4-Day Express Journey: From Atlas Mountains to Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Berber, English-speaking guide
- Mules carry your luggage
- Round-trip transport from Marrakech
Discover the beauty of Morocco on a 4-day tour that combines the rugged Atlas Mountains with the serene Erg Chebbi desert, offering a mix of mountain trekking and Saharan adventure.
4-Day Atlas & Desert Adventure
Embark on a captivating 4-day journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes, starting with a scenic trek in the Atlas Mountains and culminating in the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. This tour blends the tranquility of the High Atlas with the expanse of the Sahara, featuring cultural encounters, breathtaking vistas, and a unique desert camping experience.
Highlights
- Walk 12km over the Tizi n’Agersioual and Tizi n’Tamatert passes on day one, with lunch in a Berber home.
- Cross the High Atlas by road over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with Ait Benhaddou and the Ouarzazate film studios on the way.
- Ride by camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset and sleep in a Berber camp.
- See the Dades and Todra gorges, where the road threads between rock walls.
Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech to Imlil
- Morning: Depart from Marrakech, drive south through Moulay Brahim Gorges and Asni.
- Midday: Arrive in Agersioual; meet the guide and begin a 12km trek to the Berber village of Aikkiss via Tizi n Agersioual pass.
- Afternoon: Lunch in a Berber home or by the river, then trek over Tizi n Tamter pass, enjoying views of the Imlil and Imnane valleys.
- Evening: Descend to Imlil; dinner and overnight stay at Dar Adrar Guesthouse.
- Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours.
Day 2
Imlil to Dades Valley
- Morning: Depart Imlil, driving over the Tizi-n-Tichka pass with stops at Berber villages.
- Midday: Optional visits to Ouarzazate Film Studios or Ait Benhaddou; lunch in a local café.
- Afternoon: Continue to Dades Gorge; option for a hike or relaxation at the hotel.
- Evening: Overnight stay in Dades.
- Driving Time: Approximately 7 hours.
Day 3
Dades Valley to Merzouga
- Morning: Breakfast at Dades, then transfer to Todra Gorge.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Merzouga; prepare for a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, music, and overnight camping in the desert.
- Driving Time: Around 6 hours.
Day 4
Merzouga to Marrakech
- Early Morning: Camel ride at sunrise to explore Erg Chebbi.
- Morning: Return to Merzouga for breakfast and a shower.
- Afternoon: Begin the return journey to Marrakech, with stops for photos and lunch.
- Evening: Arrival in Marrakech between 17:00 and 18:00.
- Driving Time: Approximately 10 hours.
Pricing
Per person — the more you bring, the less everyone pays.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2-3 people | €420 |
| 4-7 people | €365 |
| 8-12 people | €305 |
Further discounts are available for group sizes over 10 people. You can pay in €/$/£ or Moroccan Dirhams.
What's included
Included
- Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
- Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage.
- Berber Cook
- All meals on the hike
- Accommodation in a Berber House
- Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakesh .
Not included
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
Included
- Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
- Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage.
- Berber Cook
- All meals on the hike
- Accommodation in a Berber House
- Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakesh .
Not included
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Choosing a tour
Which combined tour should I choose?
They differ in how much walking you do before the desert. This one gives you a single day on foot, a 12km walk over two passes from Agersioual to Imlil, then three days on the road and in the Sahara.
The 5-day tour adds a second walking day, trekking the Azzaden valley over Tizi n’Mzik with a night in a village gîte. The 6-day tour climbs Toubkal itself over two days before heading south. Take this one if you want a taste of the mountains rather than a trek.
Is the tour private?
Yes. The mountain day is with a Berber, English-speaking guide, a cook and mules for the luggage; the desert leg is a private 4x4 or minibus with a driver. We collect you from your Marrakech accommodation and return you there.
If you would rather end in Essaouira or Fes than come back to Marrakech, say so when you enquire.
On the trip
How hard is the walking day?
Moderate, and it is the only day on foot. About six hours and 12km, crossing the Tizi n’Agersioual pass to the village of Ikkiss and then the Tizi n’Tamatert pass down into Imlil, with lunch in a Berber home or by the river along the way. No technical ground and nothing high enough for altitude to matter.
Your bag travels by mule, so you carry only a daypack.
How much driving is there?
Three days of it. Day two is about seven hours from Imlil over the Tizi n’Tichka pass to the Dades gorges. Day three is around six hours to Merzouga. Day four is the long one, roughly ten hours back to Marrakech, arriving between 5 and 6pm.
If that final day sounds like too much, the 4-day desert tour splits the return with a night at Ait Benhaddou, though it drops the mountain day.
What is the desert camp like?
A traditional Berber camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes, reached by camel at sunset. Dinner, music and a bed in a tent. You are up early for sunrise from the sand, ride back to Merzouga, and get breakfast and a shower before the drive home.
Practical
Where do we sleep?
Three nights, all different: a guesthouse in Imlil after the walking day, a hotel in the Dades gorges, and the camp on the dunes. Bedding is provided throughout.
When is the best time to go?
October to April suits the desert best, and the mountain day is comfortable from April to November. Spring and autumn are the sweet spot for both. Winter days are pleasant in the desert but the nights are genuinely cold, so bring a warm layer, and snow can sit on the mountain passes.
What should I bring?
Walking shoes or boots for the mountain day, layers for hot days and cold desert nights, a scarf or headwrap for sun and sand, sunglasses, sun cream and a daypack. Your main luggage travels by mule on day one and in the vehicle after that. Cash in dirhams is useful for lunches and entrance fees, which are not included.
What our guests say
Our six-day Moroccan adventure included climbing Toubkal and then heading to the Sahara, with several captivating stop-offs along the way. We experienced camel riding into the desert and stayed overnight at a luxury camp, adding an exotic touch to our journey. The trip also included nights in Marrakesh at either end.
Mohamed, our guide, was exceptional, ably supported by the capable and friendly Ibrahim. The hike was challenging, but their expertise ensured our safety and comfort. The organization of the trip was seamless, highlighted by an abundance of delicious local cuisine that was expertly prepared and served throughout our journey.
Mark D · Combined Tours guest
We arranged a combined adventure of a 3-day Toubkal trek and a 4-day desert trip, traveling as a family with our adult children. The entire journey, from our pickup in Marrakech to our drop-off in Essaouira, was seamlessly executed. During our trek, Ibrahim, our guide, ensured our safety and comfort. His deep knowledge of the area, coupled with his excellent companionship, made the experience enriching. He also expertly paced our journey. Additionally, the culinary aspect was impressive, thanks to the fantastic meals prepared by our muleteers.
Irina f · Combined Tours guest
