6 days combined tour Atlas Mountains & sahara
Embark on a captivating 6-day journey through the heart of Morocco,
seamlessly blending the thrill of trekking in the Atlas Mountains with the enchantment of a camel ride in Erg Chebbi Merzouga. Your adventure begins with the challenging Toubkal ascent, offering panoramic views of the Atlas range. After conquering Toubkal, indulge in the second part of your expedition – an exhilarating camel ride leading to a night of immersive Berber camp experience in the vast Erg Chebbi dunes. This tour showcases the best of both worlds, from the rugged Atlas terrain to the serene beauty of the Sahara, providing a unique and unforgettable Moroccan experience. Your adventure concludes with a scenic drive, just 40 kilometers from the Algerian borders, marking the perfect finale to this diverse and enriching expedition.
Embark on a remarkable 6-day journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes, combining the stunning Atlas Mountains with the mesmerizing Sahara Desert. This itinerary promises a blend of breathtaking natural scenery, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences.
Begin your adventure with a scenic drive from Marrakech to Imlil, a charming mountain village nestled in the High Atlas Mountains. En route, enjoy picturesque views of lush valleys, traditional Berber villages, and terraced fields.
Upon arrival in Imlil, meet your local guide and set out on a gentle hike to explore the surrounding area. Visit a traditional Berber house, savor mint tea, and learn about local customs. Afterward, settle into a cozy mountain lodge where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night.
Spend the day trekking through the stunning landscapes of the High Atlas. Marvel at the majestic peaks, cascading waterfalls, and verdant valleys. Depending on your fitness level and interests, your guide will tailor the trek to suit you.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature and visit remote villages where you’ll witness traditional Berber life. Return to Imlil in the evening for another night at your lodge.
Depart Imlil and journey across the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, offering panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains. Descend into the arid plains and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, a historic ksar (fortified village) famous for its earthen architecture and use as a filming location for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Explore the narrow alleys and climb to the top of the kasbah for sweeping views of the surrounding area. Overnight in a traditional riad near Ait Benhaddou.
Continue your journey through the Draa Valley, known for its lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs. Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the vast Sahara Desert, by afternoon.
Switch to camelback and trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll witness the magical hues of the sunset. Spend the night in a traditional desert camp, complete with Berber music, a hearty dinner, and stargazing under the clear desert sky.
Rise early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, an experience you’ll cherish forever. After breakfast, explore the desert by 4×4, visiting nearby oases, fossil quarries, and nomadic villages. Immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Saharan region and enjoy a traditional lunch.
Bid farewell to the Sahara and retrace your journey back to Marrakech. Along the way, stop in Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” to visit the Atlas Film Studios or the historic Taourirt Kasbah.
Embark on a picturesque journey from Marrakech to Imlil, where the adventure unfolds amidst the craggy peaks of the Toubkal Massif. Departing the bustling city, our drive south takes us through the Haouz Plain and the charming town of Asni. The road ascends towards the Massif foothills, revealing the Oued Rhirhaia valley below, adorned with villages clinging to steep hillsides. Upon reaching Imlil, we leave our vehicle behind and, guided by our mountain expert, commence our trek. The Mizane Valley beckons as we journey towards the village of Aremd, passing through traditional terraced farms and navigating streets animated by goats and cattle. Aremd, perched on a moraine spur, captivates with its blend of agricultural heritage and picturesque chaos. Heading east, our path leads us along mule tracks, ascending the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river, we reach the enchanting shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, surrounded by pastoral beauty. While only Muslims can access the marabout shrine via a stone bridge, the village itself lies adjacent to a small waterfall, forming a harmonious yet chaotic cluster of houses. Continuing our ascent, the trail winds its way steadily to the snowline, culminating in our night's refuge at Toubkal (3206m). Brace yourself for approximately 5 hours of invigorating trekking, zigzagging through the stunning landscape.
Embark on an early morning trek to reach the summit of Jebel Toubkal, standing at an elevation of 4165 meters, marking the pinnacle of Northern Africa. Our ascent follows the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge, and traversing scree fields with a challenging terrain of boulders and rocks. Though the path is demanding due to the altitude, the mesmerizing views along the way compensate for the difficulty. Upon cresting the ridgeline, we find ourselves on the plateau, a short walk away from the summit, offering breathtaking vistas spanning from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and extending southward to the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. The panoramic views, as described by Pliny, the renowned Roman scholar, as "the most fabulous mountains in all of Africa," unfold in every direction. Descending from the summit, we retrace our steps, navigating back down the mountain towards Imlil. The overnight stay awaits at Dar adrar or a similar accommodation, providing a well-deserved rest after a day of conquering the majestic heights of Jebel Toubkal.
Commencing at 9:00 am, your journey unfolds from Imlil, traversing the Atlas Mountains via the breathtaking Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass. Meandering through Berber villages, the landscape transforms as you delve into the desert, revealing riverside oases and kasbah-dotted barren hillsides. En route, you'll have the choice to pause and explore the renowned Ouarzazate Film Studios or embark on a scenic hike. Upon reaching the captivating Dades Gorge, the day offers the flexibility to partake in a rejuvenating hike or unwind at your chosen hotel. Your night awaits in Dades, marking a total driving time of 7 hours.
Commence your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey from the picturesque Dades Valley to the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge. Revel in the grandeur of this massive fault that gracefully divides the High Atlas mountains, its rocky walls rising up 300 meters in a narrow valley adorned with palmeries and Berber villages. Take a leisurely hike through the palmery, a lush green oasis teeming with majestic date palms, and savor the beauty of your surroundings. Following lunch, continue your exploration deeper into the desert, reaching the gateway town of Merzouga to gather essential supplies for your upcoming desert adventure. Embark on a scenic drive to a kasbah, where you'll meet your trusty camel for the next leg of the journey. As the sun begins its descent, embark on a captivating camel trek, winding through the mesmerizing landscape, eventually arriving at a Berber camp. Here, beneath the enchanting desert sky, relish a traditional Moroccan dinner, and choose to sleep under the stars or within cozy tents at the heart of the desert camp. Anticipate a total driving time of 6 hours, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Start your day with the mesmerizing sunrise over the desert, followed by a camel ride back to the kasbah. Afterward, indulge in a refreshing moment and savor a delightful breakfast. Once rejuvenated, embark on a journey out of the desert towards Ait Benhaddou. This ancient fortified city boasts numerous kasbahs and has served as the captivating backdrop for various Hollywood blockbusters such as The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander, and Lawrence of Arabia. Explore the intricate buildings with your guide, immersing yourself in the cinematic atmosphere. Your overnight stay will be in a hotel conveniently located near Ait Benhaddou. Expect a total driving time of 5-6 hours on this leg of the adventure
Embark on a captivating journey through the picturesque Ounilla Valley, immersing yourself in the rich history of the Telouet Kasbah, a weathered fortress that once served as a vital rest point for traders. Delve into the intricate details of the Kasbah before indulging in a satisfying lunch. Following this, traverse back across the scenic Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, with a total driving time of 4 hours, as you make your way to the vibrant city of Marrakech
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Welcome to Atlas Mountains Treks, your gateway to the breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness of Morocco’s iconic Atlas Mountains. At Atlas Mountains Treks, we specialize in providing unique and immersive trekking experiences that showcase the natural beauty and cultural diversity of this enchanting region.
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