Tour Overview
High Atlas · Sahara Desert · Multi-Activity Tour8 days of exploration through stunning landscapes, experiencing hiking, cycling, camel rides, and authentic Berber culture. This carefully curated High Atlas and Sahara Valleys Tour 8 days journey offers the perfect balance of adventure and cultural immersion in Morocco's magnificent regions.
Our High Atlas and Sahara Valleys Tour 8 days offers a unique opportunity to explore the magnificent landscapes of both the High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Discover traditional Berber villages, experience cycling through beautiful valleys, and enjoy camel trekking in the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes. This tour has been specifically designed to showcase the most spectacular aspects of Moroccan diversity while ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the journey.
We invite you to experience the contrast between the lush valleys of the High Atlas and the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. This adventure combines comfortable accommodations with authentic cultural experiences. You'll have the opportunity to witness stunning mountain scenery, sleep under star-filled desert skies, and learn about traditional Berber culture from local guides.
This 8-day High Atlas and Sahara Desert tour has been designed as an accessible adventure with varied activities, allowing time to explore valleys, gorges, and experience authentic encounters with desert nomads. Whether you're an experienced trekker or new to multi-activity adventures, this journey offers something truly special for everyone.
Tour Highlights
What makes this High Atlas and Sahara Desert tour unique- Trekking, cycling, and exploring three different valleys of the High Atlas
- Discover Berber villages and experience the kindness and hospitality of the Berber people
- Visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore the exotic Dades Gorges, the Todgha Gorges, and the Valley of Roses
- Camel trek and overnight stay in a nomad tent among the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Visit Ouzoud Waterfalls and the Happy Valley (Aït Bouguemez)
- Experience the contrast between mountain and desert landscapes
- Discover traditional nomadic lifestyle in the Sahara Desert
- Cross the Draa Valley with its spectacular palm groves
Detailed Itinerary – 8 Days
Sample program, adaptable to your preferencesMarrakech Airport Arrival
We'll pick you up at the airport. Depending on your arrival time, your city tour will take place on your last day. Marrakech is truly a magical city. Even if you arrive late, don't miss the Djemaa El Fna Square. Check-in and overnight stay in a hotel or riad in Marrakech.
Marrakech – Ouzoud Waterfalls – Azilal – Aït Bouguemez
After breakfast at your hotel or riad in Marrakech, you'll be picked up and depart for the High Atlas Mountains, passing by the Ouzoud Falls. A short walk around the falls and lunch at a nearby restaurant are included. Then, you'll depart for the Ait Bougmez Valley, enjoying breathtaking views of the villages along the valley. Arrival in Agouti (250 km from Marrakech). Dinner and overnight stay in a Berber house in Agouti.
Aït Bouguemez Valley Cycling Tour
After a delicious Berber breakfast at your accommodation, you'll depart by bike for a 4-hour bike ride. We'll begin our tour of the valley from the village of Takhida, then cycle along the valley through numerous villages. Lunch will be served in Ait Imi. In the afternoon, we'll continue our tour to the village of Agouti, where we'll spend the night in a Berber house. 4 to 5 hours of cycling, with the car accompanying us the entire way. Dinner and overnight stay at a Berber house.
Aït Bouguemez – Valley of Roses – Dadès
Before heading back to the Valley of Roses, we will visit Sidi Moussa, capital of the Happy Valley, then return to our vehicles in the village of Timit. The road enters the High Atlas Mountains and will take us to the Tizi-n-Ait Imi Pass (2,910 m) and the Tizi-n-Ait Hamd Pass (3,100 m). Today, you will have a picnic at an altitude of 3,000 m. Then, we will discover the most beautiful southern foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the Valley of Roses. You will be struck by the contrast between the arid mountains and the lush gardens on the banks of the wadi. Overnight stay in the Dadès Valley. 3 to 4 hours of walking and 4 hours of driving.
