5-Day Comprehensive Trek through Atlas Valleys and Sahara Dunes
- Berber, English-speaking guide
- Mules carry your luggage
- Round-trip transport from Marrakech
Embark on a 5-day journey combining the serene beauty of the Atlas Mountains with the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert. This trip includes treks through scenic Berber villages and an unforgettable camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
5-Day Atlas & Desert Trek
Experience the best of Morocco’s diverse landscapes with a 5-day adventure that takes you from the lush valleys of the Atlas Mountains to the golden sands of the Sahara Desert. This tour offers a perfect blend of trekking through picturesque Berber villages in Imlil and Azzaden valleys and a desert escapade in Erg Chebbi, culminating with a night under the stars. Along the way, marvel at the Dades Gorges, explore the Todra Gorge, and journey through the beautiful yet rugged terrain of the Moroccan countryside.
Highlights
- Trek the Azzaden valley over Tizi n’Mzik (2,489m), past the D’Irhoulidene waterfalls to a night in a village gîte.
- Return over Tizi Oudite through the red clay villages of Matate and Agersioual.
- Cross the High Atlas by road over Tizi n’Tichka, with a guided visit to the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Benhaddou.
- Ride by camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset and sleep in a Berber camp.
Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech – Imlil – Tizi n’Mzik – Tizi Oussem (Azzaden Valley Trek)
- Morning pickup from your Marrakech accommodation at 09:00
- Transfer to Imlil (1,740m) where you meet your licensed mountain guide, muleteer, and cook
- Begin trekking westward toward Tizi n’Mzik Pass (2,489m)
- Enjoy panoramic views over the Imlil Valley and the lush Azzaden Valley
- Traverse toward the scenic D’Irhoulidene waterfalls
- Descend to the Berber village of Tizi Oussem (1,900m)
- Overnight in a traditional mountain gîte
- Walking time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation: +749m / –589m
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2
Tizi Oussem – Tizi Oudite – Imlil – Marrakech
- Early breakfast at the gîte
- Trek through juniper forests and aromatic wild herbs toward Tizi Oudite Pass (2,219m)
- Descend through the red clay Berber villages of Matate and Agersioual
- Picnic lunch by the river
- Final walk back to Imlil
- Afternoon transfer back to Marrakech
- Overnight in a riad or hotel in Marrakech
- Walking time: 4–5 hours
- Elevation: +319m / –479m
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3
Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorges
- Morning departure from Marrakech toward the High Atlas Mountains
- Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou
- Continue to Ouarzazate for lunch and brief sightseeing
- Drive through the Valley of Roses and along the Dades Valley
- Overnight in a guesthouse in Dades Gorges
- Driving time: approx. 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4
Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
- Visit the dramatic rock formations of Dades Gorge
- Continue to the impressive Todra Gorge, with time to explore on foot
- Drive through desert landscapes toward Merzouga
- Meet your camel caravan and trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Sunset over the dunes
- Dinner, Berber music, and stargazing at a Sahara desert camp
- Driving time: approx. 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5
Merzouga – Marrakech
- Early wake-up to watch sunrise over the dunes
- Camel ride back to Merzouga
- Breakfast and shower at a local lodge
- Long drive back to Marrakech, with stops for photos and lunch
- Arrival in Marrakech around 17:00–18:00
- Driving time: approx. 10 hours
- Meals: Breakfast
Pricing
Per person — the more you bring, the less everyone pays.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2-3 people | €470 |
| 4-7 people | €395 |
| 8-12 people | €330 |
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 two days trekking the Azzaden valley from Imlil, over Tizi n’Mzik and back over Tizi Oudite, with a night in a village gîte, then three days on the road and in the Sahara.
The 4-day express cuts the mountains to a single walking day. The 6-day tour climbs Toubkal itself instead. This is the middle option, and the one for people who want a real trek without a summit.
How does the trekking half compare to the standalone Azzaden trek?
It is the same walk. Days one and two here are our 2-day Imlil and Azzaden valley trek, over the same two passes with the same night at Tizi Oussem. The difference is that you carry straight on to the desert rather than finishing in Marrakech.
On the trip
How hard is the trekking?
Moderate. Day one is five to six hours, climbing 749m from Imlil to Tizi n’Mzik at 2,489m then dropping 589m to Tizi Oussem. Day two is four to five hours, 319m up to Tizi Oudite and 479m down to Imlil. Nothing technical, and the passes are well below the altitude where thin air matters.
Your bag travels by mule, so you carry only a daypack.
How much driving is there?
Three days of it, after the trek. Day three is about seven hours from Marrakech over Tizi n’Tichka to the Dades gorges, taking in Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate. Day four is around six hours through the gorges to Merzouga. Day five is the long one, roughly ten hours back to Marrakech, arriving between 5 and 6pm.
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?
Four nights: a mountain gîte at Tizi Oussem after day one, a riad or hotel in Marrakech after the trek, a guesthouse in the Dades gorges, and the camp on the dunes. Bedding is provided throughout.
When is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn suit both halves best. April to June and September to November give comfortable walking in the Azzaden and warm rather than fierce desert days. Winter works in the desert but snow can close Tizi n’Mzik; tell us your dates and we will confirm. Our seasonal guide to Imlil covers the mountain side.
What should I bring?
Broken-in walking boots for the trek, layers for cold mountain nights and cold desert nights, a light waterproof, a scarf or headwrap for sun and sand, sunglasses, sun cream and a daypack. Cash in dirhams is useful for lunches and entrance fees on the desert leg, 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
