in a variety of accommodations including comfortable riads and hotels in cities, mountain lodges in the Atlas, and authentic desert bivouacs during the Sahara portion. The mountain trekking includes camping with proper equipment provided. All accommodations are carefully selected for comfort, authentic Moroccan character, and their strategic locations along the route.
Regular walking or hiking in the months before departure is highly recommended. Focus on building endurance for consecutive days of walking. Bring broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing for varying temperatures, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and a daypack. A detailed equipment list will be provided upon booking. We also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and personal medications.
The Aït Bouguemez Valley, known as the "Happy Valley," is renowned for its exceptional beauty, fertile terraced fields, and traditional Berber villages that have maintained their authentic way of life. Unlike more touristy areas, it offers a genuine cultural experience with incredibly hospitable communities. The valley is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and provides excellent trekking opportunities with relatively moderate difficulty compared to other High Atlas regions.
Morocco is a Muslim country with conservative traditions, especially in rural mountain and desert areas. We recommend dressing modestly, particularly when visiting villages and religious sites. Women should consider covering shoulders and knees. It's respectful to ask permission before photographing local people. Your guide will provide additional cultural guidance throughout the journey to ensure respectful interactions with local communities in both the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert regions.