Dades and Todra Gorges – Merzouga Sahara Desert
After breakfast, we depart for the Todra Gorges and its lush gardens, not forgetting to meet the nomads and their herds of goats. We cross an arid plateau to reach the verdant Ziz Valley, passing through Erfoud, famous for its fossilized marbles and the discovery of the region's culinary specialty (MEDFOUNA). After arriving at the foot of the dunes, we meet our camel caravan after a short hour's walk to reach our camp. We enjoy the sunset, mint tea, dinner, entertainment, and a night in a tent or under the stars. Accommodation: camp in the Sahara Desert. (5 hours drive, 3 hours walk)
Merzouga – N'kob
After a morning walk before breakfast to enjoy the sunrise and admire the magical lights appearing on the horizon amidst the sand dunes, return to the village of Merzouga by caravan to meet your driver. Rest in the Kasbah, shower, and breakfast (we can arrange breakfast at the bivouac). Leaving the dunes, we cross an endless reg, dotted with a few acacia trees in spectacular scenery, then continue towards Alnif and then Tazzarine… overnight at a local's house in Nkob after a stroll through the palm grove and discovering its beautiful Kasbah…
N'kob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Through the famous Draa Valley, we reach Ouarzazate, visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and the Kasbah of Talouat, then cross the Atlas Mountains via the Tichka Pass to reach Marrakech. The rest of the evening is spent enjoying Marrakech.
Departure from Marrakech
Free time, depending on flight times, transfer to the airport.
What's Included / Not Included
To prepare your budget comfortably- Local guide throughout the tour
- Meals during the trip
- Hotel or riad in Marrakech
- Accommodation in Berber villages (gîte)
- 1 night in hotel in Dades Gorges (HB)
- 1 night camping in Sahara Desert dunes (HB)
- 1 night in hotel in Nkob (HB)
- Bottled water during activities
- Transfers to and from Marrakech
- Bicycles for cycling tours
- Camel rides in the Sahara Desert dunes
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and staff
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Meals and overnight stays beyond itinerary
- Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
Practical Details
Duration, level, seasons & participantsTour Route Map
Explore the High Atlas and Sahara Desert trekking route from MarrakechFrequently Asked Questions
Some answers before you goThe tour is rated as standard, with comfortable transportation between locations and moderate walking and cycling activities. It's suitable for anyone in good health who enjoys light to moderate activity. The cycling portions are gentle and suitable for beginners, and the camel trekking is accessible to all fitness levels. For more information about preparing for multi-activity adventures in Morocco, check out our Complete Guide to Traveling and Exploring Morocco.
This High Atlas and Sahara Valleys Tour 8 days is designed to be enjoyable throughout the year because it combines different climate zones. The High Atlas Mountains offer pleasant temperatures in summer and beautiful snow-capped peaks in winter, while the Sahara Desert is most comfortable outside the extreme summer heat. Each season offers unique beauty - spring brings flowers to the valleys, summer offers clear desert skies, autumn provides comfortable temperatures, and winter showcases snow-capped mountains contrasting with warm desert days. For detailed seasonal information about traveling in Morocco, visit our Morocco Safety Guide.
You'll experience a variety of accommodations throughout this journey. In Marrakech, you'll stay in comfortable hotels or riads. In the High Atlas Mountains, you'll experience authentic Berber houses (gîtes) in villages. In the Sahara Desert, you'll camp in nomad tents among the dunes. We also include hotel stays in the Dades Gorges and Nkob. All accommodations are carefully selected for comfort, authenticity, and to provide a genuine Moroccan experience.
Light walking and cycling before departure is recommended. Bring comfortable shoes for walking, appropriate clothing for both mountain and desert conditions, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Evenings can be cool in both mountains and desert, so pack layers. A detailed equipment list will be provided upon booking your High Atlas and Sahara Valleys Tour. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your journey.
The Aït Bouguemez Valley, also known as the "Happy Valley," is one of the most beautiful and accessible valleys in the High Atlas Mountains. It's characterized by its wide, fertile plain surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. The valley is dotted with traditional Berber villages where life continues much as it has for centuries. The combination of stunning scenery, authentic culture, and relatively gentle terrain makes it perfect for cycling and hiking activities included in our tour.
Morocco is a Muslim country with conservative traditions, especially in rural areas. We recommend dressing modestly, particularly when visiting villages and religious sites. Women should consider covering shoulders and knees. It's also 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 High Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert regions.